As family members of deployed troops, we all want to stay in touch and send some love and reminders of home during their deployments. An excellent way to do this is through care packages. These packages are also a great way to build morale in addition to maintaining a connection to family members.

What you CAN send:

Remember that, in most cases, snacks and perishables are not allowed. However, some suggestions for acceptable items to include in the package could be:

  • Letters and words of encouragement
  • Stationery
  • Stamps
  • Appropriate photos
  • Letters
  • Pencils and pens
  • Toiletries
  • Visa-type gift cards
  • Reading materials
  • Toe and fingernail clippers
  • Sunscreen
  • Blister bandages and pads
  • Plain cough drops
  • Lip balm, unflavored
  • Games, such as playing cards/poker chips, crosswords or puzzle books.
  • Items from home that aren’t available where they’re stationed: Local foods, favorite brands or hometown memorabilia can provide a comforting reminder of familiar places and loved ones.

For other terrific ideas for care packages can be found at:  https://www.operationmilitarykids.org/military-care-package-ideas/

What You CAN’T Send:

  • Racy pictures
  • Perishable and non-perishable food
  • Clothing
  • Scented letters
  • Electronics
  • Alcohol
  • Cologne
  • Jewelry
  • Stuffed toys
  • Any large packages or envelopes

 

Putting Together Your Care Package

When putting together your care package, remember some key points. For example, you want to seal everything very well. If you send anything liquid or gel, such as toiletries, tape the top and secure the items in plastic bags for safety. Also, the packaging itself is crucial for a care package. Therefore, you must use sturdy packaging when sending a box. Remember that military mail is at a reduced rate, so be sure to inquire about that at the post office.

Use sturdy packaging: The best packaging is a free Military Care Kit from the U.S. Postal Service, which includes priority mail boxes, tape, custom forms and address labels. The packaging is free, but the postage is not.

Take advantage of reduced postage for military mail: You only have to provide standard domestic postage on mail going to an APO or FPO address. For example, if you pay $5 to mail a package in the continental United States, it costs the same to mail it overseas as long as you have an APO/FPO/DPO address and associated ZIP code. Complete the customs forms: You need to fill out customs forms for any shipping outside the United States. Customs forms are included with Military Care Kits or can be found on the USPS website.

Consider shipping time: Most care packages can make it to the Middle East in about two weeks, but some take longer. For holidays, allow about five weeks for delivery.