Your soldier is overseas doing his or her duty. You, the proud family member or friend, really want to do something special. Maybe it’s that troop’s birthday. Maybe it’s a major holiday. Maybe you just want him or her to know that your thoughts are there even though you can’t be there physically.
Whatever the case, you can express your thoughts and feelings with a care package: simple, easy to assemble, and guaranteed to brighten that man or woman’s day. Before you start shopping, however, you need to know about the DOS and DON’TS of care package creation for troops.
DO:
Pack the items securely in a cardboard box suitable for overseas shipping. Try not to mail fragile items; if you must, wrap them in socks (because your soldier can always use another pair of those anyway).
Write the most current shipping address that you have in large, clear letters and numbers. Mail service is already slow enough; if your handwriting isn’t great, type a mailing label with your computer.
Seal the package with plenty of tape. This is going quite a distance; make it easy for the contents to stay inside the box despite handling, rough travel and other circumstances.
Enclose a special note or card. Include photos if you can.
Add extra things that he or she can share with buddies. Not everyone receives care packages, as much as we’d like that to be true. If you’re packing a pair of socks for your sweetheart, add a couple of extra pairs so he or she can pass them out to others who might need them just as badly.
Seal lotion, shampoo and other such items in separate, resealing bags. This will keep them from exploding all over the beautiful card you spend half an hour creating.
DON’T:
Forget to print your return address on the package.
Seal the package before you get to the post office. If the box is over a certain weight or size, postal inspectors must check it out before giving it the go-ahead. If this seems frustrating, think of it as an added precaution to make sure your military man or woman stays as safe as possible.
Hesitate to enclose long letters. Many units have tons of down time; what better way to pass it than to read all about what’s happening at home?
There are literally hundreds of items any military person will need in the course of his or her day in the field. While you can’t exactly ship them all, there are a few that are almost always in high demand.
DO PACK:
Lip balm. This is especially true for those fighting in desert climates, where wind and sand, not to mention the sun, can burn and chap lips incredibly fast.
Socks. These wear out quickly in the field.
Photos, cards, and other personal mementos. These will encourage him or her to keep going – and remind that person of the reason behind the overseas duty.
Entertainment. DVDs are good. So are playing cards, books, CDs, hand-held video games, and other small items. They’ll give the troops a way to relax and take their minds off of what’s happening around them, at least for a little while.
Batteries. Even if you aren’t sending any products that require them, odds are someone in your troop’s unit will need them for something important.
Feminine hygiene products. Remember: not all of the personnel stationed overseas are male. Even if your soldier is a guy, send some anyway – with a note explaining that they’re for his female battle buddies.
Shaving products. You shouldn’t pack the shaving cream – it’s pressurized and flammable – but disposable razors are ideal to send along with the rest of your items.
Prepaid phone cards. Try to find brand-name cards so that you know exactly how many minutes your troop will have; the off-brand, “cheap” cards might a) deduct hundreds of minutes just for connection fees, or b) not work overseas.
DON’T PACK:
Any flammable or pressurized items. While a bottle of wine might sound good to you, it might not make it – and any other things you include in the package will be ruined.
Heat-sensitive objects. Chocolate on your anniversary might be nice to send, but it’ll be a giant, unidentifiable glob by the time it reaches its destination. Send warm thoughts or a personalized card instead.
Any items or objects that the post office will not ship. These include flammables and most liquids, but also chemicals. If you aren’t sure, ask your local post office; they’ll help you figure out what you can and cannot ship to your loved one.
Above all, pack your love with the package. Even if it must travel five billion miles, it’ll be intact and ready for your loved one.
