I recently adopted a solider and I send him letters and care packages so what are some good items to send that they need, and any other suggestions to creative ways to send letters.
2007-01-30 07:33:39 · 37 answers · asked by lgreve06 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Surviving the Sandstorms"
Eye wash, nasal spray, Chapstick, Bandana, etc.
"Laundry Load"
Laundry soap (sample size or Tide tablets) to pack in with their clothes...in case there are no washers or dryers; fabric softener sheets, clean socks and undershirts
"Lotta Java"
Tea, cocoa, coffee singles, creamer, sugar, International coffee tins, cookies, for dunking in coffee
"Thanks a Million!!"
Things that may "seem" expensive such as Grey Poupon, small amount of cash, wrap items in green tissue paper, or an electronic game of who wants to be a Millionaire?"
"Hang In There!"
Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding, Monkey's in a Barrel game, card with a monkey on it.
"A Day at the Beach!"
Sunscreen, beach towel, beach snacks, flip flop sandals (shower shoes), Aloe Vera gel
"Medicine Cabinet"
Aspirin, band-aids, Neosporin cream, A&D ointment, cold medicine, Alka Seltzer, Rolaids, etc.
"Staying Healthy"
Nutrition/health bars (ex: Powerbar, Tigers Milk, Myoplex), vitamins, Nutri-grain bars, Gatorade or other sports drink (to stay hydrated))
"MRE/Mess Hall Survival Kit"
Restaurant size condiment packs of BBQ sauce, mustard, ketchup, mayo, relish, salt, pepper, taco sauce, ranch, cheese in a can, dip, etc.
"Correspondence Carton"
Notebook paper, stationary, pens, pencils, stickers (who knows they may even play with these!), envelopes, address book (filled out already, of course), camera with a note to send back once it is full
"Action Heroes"
Powerbars, squirt guns, Red Bull drinks, small Army figurines, comic books, etc.
"To Be A Kid Again"
Silly string, bubbles, small bouncy balls, hacky sacks, brain teaser toys (Rubix Cube, etc.), deck of cards, dominoes, etc.
"Bathroom in a Box"
TOILET PAPER!!! (the soft stuff), razor refills, foot powder, bars of soap, washcloths, travel size shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
"Tube O Tasties"
Just as something different...send a package in a tube instead of a square box. Make sure the parameters are acceptable.
"Stress Reliever"
Back scratcher, bubble wrap, yo-yo's, bubbles, squeezy tension ball
"Sloppy Kisses"
Since we know chocolate melts over there...send a bunch of Hershey's kisses. Bound to be "sloppy kisses!"
"I'm Nuts About You"
Peanuts, cashes, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any candy or cookies with nuts in them
"Rocks On"
Pop Rocks, music CDs.
"And this little piggy went to the sandbox" - (foot care kit)
Foot powder, Dr. Scholl's boot inserts, foot lotion, foot file, fresh socks, toe nail clippers.
"Chili Today, Hot Tamale"
Hot Tamales (candy), small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa sunflower seeds, Cajun flavor Pringles, Spicy Chex mix, Boston Red Hots, peppered beef jerky, Taco Bell hot sauce packets, Extreme Doritos, chili powder, Nacho cheese sauce in a can.
"How do you eat your OREOS??!!"
Regular Oreos, peanut butter Oreos, double stuff Oreos, low fat Oreos, chocolate filled Oreos, chocolate covered Oreos.
2007-01-30 09:01:35 · answer #1 · answered by CdelMar 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They need items such as wet wipes,when they are out in the field,or on patrol,to clean their hands and face from all that grime over there in the middle east.
They also would appreciate any homemade items such as cookies.
Do not send food items with candles or perfume smelling items. You also cannot send Aerosol can sprays ,it is against postal regulations,but you can send those types of items through another delivery service.
The perfume items,and candles,soaps should be sent separately from the food,because the smell will permeate the food items and make them not taste good. If you are going to send food items ,send them separately in a different box.
I know that when I was overseas,the best thing I received was home made cookies,and I treasured every last nibble and it reminded me of home.
Also home town newspapers were nice ,to read about things in the "real world" as the soldiers call it back here in USA.
