LOT'S of care package ideas, some really fun ones too!

[MissMySailor]

Hello,

I got this list on Facebook not sure why it was sent to me as I have no family on the ship it came from, maybe someone just saw I am a Navy mom and was sweet and sent it. Any ways I had to post it here because it has soooooo much information in it and some cute ideas. I hope you all find some use out of it.

Care Package Ideas - JUST FOR YOUR SAILOR <3 A combination of a few of last years notes

SHIPPING HOME MADE LOVE 

PLEASE do not share any addresses anywhere on the internet for security reasons :) 

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CALLING CARDS 

https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000

 

https://attmilitary.ecustomersupport.com/ATTLDExternalWeb/loadProdu...

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https://www.usps.com/send/can-you-mail-it-intl.htm

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SEE LISTS BELOWS - LOTS OF IDEAS 

Remember that its a long trip to the ship.  Great Video put out by the Stennis on how the Ships care packages travel to the ship :)

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=319265261437269&set=vb.110...

 

 CARE PACKAGES (ORDER USPS BOXES/LABELS at https://www.prioritymail.com/home.asp?purl=&redirect=false

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE (USPS) IS the only place that you can ship Military Packaging 

 

1. First the package goes from your post office to the JMPA -Joint Military Postal Activity

2. Then it is forward to the ships base

3. Then it is sent to the ship or the base they are expected at.

 In each location it awaits its turn to be put in the system.

Allow 6-8 weeks during busy time, but 50% of the time it will be there in a few weeks. Always depends on many factors

 

Must fill out a customs form, Its easy, recommend filling out ahead of time

see picture below on how to fill it out

 

 

PACKAGING TIPS 

Custom Cookie Tins (with your photo)

Walmart has the best sales on Christmas Tins you can get some very very cute tins for 1.00 -5.00 

 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cookie-Tin/5026686

  

HOLIDAY TINS AT WALMART ARE 1.00 

Marshmellows for cushion :) 

Bags of candy for stabilization in the box 

vacum sealers

http://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-FSFRSH0055-FreshSaver-Handheld-Vacuum-Sealing/dp/B002NGNBR8/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1319553126&sr=1-3

 

https://www.usps.com/shippingdates/welcome.htm

 

http://www.boxesandbags.com/GBE-Packaging-Insulated-Shipping-Boxes....

http://www.marthastewart.com/274588/packaging-ideas-for-christmas-c...

http://www.dickblick.com/products/folia-color-corrugated-paper/#photos

http://e-cookietins.com/?mainURL=/store/category/67py/Supplies_to_P...

http://www.e-holidaytins.com/shop/online/index.php/supplies-for-can...

 

  

TOP IDEAS FROM OUR LAST DEPLOYMENT (not in any order) 

1. Decorate the inside of the box :) 

2. http://www.amazon.com/Small-Fan-Mini-Air-Conditioner-convenient/dp/B002F8IFV6

3. Socks/Underwear/Towels

4. Neck Coolers http://www.west-point.org/parent/wpp-grad/Coolers.html

5. compact snacks - protein based 

6. non melting candy 

7. Homemade cards 

8. International calling cards   https://shop.aafes.com/scs/Product.aspx?deptid=42000

                                         http://www.usa.att.com/military/action/services/detail?id=shipshorecard

9. Photos

10. Toiletries (i.e. Fresh White towels-(they apparently do not dry out very well and they like fresh ones so they throw the old ones out) Shampoo-Conditioner-body wash-wash clothes Aspirin Bandaides etc

11. magazines

12. Movies

*13. NAVY RACK PACKS   http://www.navyrackpacks.com/  

            need to get measurement of there birthing area they come in 5'-7' 

           only visible from inside because they slip over the curtain they already have

          Also need to verify they are allowed in their particular area. 

14. Homemade treats 

15. Microwavable soups and stews and noodles 

Dont forget the New Years fun too.  :) 

16. comical Daily Calenders - http://www.workman.com/products/9780761167433/  (this year and last) 

 

MORE TOP REQUESTED ITEMS 

DVD

ITUNES HAS CURRENT TV SHOWS ON SALE

MAGAZINES

BOOKS

AIDS TO KEEP THEM COOL (ie neck ties...

LETTERS FROM HOME 

MICROWAVE FOOD AND CONTAINER (CAN OPENER) 

TUNA 

RAMAN NOODLES

GRANOLA

DRIED FRUIT

 

other goodies

Cinnamon scented Pine cones--I bet that would smell great in their bunks

holiday ornaments 

Puzzles and games from Dollar Tree

 

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS RECORDABLE BOOK - FROM FAMILY :) (thank you Connie for your idea) 

http://moms.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978756207

 

SMALL ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE (without lights)

http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Pine-Artificial-Christmas-Tree/dp/B00...

