I've mentioned it before, but lately I've fallen off the cute, themed care package train and jumped on the boring train! Josh has been wanting to get the same things in every box -- which, honestly, is fine, but it tends to stifle my creativity. I suppose it doesn't HAVE to, but I need to work on that.
However, since he keeps requesting the same - or similar - items, I thought it might be helpful to make a post about them. People are always asking what to put in Care Packages and I tend to give them the same 'ole list. While some of these items are pretty standard, I'd definitely think there are few unique ones others might enjoy discovering for their Care Packages, so here we go:
1. Mio -- This is like liquid gold: both in cost and intrinsic value. Josh said he uses one of these every day (every two days if he's really stingy). Evidently, regular water isn't cutting it over there -- not that I blame him! They're like $3 - $4 a pop, so if there is a sale, I scoop up a BUNCH. I honestly think he looks forward to these the most.
2. Canned Goods -- Josh prefers Chef Boyardee and Spaghettio's, but I think the idea would be the same for any canned good. They're quick and easy! And, honestly, I think they remind him of home. Or maybe they're just actual edible food and not MREs. =)
3. Bread -- Yep, like a loaf of bread. I've started packing one of these in every box. I can't say why he likes it so much, but he does. And I guess it gets there in good shape since he keeps asking for it. I will warn you: it takes about half a flat rate box, so if you're limited on space this is probably not the best item to send.
4. Nutella -- Josh LOVES this stuff. I'm guessing because it's different then the standard PB&J, but who knows. Again, this is a pricier product so if there's a sale or coupon, I stock up!
5. Rockstars! -- Josh is partial to this brand, but I'm guessing the guys would be happy to receive any kind of energy drink. Most people don't know this, but you CAN ship these! I've had no trouble with them -- not with the post office nor with them exploding. I'd guess you could ship pop too. I double bag them in Ziplocs just in case though.
6. Pringles -- The guys like snacks that are easy to tote. Pringles work really well because they're virtually the only chip you can actually ship with it arriving in a million pieces. This is another "1 in every box" item. These are also space hogs, but you can fit about eight in a flat rate (if you're shipping nothing else, that is).
There you have it! My top 6 buys as of late! Anyone else have good suggestions that are outside the standard realm of baby wipes and personal care items?
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I know the guys in my husband's platoon have asked for trail mix, slim jims, jerky, blow pops, wisps (these are great when they are away and need to brush their teeth but don't have the time to use an actual tooth brush) :) My husband asked for the same stuff all of the time too. :)
ReplyDeleteWisps are a fantastic idea! I never thought of that. Thanks for sharing =)
DeleteMy husband also really loves Mio. We actually stocked up on some of it at the commissary before he left for his deployment because I had a stack of $1 off coupons so we were able to get it for under $2 a bottle. He then decided to just go ahead and bring the 12 bottles we purchased with him when he left on the deployment and spoiled part of my plan for my initial care package for him.
ReplyDeleteA while back, just when my soldier was really getting into his Mio kick, Target had them on sale and I had coupons... I didn't know well enough to buy them out of stock and missed out on getting them for $1-some a piece. I'm still kicking myself in the butt! =)
DeleteI didn't know that you could send rockstars and cans of drinks over thanks for the tip. I just assumed they would not let me. Did you list them on the customs form?
ReplyDeleteI do! I'm a rule follower all the way, so I wasn't comfortable NOT listing them. I've never had a problem though -- they always seem to get there in the same amount of time as the boxes that don't have liquids.
DeleteI love and appreciate your blog, and this post especially. My guy is over in Afghanistan, serving as a medic. He's been gone since April of this year, and returns April of 2013. The care packages help us both :) Keep up the good work; you're helping hearts on both sides of the oceans.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! =) I'm glad you like it!
DeleteMy bf just deployed so I'm sending the survival box. Super excited. Except I'm torn on the energy drinks since rip it and some monsters are free over there. I always do childish toys to keep the packages lively. Like a nerf ball or huge clown sunglasses, maybe a whoopie cushion. Anyway... love this blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're finding some of my ideas useful! That's awesome!
DeleteI just want to throw out there (for anyone else who finds these comments!) not every base is the same. It's great your soldier has free energy drinks - that rocks! I know my soldier couldn't get any free goodies, or even buy them from a store. He only had what was sent to him. Obviously, every deployment is different, so it all depends exactly where they are sent as to what they can get there. Like I said, these were just Josh's favorites - I know not everyone likes the same things - but just something I wanted to throw out there. =)
The Rockstar post just made my day. I spent HOURS trying to find a powdered monster drink, but now that I saw you sent those I can't wait to send a bunch in his first box next week :) THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye out at your local dollartree - I have been finding Mio there the last couple of weeks - 12/12 Connecticut
ReplyDeletegreat list! when my hub was deployed i would make cookies and put them in the ziplock vaccume bags )http://www.ziploc.com/Products/Pages/VacuumFreezerSystem.aspx?SizeName=Starter%20Kit) and they would arrive to the boat nice a soft and all the guys would love them! i also would send things like ritz crackers, tuna in the pouches, mayo pouches and bottles of ketchup
ReplyDeleteI know when my husband was deployed he wanted me to send Monster, but I was just not comfortable with the idea that it might "EXPLODE" in my carefully planned box. I did a little research and found ZipFiz at our Costco and sent that. It's a powdered energy drink they can mix into water and drink. He loved it and asked me to send it in each box (he was sharing) so I was more than happy to send it to them.
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in law always liked the Sunday comics tucked into his care packages. Everyone he hung out with passed them around.
ReplyDelete