Things to Put in a Care Package for Soldiers
Packing Tips
Personal Care and Clothing
Packing Tips
- Check on size and weight restrictions for the packages. Packages can't be larger than 108 inches in total circumference (total width all the way around plus total length all the way around), but the soldier's unit may have its own restrictions. It is best to limit your care package to the size of a shoe box.
- Enclose a card listing the contents of the package. Include the recipient's name and your name on the card. If the package breaks open and the contents scatter, then the mail handlers will know what to repack.
- Place items that may spill or leak in heavy plastic zip-lock bags. Freezer bags work very well and the soldiers find other uses for them.
- Use reusable packing material. Cushion fragile items with small packages of tissues, copies of the newspaper, plastic bags filled with popped popcorn or anything else that the soldier might use.
- Write out the complete address. The address should include the soldier's full name, unit and APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) address. Make sure you have the unit name, including the battalion, ship, squadron, platoon, etc., with the nine-digit ZIP code if there is one.
- Number your packages and letters. Some may take longer to arrive. Numbering them will alert the soldier that the packages and letters are on their way.
- DO NOT send perishables to warm climates during spring or summer. The climate heats up rapidly between winter and spring and the temperature inside mail storage facilities may rise to over 120 degrees.
- Powdered drink mix. Soldiers will appreciate anything that can be mixed with water. In cold months, send hot beverage mixes such as cocoa, instant coffee, tea bags, and creamer. In warmer months sweetened drink mixes such as lemonade, Gatorade powder and iced tea will be good.
- Meal enhancers. Anything that can be mixed with MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), such as ramen noodles, seasoned salt, individual packets of hot sauce, mustard, relish and ketchup.
- Quick protein. Energy bars, granola bars, tuna fish, sardines, non-perishable beef jerky, or beef summer sausage. Make sure the meat is labeled USDA Beef.
- Snacks. Look for small, hard containers of chips, pretzels, and nuts. They are easier to carry than large containers. Avoid bags, which may burst under high pressure. Snack cakes, cheese crackers, and cookies soldiers love and are in high demand. Salty snacks such as sunflower seeds and trail mix are good for those deployed in the desert because they will encourage the soldier to drink more water.
- Candy and gum. Avoid chocolate if the soldier is in a warm place because it will melt in the heat. Gum and other types of candy may soften and become gooey, so send them in plastic zip-lock bags. Send plenty of extras for the soldier to share.
Personal Care and Clothing
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, cotton swabs, shaving cream, disposable razors, shampoo, individually packaged tissues, Q-tips, and conditioner.
- Personal care. Individually packaged baby wipes, eye drops, lip balm, lotion, aspirin or other pain reliever, medicated foot powder, and feminine hygiene products for women.
- Disposable hand warmers. Send these during the winter if the soldier is in a cold place.
- Goggle-style sunglasses. The soldier will appreciate these if he/she is deployed in the desert.
- Cotton socks and underwear. Make sure the garments are made of 100% cotton rather than a cotton blend.
- Fingerless gloves, stocking caps, long underwear, if the weather is cold.
- Reading material. Paperback books, current magazines and comic books.
- Word games and puzzles. Crossword puzzles, word searches and jigsaw puzzles.
- Games. Foam footballs and basketballs, Frisbees, Hacky Sacs, playing cards and yo-yo's.
- Electronics. Portable DVD player, CD player, DVDs, CDs, handheld electronic games.
- Batteries. Size AA and D batteries are very much needed. If you're sending a battery-operated device, such as a CD player, remove the batteries so the appliance doesn't accidentally turn on during shipment.
- Disposable camera.
- Writing material. Notebooks, envelopes, pens, pencils, and stamps.
- Phone cards. Shop around to get the best deal on overseas minutes.
- Bath towels, blankets, twin size bed sheets, mattress toppers, dart boards and darts, Advil, Tylenol, flashlights, air fresheners, pillow cases and headphones.
- Alcohol
- Animals
- Carbonated beverages
- Drugs or narcotics
- Explosives
- Firearms and ammunition
- Flammable items
- Fresh fruits or vegetables
- Lithium batteries
- Live plants
- Precious metals or large quantities of cash
- Products in aerosol cans