I want to send cookies to a friend in iraq, how do I keep them from spoiling?

Question

Does anyone have any good tips on sending cookies or other goods to Iraq?

Or any other ideas on what to send a soldier friend.

Answer 1

i send my husband cookies all the time! martha stewart (sometimes she's great!) tells you to wrap them individually in saranwrap - now i don't go through that much trouble, i usually do three in saranwrap accordian style so there's saranwrap between each, then i wrap them in tinfoil (or put them in tupperware, but tinfoil is just as effective) and they're off! never had a problem with them spoiling and sometimes it's been 3 weeks before he gets them.

and for another idea - his favorite snacks from home, playing cards, movies. but deffinately homemade cookies! they are a huge hit everytime i send them, EVERYONE is always asking when i'm going to send more!

Answer 2

Rice crispy treats keep really well. If you do cookies, pull them out of the oven when they are still really soft, wrap them in tissue paper and then seal them in an airtight container. Be careful with chocolate though. Oatmeal raisin or peanut butter may be better options.

Most of them like hard candy. My hubby and his friends like the sour kind.

Also its a good idea to send them in zip lock bags or plastic containers or maybe send them along with the candy or cookies. They will need somewhere to put them after they open the box.

A personal letter or card. Everyone seems to be on the internet these day so a real letter would be nice.

They will appreciate you taking the time to think about them and will like anything you send.

Answer 3

I agree with the Food Saver idea. You may also want to freeze them first and package them individually in saran wrap and then in plastic bags. A nice thick box should do the trick for packaging. Additionally, I've heard that many of the soldiers are requesting basic toiletries. Toilet paper, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream, etc. I might even suggest basics they probably not have readily available, like aspirin, and even some sports or celebrity magazines, he may even appreciate like an issue of FHM or one of those types of mags.. There is also a big demand for playing cards. Send them things that help them forget what they are going through. Hard candies are another great idea. You may also want to take a trip to a gag store, or dollar store, and send a few funny little things just to give them a good laugh.

Answer 4

My wife sends me baked goods all the time. They are always fresh. Now Im not much of a baker, but she says she uses extra butter. Now I dont know if this would work, because like I said, Im not the baker. But also sends it in ziplock bags. And she also uses bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or shredded paper. My fellow soldiers love them and are always asking when she is sending more. Chocolate chips are fine, especially this late in the year, because of the colder weather. I hope this helps. Your soldier will appreciate anything you send. Mail and packages brighten our days beyond beleif.

Answer 5

Use a dry cookie dough.

Heat needs moisture for any spoilage!

Avoid using chocolate chips nuts or dried fruit! Allow any fresh cookies to dry in the air for 24hrs.

Pack tightly using the plastic cookie holder from a used bag of store bought cookies and to protect from heat on the shorterm, use foil to cover the inside!

Use two boxes for added strength but avoid closing airtight!

Answer 6

send cookies it's a good idea...but to keep them fresh specially that will take about 3 weeks to arrive to Iraq...the best way is to vacuum pack and send inside a hard box wrap in bubble wrap.

Answer 7

My mom-in-law sent me cookies while I was in Iraq quite often and they never spoiled. She sent me banana bread once but it didn't make it in good shape, too moist I suppose. It took about two weeks to receive a package.

Answer 8

Yes the food saver idea is great.. they are happy to get anything from Home even if it isn't fresh trust me whoever gets something from home is excited.... i write to "any" soldier and the last time i did that my letter ended up in my Husband's Hands hahaha to funny... he's retired now since aug 31st.. just thought i'd share that lil story

Answer 9

Use a vaccum sealer ... its your best bet.. its what we do when we send cookies to my friends in Iraq that are in the marines

Answer 10

they shouldn't spoil that's what so good about cookies. But if you must I would suggest putting them in a zip lock bag. That should do it for any candies, brownies whatever you send. movies and news mags. Junk food still in it's packaging is appreciated and has a shelf life similar to uranium.