Care Package Ideas

So you find yourself with a loved one deployed and want to send them goodies, but have no idea what to send? I'm here to help with ideas! I've sent many boxes and have a good list that I always refer to. First things first, pick up a specific APO box from your local post office because the USPS ships these specific boxes for a discount!

What to fill it with? This really depends on location, for how long and the gender of your loved one. Mine is a male in the middle east for almost a year, so his needs are pretty vast. He won't have access to a store so variety is key. I like to always send a mix of high energy snacks (bc he's very physically active in his job), toiletries, entertainment and then something special from home. Keep in mind...anything sent probably won't come home, so if you send expensive things that you'd be sad if they were damaged or lost then I probably woudn't send them.

For entertainment goodies send: magazines (no porn or graphic car magazines bc most middle eastern countries find these offensive and are banned), DVDs that are coming out while they're deployed, paperback books, crossword puzzles, letter writing supplies, or even a journal for writing down what they're going through over there

Food: cliff bars, 5 hour energy, GU, tuna foil packs, crackers, summer sausage, chewing gum, individual mustard and relish packs, beef jerky, trail mix, nuts, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, individual candy packs, MIO, coffee, gatorade chews, fiber bars, individual small cereal boxes, individual peanut butter packs...the basic idea is send things that are individually packaged.

Toiletries: Keep In Mind Travel Size items are best bc their storage room may be very limited, shampoo, toilet paper, shaving cream and razors, toothpaste, baby powder, foot powder, face wash, toilet paper (they love that), deo, Peptobismol chewable tablets, Tums, Ibprophen, wet wipes, small tissue packs, baby wipes, hand sanitzer (very helpful since they may not have access to a sink very often), pillow case, good pillow (the issued ones suck), twin sheets (usual bunk size), toothbrush, floss, q-tips, wash clothes, nail clippers, visine, alow vera gel (sunburns), small tubes of suncreen, small pair grooming scissors, flip-flops (shower shoes)

I think it's important in every box to add a little touch of home. I always write a letter and usually spritz it with a little of his favorite perfume. They love pictures and even include scotch tape so that they can tape them to their walls/bunks. Make an alphabet book on the reasons you love him, include newspaper clippings, burn them a CD of music or home videos, or even his favorite slippers.

I hope this helps!These care packages not only provide them with necessities but remind them that what they're fighting for with sweat, blood and tears doesn't go unnoticed. They need reminders of home, who they are and the people that love them.