Care Packages

Care Packages aka home in a box. Other than letters these are the most requested items from home. If you have never sent a care package, dont worry you can have a lot of fun with them. First things first: stock up on free packing supplies ( priority supplies) from the post office, or call and get them delivered (1-800-610-8734 )
You need to fill out a customs form as well as as address the box. Flat rate boxes are the best deal when you are sending over 4 pounds of goods. If sending less, ie 1 pound of cookies, put into a smaller box and use newspaper towels etc until contents are secured.

Basic Care Package:
Great basics if your soldier refuses to ask you for anything, or he tells you whatever you want to send.

A card or letter- Let them know how much you miss them and can't wait to see them again! These cards and letters are often kept as morale boosters, and its nice to be appreciated!

Soft fluffy towels- Bath Sheet size are ideal.

Powdered Drink Mixes- ie Gatoraide, crystal light, individual packages ( It gets hot in the sandbox and they HAVE to hydrate, these make it easier and tastier

Snacks:
Individual cookie packages
Candy- jaw breakers, starburst, jelly beans, gummy bears
Microwave popcorn
microwave mac and cheese
Granola bars
Trail Mix
anything they like to eat at home
home baked cookies- generally write date baked on and put a peice of bread in the baggie
Paper and pens for them to write you letters

Sheets- pillow cases- it is always nice to have a clean set of sheets!

Socks and Flip Flops... Not to make a fashion Statement, rather for showers and in the boots

Gel Insoles

Pictures or small scrapbook...

A shirt you have worn or sprayed with your perfume in a zip lock bag


Birthday Packages

Everyone has their own traditions for birthdays, but you can always send :

- Cake in a jar
- Tub of icing
- Candles
- Pin the tale on the donkey
- Pinyatta filled with candy
- Pictures
- Birthday Cards*** (really makes them feel special if you throw a card shower for them and includ a ton of cards from family and friends)
- Party Hats

With other holidays just get creative and have fun with it. More than likely if it makes them laugh, it was worth all your effort. I recently sent my husband a flashing tiara for his birthday. he only wore it for about 30 seconds, but he did get a chuckle out of it.

What do you like to send??