Holiday Ornaments 

 

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=140264809392659

 

http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Classic-Candy-Gift-Crate.asp

 

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=168749553210851

 

 

 

CARD MAKING 

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=150595328359607

 

 

Great Site for ideas :)

 

http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Christmas-Gift-Baskets.asp

 

http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/Care-Packages.asp?refer=google(%22care+packages%22)&ad=4471549052

 

http://militarymomathome.blogspot.com/2009/01/care-package-ideas.html

 

 

HICKORY FARMS 

http://www.hickoryfarms.com/category.asp?c=600&campaignType=GooglePPC&campaignName=GooglePPC&002=2145536&004=1866161004&005=92342325&006=8750055684&007=Search&008=&gclid=CIextIPzg6wCFQtU7AodsitFMQ

 

 

 BULK CANDY AND EMPTY GOODIE BAGS TO SHARE 

http://www.candywarehouse.com/christmaspez.html

 

 

Recipes

  

BROWNIE BITES  (send icing seperate) 

 

Make a traditional batch of brownies, use plastic gloves and as soon as you take them out of the oven mold in to balls 

Place in small paper cups and pack. Layer with Wax paper and send along frosting to drizzle on the top :) 

   

SUGAR COOKIES

 

For the Chocolate browny bites and the cheese cake bits - consider sending seperate choclate icing in a squeeze container and cream chz frosting !

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B001B5I57I/...

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Ice-Bandana-TM-Grey-Black/dp/B000PGVL9S/ref=p...

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Small-Fan-Mini-Air-Conditioner-convenient/dp/...

USPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?create=kb:USPSFAQ&...

ORDER MILITARY SHIPPING KITS 

 

 

http://www.minimus.biz/

www.bookbyyou.com

Book Theme Care Package

Book

Book light

Book mark

Book tote bag

slippers

coffee or tea

Snacks

Personalized Romance Novel - For couples obviously. 

 

 

Fishing in a Box

Just something fun. If you really want to get creative, mail the items in a small tackle box.

Fishing Magazines

goldfish crackers

Swedish fish

gummi worms

“go fish” playing cards

fishermans hat

lip balm

sunscreen

plastic boat or a model of a boat

 

 

 

Care Package Ideas

WILD ABOUT YOU - animal crackers, peanuts, peanut butter from the elephants, beef jerky from the lions, dried banana chips from the chimps, trail mix from the birds ,Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears, tuna from the seals, postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals

YOU GOT THE "WRITE" STUFF - pens, pencils, markers, stationary, envelopes, your own letters of encouragement, phone card, blank greeting cards, post cards, hand made cards, gel pens, stickers, sheet of computer printed return labels

DREAMING OF YOU - cookies, hot chocolate, tea, scented pillowcase sprayed with your perfume, powdered creamer, book, small reading light, marshmallows (for the choc), mug, warm socks, Glade plug ins, throw blanket

FIESTA/CINCO DE MAYO - Margarita drink mix, Pina colada mix, lemonade, Salsa, Torango Chips (in a triangluar pringles type can), cheese in a jar (found in chips isle), hot tamales candy, Fire Balls candy, Red, green, yellow balloons, Chili peppers (canned), Refried beans, taco or fajita seasoning, tobasco Sauce, pinata (filled with candy),Taco Bell sauce packets

GET WELL SOON - Puzzle, Chicken Noodle soup packets, Gourmet tea packets, Cold medicine, Crackers, Inspirational “Get Well” quotes, Goldfish, Dole Fruit Bowls, Get Well “pills” (candy coated mints), Get Well card, Chapstick

 

 

Home State box

Post Cards from your state

Hometown specialty foods

Hometown souvenirs

Hometown sports items

Hometown Favorites

Hometown newspaper

Hometown magazines

Hometown books

Hometown map ( You can circle where you live)

Hometown Celebrity facts

Hometown photos ( You can be in them)

 

 Get Well Package

Puzzle

Chicken Noodle soup packets

Gourmet tea packets

Cold medicine

Crackers

Inspirational “Get Well” quotes

Goldfish

Dole Fruit Bowls

Get Well “pills” (candy coated mints)

Get Well card

Chapstick

 

At Ease Package

Glow in the dark yo-yo

Crossword Puzzle Book

Silly Putty

Deck of Cards

Ritz Bitz

Pringles

Cookies

Twizzlers

Cheetos

Cereal Bars

Scruff Care Package

Razors

Baby wipes

Chapstick

Shaving cream

Deodorant

Mouthwash

Lotion (if your Sailor is female, step it up a notch and do something from a SPA line)

