Care Package Ideas!

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Themes, recipes, all kinds of ideas plus mailing tips and tricks. It's fun to have them here in one place, so come get ideas and share yours!

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Susan mom to Niko

If you are unsure if something will hold up or if it will melt... put it on a cookie sheet and in the oven on 350 for a couple of minutes....

Jul 14, 2011
mommabelle

Has anyone ever sent brownies to a ship before? I thought I saw a post somewhere, but I have no idea where to look. Any ideas?

Jul 15, 2011
mommabelle

It's my sons Birthday next month and I know my daughter-in-law is sending him a cake in a jar. I thought I would send brownies. I might try it in the jar too. Thank you!

Jul 15, 2011
Brbr3

The instructions on cake in a jar is in the "list of what to send our sailors" link.Or somewhere on this group site.

I tried several different cake recipes in the jars. You just have to watch because some rise higher than others. I just sent my son his favorite carrot cake in a jar out today with his bday gift. Boy, is he going to be surprised!

For Thanksgiving I thought I'd try the pie! I never thought of brownies in the jar. They would be a lot fresher.

Jul 15, 2011
AngiePNMx2

Hi gals I just brought the discussion/link to cake and pies up to the discussion above...check it out!

Jul 15, 2011
mommabelle

Thank you. This is most helpful. I think I have all I need now to send the brownies in the jars! You've been great. Blessings.

Jul 16, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

I baked brownies in a disposable foil baking tray with plastic lid that fit into the large size priority mail box, included a plastic knife & paper napkins for cutting and sharing.

Jul 16, 2011
mommabelle

Marcy, That sounds a lot easier that the jars. I think I will try it that way! Thank you.

Jul 17, 2011
Pam

Love the idea of cake in a jar and am going to try that for my son. He's not deployed (yet - he's a Corpsman), but he is stationed in Italy and LOVES his care boxes. In fact he joked that he hadn't had to buy groceries in a month because his Aunt and I have kept him stocked up!! But this is more of a homebaked, feel good treat and not the non-parishable items I usually send. Thanks!

Jul 19, 2011
AngiePNMx2

If I understand right ....the foil pans would not be good for shipments over seas or to a deployed ship.....or are you sealing them in something first?

Jul 19, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

As far as I know, there's no problem with the foil pans... I put a piece of of waxed paper right over the brownies, and then layered homemade oatmeal cookies & wax paper right up to the plastic lid so there's no airspace, then wrap once with plastic wrap. Right now it's so hot in A'stan & Iraq that brownies aren't a good idea, but would be fine to a ship, I think. By the way, I sometimes also put everything into the very heavy duty ziplock-style storage bags at the 99 Cent Store that are in the housewares aisle where hangars etc are - they're NOT the food storage kind. They come two to a box. The bag sits down into the priority box pretty well. I feel like you can't do enough to seal stuff :)

Jul 19, 2011
AngiePNMx2

Thanks...some times it takes 3 weeks or more to get packages to a ship so things that are homemade need to sealed really well so that they aren't buggy,stale or moldy by time they get there...it is also very hot where a lot of ships are and packages can sit on a flight deck or cargo bay until things get sorted....I love your idea for my other saillor who is stateside right now and I know that the package will get there with in a few days and will get goble up by his shipmates! Thanks again! =]

Jul 19, 2011
mommabelle

I'm so conflicted... Brownies in the jar or in the foil pan :) I have both ready to make them this weekend. My daughter-in-law and mother sent cookies earlier this month and they got there in less than 2 weeks! Of course, my other packages have taken about 3 weeks give or take. Perhaps I do both and see which ones end up better! My son can be the judge! Thank you all for all the great info. You are all so wonderful. I will keep you posted.

Jul 19, 2011
NJNavy (IC,CS)

Hello Ladies,

Glad I could join your group our Sailor has just been stationed in Guam.

Diane

Jul 19, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Welcome Diane!

Jul 19, 2011
mommabelle

Carla. That is really good to know. It would seem easier to package this way as well. Thank you.

Jul 20, 2011
TexasMomof2

I've been reading about the brownies.....and I see how to package them...and I see that they traveled well at Christmas. But the thing that's been in my mind is how do they hold up to heat? I particularly ask this because I was going to send them to my son for his birthday which was just last week....he's in Norfolk. I ordered him a watch for his present and after it arrived at my house and I opened it and it was HOT to the touch, I decided not to chance brownies. I mean, I don't know how long the watch sat in the UPS truck but it truly was hot.......it's stainless steel. It is in the 100's here. So, do you think brownies would be okay? And not spoil in the heat?

Jul 20, 2011
Pam

I am making rice krispy treats for a Corpsman friend of my son that has just been stationed in Cuba. Can anyone tell me if sending in a ziploc bag with most of the air removed will make it ok to Cuba? And does anyone know how long it will take to send a priority FPO box to Cuba from the States? We're in Atlanta. I send them to my son in Italy and it takes an entire week to arrive.

