Things To Be Included In Your Military Care Package
Sending service care packages out to soldiers is a great way to show our support and appreciation for our troops, but that's not the only thing they serve. Well-designed military care packages can also be sent when a military family member moves into or out of the neighborhood, or a spouse or parent has left for an extended or long deployment.
Whether you're shipping a care package for a military spouse, family, or soldier overseas, this comprehensive guide has all the details you need to ship a well-designed and helpful package. We gather all helpful information and tips in one article so you spend less time searching the web for answers and more time putting together the perfect package.
Things that you should consider
Depending on the location, all of our service employees are faced with special challenges that can affect the specific items that a service employee would order on request. For example, a Marine corp member on a ship in the middle of the ocean will have very different needs than a Special. Operating Unit Army member at a remote location.
Regardless of these individual differences, however, there are some products that are always going to be a hit. So, if you're unsure of what to include and don't have any feedback from the service member, give it a go, take a look at the list of items below and put together a care package that will definitely be appreciated.
Don't forget, one of the most powerful elements of a help package is the package itself. Add some really useful items from the list below, but then decorate the box to make it colorful!This really takes the care package out of the water for the service employee who receives it!
Munchies and Snacks
Snacks are always a hit! In many military establishments, service members have a very limited selection of snacks available - in some cases our Special Operations Forces units only have MRE (Meals Ready to Eat)! Imagine how excited for them it would be to get a box of their favorite cookies or chips after eating MRE for weeks !! Please note that help packages take a long time to reach your service representative.Depending on the location, it can take anywhere from 10 days to two weeks. With this in mind, keep in mind that your snacks should not be perishable or sealed / vacuum packed to ensure a long shipping time. Portable snacks are also a good idea. Service employees like to carry snacks with them, so smaller, individually wrapped snacks are ideal. You can also add zip lock bags to your care pack so you can share your own snacks.
Here are samples of snacks that you can send
- Candy (no chocolate)
- Gum
- Sunflower seeds
- Nuts
- Trail mix
- Chips of any kind
- Gummies
- Snack bars (granola bars, protein bars, breakfast bars, etc.)
- Small, hard containers of snacks (such as nuts)
- Snack cakes
- Cheese crackers
Food and Drinks Stocks
Sending food or drink is a little more complicated, items that are already prepared or ready to eat are best so send them. Fast sources of protein are also valued. (Tip: If you're shipping something liquid, be sure to seal this item in a zippered pouch and protect it from breaking with bubble wrap / wrap. You don't want a hot sauce bottle to break everything and ruin everything in your box!) Here are some ideas:
- Ramen Noodles
- Seasoning salt
- Hot sauce
- Flavoring packets for water
- Individual packets of condiments
- Powdered drink mix
- Energy bars
- Tuna fish
- Sardines
- Beef Jerky
- Summer Sausage
- Instant Mac and Cheese
- Tea bags
- Peanut butter
- Coffee Whole Bean or Ground
- Red Bull
- Monster Energy Drinks
- V8
- Perrier
- Gatorade
Hygiene Kits and Toiletries
Many of the service reps we support say toiletries are good to ship too, but check with your service reps for their specific needs - it may not sound like that exciting, but they really appreciate receiving toiletries that they actually needed. Here are some things to send:
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Shaving lotion
- Disposable razors
- Shampoo
- Mouthwash
- Baby wipes
- Lip Balm/gloss
- Lotion
- Pain relievers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Eye drops
- Foot powder
- Sunscreen
- Glass cleaner or lens cleaning cloths (for cleaning sand off their glasses)
- Axe Body Spray
- Fingernail clippers
- Q-Tips
- First aid kits
Leisure Stuff
Who doesn't like to see pictures of our heroes having a well-deserved break while playing or having fun? Let's help them relax and enjoy themselves by sending them some of these leisure / entertainment items:
- Letter writing supplies
- Frisbees/balls
- Holiday decorations
- Board games
- Cards
- Books
- DVDs (check with your service member if they have a player first!)
- Journals (Pilot Precise is often requested)
- V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pens
- Magazines
Other Important Stuff
Again we have to remind you that, needs and necessities will be different based on where the service member is located and their accessibility to basic items— but these are items that are requested frequently
:
- Ankle socks, boot socks, and work gloves
- AA or AAA batteries are also in demand
- Cozy Shower Towels
- Dryer Sheets
Sending aid packages out is a great way to show our deployed military heroes that we think of them. As you collect your items, don't forget to decorate the inside of the box! This is a great way to personalize and make your care package truly memorable!