What makes a good care package?

Question

My boyfriend is soon to be deployed to Iraq and since I always want to have a place in his heart (hehe!)- I've been thinking about a list of things to send him over the course of his year-long tour. I know that he's not a big fan of junk food, so that's not really an option. There has to be some experienced care-packagers out there, so if you have any tips, let me know!

Answer 1

Very sweet of you to be thinking so far ahead of time! And may God protect your boyfriend while he completes his tour of duty in Iraq.

Here is a list of ideas to choose from:

- favorite magazine subscription
- sudoku puzzle book
- one of your t-shirts
- a handkerchief or bandana with the fragrance you wear that's his favorite
- a book you think he'll enjoy
- a journal
- a drawing pad
- pens and pencils
- cds or a small mp3 player with a mix of your favorite songs together
- dvds (movies you know he'll like that he doesn't have access to over there)
- his favorite gum
- he may not like junk food, but nobody can resist homemade chocolate chip cookies (just make sure to use that seal-a-meal plastic stuff for airtight shipping...keep them badboys fresh). And if he doesn't eat them, he'll be wildly popular with his buddies for having something yummy to share!
- random love notes
- playing cards
- travel board games
- pictures of you alone, and of you and him together
- small posters
- funny bumper stickers
- "Good for one kiss" or "Good for one back rub" coupons (homemade) for when he returns to the States. You can make up whatever sort of coupons you want. Be very specific. ; )
- water balloons
- water guns
- a small corked bottle of dirt or pebbles from your yard or his
- practical items: razors, shave cream, plain white t-shirts, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, suscreen, chapstick, whatever you can think of.
- a recording of your voice telling him you love him and can't wait to see him again

This is all I can think of at the moment. If I think of more, I'll add them. But this should get you started and may even spark some other ideas of your own! Good luck and God bless!

Answer 2

While I was a junior at Penn State University, I signed up for a program where I would be randomly assigned a soldier in Iraq. I would send him letters of encouragement and care packages over the course of a year.

During this time, the items that were the biggest hits included:
- Socks (high absorbancy, good quality ones): Many times, these soldiers don't get a chance to change their socks very often, but are always sweltering in the heat. One of the worst things for a soldier, next to a fatal injury, is having a massive blister on the feet that hinders movement and running. It could be your life if you can't run properly.
- Maxim, GQ, Stuff, and other guy magazines: These magazines are passed around during quieter hours in the bunks and offer a little reprise from the tough day.
- Baby wipes: For some soldiers, the possibility of getting a shower every 24 hours is an impossibility. Baby wipes are mild and soap free, but they cleanse well and don't irritate. They are great for quickly getting the dirt and sweat off your face and keeping your body slightly cleaner, thereby reducing the chance of getting a rash.

Answer 3

When my husband was on deployment I would send him care packages, and I've helped organize care packages for the troops in Iraq, and every-time it seems like they want stuff like gum, mints, toothbrushes,combs, deodorant, and I found for the troops in Iraq request socks. My husband was on Navy ship, so he could get a hold of most of this stuff a lot easier then the troops over in Iraq. But for him I would send cookies and you know, home-baked stuff for him and and his shipmates. I know that when we organize care packages, there is also always a request for hard candy, and small travel size bottles of mouthwash. Ask your boyfriend once he is there what he can really use. A lot of the time they leave and don't realize what they'll miss, and then want it after they have been away from home for a while! So just find out from him what he needs.

Answer 4

Here's some things they say they need.
1. Socks
2. Chap Stick
3. Sunglasses
4. Tissues
5. Q-Tips
6. Deodorant
7. Shoelaces
8. Razors and Shaving Cream

P.S. If you send baked goods, they may not be good by the time they get there. It's best to send a box of Little Debbie snacks that are wrapped in cellophane.

Answer 5

My cousin was in Iraq and he said when people sent food, even hard candy, it would melt because it is so much hotter there than here. Maybe you could send his favorite magazines, local newspapers, letters from friends and family members, playing cards, photos of family and friends, new socks, and anything that he may love. Good luck to you, I'll keep praying that they send the boys home soon.

Answer 6

His favorite snacks, books, magazines, etc. You could also send him anything related to any hobbies he might have. And practical items that he needs such as socks, razors, shave cream, etc. Don't forget about the fun too...water guns, remote control cars and helicoptors, and anything else he and his friends can use to relieve stress. Don't forget about things to remind him of you like letters, cards, articles of clothing sprayed with your perfume, pictures, etc. It's also a good idea to keep him up-to-date with anything going on in the community, so newspapers may work if he reads them. And just for fun send him random items you see that remind you of him. No matter what, anything that you send will be a little piece of "home."

Answer 7

Pictures of you and a small tape recorder with a tape of you and his friends.he may not like junk food but it's amazing what you miss when you can't have it. Chocolate that he can share with others. A great place for appropriate ideas could be obtained by groups formed by military wives.Ask around.Batteries and personal CD players help.Hand written notes are great. Good luck and I hope he returns soon;safe and sound

Answer 8

well I'm not sure about homemade cookies, they might go bad.And remember what ever is in the box WILL MELT if it is like chocolate or anything of that sort. But my aunt is in Afghanistan for one year also, and i sent her a flashlight that does not run on batteries, trident gum, a journal, so she can write down her feelings. pens, sun block, chap stick, halls vitamin c defense drops, and lotion. I hope this can help you a bit, and if he wears sunglasses, there a good idea also. and may God bless him, as he continues to serve our country and its people. He and all those who serve will always be in my thoughts and prayers. UNTIL THEY ALL COME HOME.

Answer 9

How about something that is very special to you? Be sure and include pictures of the two of you. I really don't know if there are just certain things you can send, maybe if you got a list of stuff you could send, that would help you.

Answer 10

WHOAAAAAA top right here. you're 13 and are in a position to have sex, and what do i think? you're too youthful to be doing this. What provide you with the concept it is fantastic in the first region? After this boy dumps you, there'll be another, and another, and another, and also you may contact STDs that you by technique of and massive haven't any concept what it is, plus you receives pregnant at one ingredient and time, and could be an unwed mom with somewhat one which you're going to haven't any concept the right thanks to address, and also you may ought to drop out of school. You and your toddler will be poor, and also you may haven't any possibility of persevering including your education and could be on welfare. DO YOU GET the photo? you're approach too youthful, or maybe older females get themselves in terrible circumstances that are demanding to get out of. How ought to you provide an reason behind any of this on your figure/s? How historic is Romeo besides?