My friend's in Iraq, what should I send her?

Question

I have a good friend in Iraq right now, and I want to send her a care package, but I don't know their restrictions, or what she'll need most. She told me she'd like a book and some spices but other than that, I'm at a loss. Any suggestions from someone who sends a lot of care packages?

Answer 1

you send what she would like movies and anything else you would thing of mags books any thing that makes the time go....

any snacks that can take the heat ...

any thing to make her more conferable

Answer 2

Check out anysoldier.com This is a site where you can find someone to send letters and packages to. They have different units and their representatives will list what their people are requesting. In addition though, thet have very good info for anyone wanting to send a package...things you may not know. For example, don't put food products even in sealed containers in same package with soap, wipes, or deoderants. No chocolate but m&m's because other kinds will melt all over everything. No butane lighters...even though I've seen some troops say they are needed. This site has a lot of other info about addresses and how to mail.

One item that was suggested for anyone you are sending a pkg to is beanie babies and other small soft toys to use as packing. The troops like to give these out to the children.

Answer 3

Send her:

Bottles of her favorite shampoos/soaps/conditioners etc.
Issues of her favorite magazines
Snack foods (if she does not like them she can share with her buddies)
A copy of a local newspaper

Also try this trick: Wrap everything separately. This way the excitement of opening up the care package is extended as she opens every item to see what is inside.

Hint: warn her before you send her something that may be potentially embarrassing. Many times she gets her mail where she works and there may be a bunch of people around when she opens the package. (I know a few people who opened the wrong package in a crowded room.)

Answer 4

A battery operated fan with lots of batteries. It will most likely be the best package she gets while she is over there. And of couse all the little things like snacks, baby wipes, even powdered laundry detergent can help. But send that in an enclosed container.. personal expericene warrants... or every thing you send will taste like soap. You could also send a small CD player with some various cd's of music she likes along with the books. But past experience says the fan will be greatly appreciated.
Also send my thanks for her service to our country.

Answer 5

I've heard that a good way to spice up the meals is with tabasco sauce. Be sure to send Ziploc bags--they're great for keeping the sand out of things. Chapstick and sunblock are also good. Small packages of Kleenexes are good, too. Chewing gum and her favorite hard candy would probably be appreciated. A good way to find items is to go to Wal-Mart and just wander around, especially around those little items they keep around the checkout counters. There will be a lot of things that you wouldn't normally think of, like a new toothbrush and toothpaste or hand lotion.

Answer 6

No drugs, meat, or liquor. Thats about all that is restricted. One of the best packages i got was about $50 in little debbie cakes, lol. At 25 cents a pop i got like 200 pieces of junkfood, lol. I was pretty popular and my friends all enjoyed them.

Hmm I did get some booze one time. Just put it in a scope bottle and add some food coloring.

Answer 7

handi-wipes, pringles, beef jerky, playing cards. koolaide with sugar in it so they can put flavor into the many bottles of water they drink. Hand lotion (skin gets very dry in the desert), shampoo and conditioner (make sure you pack those in zip lock bags in case they open during shipment, she can still use them), mints, bags of candy, no chocolate bars they will melt, maybe m&m's would work. magazines if your friend is female. You can also send local newspapers. pictures of family, friends, maybe the front of a local hang out. a card that records voices and have friends all record their hello's.

If you have a larger budget you can get a mini dvd player and record some movies from your computer onto disk for your friend, also include an adapter to plug it into something or batteries.

If they have children outline their hand prints onto a piece of paper and a lock of hair. I put lipstick and kissed a piece of paper and also put lipstick on my baby and pressed it on the paper and put lipstick on the dogs paw for a paw print along with locks of hair from all 3 of us and cover the prints with tape so it doesn't wear off. A kiss from us and a paw handshake from the dog.


Apparently coffee is in big demand over there, send instant coffee or freshly ground from dunken donuts!

A book light, Rice Crispy treats, individually packed cookies etc.


And last but not lleast PHONE CARDS

Answer 8

puzzle books something to pass the time.. you an pick a bunch up cheap at dollar genral or dollar stores ... or ask at any book store and ask what they do with the out dated ones and ask them if they can give you some to send over there i am pretty sure the might do that

Answer 9

I would reccomend baby wipes, foot powder, and as many letters as you can get to her.

I spent three months in Saudi before 9/11, and nothing was more important than a letter from my wife.

Answer 10

Iraq is presently in serious turmoil and terrorist suicide bombings have become order of the day. Surely your friend is aware of all this. What ever you send is OK. Besides please send your good wishes and prayers so that she is safe and well. Please also wish her for some hope of peace in the streets of Baghdad in the near future.

Answer 11

i was there and i always overheard female friends in the military fuss about not having good shampoo, and body wash( the sand f*cks your skin up over there pretty badly). nail pollish and remover plus a manacure set?? i dont know why they would need it over there, but that is what they wanted cause they didnt sell it over there? female magazines?? i dont know i never read them before. body spray stuff, deoderant, love novels, pics of home, and their favorite junk food( dont send chocolate, it'll melt)