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Our Guide to Sending Care Packages to Your Service Member

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by Amanda Marksmeier, Guest Contributor

Whether you are shipping your first care package or your last it can be difficult to know what to include and what to leave out.

Items such as firearms, explosives and radioactive materials should not be included, but did you know many foreign countries ban the shipping and receiving of playing cards, used clothes and saccharine?

Our Guide to Sending Care Packages to Your Service Member

Themed care packages are all the rage. Not feeling creative? No problem, search Pinterest for military care package ideas.

Your Don’t Pack It Guide for Deployment Care Packages

Our service members deploy to countries with strict religious beliefs and rules. If you are sending care packages to countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria or any other predominately Muslim country do not pack pork products. Many people in these regions follow diets which prohibit foods made from pigs, so that means no bacon bits.

While we are on the subject of religion, anti-Muslim books, articles, and movies are strictly forbidden so don’t send them. Also, anything considered lewd or pornographic should not be included. It is important to be respectful of others’ customs and beliefs.

Cash and high-valued items should be left at home. Packages can “disappear,” be damaged or simply lost in the mail.

Pro-tip: if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t pack it!

This goes for items that hold sentimental value as well. While you may be tempted to send family heirlooms don’t, these items can’t be replaced if lost or damaged.

What You Should Send in Deployment Care Packages

Now comes the fun part, what you can include in a care package.

Non-perishable food is the No. 1 requested item. Think canned tuna, instant meals, jerky, ramen, I could go on, but you get the idea. In many cases, soldiers miss meals due to missions or the inability to make it to the DFAC. Your service member will be grateful to have a meal from home after a long day.

Care packages are a perfect excuse to print all those pictures saved in your digital cloud. Service members can hang photos in their bunk, tape them to vehicles or keep them in the pockets of their uniforms.

It’s comforting to have photos of friends and family near you on deployment.

Fragrant soaps and washes should be packed separately in plastic bags. I once sent my husband a box of soaps (not in plastic bags) packed with candies. He ended up with candies that tasted like soap!

More Care Packages Tips

Mailing packages is expensive! The U.S. Post Office offers free flat rate boxes to help with the costs. Care packages in flat rate boxes can be sent to APO/FPO/DPO at domestic shipping rates.

Save a trip to the post office by ordering your shipping supplies for free through the USPS website. Schedule a pick-up, pay for shipping and complete the customs forms all online at https://www.usps.com/ship/apo-fpo-dpo.htm.

Oh, those darn customs forms! Don’t be afraid. Custom forms aren’t as scary as they appear. All you need is your service member’s address, the list of items and an estimated value of each item in the care package.

The Click-N-Ship option on the USPS website walks through the steps to complete customs forms. Custom forms need to be completed for each package you send.

Related: Tips on Sending a Care Package to a Military Dog

Themed care packages are all the rage. Not feeling creative? No problem, borrow someone else’s ideas. Carefully crafted boxes are posted all over social media. Visit military spouse Facebook pages to ask for care package ideas. Also search Pinterest for military care packages. Have fun, be creative and think “inside” the box.

Books, movies and magazines make wonderful additions to care packages. Deployed service members work long hours in harsh conditions so when there is downtime entertainment is desperately needed.

I am sure everyone remembers the “Frozen” videos with service members belting out “Let it Go.” You know they watched the movie a dozen times to learn the song. Maybe we’ll be blessed with “This is Me” sing-a-longs in the future.

Add extra items so your service member can share with his or her battle buddies. Remember not everyone has someone to send them care packages.

The most important part of a care package is the “care” that is included. Packages remind the men and woman serving they have not been forgotten.

What questions do you have about sending care packages?

Amanda Marksmeier is an Army wife and mother of four. She works as an employment specialist assisting the military community in achieving their career goals. Amanda is also a contributing writer for a quarterly employment journal and has written for several military affiliated blogs.

7 Military-Themed Easter Baskets for Your Military Family

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Easter is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start thinking about the type of Easter baskets you’ll be making for your family members this year.

