Here are some more ideas:
- Your children's art projects or schoolwork.
- A small scrapbook filled with mementos from home.
- The Sunday comics from your local newspaper.
Can I send care packages to a soldier in Afghanistan?
Military men and women serving in Afghanistan are delighted to receive gifts and packages not just during the holiday season, but year-round. Even if you don't know any soldiers personally, sending them care packages will always brighten their lives and make them feel a little closer to home.
Do you receive care packages when you’re deployed?
Receiving a care package from home can be a real morale booster for a deployed service member. We’ve come a long way since the beginning of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000s, and most service members deployed don’t need anything.
What do you put in a care package for a veteran?
Cushion fragile items with small packages of tissues; copies of the local newspaper; plastic zipper-lock bags filled with popped popcorn; small beanbag-style stuffed toys (for your service member to hand out to local children) or anything else you can think of that your service member will be able to use. Write out the complete address.
What can I send to a soldier who is deployed?
Morale is the greatest gift a soldier can receive, so send letters of support. Often, soldiers don't have Internet access and can't send emails. Let them stay in touch with their loved ones and send blank writing cards and envelopes, greeting cards, and postage. You can also send AT&T phone cards so they can phone home.
What can I send to someone in Afghanistan?
Items like:High-quality socks (I have to put this first, because some high-quality socks will make the toughest soldier smile with delight)Soap (shampoo, body wash, face wash, etc.)Toothpaste, toothbrush and floss.Deodorant (travel size/non-aerosol)Lip balm.Foot powder.Baby wipes.Sunscreen.More items...•
What can be sent in military care packages?
Necessities, such as sunblock, socks, underwear, flip-flops, lip balm and powder. Snacks, including chips, salsa, nuts, cookies, beef jerky, non-melting candy and trail mix in packaging that isn't easily crushed. Drink mixes in single-serving packets are also a good addition.
What can you not put in a military care package?
Depending on the country, you should avoid sending:Alcohol.Carbonated Beverages.Drugs.Cigarettes or Nicotine.Explosives or Fireworks.Flammable items, like lighter fluid.Pornographic images.Pork products (not allowed in Muslim countries)More items...
What do you put in a care package for someone overseas?
Care Package Ideas for Soldiers OverseasSnack bars (we send a lot of Moose Crunch Bars)Small, hard containers of snacks.Snack cakes.Cheese crackers.Candy (avoid chocolate)Gum.Sunflower seeds.Nuts.More items...•
What should I bring to deployment to Afghanistan?
What to pack for Afghanistan – A complete Afghanistan packing listPassport and visa.Money and credit cards.Water purifier, a must for your Afghanistan packing list.Medicines, something not to forget when packing for Afghanistan.Sunscreen, a must to include in your Afghanistan packing list.Moisturizer.More items...•
How much does it cost to send military care packages?
The military care kit from the United States Post Office is FREE. Zero dollars! And yes, while you can pick up flat rate boxes at your local post office for free, the USPS military kit has everything you need and is conveniently shipped to your house.
Can you send candy to the troops?
Soldiers' Angels distributes the candy to deployed troops, veterans, and wounded veterans in VA Hospitals. Through Operation Gratitude you can be matched with a local military unit, first responder department or veteran organization OR ship your candy to Operation Gratitude.
Can you send homemade cookies to soldiers?
Fragile foods like delicate cookies won't make the trip intact. When mailing sturdy cookies and homemade candies, wrap each piece individually and pack items in commercially popped corn or foam to help cushion the trip. Place the food gifts in a sturdy box and seal it securely with packing tape.
How big can a military care package be?
108 inchesPackages cannot be larger than 108 inches in total circumference (total width all the way around plus total length all the way around), but your service member's unit may have its own restrictions on the weight and size of packages. These restrictions may change as the unit changes location.
What makes a good care package?
Fill your “A Night In” care package with things that will make their night in that much more special. Some ideas include a movie, popcorn, a cozy blanket, and a lovely scented candle. If your recipient is of age, you can also include a bottle of wine or a few of their favorite craft beers.
