Many people have at least one friend or acquaintance who is deployed now or has been in the past. If so, you know how much care packages are loved and appreciated. From anyone I have talked to, receiving a care package is equivalent to Christmas, every single time!
I am currently working on sending out a package to a girlfriend of mine, Brittny, who has been deployed for 4+ months so far, and is missing her toddler daughter at home. Many people use themes when sending a box and I am leaning towards "Mom's day out". I am going to incorporate many spa-like pampering items (nail and foot care, face masque, aromatherapy oil, eye cream), lip balm, mascara, a book/magazine and some candy/snacks, some starbucks coffee packets and teabags. I am hoping that this box lifts her spirits and puts a smile on her face!
Another package that I have sent in the past that was particularly memorable was "Christmas in July" in 2007, to my now husband when he was deployed in Iraq. My mom and I had so much fun shopping for silly goodies at stores like Spencers and 5 below, and the dollar aisle at Target. We wrapped everything up in different Christmas paper and sent the box a couple weeks early in hopes that it would reach the guys by July 25th. It was a hit. Although you wouldn't think grown men would want to play with blocks of clay, etch a sketch and other toy store items, you would be surprised what they can have fun with on their off time!
Some of my favorite themed care packages:-
"Just add water"- instant coffee and drink mixes (gatorade, lemonade, etc.), tea bags, hot chocolate, noodle cups, instant Mac and cheese, instant oatmeal
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Holiday or Birthday themed- send out packages for major Holidays a few weeks ahead of time so that they have time to make it. Include decorations!
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Color themed- All yellow items for "You are my sunshine" or all orange items for "Orange you glad you are coming home soon"
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Fitness package- Men or Women's health, protein powder or bars, healthy snacks, gatorade individual packages or Mio sports drink drops, heating pad, icy hot or other sports creams, thermacare patches, sunscreen
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Drugstore favorites- although your service member might have access to a PX (store), they may or may not carry their favorite brands of deodorant, shampoo, body wash and lotion. If not, it is nice to receive the kind you love and are used to using. Batteries, disposable cameras, snacks, personal items, etc.
-Correspondance- stationary, envelopes, favorite style pens, pencils, stamps, and a pre-filled address book, pre-paid calling card
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"Candy store" or
"Snack attack"-
"Home sweet home"- sheets, pillowcases, Febreeze, bleach wipes, small decor items, printed family picture in a frame, child art, other special items that are homey.
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Grooming package- nail care and foot care items, moisturizer, face wash, etc.
Random fun/useful items:-balloons for water balloons
-water guns
-clay
-handheld games
-small board games or cards
-colored pencils and drawing pad
- individually packaged condiments (think fast food ketchup, mustard and mayo, barbeque sauce, taco bell sauce, chinese sauces, hot sauce, dipping sauces)
-beef jerky- always a request and a favorite...seriously, just send a bunch of dudes an entire package with nothing but beef jerky, and they will love it.
-crossword or Sudoku books
- countdown calendar
- for a partner- a jar filled with little folded pieces of paper that they can pull and read one a day until they come home (maybe use "memories", or "reasons why I love you")
-plastic ziplocks- these always come in handy
-hand sanitizer, wipes
For the sake of not overloading this post I am trying to keep it brief but there are great resources online such as this military care package idea site, or Pinterest. Climate- don't send anything that will melt into a giant chocolatey puddle of mess by the time it reaches it's destination.
Perishability- don't send something that will go bad before it gets there! Packages can take several weeks to arrive at their destination. In all my years of sending care packages overseas, I have only ever had one box get lost/take longer than expected and it ended up making it's way to my husband almost 6 weeks after it was sent.
Be very specific- address the package EXACTLY as the address was given to you by your service member
Use common sense- don't send things that would clearly be banned (anything that could be considered pornography, alcohol, live animals (ok I'm kind of kidding about live animals, who would really do that), and if you do not know what is or is not allowed, ASK before sending!
Limited packing space- When coming home, a service member has a couple of seabags to pack all of their gear and personal items in. Only send things that will get used while they are there, or that you wouldn't mind them leaving behind, unless previously discussed.
Send individual servings- Send things that can be shared with friends! And things like drink mixes are easy to add to a water bottle and shake- done! Individual sized portions of instant microwavable foods only call for water, a spoon or fork. All things they are likely to have on hand.
TAPE- tape, tape, tape. Repeat. This box is going a long way! Make sure it is secure.
Use military flat rate boxes- Ship what will fit in a flat rate box. It should be more cost effective to send more flat rate boxes, rather than less larger boxes.
If you don't have a deployed friend or significant other, some of these same ideas can be applied to college students, and friends that live in other countries or states. Because really, who doesn't love a surprise personalized box of goodies?
Comment Below with any great care package ideas you have! If you are interested in sending a package, but don't know where to start or who to send to, email us at theusadish@gmail.com!
Favorite time of year and why: Spring, it is amazing to see nature and wildlife start the process of change, flowers blooming, wildlife babies, weather turning warmer and days getting longer!
Current Occupation: Currently during the day I work as a Substitute Teacher, and at night I work as a Bartender. 
Reason I choose to volunteer my time to USA Cheerleaders: I chose to Volunteer my time to the USA Cheerleaders because I see that there is a great cause behind the organization. I have many family members that have given their time to the Armed Forces and feel great knowing that I am able to give back to the men and women who have given me the freedom to live in a country that I am proud to call my home.