I love that this year Easter is on April 1, April Fools’ Day, so you can really have a lot of fun with your Easter baskets.

If you’d like to have military-themed Easter basket, here are 7 creative ideas to inspire you.

Oh the Places Your Military Family Will Go

Dr. Seuss’s birthday was on March 2 and I enjoyed all the fun activities that went with it during National Reading Week. When thinking about fun military-themed Easter baskets, my mind wandered back to Dr. Seuss and one book in particular, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” Military families are always off to great places. This would be such a great theme for your Easter baskets.

You don’t have to use Dr. Seuss of course, but the idea of making a basket with places your family has been or where you are going next would be fun.

If your family recently moved or will be PCSing this summer, an “Oh The Places You’ll Go” Easter basket would be a great way to mark that occasion.

Army Camouflage

At some point most kids want to play soldier, and if their parent is in the Army it’s even more likely.

Both of my parents were in the Army. I remember my brother dressing up as a soldier and playing with little green plastic army men. That seems to be a timeless kid thing to do.

The Dollar Tree has made it easy to fill Easter baskets with an Army theme without spending much money. They have the little plastic army men, soldier hats, coloring books, camouflage tape and more.

If you don’t want to curate one yourself, Walmart and Amazon both have Army-themed Easter baskets you can purchase.

Anchors Away

I love anchors on almost anything. Anchor-themed Easter baskets would be cute for a baby, fun for a teenager or even great for an adult. You’ll find anchors on anything from clothes, jewelry and craft items to games and more.

You can buy anchor-shaped candy or buy an anchor chocolate mold and make your own chocolates.

Take Flight

A plane-themed Easter basket would be a great way to tell your family that they are going to see a military air show this year.

The Thunderbirds, the Air Force Demonstration Squadron, and the Navy’s Blue Angels put on wonderful shows. Check their performance schedule to see if an air show is coming to your military base.

If you are an Air Force family or your children love planes, aircraft-themed Easter baskets would be fun.

Made in America

There are so many things made in America now and military families take great pride in purchasing locally-made or veteran-made items. Made in America-themed Easter baskets would not only be fun, but would also support small businesses.

Hero

Who needs a super hero when you have mom and dad? My son didn’t know what a super hero was when he was 2 or 3 and someone asked. He simply said my daddy. Heroes come in all forms. I liked my son’s answer and I love a book we have, “Daddy is My Hero.”

It may be daddy who is the hero in your family or it may be mommy, but it’s probably both.

Hero Easter baskets could include a book about heroes, a Daddy Doll, photos of family members and more.

Easter Package for the Deployed

Making Easter baskets for deployed service members can be a lot of fun. You can decorate the inside of the box and include family-inspired items such as pictures, keepsakes, letters from family members, items for places you’ve been or that you want to go to when he or she returns.

There are so many possibilities for military-themed Easter baskets. Have you made one before or are you planning on making one this year?

For more Easter basket ideas, read “8 Alternatives to Putting Candy in Your Kid’s Easter Basket.”

29 Ways to Tell Your Spouse You Love Them

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Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

29 Simple Ways to Tell Your Spouse You Love Them

What are your tips and tricks for keeping love alive in your military marriage?

As a military couple you know how special your time is together. You want to tell your spouse how much you love them.

Here are 29 simple ways to do so.