Foot powder

Soap

Big fluffy towel

Toilet paper

 

Big Kid Package

Squirt guns

Silly Putty

Silly String

Whoopie Cushion

Funny face eyeglasses

Sidewalk chalk

Crayons & color book

Jacks

Marbles

Balloons

Frisbee

Football/soccer Ball (mini)

Hacky Sack

 

Movie in a Box

Movie (New release) New or used DVD

Entertainment section from local newspaper

Popcorn

Licorice

Candy

 

A Day At Home

 There are several variations of this package. The idea is to replicate a day with you. First, you will need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity, but here are a few ideas:

We woke up (take a picture in bed) and ate breakfast (take a picture eating cereal) and then took a shower (take picture in towel). We started the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn). After our work, we had lunch (take picture with lunch) and then we colored pictures – or threw around a football, etc. (Take pictures doing the activity). We all ate dinner together (take picture having dinner). We had a full day so we were tired when it was time to set down and watch our favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV). Later we snuggled up in our jammies (take picture in jammies) and had a nighttime snack (take picture snacking). We love you very much and miss you! (take a picture of a goodnight kiss)

 Now take all of your pictures (referencing above) and send them with treats:

• Pillowcase with cologne/perfume sprayed or maybe a decorated one

• Several small boxes of cereal or cereal bars

• Shower gel or shampoo or even a towel

• Grass clippings in a baggie or dirt from backyard (strange but reminds them of home)

• Color books or football (something that matches the day’s activity)

• Lunch and snacks

• New pajamas

• Popcorn

• Recorded TV show or movie DVD

• Hershey’s Kisses

 

You Stink!

Shower Gel

Deodorant

Socks

Laundry soap tablets

Air fresheners

Foot powder

Odor eaters

Gold Bond powder

Febreeze

Baby wipes

New undies

T-shirts

Dryer sheets

Whoopee cushion

 

I'm Nuts About You

peanuts - looks for recipes to roast/flavor them

cashews

pistachios

peanut butter cookies

peanut M&Ms

Nutter Butter's

Peanut Lover's Chex mix

small (plastic) jar of peanut butter

 

American A to Z

A- Individual Apple Pies

B- Baseball: baseball or baseball cards

C- Chocolate chip cookies

D- Dog: picture of his dog or a little stuffed one

E- Eagle-: photo or figurine or postcard

F- Family: picture of the family

G- Grapes: grape flavored anything

H- Home: be creative and send something to remind him of home

I- Ice cream: ice cream candy or freeze dried ice cream

J- Jump rope

K- Kite

L- Laughter: make a recording of you laughing at a funny show/joke/movie

M- mother-- send a little something from him mom

N- Naked...just kidding Nature: send him leaves or something from outside that they wouldn't have in all that sand!

O- Ouch!: Send bandaids and antibiotic ointment

P- Popsicles: if he has access to a freezer send those freezie pops or Peaches: send little canned peaches or send playing cards

Q- Quiet: Send a peaceful book or earplugs

R- Rainbows- send anything colorful

S- Sunshine: send sunglasses or suncreen

T- Tootie rolls

U- United States- send a US map

V- Vacation: send him brochures of places you'd like to go when he gets back for him to look at.

W- Wishing: if you have a wishbone send it or put some of your wishes down on paper for him to read or Water guns

X- XL: send him an XL hug or kiss

Y- Yoyo

Z- Zoo: send animal crackers

  

Military Survival Kit -

• Lifesavers - to remind you that that's what you are

• Single serving of drink mix - "Instant drink" add water and shake, for when you are on maneuvers

• Match - To light your fire when you're feeling burned out

• Smarties - To help you on those days when you don't feel smart

• Mounds Bar - to remind you of the mounds of love & support you have from friends & family

• Tape- To fix things that will not work

• Confetti- To remind you to have fun

• Starburst - To give you a burst of energy on days when you don't have any

• Pack of Gum - to help your unit stick together

• Cotton Ball - to cushion the rough roads

• Rubber Band - To stretch yourself beyond the limits

• String - To tie things together when everything falls apart

• Penny - We all need a little luck

• A Marble- For when you lose yours

• Battery - To give you that extra charge to keep you going... and going.

• Piece of Rope - When you reach the end of yours, this will keep you going a bit longer

• Sample pack of Excedrin - Thank you, I know this job can be a headache

• Paperclip - to hold it all together

• Hershey Hug- to let you know there's always someone on your side

• Mint - because you are worth a mint

• Phone cards- reminder to call home

• Candle - to light up the darkness

• Tootsie Roll - to help you roll with the punches

• Laughy Taffy- to remind you to laugh

• Jolly Rancher - to remind you how sweet things can be

• Map of USA- so you will never be far from home.

