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!
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.
I would like to send a package. How would I go about doing so?
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❤️?
Hi I am the mother of a son in the Navy. Even though his group have not been deployed their ship continues to be drydocked. However since Covid 19 they are generally confined to going to work home and the grocery store. They are not to socialize with others even the people that live in the same complex. A 50 mile radius is allowed but then they are still in the city . They seem to work long hours and disjointed schedules (I remember my dad who retired from the Airforce) doing that back then) but the impression I have gotten is many my son included are depressed, trying to eliviate boredom the best they can might enjoy getting some sort of car package and I have tried to send something that he or his roommate might enjoy but this can be challenging as they can buy their own food or get movies on line so some ideas of what would be realistic to put it that type of package would be helpful.
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 so much, my nephew is deployed and just told me to send “whatever” that’s a 21 year old for ya lol. I bookmarked your page, thank you!!!
This will be my 4th year knitting beanies for the Deployed Military–and LOVE doing so. I have just started my project–to be mailed during the summer–for Christmas packages. Four men in my family have been Military–and I don’t believe anything such as this was publicized many years ago. The men and women who receive our “gifts of love” appreciate the thoughtfulness more than we could ever know. No matter how much one is able to help–every donation or item helps. I knit solo–but, groups can do lots and lots–take a little time–this is a wonderful way to thank our military, first responders, etc. Sandra. P.S. letters are awesome and bring home to our soldiers!
P.S. FYI…..”personal” items such as hats and scarves are requested to be Neutral gender–so they are applicable to a man or women. Some of you may not be aware of this. Check before you send your loving gift.
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