what do I send?

Question

I am sending a package to a friend of mine stationed in Iraq and I really need ideas for what to send him. Does anyone have any ideas? please help!

Answer 1

Hygiene products. Favorite snacks. (if possible, something that is particular to your area) Notes and pictures from mutual friends. A Phone card. Socks. Books.

Answer 2

When my brother was over there one of the best things that he and everyone else really liked a ton was food. Things like cookies and snacks, a big deal were those rice crispy bars that are pre-wraped. Don't send chocolate or anything that if left in a hot car over night wouldn't be good in the morning. Another thing that was good (if they have a fridge) is those ice treats that are flavored, they come in a box of about 20.

The other good thing was movies, many movie stores will have deals on movies and DVDs if you tell them it's for someone over seas.

The last idea would be books, the mot asked for one was comic books and japanese comic books, they all seemed to really enjoy those.

When you send something use flate rate boxes, it's 7.50 for whever you can fit into the box, and saved me tons and tons of money. If they question it being sent to Iraq just remind the post office that it's going to someone in the service that's on a US base and they'll have to send it for the flat rate price.


And also tell your friend thank you for their service, they rock.

Answer 3

Keep in mind your loved one may not have much personal space in his overseas accommodations. Chances are good he has no place to store the giant smiley face pinata the kids made for him, and it will end up being a burden rather than a pleasure. Things that can be stored easily (small drawings and pictures, travel game sets) and things that can be consumed (food, toiletry items) rate high on most Soldier's and Sailor's lists.

Keep it Personal:
Remember your military spouse/loved one has not been home for a really long time -- what might seem silly or boring to you (an audio tape of the children fighting over the Nintendo) will be like a little piece of home for your spouse. Send things to remind your Soldier/Sailor of the things he loves (his children, family, favorite foods, taped reruns of his favorite TV shows).

Make it Fun:
Deployed Soldiers and Sailors are working almost non-stop and with little new scenery or change of pace. They don't have the option to go to Barnes and Noble for awhile to "get out" and see something new. So bring the fun and the new to them. My husband always likes getting DVDs, CDs, books, and sports magazines. He's also pointed out that it is hard to get a "real" American newspaper when he is deployed, so the local paper from home is always appreciated (especially the Sports section). Remember these Soldiers and Sailors are living without many of the comforts and conveniences of home. Therefore, mail call is a welcomed opportunity to receive something new and different to look at....things they can't get on the ship.

Make it Frequent:
Mail Call can be the highlight of the day for any deployed man or woman. Even something as small as a crayon drawing from a two-year old can bring joy to your loved one! Make it a point to send something....even if it's just a letter....as frequently as you can!

Answer 4

Beef Jerky, Powdered Drink Mixes (covers up the bad water taste), magazines, tobacco products (if applicable to the soldier), hard candy. Nothing that can melt, break, squish etc. Try to avoid hygiene type items, because no matter where the soldier is, there's a red cross station near by with all kinds of this stuff. Make sure you write them a lot, that is the most important thing. (This is coming from a current soldier who has been deployed by the way)

Answer 5

Jolly Ranchers
Cool Ties (Sporting Goods @ Wal-Mart)
Foot Powder
Peanuts
Batteries
Phone Cards
Socks
Sunglasses
Shaving Cream (Not in an Aersol Can)
Granola Bars
Magazines (The boys like Maxim)
Newspaper (So they can Keep up)
Chapstick
Advil
Tobacco
I sent my husband a batterie operated shaver he loves it!
Disposable Camera
CD's
Beef Jerky
Sunscreen

Answer 6

In my seventeen magazine, there was an article about sending care packages, they need th following things:
lots and lots of lip balm-the heat and sun dries their lips
sunscreen-obvious duh
feminine products-most women cant always get some
and then of course the regular items
dvds, pictures of loved one, books, magazines, stuff like that and things that will remind them of home.

Answer 7

no porn( to include Playboy and Hustler type magazines). prepackaged foods are always appreciated. MREs can leave a lot to be desired. nothing big and bulky, as he may have no place to store it. those packets of gatoraid or crystal light that you add to water bottles are REALLY enjoyed. since it is the middle of summer,avoid stuff that would melt or spoil easily, like chocolate.
if you do send baked goodies, freeze them after baking then vacuum seal while still frozen. they'll stay fresh longer. another hint..use REAL air popped popcorn as a filler instead of bubble wrap or those Styrofoam peanuts. even stale, it will get enjoyed.

if you do send canned goods, don't forget to include a small hand held can openeer, as he might not have one handy.

Answer 8

The items the soldiers really like are beef jerky, card games, dvd's, hygeine products, cookies and popcorn, white t-shirts (to use to cover their faces and protect them from the sand and heat) portable fans, and magazines. They also like homemade cards and letters. Anything that they receive from you and do not need will go into a community pile that others who do not get packages can go through.

Answer 9

Write a letter. Send cookies. Send pictures.

Answer 10

How about an American Flag? But I suppose that would be a given and he sees alot of that. I am working on a My space site dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces. America rocks