DeploymentA few years back when my husband was deployed, I was drawing a blank when it came to creative military care package ideas. I literally used to just throw everything inside a plan old box and send the package on it’s merry way.
I know better now. There are thousands of creative military care package ideas that you can use for your next box. Many boxes revolve around a theme or idea, which makes it all the more fun. Plus, a fun list of items to include in care packages.
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Themed military care packages.
Okay, this is so much fun! One of the best ways to show that you care is to put some creative thought into a care package. I’m the first to admit I’m not always the most creative person, so that’s when I turn to Pinterest for inspiration. When you create a themed care package, you not only decorate the box along the theme, but you can also include items within the care package that fit into the theme.
Sports themed care packages.
- Baseball themed care package
- Football care package idea
- Football care package idea 2
- Super bowl care package
Character themed care package.
Holiday themed care packages.
- Valentine’s Day care package
- Halloween care Package
- Thanksgiving care package
- 4th of July care package
- St. Patrick’s Day care package
More themed care package ideas.
- I miss you “snow” much care package
- Army strong care package
- Coffee care package
- I’m cheesy care package
- Beach care package
Best items to pack in a care package.
Drink mixes….
During deployment drink mixes offer a quick and fast way to enjoy something besides water. Many service members may have access to a coffee pot.
Easy protein…
I never found any of these items very appealing to eat when we are at home, but when my husband is deployed he loves these items. Cliff bars and high quality protein bars were a huge favorite.
Easy condiments…
I regularly get requests for Frank’s Red Hot sauce and Tabasco sauce. I don’t typically get too many requests for other condiments, but these are good ones to send that ship well. Mayonnaise is definitely a no-go unless it’s the dead of winter. I’ve also hear Taco Bell hot sauce packets are a huge hit.
Easy snacks…
This is probably the easiest category. Anything in this category ships beautifully long-distances in a variety of temperatures.
- graham crackers
- regular crackers
- cookies
- GUM
- non-chocolate candy
- nuts
- trail mix
- dried fruit
Toiletries…
Toiletries can actually be a huge source of comfort for a lot of service members. Clean teeth and some lip balm can really go a long way. It’s hard to know if a service member has access to a shower if you are sending these to troops you don’t know, but all toiletries will be used eventually. So no harm in sending them 🙂
- shaving cream
- shampoo
- body wash
- deodorant
- razors
- baby wipes
- eye drops
- tooth paste
- dental floss
- hand sanitizer
- lip balm
- SUNBLOCK
- toothbrush
- cough drops
- icy hot
- vicks
Entertainment items…
Downtime activity items are a great way for service members to pass the time. I typically send a few in each care package. Sending a copy of a local newspaper, current pictures of regular family days at home and mementos from home are a few of favorite items to send.
- books
- magazines
- crosswords
- newspapers
- puzzles
- movies
- thumb drive
- games
- batteries
- small electronic devices
- photos from home
- reminders from home
One more resource: Troopster
If you’re looking for someone to put the care package together for you, Troopster is an awesome option to try. You choose the care package, they put it together and send it! Easy peasy!
Want more on Military Life?
- 7 Unique Military Care Package Ideas You Haven’t Tried
- The Ultimate List of Patriotic Care Package Ideas
- 50+ Things Military Spouses Can Do During Deployment Besides “Stay Busy”
- The Real Reason Being a Military Wife is So Hard
This is quite an extensive list. I now have plenty of things to ship to my brother over seas. Thanks a ton for this outstanding resource! I know it took you some time to put together. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Where do we send these care packages??? Do you have an address?
I am interested in sending a care package.
thank you for your carig
Hi Barbara.. My son just left from Texas to Kuwait and all his buddies could use a package.. My name is Angela and i would love to give you my email so you could maybe send something down to the guys..I will give you the address to the base when i hear back fro you! Awesome that you are willing to help. All and any are welcome.
Yep! You can visit http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm to send a care package to a deployed service member 🙂
YOU are an Angel. My teen graduates High School next week & goes directly to Basic Training. Thank you a million times for your kindness in helping others. I know now what to do to stay busy so I don’t lose my mind. God Bless our troops. And remember: Wear Red Friday’s Until They All Come Home Safely❤️?
thank you
I’m painting wooden ornament and would Ike to send them to our troops next yr”…is there an address ??
