A complete care package on transit to Asia.
The United States military has men and women deployed all over the world for long stretches of time with few, if any, creature comforts. Sending a care package is an old-fashioned way to show that you care about their service and let them know that they're in your thoughts. Care package items don't need to cost that much, but it helps to have an idea of what items are needed so that money is spent wisely.
Sweets and Snacks
Everyone gets a sweet tooth, including soldiers on the ground. An assortment of candy and wrapped desserts are always welcome. Send favorites such as Little Debbie or Hostess snack cakes, Rice Krispies treats, lollipops, gum and marshmallows. Leave out chocolate candy, since that can melt in transit.
Pre-packaged Grain Items
Cereal, instant oatmeal and granola are good staples that stay fresh for a long time, and instant popcorn is also good for care packages. Large boxes of cereal can be sent, but the small "snack pack" individual serving boxes are ideal. Or include plastic single-serve cereal bowls. Keep an eye out for sales, as big-box retailers often sell these in cases of 12 or more.
Feminine Supplies
Maxi pads and tampons are always in short supply for female troops. In other countries, women may not use them as heavily, so stores don't carry these crucial items. Include other useful feminine items such as feminine wash, wipes and panty liners.
Personal Care Products
Both men and women can use deodorant, travel-size toiletries and toothpaste. Razors, mouthwash, lip balm and lotion are all highly prized comforts. For dry climates, send eye drops.
Beauty Supplies
Small pots of colored lip gloss, perfume vials and non-aerosol hair spray offer some feminine comfort. Female troops also need accessories such as barrettes, hair clips, combs, bobby pins and rubber ponytail bands, as well as sunglasses.
Games
Purchase a couple mini versions of popular board games for car and airplane travel from a toy store and throw them into your care package. There's always a need for playing cards and amusements like Mad Libs, sudoku and puzzle books. Include some mechanical pencils to ensure immediate gratification.
Multimedia Items
Operation Military Pride also points out that pictures and DVDs of family, friends and children are a huge boost to morale. Record speech or video onto a thumb drive for later playback. Use a picture program to create interesting slideshows with a personalized soundtrack, or send a digital picture frame stocked with photos. Ambitious ladies can arrange an retro pinup shoot with a photographer for a sexy surprise with historical significance.
Household Items
Send batteries, which are always sorely needed. Other useful home goods include blankets, twin sheet sets, towels, small bottles of laundry detergent and bug repellent. Flashlights are necessary, but extra-durable Maglites are best. Include portable packages of toilet paper and wet wipes. For soldiers who have a laptop, an extra power cord, battery or tool/wire kit can potentially be a lifesaver.
Tags: care package