  1. Leave them a love note. Leave love notes around the house for them to find. Put some in their suitcase if they are about to go somewhere. They can find them and read them later on.
  2. Make their favorite meal. Everyone loves to eat a good meal. Cook up their favorite without telling them. They will love to see that you thought about them enough to plan their favorite meal.
  3. Send them an email. If your spouse is gone, show them love by sending them a quick email. Tell them what you love the most about them.
  4. Send them a text. Text messaging is also a great way to share how you feel.
  5. Write them a love letter. If you have more time, write them a love letter. Make the letter at least 3 pages and then either send it to them in the mail or leave the letter out for them to read when they are home.
  6. Do the dishes. Sometimes doing a chore your spouse normally does themselves can help show them love. This takes the stress off and they will be very happy you took the time to lessen their load.
  7. Tell them. Sometimes just stopping them in the hallway and saying, “I love you” can mean a lot. Especially if you both have been really busy lately.
  8. Buy them something cute. Does your spouse have her eye on some cute earrings? What about some new pens? Surprise your spouse with a small gift.
  9. Clean their car.This is a great way to show someone you care. Wash their car for them so the next time they go to drive somewhere the car feels nice and clean.
  10. Buy them a book. Does your spouse like to read? Buy them a new book. They will love that.
  11. Give them a framed photo. These always make the best gifts, especially if they are deployed or away from home.
  12. Pack a care package. If your spouse is deployed, send them a love-themed care package filled with goodies.
  13. Write “I love you” in the snow. If there is snow, write how much you love them in the snow, take a photo and send the picture to them if they are not at home right now.
  14. Take care of the children for the night. If your spouse is normally the one to handle bedtime, offer to take over. Having a break from the kids works wonders.
  15. Flowers. Always a good way to let someone know you love them.
  16. Chocolate. Who doesn’t like chocolate?
  17. Have lunch together. Plan to meet up with them during the workday. Have a nice lunch date. Lunchtime is a great way to spend some time together.
  18. Draw a picture. This can be a fun gift. Draw a picture of your life together.
  19. Do their laundry. Take this chore off of their plate. Do their laundry for them, fold it and put the clothes away.
  20. Give them a hug. Very simple but does the trick.
  21. Give them kisses. Random kisses are a great way to show love.
  22. Be there. Just be around, be open to talk, be there for them.
  23. Tell them what you love about them. Sometimes we get so busy with life. Spend some time telling your spouse what you love about them.
  24. Watch a movie together. Pick something out after the kids go to bed. If they are deployed make plans to watch the movie and talk about what you thought about it afterwards.
  25. Watch their favorite TV show with them. Sometimes showing love is sitting down and watching a television show we might not enjoy that our spouse does.
  26. Send photos. If they are deployed, send them photos on a regular basis.
  27. Send a homemade gift. Make something for your spouse. They will love the item knowing your hands made something for them.
  28. Find songs that remind you of them. We don’t make mixed tapes anymore but we can always send a playlist of songs that remind us of them.
  29. Plan a vacation. Pick a place you have both wanted to go and plan a trip. This is a great way to show love to each other.

Even the simplest of actions can go a long way when celebrating how much you love someone. Whether they are home or in a faraway place. Take the time to tell your spouse how much you love and care for them.

What are your tips and tricks for keeping love alive in your military marriage?

 

Tips on Sending a Care Package to a Military Dog

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There are lots of wonderful organizations that send care packages to our uniformed personnel overseas like the USO, Operation Gratitude and Soldiers’ Angels, which is the one my husband received packages from when he was deployed. Also, individuals can send special care packages directly to their loved ones and their friends.

But, did you know that you can also send a special care package to our four-legged military members?

Here is a list of organizations that support military working dogs with their top requests of items for care packages to support our K9 compatriots:

How to Send a Care Package to a Dog Serving Overseas

If you’re interesting in adding K9 treats in your care package, Purina typically has great deals at the commissary.

The United States War Dog Association

Founded by current and veteran dog handlers along with their supporters, the organization was created to assist, educate and promote military working dogs. They’ve established Operation Military Care K-9 that sends care packages to, what the organization labels as the “silent heroes that help our troops” overseas.

The organization asks for monetary donations, so they can purchase and put together care packages or you can request to receive contact information to a live Military Working Dog Team for you to send a care package yourself of the appropriate goods for them to stay combat ready.

Straight from their website, here is a sample list of the type of goods military dogs need:

  • K9 grooming tools
  • K9 beds or sleeping mats
  • K9 Advantix, Flea and Tic Treatment
  • K9 toys (recommended Kong 3” rubber balls and rope chews)
  • K9 Ear Wash
  • Doogles (goggles for dogs!)
  • K9 Toothpaste & Toothbrush
  • Towels to wipe paws
  • K9 treats (MUST be made in the USA)
  • K9 Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Collapsible nylon water bowls
  • and many more listed here.

