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75 Awesome Military Care Package Ideas

A 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.

Looking for military care package ideas? Here are some fun and creative ways to get started!!

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.

Character themed care package.

Holiday themed care packages.

More themed care package ideas.

 

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!

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Reader Interactions

49 Comments

  1. 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.

    reply to comment

  3. 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.

    reply to comment

  4. 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.

    reply to comment

  5. 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.

    reply to comment

  8. 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?

    reply to comment

  9. 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.

    reply to comment

  10. 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.

    reply to comment

  12. 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.

    reply to comment

    • 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!!

      reply to comment

  14. 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?

    reply to comment

  16. 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?

    reply to comment

  18. 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?

    reply to comment

  19. Great ideas! Themed boxes and drink mixes I didn’t even think of! I’ll have to hare this info the next time a military spouse is asking for ideas. Also I really encourage people to make their own boxes or buy from a reputable seller! (Horror Story) but I have seen a few spouses who’ve payed for care packages from other military spouses in forums and not actually send a package and block the spouse who payed! Just FYI I’ve seen that recently on a Facebook military spouse page. Anyways, wonderful read and thanks for sharing!

    -Rose
    http://www.unearthedlifestyle.com

    reply to comment

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