Your service member is gone and you want to send a care package to lift spirits. You have your care package box (did you know you can get FREE packing materials from USPS? YEP!), got some cute decorations for it from an awesome shop like Sea to Sea With Love and now it is time to fill.
There are a lot of reasons to send care packages: to encourage your SO, to pass the time for yourself, a special occasion or just because. Whatever your reason, there are so many things you can put in a care package for your service member.
To keep it simple, I have broken it down for you and created the ultimate list of what to include in a care package. You choose what is more important to you and your service member.
Also, be sure to take these tips into consideration as you fill your package.
- Be aware of restrictions based on location and unit
- Be aware of weight and size restrictions with USPS (Try using USPS Flat Rate Boxes and Envelopes to minimize limits of weight.)
- Triple-check the address and make sure it is complete and legible on the package
- Consider numbering your letters and packages as you send them. Things get delayed all the time and many times, things are not delivered in order. This helps our loved one stay aware of the timeline as he/she receives all the happy mail.
- Be careful about perishable, fragile and special items. Things melt or get ruined so during the summer months, hold off sending certain items (I wouldn’t recommend chocolate bars in August). Additionally, putting photos, drawings, flash drives, etc in plastic ziplock bags will keep those items safe from the elements. You never know what is going to happen while the package is en route.
The Ultimate List: What To Include In A Care Package
Food
- Granola Bars/Protein Bars/Energy Bars/Etc
- Beef Jerky
- Microwavable food (popcorn, roman noodles, etc)
- Peanut Butter/Jelly
- Jello/Pudding Cups
- Tuna and Chicken in Pouches
- Chips and Pretzels in a Hard Container (Pringles, etc)
- Dried Fruit (store bought)
- Fruit Snacks/Fruit Roll Ups
- Trail Mix
- Crackers/Goldfish/Cheez-its (Snack Size)
- Hard Candy
- Gum
- Cookies (store bought)
- PopTarts/Cereal Bars/Rice Krispie Treats (Individually Wrapped)
- Instant Oatmeal
Drinks
- Drink Mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light, Emergency)
- Instant Coffee
- Tea Bags
- Kool Aid
- Protein Powder
Extras
- Sauce and Seasoning Packets
- Salt and Pepper Packets
- Seasoning Salt
- Condiments (from Fast Food joints)
Toiletries/Personal Hygiene
- Travel Size shampoo, conditioner,
- Tooth paste/tooth brush and Mouthwash
- Nail Kits (clippers, files, etc)
- Eye Glasses Kits
- Body Wash/Lotion (yes even for the guys)
- Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
- Washcloths
- Sunscreen/Insect Repellant
- Chapstick
- Wet Ones (Cleaning Wipes)/Baby Wipes
- Foot/Body Powder
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Combs/Brushes/Bobby Pins/Hair Ties
- Razors/Shaving Cream/After Shave
Clothing
- T-Shirts
- Socks
- Underwear
- Warm gloves
Electronics
- Headphones
- Hand Held Electronic Games
- Batteries
- Jump Drives (Filled with pictures, music, movies, etc)
- DVDs (and maybe a portable DVD player to go with it)
- iPod (Filled with music)
Entertainment
- Books
- Magazines
- Religious Materials
- Travel Board Games
- Frisbees, Footballs and Sports Equipment
- Crosswords/Sudoku Puzzles
- Playing Cards/Dice
- Activities to share
First Aid
- Small First Aid Kit
- Anti-bacterial ointment
- Rubbing alchohol
- Travel size medicines (pain meds, cold meds, etc)
- Anti-histamines
- Ace Bandages
- Mentholated Chest Rub
- Multi-Vitamins
- Nasal Spray
- Vasaline
Special Items
- Letters
- Photos (Laminate them, trust me!)
- Small Art from Kids (if applicable)
- Small Trinkets
- Videos/Voice Recordings (Use that jumpdrive!)
Household
- Linens/Sheets (Stick with Twin)
- Blankets
- Towels/Washcloths
- Pillow Cases
- Neck Pillows
- Eye Masks
Etc
- Phone Cards
- Alarm Clocks (battery powered)
- Flash Lights/Book Light
No matter what you add to your care package, focus on your SO and what would mean the most to them. Are they a dried meat man? Wanting comforts from home? Have access to a computer? Make sure to communicate with your SO about the situation and go from there!
Have Fun With it!
Deployments are hard, and care packages can be such a light to both you and your service member. So don’t take it too seriously, be sure to add fun elements and pour tons of love into that care package. Enjoy!
