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.
When you’re done with your care package, be sure to tuck in a missing him quote or a long-distance relationship quote for an extra special touch (if this is for your spouse or significant other).
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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!
I work for Amazon and we have started an Affinity group here called Warriors at Amazon for prior service members. We are collecting items for care packages and was hoping you could help us with where to send the packages we put together? Thanks
There are some things that can send in military care backpack including toiletries, snacks, entertainment, and personalized gifts. However, you need to pay attention to things that cannot send in a backpack such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, cigarettes, drugs or narcotics, fireworks…
Hi,
I’m a military grandma. My granddaughter, who has lived with us her entire life goes off to basic training July 5th. I am finding the info here very helpful in knowing when I can send her stuff and what I can send. Thank you so much. You can’t imagine how much this helps. I’m sure I’ll be neck often.
what can i do if i dont know which ship my son is deployed to? How can I find out? And my other son, hes new (i have twins in the navy, yes identical) I just want to send food and snacks and a few pictures. would you pointe me in the right direction? i have 1 twins info do we just send it though mail?
What meats can’t be sent over seas because of that nation’s religion?
Lori,
Pork is usually not recommended. I think it’s the only meat restricted by several religions.