Cool care package ideas :)

[1Dawn]

Care packages/”Halfway Night” box

“Halfway Night” is a celebration of the middle of a deployment. The military and the families in the rear celebrate. Some deployed are allowed to store a small box for this night and someone else fills it so the contents are a surprise to the deployed service member.

Care packages are usually small boxes of items to boost moral of deployed or service members away from their home. It is a good idea to keep the boxes small as storage and shipment of large boxes/items is difficult.

Stamped envelopes and writing paper

Roll of stamps

Calling/phone cards

Small coffee maker with all things needed. Filters coffee etc.

Water bottle with filter

Pictures of friends and family

Books of humor/printed emails

Cassette tape messages or video’s if he has a VCR

Tape or CD of music he/she would like

Magazines or books he/she would like. Do not send anything pornographic as some countries have strict laws prohibiting such material.

Dry type cookies ship best and must be tightly packed to reduce breakage.

Chips in can

Hard candy: not chocolate for melting reasons, licorice, special types for certain holiday

Flat cardboard decorations for holidays

Hand held video games

Gum

Cards for upcoming holidays

Disposable camera

Batteries for any electric things (CD player, games, etc)

Crossword puzzle, other mind games

Deck of cards: regular and other games ex. Uno, Rook

Picture frame with recordable message

Pogeybait/gedunk AKA junkfood

Dried fruit

Baby wipes

Soap wipes (dry less weight and can get refills)

Little cans of pop open fruit

Chapstick

Tuna cracker packs

Condiment sauce packets

One use hand warmers

Kiwi shoe polish

Presweetened drink mix

Plastic 2 quart pitcher

Beef Jerky

Toilet paper

Perfume on letter

Individually sealed snacks

Homemade snacks keep longer if vacuum-sealed

If service member will be deployed for birthday/anniversary etc. send small present to unwrap

Coupons redeemable when they get home (night in a B&B, breakfast in bed, massage etc…)

Memories: ticket stubs, small card with something funny you experienced together written on it

Letters/love notes dated so they open them on certain days

Letters written with an idea in mind: a perk him up one, a rainy day, a he is mad at you, sick, lonely etc…

Small stuffed animal (sprayed with your perfume)

If you are having a baby when your husband is deployed send some “it’s a boy/girl” items for him to share

Picture of children dressed up like “daddy” in a military uniform, wearing daddy’s boots etc.

[lizamac]

I was doing some internet browsing, and found this cool site:

http://store.happypacks.com/military.html

It has ready made care packages. I actually sent DH a couple things from the popcorn factory when he was on deployment, and he loved them! Homemade ones of course are ALWAYS welcomed and loved, but now and then something fun like this is kind of cool. Just thought I would share!

Liz

[SagiLeoGem]

Those are great. Another thing I send to Dh and all his co-workers when he's deployed are Mrs. Fields cookies. They get them there within 5 days or so and they are still SO good. They are usually a little broken but the guys/girls away from home don't really care, they taste great.

[lizamac]

Ohhh Amanda! I didnt know they shipped. Very cool! Next time dh is away I'll have to send some Mrs Fields.

Liz

[Amy2003]

Hi there,

My 18 year old nephew who has enlisted in the army is about to leave for training at Fort Knox. I have NO idea what to give him for high school graduation/going away since I don't think he can take much with him and his needs will probably be taken care of once he's there?? I don't know anyone else in the army so I am turning to you all to see if you can suggest something that a new recruit would need but that he wouldn't have already bought for himself!!

Thanks in advance for any help!
Amy

[1Dawn]

I am not sure what they are allowed to have at boot camp?? Maybe one of the other ladies will post. My guess would be a gift certificate would be safe, he could get what he needs and save it if he isn't allowed much stuff for the training period. A phone card would also be good. If you were looking for something more permenant that he will have for a long time maybe a photo album of family pictures. Most guys wouldn't think of doing or asking for that but would love having one to look through when they got homesick.

Disposable camera and film developing.

That is all I can come up with.

Dawn

[Laurisa]

Lurking

When I was at advanced camp the most useful things for me were a phone card, paper envelopes and stamps, address book with peoples addresses and phone number. Most important is MAIL! Stuff like cookies and candy depending on the drill seargent can get confiscated.