Jul 21, 2011
missionmarcher

Hi yall. My son is on his first deployment aboard his ship overseas. This will be my first carepackage to him. What should I send and what should I not send?? I stopped by the post office and got a box for military personel and a custom's form. What else??

Jul 22, 2011
wismama (CS mom)

Hi all!
My son just had his PIR and I am new to your group. Nice suggestions; I'm sure I will be using a few of them. I particularly like the cake in the jar thing... genius.
Thanks for being here with all your info and sharing!

Jul 22, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

So many new moms! I love this group :)

@missionmarcher, I'm like Sandra! My son wanted meal-replacement bars too. He likes to eat healthy, so I'd send him an assortment of them (Clif bars, Luna, anything that featured protein over carbs in flavors he likes); cans of assorted nuts; powdered drink additives w/electrolytes. He also liked the ease of Purex 3 in 1 sheets for laundry, so would request more of those. A small stick-on light can be handy for rack and locker. More $ but worth it: does he have a small camera? A Kindle or other e-reader?

Not a care package item, but since it's his first ship deployment, have you gotten him a "rack pack"? It's an additional curtain for a sailor's rack with pockets for extra storage, and block out light for better sleep. The business is owned by a gal named Pat and she's very helpful if you email her with questions. They ship directly to your sailor: http://www.navyrackpacks.com

Jul 28, 2011
Brbr3

Sandra,

What is a rack pack?

Jul 28, 2011
AngiePNMx2

Rack pack is a heavy canvas curtain that hangs inside and attaches on the back of their rack curtain. It helps to darken, it keeps it more quiet and the rack warm. It has pockets to hold pictures and small items like mini alarm clock.

http://www.navyrackpacks.com/. You can call also the # is on the Website. 855 722 5722 Pat is very helpful order 7ft size. They also embroidry their last Name on it for free.

Jul 28, 2011
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

brbr3, Sandra was responding to my comment (just below hers) :-)

Jul 28, 2011
Trey's Mom

My son just got back from a deployment and his most requested items were juice boxes, fruit packs & ice pops (make sure they have access to a freezer).

Aug 1, 2011
jacqueline-rn

I'm getting a little ahead of myself in joining this group. My son is still a DEPPER and doesn't leave for boot camp for another two and a half months. But I deal with anxiety by seeking information. It's also comforting to think about sending my son little comforts from home once he PIRs.

Aug 23, 2011
mommabelle

Hi Ladies. Just a follow-up on the brownies I sent my son for his Birthday in August... It's been a while, but I ended up making the brownies in the foil pan instead of the jars. I also put the pan in a large ziplock bag to try to keep them as fresh as possible. He got them in about 3 weeks and said they were great. His wife made the cakes in the jar. She was so excited, because they turned out perfectly. Well, when he got them, they weren't any good. They had all turned to mush. He is on a ship somewhere in the middle east. It's hot and a long way away. To sum it all up... the brownies ended up traveling much better than the cakes in the jar. Thank you all for your suggestions. Have a blessed day!

Sep 16, 2011
AngiePNMx2

Mommabelle...thanks for the info on the brownies good to know...got to say though that this the first time any one has said the cakes weren't any good...that is too bad...I am wondering if she cooked them long enough....I have not had any complaints...oh well something to keep in mind =]

Sep 16, 2011
Pam

I made and sent the cakes in a jar back in July and my son said they were fine also, although it only took one week for him to get them in Italy. However, I did have one left over that's been sitting in my kitchen and I believe I read they need to be eaten within two to three weeks. I opened the extra last night and it was definately spoiled. So, keep that in mind everyone! I also made Rice Krispy treats, covered them in foil, and placed them in a freezer Ziploc bag and removed as much air out of it as I can. Those arrived very good, but again, my son's in Italy and not in the desert right now.

Sep 23, 2011
Alysia-Redsmom (VQ-4/ATO)

Interesting tid bid for cut off date for mailing to Irag:

http://www.stripes.com/news/date-set-for-military-post-office-closu...

Oct 27, 2011
Alysia-Redsmom (VQ-4/ATO)

Postal process going up; among the increases set for Jan. 22:
—Priority mail, small box, $5.35.
—Priority mail, medium box, $11.35.
—Priority mail, large box, $15.45.
—Priority mail, regular envelope, $5.15.
—Priority mail, legal-size and padded envelope, $5.30.

Nov 23, 2011
mommabelle

Thank you ladies for all of your wonderful ideas and suggestions. My son returned home to Norfolk yesterday after a 7-month deployment. Until next time... Blessings to all of you and your families. Merry Christmas!