Support Military Working Dogs

The idea of the nonprofit organization was initially started when a service member told his mother that the military working dogs actually needed a care package more than himself. It was mostly for cooling vests for the K9s to keep cool, but the group has evolved to fully equip military working dogs with everything they would need to fulfill a deployment more comfortably. They estimate is that it costs $400+ to get everything needed for one dog.

Military Working Dog Team Support Association

Similarly to the other nonprofit organizations targeting military working dogs, the Military Working Dog Team Support Association (MWDTSA) focuses on the well-being of military working dogs and offers support for dog handlers to provide desired care package items for dog teams. MWDTSA, in particular, has the Kongs for K9s program that gives military working dogs special dog toys to keep them engaged.

You can take matters into your own hands by reaching out to your local unit that includes military working dogs or an actual military working dog handler for personal recommendations. They might know of a unit that is currently deployed (if your personal contact isn’t already deployed) with special care package needs that you could help a military working dog directly, just like a personal care package.

Also, if you know dog handlers that could benefit from any of the above organizations, they can reach out to them directly for assistance for their furry four-legged partners.

Have you ever sent a care package to a military dog? What items did you send in this care package?

5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Care Package Ideas

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Ideas for Valentine's Day Care PackagesValentine’s Day is quickly approaching and if your love is deployed, sending a care package ahead of time will help them celebrate the day no matter where they are serving. Romantic holidays such as this can be a very emotional time and planning a sweet surprise can help turn the day into something special. Sending a well thought out care package is a fantastic way to let your service member know that they mean the world to you. Here are 5 ideas for sweet Valentine’s Day care packages.

Sweet Beginnings

Pictures and mementos from when you first met are always a great way to bring a smile to your loved one. Start this Valentine’s Day care package by decorating the box. You can make it quick and easy by just drawing hearts and xoxo’s or make it an elaborately decorated box with scrapbook paper, stickers and more.

Add sentimental items that will draw emotion such as a small stuffed animal your service member won for you at the fair, ticket stubs to a concert he/she surprised you with or something you kept from your first date.

Then add a sweet card followed by some actual sweets. Sweet tarts, chocolates (if you aren’t sending this care package to a hot climate), brownies and cookies are a few ideas.Ideas for Valentine's Day Care Packages

Never Ending Love

This care package would be ideal for a romantic person. Decorate the inside of the box and fill it with hearts. Add in romantic movies such as Love Actually, Sleepless in Seattle and Gone with the Wind. The Never Ending Story, while not romantic, goes with the theme and they might need a light-hearted classic after all. Write a love letter, a real love letter letting your significant other know your true emotions. Write about how you felt the first time they said “I love you” or when you knew you were in love. Put in a picture of the two of you from a romantic moment, maybe when they proposed or just watching the sunset together. Finish the box with sweets for him/her to snack on while reading your letter or watching a romantic movie. This could include Hershey Kisses (if you aren’t sending this to a very hot climate), Cherry Lovers Hearts, candy sweetheart roses, strawberry and cherry gummy hearts and sweet conversation hearts. You might even include a travel size Kleenex packet.

Ideas for Valentine's Day Care Package

Hot & Spicy

For the wild, hot and spicy couple this box is for you. Fill the box with spicy candy such as Red Hots, Fireballs, Big Red gum, cinnamon hearts and spiced tea. Check what customs allows for food to be sent and if it’s allowed, include a jar of hot peppers. You can put in a few heat wraps for sore muscles as a nice gesture. Decorate the box with chili peppers, zebra stripes or flaming hearts. Add a few hot pictures of yourself, nothing X-rated mind you. Make your own card with some of the same decorations and write about some of the wild nights you’ve shared together and the ones you’re looking forward to having after the homecoming.