2007-01-30 07:43:20 · answer #2 · answered by Dfirefox 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I just got out of the navy, and I loved getting care packages when I was on the ship for 6 months straight! I would suggest junk food mostly. Things you can only get in the soldiers hometown or state or country especially! Also, depending on the soldiers interests, maybe a book or movie. Make it personal like your favorite movie, or the newest DVD you can find. Reminders of home in any form should be perfect!
2007-01-30 07:52:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
wet wipes, lots of wet wipes, lol. Also, snacks, phone cards, drink mix is a big one also. They get water but it usually taste like crap, so they really like the single serve kool aids, gatorades etc...
Disposable cameras, games, dvd's anything they can do in their down times. Depending on where they are and the time of year, blankets, things to keep them warm.
Personal hygeine items, shaving cream, razors, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc....
As for creative ways, I dont' know how close you are to the px but they have these cds that you record a msg on and send it to them, so instead of a letter they are getting a cd with you speaking. You may be able to order those online also, I believe they are called Letters from Home. You call a number and speak over the phone, then they mail it off for you.
Or depending on where you are stationed some of the libraries on post do a video letter for you also.
2007-01-30 07:59:12 · answer #4 · answered by Chrissy 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Newspaper articles, letters from people in the community, maybe some word puzzle books, movies, certain sweets like homemade cookies. if it is a girl/woman i would send mini, hotel sized, lotions and such. The other thing you can do is ask what they need or miss the most, i think you will be surprised what the answers are.
When i was in the military, the woman who adopted me sent me things i could not get overseas. I got excited every time i got a package. She would send me postcards and small gifts from places she visited.
2007-01-30 07:39:35 · answer #5 · answered by Shawna 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Chocolate chip cookies, Peanut Butter cookies, soap or hand wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush, shaving cream and blades, a letter talking about everyday things like what your up to and normal things like that.
If the soldier is in a war zone you can also get a bunch of people to sign a card with positive hopes for his safety and safe return.
All these things are good but the cookies are the best because he probably doesn't get cookies and he can share them with other soldiers.
Also, If he is more than just a pen pal you can send him a lock of your hair sprayed with your perfume.
2007-01-30 07:49:47 · answer #6 · answered by jeremiah 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When my husband was deployed, I would send him many different things, like beef jerky, popcorn, different snacks that he wasn't able to get there. Also i would send him toiletries and a shirt that smelled like perfume i would wear and electronics to help pass the time.and many many letters. The list is very long on what you can send, but try and stay away from liquids and things that can be destroyed in high heat. Your heart is in the right place, so just imagine what you would want in a place where things are limited, and what would make you feel special knowing someone cared enough to send. He will appreciate it all no matter what. :)
2007-01-30 07:43:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
First I want to applaude your efforts in supporting our troops. As I have had friends and family over in Iraq I know exactly how hard it can be to change things up. Soldiers on deployment basically need to know that someone back home cares about them and what they are doing. Tell him what things that are going on around where he's from. Send him cards for every silly little holiday you can think of. As far as care packages contents....ask him what his favs. are. Like soda, cigs, soap, deodarent, cologne, off-duty clothes. Ask him if he needs anything to make him feel more comfortable in his surroundings. It pretty scary wherever he is at right now and he needs all the comforting he can get. Just keep in mind that you might have to check with the post office about what you can and cannot send to him. And also alot of the comforts of home, and his favs. might not be available to him whereever his is at. To see a bottle of Dr. Pepper in a box might make his day!
2007-01-30 07:45:16 · answer #8 · answered by hvandyk82 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Paper, pens, stamped envelopes, magazines (yes some of the nude ones!). Homemade cookies, treats, pretzels, cashews. Small handheld games, a deck of cards, socks, t-shirts. Also when writing him, ask him if there is something he misses that you can send. I think it's not so much what you send, its keeping the letters coming and the occasional care package that can help raise their spirits. It's great that you are taking the time to do these things :)
2007-01-30 07:43:47 · answer #9 · answered by SHIRLEY 1 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The USO and the American Red Cross are awesome places to start. They have links for other donation sites as well. Give 2 the troops is also very good. Snack foods, lip balm, gum, toiletries, books, calling cards, and magazines are awesome!!
2016-03-29 10:10:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been on the receiving end of the care packages and can say that after awhile, candy and snacks get old. Paper back novels (Jack Higgins, John Grisholm type), compasses, colored alcohol pens (for laminated maps) and socks were my favorite things.
2007-01-30 07:39:48 · answer #11 · answered by Curt 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