Dec 11, 2011
TropikalParadize

OMG I LOVE the Olive Pit!! In Corning, right? I drive through there all the time heading home to Oregon from California....also love Granzellas in Williams!

Jan 27, 2012
CountryFlower

Hey everyone, I'm new to care packages, I just finished making up 2 Valentine's Day packages for my boyfriend. :) Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who put up tips for what to put in it, and especially how to fill out the customs form! Now just to pray he gets it and it isn't too embarrassing for him. lol

Feb 6, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Happy Valentine's Day to all our sailors!

Feb 14, 2012
AngiePNMx2

Hey all...I have to share the "care package" I got from one of my sailors!!! It is even more beautiful in person! Marcy .....that is a cute graphic!

Feb 14, 2012
Susan mom to Niko

Hey Kym... thought you were a pro at those customs forms after our packing parties!! I have a corner in my dining room for my sailor stash... a big bin that I just toss things as I think of them or come across them... just finished filling plastic easter eggs with candy and messages... the instructions on the inside of the box tell my sailor to share and have an egg hunt with his squadron!

Mar 13, 2012
AngiePNMx2

Hobby lobby has the navy looking easter eggs....I sent them in a care package when they were deployed....everyone got a kick out of them

Mar 13, 2012
Linda (Seth's mom)

the last time I sent a package I forgot and the post office forgot the custom forms, Funny, it got there to japan in less time than ever.....whew!

Mar 23, 2012
chriscwick

Greetings! Just wanted to let you know that Dollar General seems to have cute military Easter baskets. Got my Bahrain MA a camo jeep basket last year & a camo "bucket" hat one this year. Also had DIY camo eggs!

Apr 2, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

Wow, so many new members here! There is a ton of good stuff in all the Discussions up top, too, be sure to hit "View all" and browse away :)

Apr 4, 2012
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

big things that i was sending when middle child was deployed was:

beef jerky, gum, hand sanitizer, chap stick, hard candy, soups that go in microwave in their own containers, drink mixes (individual and bulk), baby wipes (good to cool off when it's hot and quick clean up).

i even sent "fun boxes" sent one for halloween (decorations, masks, trick or treat bags, candy, etc. summer box had bubbles, water balloons, cards, etc. don't forget mardi gras, valentines day, etc. even sent a box with shower curtains, pump soaps, mani/pedi kits, anything to make the bathroom girly as they were tire of "navy decor".

you can have lots of fun with the packages.

Apr 6, 2012
duhhuh58 Ship 10/Div 267

oh, and you'd be surprised what all you can buy at the dollar tree. i would send multiples of things to be passed around

Apr 6, 2012
Justin's Mom

I just found this group!! What a great idea! This is Justin's first deployment, so this is all a bit new to me. Today, I am actually sending another package... between my daughter in law and I we are sending a couple of packages a week... but, the ideas, suggestions on here are great! Justin has been gone since early March and is starting to struggle a bit with homesickness... probably not missing mom so much as his new wife... and he still has a long way to go...Again, great ideas!

Apr 10, 2012
Silvia...proud mom of Gabe's

Long time I was disconected.....and today just add new pics and found this wonderful group. Gabe's first deployment was last week and like Justin's mom for me is new too and looking for suggestions. Have a great night everybody!!

Blessings!!

Apr 11, 2012
sunriseglow

Hello All,

Hope Everyone is having a good weekend, as I am :)! .

Please see N4M group militarydealsfreebies, alot of great ideas, discounts & postings & much more!! Also check our member oldsage on N4M has great gift ideas & much more! :)

Have a Wonderful Weekend! Off for Family Reunions! Yaaah! :) with Family close by! :) Enjoy urs too! :)

Apr 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

In re ships - Yep you're right, not much storage space on a ship! This can be a great gift for a sailor afloat and they ship to FPOs. It's a curtain with extra pockets that's fitted for their racks. Check to see that your ship is on the list, or ask Pat the owner. (Don't think about making your own, she went to great lengths to get these approved - the material is nonflammable, for example). AND your sailor's last name is embroidered for free.

Sending cookies & snacks that can be shared can be the most appreciated care package, according to my son & his buddies :) He also asked for individual powdered drink mixes (i.e. Powerade) to add to water, and protein/meal replacement bars. Other than that, sent stuff per his requests for things not available in the ship's store, like refills of Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets.

Apr 14, 2012
Marcy ~ Corpsman Mom

The link for "rack pack" curtains: Navy Rack Packs

Apr 14, 2012
AngiePNMx2

My sailor has had his rack curtain for 3 deployments....it also has his last name embroidered on it so if some someone stole it...they would have to explain why some else's last name is on "theirs".

Apr 16, 2012
Silvia...proud mom of Gabe's

I love this site and thank you for all the great ideas.....

Apr 16, 2012