Care Packages
Do's & Don'ts of Military Care Packages for Soldiers
Sending a care package to your loved one deployed overseas seems so easy,
doesn't it? You just box up some cookies, attach a sweet card, and it's ready
to go, right?
If only it were that easy.
Sending mail to ships/units overseas is tricky for many reasons (slow
processing, mail limitations, etc.) but one of the most confounding is this:
unless you've been deployed yourself, it's hard to know exactly what a Soldier
or Sailor might want.
After two deployments (and a picky husband), here's what I've learned about
military care packages.
Try Not to Embarrass:
You might think sending a life-size portrait of your toy poodle dressed in
a ballet skirt is hilarious, but chances are your husband won't be laughing
when he has to carry the cumbersome "pooch" back to his room and past all his
friends. You never know where your spouse will open his package, or whom he'll
be with. If you think he'll be humiliated for anyone to know you sent him pink
boxer shorts, either don't send them or give him a heads up about the contents
of the box. Similarly, if you're sending something that might embarrass YOU (uhmmm....pictures),
make sure you don't surprise your beloved, or he might unknowingly cast your
photos to a group of nosey friends peering over his shoulder as he opens the
box.
Don't Douse the Box/Envelope with Perfume:
Women think this is wonderful, to spray perfume all over a man's gift or
letter. And honestly, our men probably like to receive the smelly treasures
too. But when your husband has to carry that letter through three hallways and
up four ladders back to his room, he may not be thrilled dragging a cloud of
feminine perfume behind him. Remember, the military is notorious for issuing
its members "call signs" or "nicknames" at their weakest, most embarrassing
moment. If you don't want your husband to be called "Christian Dior" for the
rest of his career, go easy on the scents.
Steer Clear of Chocolate:
When you send something via an FPO address, you never know where it will
wait in transit before it gets to its destination. Your carefully prepared box
of chocolates may wait onboard a ship in the Persian Gulf before being
delivered to your spouse -- if you don't want that package to be a big,
melted, gooey mess, don't send chocolate (or anything else that can melt).
Keep it Small:
Keep in mind your loved one may not have much personal space in his
overseas accommodations. Chances are good he has no place to store the giant
smiley face pinata the kids made for him, and it will end up being a burden
rather than a pleasure. Things that can be stored easily (small drawings and
pictures, travel game sets) and things that can be consumed (food, toiletry
items) rate high on most Soldier's and Sailor's lists.
Keep it Personal:
Remember your loved one has not been home for a really long time -- what
might seem silly or boring to you (an audio tape of the children fighting over
the Nintendo) will be like a little piece of home for your spouse. Send things
to remind your Soldier/Sailor of the things he loves (his children, family,
favorite foods, taped reruns of his favorite TV shows).
Make it Fun:
Deployed Soldiers and Sailors are working almost non-stop and with little
new scenery or change of pace. They don't have the option to go to Barnes and
Noble for awhile to "get out" and see something new. So bring the fun and the
new to them. My husband always likes getting DVDs, CDs, books, and sports
magazines. He's also pointed out that it is hard to get a "real" American
newspaper when he is deployed, so the local paper from home is always
appreciated (especially the Sports section). Remember these Soldiers and
Sailors are living without many of the comforts and conveniences of home.
Therefore, mail call is a welcomed opportunity to receive something new and
different to look at....things they can't get on the ship.
Make it Frequent:
Mail Call can be the highlight of the day for any deployed man or woman.
Even something as small as a crayon drawing from a two-year old can bring joy
to your loved one! Make it a point to send something....even if it's just a
letter....as frequently as you can!
Book Theme Care Package- Book
- Book light
- Book mark
- Book tote bag
- slippers
- coffee or tea
- Snacks
- Personalized Romance Novel - What better to give your dh for Christmas than your very own personalized romance novel. Check out www.bookbyyou.com Sounds like fun!
Movie in a Box- Movie (New release) New or used DVD
- Entertainment section from local newspaper
- Popcorn
- Licorice
- Candy
Thanksgiving box- turkey spam
- cans for veggies
- can of cranberry
- Paper Plates
- cups
- Thanksgiving decorations from the dollar stores
- cute paper pumpkins from Halloween
Fishing in a Box (put all this in a tackle box)- Fishing Magazines
- goldfish crackers
- Swedish fish
- gummi worms
- “go fish” playing cards
- fishermans hat
- lip balm
- sunscreen
- plastic boat or a model of a boat
Sports TeamState box program- Post Cards from your state
- Hometown specialty foods
- Hometown souvenirs
- Hometown sports items
- Hometown Favorites
- Hometown newspaper
- Hometown magazines
- Hometown books
- Hometown map ( You can circle where you live)
- Hometown Celebrity facts
- Hometown photos ( You can be in them)
Desert Survival Kit- no-water Excedrin
- Kleenex Rippled or Charmin Ultra toilet paper
- eye wash
- nasal spray
- cotton swabs
- lip balm
- sun block
- deodorant
- body powder
- foot powder
- bug repellent
- pocket Kleenex
- Tampons
- Crystal Light drink mix
- beef jerky
- any kind of food
- tuna kits
- instant cup of soups
- seasonings
- cereal bars
- Little Debbies
- snacks
- gum
- Coffees
- Disposable cameras
- Etch-a-Sketch
- Velcro dartboards or catch game
- Inflatable beach ball
- Jacks
- Miniature foam footballs or basketballs
- Paddleball
- Teddy bears (we never outgrow them)
- Exercise shorts and t-shirts
- Vitamins
- Freezer Zip-lock Baggies
Beverly is a contributing writer for 4MilitaryFamilies.com. | 