• Yellow Ribbon-So you will know you will always be supported till you come home

• Bag- To help you keep it all together

 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game:

Cracker Jacks; Peanuts; Sports Illustrated Magazine and other sports magazines; sports highlights DVDs; gum with baseball cards; Nerf Balls; beef jerky; favorite team pennants

 

Hot Box

Hot Box:

Wasabi peas, Hot tamales, Hot sauces, hot cocoa, buffalo Doritos, red hots candies, fireballs, hot spiced tea, hot and spicy peanuts, hot and spicy jerky, Cheez-It Hot & Spicy, jalapeno pistachios, Cajun cashews, Cajun flavored Pringles, Salsa sunflower seeds, cans of chili, hot sauce, taco bell sauce packets, spicy Chex mix, nacho cheese with jalapenos. ‘

 

Medicine Cabinet:

Aspirin, band-aids, Neosporin, A & D ointment, cold medicine, cold eeze, Alka Seltzer, Rolaids, etc.

 

For the Health of it:

Nutrition magazine or Health, health bars (ie. Powerbar), Granola bars, multivitamins, health and fitness equipment (ie. Jump rope, boxing gloves, sweats….), Gatorade, sports drinks, stress reduction tape

 

Oh What a Mess (mess decks survival kit):

condiment packets of bbq sauce, mustard, sweet and sour sauces, ketchup, mayo, relish, vinegar, pepper, taco sauce, cheese in a can, grated parmesan cheese, dip packets, spices, hot sauce, grey poupon  

 

The Write Stuff:

Notebook paper, stationary, postcards, Mad libs, pens, pencils, stickers envelopes (self addressed) , address book (filled out already, of course), camera with a note to send back once it is full or camera with extra camera cards, Journal

 

Action Packed Heroes:

Powerbars, squirt gun, red bull, small army figurines or GI Joe, comic books, Superman, Batman, Fantastic Four, Band of Brothers movies or any other action flick or books.

 

Sloppy Hugs & Kisses (for the wives, girlfriends or so’s)

Since we know chocolate melts over there...send a bunch of Hershey's kisses (dark chocolate or milk chocolate) and Hershey kisses (white chocolate kisses). They are bound to be "sloppy kisses!" Seal the box with lots of red lips from lipstick or from drawn on and colored in lips.

 

Puzzling Daze:

Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, mad libs, puzzlemania magazine,  Brain storm or benders games, Rubic cube, sudoku games

 

Candy- Play on words

Nerds: You're such a nerd and always make me smile.

Smarties: You're so smart.

100 Grand: You're just so rich (joking of course).

Reese's whips: Because you're whipped.

Snickers: For the way you snicker at my jokes.

Butterfinger: Because you have a nice butt.

Sweet Tarts: Because you're so sweet.

Hot Tamales: You're so hot!

Laffy Taffy: You always makes me laugh.

Hershey's Hugs and Kisses: You always give great hugs and kisses.

Dum Dums: You love me even when I'm a dum dum.

Shockers: The way I feel about you is shocking!

Baby Ruth: I love it when you call me baby.

Lifesavers: Because you're my lifesaver.

Mints: You're worth a mint to me!

Reisen: You're my "reisen" for living.

Reese's Pieces: Because I love you to pieces.

Big Hunk: Because you're my big hunk.

 

Happy Birthday!

Candles- (number candle(s) in a ziplock bag

Balloons- the guys have a good time blowing them up and playing volleyball, ect. with them

Cake- betty crocker makes individual microwaveable cakes- just add water, put in microwave and tada! Comes with caramel or icing.

DVD- Yourself, friends and family recorded singing happy birthday

Wrapped presents

 

Under the Sea

Goldfish crackers

Salt packets

Blue Kool Aid - don't forget the sugar and pitcher!

Shark gummies

Little game with the magnetic fishing pole

Goldfish game cards (go fish or regular)

Tuna packets with crackers

Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow

Small conk seashell so he could hear the ocean

Salt water taffy

 

A trip to the zoo

This would be especially cute for those that have children and have taken a trip to the zoo. Include lots of pictures of your trip and then some of these treats:

 

animal crackers

peanuts

peanut butter from the elephants

beef jerky from the lions

dried banana chips from the chimps

trail mix from the birds

Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears

tuna from the seals

postcards

stuffed animals

plastic zoo animals

tons of pictures!