Ideas for Valentine's Day Care PackagesYou Complete Me

This is a great Valentine’s Day care package for young love or young at heart. Include a few puzzles. You can create personalized puzzles with your own pictures on Shutterfly. Send ping pong paddles and balls with a note attached that says “You are the ping to my pong.” A few boxes of Kraft macaroni and cheese with a note saying “You are the cheese to my mac” is also cute and funny, not to mention delicious. Movies are always welcome gifts and you can choose your favorite and add a note saying “You are the Harry to my Sally,” or the main characters in your favorite romantic movie. Make sure you put in a letter saying how you both complement each other. Fill the rest of the box with sweet treats that you can’t have just one of such as: Twix, KitKats, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, jelly beans and gummy bears.

Love in Photos

With the ability to take digital pictures and instantly post them to social media or send them directly to anyone, physical pictures have become scarce. There’s just nothing like having a physical picture to hold however. Go through old photos and new ones and have them printed. This could include pictures from when you first met, your wedding or special occasion, the birth of your child and family vacations. Decorate the box with photos of just the two of you at significant times in your life. Put in a few scrapbooks and make them as simple or elaborate as you want. Add a few personalized sweet treats to complete the care package. Did  you know you can put your own picture on M&M’s? You can also put a picture on candy tins and add your own sweet treats.

These are just a few ideas for Valentine’s Day care packages. What have you sent to your loved one in the past?

Memory Filled Care Packages

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zoo box

Missing out on memorable moments at home is one of the hazards our military members face. It’s bound to happen and well, it sucks.

It’s hard to keep them in the loop when they’re so far away, but it’s not impossible. It just takes a little bit of creativity.

Here are some great ideas for boxes that will make them feel more connected, but include items that, if lost or destroyed, won’t be upsetting.

Care Packages To Keep Kids and Servicemembers Connected

Do a gender reveal box like this one:


 

Send a hug!


 

Make a box that reminds them of a fun time together – like a trip to the zoo:


Or the beach:


Make a photo book or calendar or keepsake item – Snapfish is great for this. If it gets lost, you can always reorder!


Remind them of home with little items like their favorite cereal & snacks, a toy replica of their car and their favorite tv show:


Commemorate the first day of school:


Sending gifts? Dress them up with copies of photos on the wrapping paper:

 

Looking for other ideas to keep them connected?

  • Collect items from your hometown to remind them of home.
  • Send boxes themed around the holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to be the toughest.
  • If you send photos or drawings by the kids, get copies made a Kinkos – keep the originals and send the copies.

What tips or ideas do you have for keeping your service member in the loop on important things going on at home?

Best Winter Care Package Items

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If you have a loved one overseas, you know how important unique care packages can be. Now that we are into the winter months, they might be craving something extra special from home. It is best to send healthy foods in your food care packages so that your service member can keep up their strength and be in the best health they can be.

Sending a care package soon? Check out some of these ideas to answer the question, “what food can I put into care packages?”

• A Larabar from General Mills might be a good idea. You can find them in 16 different flavors, all of which are gluten, dairy and soy free. Each bar is made up of fruits, nuts and spices. If you think they would prefer a more traditional granola bar you can include some Nature Valley bars which are also made by General Mills.

• You can also include some protein powder in the package. This would make for a healthy drink and you can purchase it is different flavors. Find out what your service member would enjoy.

• Teas can be a fun addition to the care package. Your best bet is to send in packets that can be added to water. That way, they can easily make their tea while overseas. You can add a variety of flavors for your loved one to enjoy.

Remember when packaging everything up to make sure it is sealed well. A vacuum seal will ensure that the food stays fresh. Don’t forget to include a personal item such as a nice letter or a picture drawn by the kids. Just little reminders from home can help with the homesickness. Have your children help you pack it and even let them decorate the inside of the box. They can color or add stickers to make it look festive.

Whatever care package ideas you use, your service member will be greatly appreciated. Men and Women serving overseas greatly enjoy those packages sent from home.