Recommendations--care package for friend stationed in Afghanistan

[Anonymous]

A close friend of mine has been deployed and we (friends of hers) are going to send her care packages on a regular basis throughout her deployment. I am looking for some ideas on what to include for those who've served or whose friends or family members have served (bless you all). I want to send her very special things, including things she can share with her unit. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance to all service members and their families who reply--you are my heroes.

[Anonymous]

Hi. This is very thoughtful of you and I'm sure will be so appreciated by your friend and her unit.

I have sent care packages through anyaoldier.com and remember there was a page of tips on what to send.

WHen I put packages together, I always split toiletries and food into separate packages.

Some things that went into the toiletry package (with enough to share): deodorant, haribands, shampoos and conditioners, lip balm, lotion, bodywash, tampons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, magazines, music, pens and post-its, socks, a thank you note for their service

Food package: the people I sent to had no microwave access, so I sent granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, cookies, etc. and a magazine

Whatever you send will mean a lot to her.

[Anonymous]

There are services online that make and ship care packages to military personnel. I know getting packages overseas can be tricky, what with customs and base regs and whatnot, so a service might be worth the extra money. Do a few google searches for these services.

One thing I know is much appreciated is phone cards. On a lot of bases, they need pre-paid cards to make calls back to the States. I've also heard that feminine hygiene/ personal care stuff is in high demand-- panty liners, deodorant, nice lotions.

For my friends who are missionaries in Africa, I send gummi bears, meat tenderizer, and paperback novels.

[Anonymous]

YES! Lip balm. This is huge.

[Anonymous]

OP here--lip balm!! Genius!!! I never would have thought, but of course that makes sense. I will be sure to put in some yummy fruity girly ones and also some standard "original" for the guys (DH always looks at me weird when I hand him raspberry lip balm).

Thanks for the suggestions--keep em coming if you have 'em! And thanks to the poster who suggested the website with suggestions--great tip.

[Anonymous]

My husband was there for a short period of time.
- Like others have said, one thing he needed was lip balm (with sunblock!). I had to send him a variety so he could pick what he liked. (I'm a lip balm lover, so I of course understood!). He just gave the rest away.
- Purell and hand wipes (even unscented baby wipes are fine).
- The other thing that is a necessity there are the Wiley X glasses. My husband had a couple of sets - tinted, clear. They are pricey, but have saved many soldiers eyes! You'll have to buy them online. I think they send them to APO's free or a reduced rate.
- Another thing he liked is the individual packaged snack size treats (cookies, crackers, chips, etc) from Costco. A lot of people don't get care packages so he'd bring the supply of treats to the office to share.

[Anonymous]

Infantry dad here.

What you would want to send her will depend on what her job is, and where she is located. If she is at Bagram at a huge headquarters, then the requirement will be different from if she is sitting in a FOB way out in the mountains. My guess is that she is probably at one of the bigger hubs that has some sort of amenities, and isn't a medic or something like that that is way out in the boonies, but I could be wrong.

Since it's summer time, and the hot season, I would send powdered Gatorade/Propel, the obvious sunscreen and lipbalm, individually wrapped food items, and maybe a couple of current magazines from home if she is into those things.

If she is at a FOB, definitely stuff like baby wipes, hand sanitizer, also the Gatorade/Propel.

[Anonymous]

How about a large batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies?

[Anonymous]

crystal light makes powdered packets that you add to water for flavor. I'd suggest sending those (there are SO many flavors available).

Trail mixes in individual packets.

Copies of pictures of the group of friends?

dental floss, hair bands, bobby pins...

[Anonymous]

Is she military, or other?

[Anonymous]

candy, magazines, hot sauce

[Anonymous]

We are a military family and have sent many care packages to friends. Far and away the biggest hits were 1. granola and 2. toilet paper....you laugh, but it is true! We also always include a few movies on DVD toh elp pass the time

[Anonymous]

One thing I know is dont send candy or homemade stuff that is melt-able. So careful with the chocolates and stuff like that.

[Anonymous]

I've sent baby wipes along with 10-12 ziploc sandwich bags, so they can bring a few wipes along and leave the box. I've also sent multi-packs of clean workout socks. you can never have too many pairs of new, soft, clean socks. And maybe a jar of "Jane's Crazy Mixed Up Salt?" it's a seasoning that tastes good on all sorts of things. If they have mini-fridges available, maybe some of those flavor-ice popsicles?

[Anonymous]

My brother was happy to get flip flops and Captain Crunch.