 

St. Patrick's day

Make everything green...or wrapped in green paper. Even paint the inside of the box green!

send "kiss me I'm Irish boxers"

Shamrock shaped cookies with green sprinkles

Irish Spring soap

Small boxes of Lucky Charms cereal

Green Monsters energy drink

green paper plates or bowls if you included the cereal!

Instead of using regular packing paper use shredded green paper!

Dollar Stores general have gifty things you can include to add to your theme pretty cheap!

 

Valentine's Day

 

Make a puzzle out of a picture of yourself or a love letter. You can have these made at Wal-Mart, Kinkos, etc. Or if you're creative get out the glue, cardboard, and scissors and give it a try!

Send red boxers with hearts or lips on them.- Duct tape roses work perfect ;)

Hershey's kisses are always a good choice. Write something on the little tags if you're feeling ambitious!- Sometimes "Sloppy Kisses" when melted

Sexy love letters are great. Write one yourself or go to hoochymail.com and have them make a free one for you. They have something for everyone from romantic to x-rated!

A favorite romantic movie of his/ hers.

Mixed CD full of love songs

Handmade Valentines

A romantic book

Personalize M&M's in pink, red, and white.

A letter of all the reason you love them.

Sweethearts candy

 

Last year for Valentine's Day, I wrote my husband 100 reasons why I love him. He loved it. This year I'm adding 100 to that list.

 

A Day with "You"

First, you will need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity, but here are a few ideas:

 

We woke up (take a picture in bed) and ate breakfast (take a picture eating cereal) and then took a shower (take picture in towel). We started the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn). After our work, we had lunch (take picture with lunch) and then we colored pictures – or threw around a football etc. (Take pictures doing the activity). We all ate dinner together (take picture having dinner). We had a full day so we were tired when it was time to set down and watch our favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV). Later we snuggled up in our jammies (take picture in jammies) and had a nighttime snack (take picture snacking). We love you very much and miss you! (take a picture of a goodnight kiss), etc.

 

Now take all of your pictures (referencing above) and send them with “treats”:

Pillowcase with cologne/perfume sprayed or maybe a decorated one

Several small boxes of cereal or cereal bars

Shower gel or shampoo or even a towel

Grass clippings in a baggie or dirt from backyard (strange but reminds them of home)

Color books or football (something that matches the day’s activity)

Lunch and snacks

New pajamas

Popcorn

Recorded TV show or movie DVD

Hershey’s Kisses”

 

Valentine's Day- 2

Red hots or their favorite candy

Handwritten love poem or song

Handmade Valentine

Hershey’s kisses and hugs

“Hot Pants” - boxer shorts with kisses and hugs painted on them

Lotions & perfumes

A tiny bow & arrow with a note from Cupid

Fuzzy dice

Picture book or frame

Steamy love letter

A favorite romantic movie

Marshmallows with a note that says “I’m always on cloud 9 when I’m with you!”

Fuzzy pink, red, or black robe

Bath & Body products

Handmade CD of love songs

Warm and snuggly new red bath towel

Valentine themed stuffed animal

Personalized M&Ms in red, pink and white

Red or pink candle

Hot cocoa

Homemade heart shaped sugar cookies with red sprinkles

Anything red – red jello, red rice krispie treats, etc.

Silk or gold dipped red roses

“I love you” pin

A romantic book

Handkerchief, pillowcase, or other racier article of clothing sprayed with your scent

Handmade romantic fortune cookies (grab a box at your local craft store)

A pillow made out of fabric printed with a picture of you

Love coupons that they can redeem

A puzzle out of a picture of the two of you

A Victoria’s Secret or Mens Fitness magazine with your face glued on all the models

A “This is Why I Love You” journal

A “Naughty and Nice” journal – one side nice normal things, the flip side naughty things

 

Special Care Package Idea

 “Tucked inside this little bag When your spirits are starting to sag Are some little reminders that I care As you fight for freedom over there.” 

Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.

Hershey’s Hugs & Kisses: Because sometimes we all need a “hug and kiss”

Paperclip: To help you “keep it together” when it all seems to be hitting the fan.

Marble: To replace “the ones we all lose” from time to time.

Snickers: To remind you to “laugh” even when you feel like crying.

Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and “bounce back” in times of trouble without breaking. Stick of Gum: To remind you to “stick” with the task at hand.

Mint: To let you know you’re worth a “mint” to me.

Cotton Ball: To help “cushion” the rough times.

Lollipop: To help you “lick” the problems you encounter.

Star Burst: To let you know I’m “bursting” with pride for you.

Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little “nutty” sometimes.

Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important “roll” you play.

Lifesaver: To signify the “lifesaving” things you do to keep our country free.