What kind of food can I send in a care package?
Best foods for a care packageBeef jerky.Candy bars.Gum.Canned soups.Cereal and oatmeal.Granola bars.Chips.Rice Krispie treats.More items...
What is usually in a care package?
Care packages usually consist of food and beverages, comfort and hygiene products, and other forms of entertainment. They are packaged up into a shippable box and sent overseas through the U.S. Postal Service.
What Cannot be sent to an APO address?
Packages sent by Military Mail must be less than 70 pounds and cannot include perishables, alcohol, firearms or explosive materials.
Can you send liquids in military care packages?
Don't send liquids, flammable substances, batteries, or alcohol. If you include these items in your military care package, the entire package may be confiscated or destroyed. Even if you don't list a restricted item on the customs form, remember that boxes can still be opened and checked.
How big can a military care package be?
108 inchesPackages cannot be larger than 108 inches in total circumference (total width all the way around plus total length all the way around), but your service member's unit may have its own restrictions on the weight and size of packages. These restrictions may change as the unit changes location.
Can you send energy drinks in a care package?
Carbonated beverages don't contain any types of hazardous material, so USPS doesn't restrict soda shipments to only ground based services. That means you can use any USPS service to ship them, including Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.
What to pack for desert deployment?
Snacks. Look for small, hard containers of chips, pretzels and nuts. These are easier to carry than large containers. Avoid bags, which may burst under high pressure. If you do send large bags or containers, include small zipper-lock bags so your service member can pack smaller amounts of snacks to carry. Snack cakes, cheese crackers and cookies are in high demand. Salty snacks are good for those deployed in the desert, especially in the summer months, because they will encourage your service member to drink more water.
What to send to a military in the winter?
Disposable hand warmers. Send these during the winter if your service member is in a cold climate. Also, fingerless gloves, stocking caps and long underwear are good ideas.
What Food or Drinks Can You Send?
In cold months, send hot beverage mixes such as cocoa, instant coffee, tea bags and creamer. During warmer months, sweetened drink mixes such as lemonade and iced tea will be welcome.
Why do you need to number packages?
Number your packages and letters. Some may take longer to arrive. Numbering them will alert your service member to letters and packages that are still on their way.
What are some good snacks to bring to the desert?
Snack cakes, cheese crackers and cookies are in high demand. Salty snacks are good for those deployed in the desert, especially in the summer months, because they will encourage your service member to drink more water. Candy and gum. Avoid chocolate if your service member is in a warm climate. It will melt in the heat.
How big can a package be for a post office?
Check on size and weight restrictions for packages. Packages cannot be larger than 108 inches in total circumference (total width all the way around plus total length all the way around), but your service member's unit may have its own restrictions on the weight and size of packages. These restrictions may change as the unit changes location. It's best to limit your care packages to the size of a shoebox. You can pick up free Priority Mail boxes at your post office. Use the #4 or #7 size box.
How long does it take for a care package to arrive?
How to Send a Care Package. Know the timeline. Priority mail packages typically take about 10 to 14 days to reach their country of destination. But depending on where your service member is, more time may pass before the package is in his or her hands.
What do military deployment addresses look like?
Military deployment addresses typically look like a strange collection of letters and numbers. Use these guidelines to make sure you have all the information in the correct boxes.
Can you get free boxes from the post office?
Sending care packages can get expensive quickly, but there are great ways to save on everything inside the box… and even on the box itself! You can get free boxes, tape, and other shipping supplies from the Post Office.
Do not write the name of the country where they are deployed?
Do NOT write the name of the country where they are deployed. This can cause packages to be re-routed or lost.
Can you track a package sent overseas?
Make sure you aren’t paying for overseas postage or to track your package, because the USPS treats all military addresses as domestic mail. Once they transfer it to a military unit, the package can no longer be tracked by the USPS. So don’t waste money on those upgrades.