Lauren thanks for this I know my husband will love your ideas and thank you for the list it is my first time sending a care package to him so it was informative he is currently in Nigeria serving I’m so proud of our boys and girls God Bless America
Thank you for all the suggestions. I included a link to this post in my article about holiday care packages http://momsdontsleep.com/2015/12/09/gift-ideas-deployed-loved-one/
My family members always enjoyed receiving any patriotic apparel along with a hand written note. This was something simple that they used and the added hand written gesture reminded them of home.
Good Mornng, I would like to send you this email as a token of my
appreciation! Today I was afforded the opportunity to speak with one of the
many volunteers. I would like to thank you very much for your hard work and
support in a world where the support of the armed forces is slowly
declining. We noticed once an email contact was made and the request was
understood, we would shortly receive a positive form of care. We all
appreciate what you and your crew of men, women, and children have been
doing for, not only us, but for everyone throughout the armed services. The
items in the conversation was awesome, useful, and directly from the heart.
Thank you for what your dedication, patience and candor.
Thank you so much!
This is a great article!!! It really got me thinking about the product my daughter recently invented, and how it may help military families. The original concept was to provide a way for traveling parents to stay connected with their children. The product actually works equally as well when a child gives it to a parent or loved one. Here is a link if your interested in learning more about it: http://www.huggybox.com. It would serve as a way for children to send a special note and virtual hug to their mom or dad who is serving.
If you feel it is something that would help let me know and I can discuss with my daughter and see what can be done with the pricing to provide military families a discount. It would be great if we could help those serving in some way. We have always appreciated all that these brave men and women do for this country and the sacrifices of their families. Thanks again for a great article and please let us know if we can help.
Do you only send care packages if they are deployed?
Hello If were sending an electronic in our care package do we just label it as that on the custom form? Or do we have to specify what it is
Hi, I work in a daycare , we would love to send the soilders a care package and some cards ! Does anyone have a specific place or troop we can send this to?
This is the name and address for someone who was just deployed.
Patrick Clements
23 EBS
Unit# 61270
APO AE 09309-1270
My son is leaving to navy bootcamp soon then out to sea after he finishes all schooling. I’m new to all this so it would be great if you can help me get ready for what I am facing.
Hi – thanks for a great list – please note, though, that Spam cannot be included in a care package to a service member in Afghanistan according to the USPS restrictions for military. Now I get to eat it ! Please keep up the great work you do.
Great tip! Thanks Cynthia for you help!
I made a mistake when I ended my comment. It was to be ❤️??, not that stupid angry face. Omg, so very sorry
No worries. I’ve done the same thing many times!
Looking for gender reveal ideas. My bf will be deployed to Kuwait when we find out the gender. Would like to find away to either have him guess the gender with clues or something like that.. Any ideas would be great.
Decorate the outside of the box , guess he or she?? Then inside include all blue or pink items. You can get candy gum baby cigars, a cut every cheap onsie, you could check in the baby shower party section for cute things, and of course include a copy of the ultrasound!!
If you are looking for a way to volunteer and send some awesome packages, try http://www.soldiersangels.com. They support all branches of the military and veterans. and is a 501c3. Also check out military not for profits in your local area.
Thanks for the resources!
Hello, I was given a pattern to crochet skull caps for soldiers. I have made some but don’t know where to send them . Can anybody give me more info on these?
I have two people in our church deployed how can I join your group to learn more and how can we adopt soldiers who have noone
I volunteer at school for a girls group. Our first meeting is on 9/11. These girls are 1st-8th grade. We will be discussing the obvious as well as flag folding and rules. We always do a project, so I was thinking of care packages for some random service members. Is there a place where we can send something like this?
For the military packaging a box needs to be in a good packaging way that makes a better way to represent that it represent to a military person and makes it clear that it is packed well and a no doubt would be there.
This is all wonderful and helpful information. My fiancee is overseas in Quatar. Was looking for organizations that would send cards, etc to him. I can’t wait to make my own care package, great ideas. Do you know if they are allowed engraved cigarette lighters?