Army Care Package
List
Most soldiers will tell you their favorite part of the day, from boot camp until the end of their hitch, is mail call. The troops relish news from home. Care packages filled with goodies are like gold--savored, treasured and lingered over. Unlike gold, they are also generally shared. When sending a gift package to your soldier, consider his friends. Part of caring for your soldier is caring for the men and women who will protect him in battle, so send plenty to go around.
Toiletries
By today's standards, personal hygiene goes far beyond the generic. As teenagers, even young men have scents they prefer, brands they value over others. Send personal care items that cater to the tastes of your particular soldier. Some of the items to consider are: anti-perspirant, shower gel, aftershave, foot powder, body powder, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste and baby wipes (individual packets, not tubs). If your care package is going to a female soldier, consider expressly female needs such as feminine hygiene products and things to help her feel pretty even in combat attire.
Snacks
Non-perishable items make the best care package foodstuffs. The snacks most requested by service personnel include sunflower seeds, beef jerky, energy bars, peanuts, hard candy, powdered electrolyte-replacement drink mix and chewing gum.
Down-time Activities
One of the biggest problems plaguing deployed soldiers is boredom during down-time. Comic books, magazines, puzzle books, paper backs and hacky-sacs are great items for combatting the boredom. If your soldier has access to a DVD player, send him some movies.
Useful Items
Prepaid phone cards, AA batteries and zip-lock freezer bags are also great items to include in a care package.
What Not to Send
There are three big no-nos when mailing a care package to military personnel. Never send liquor, pornography or explosives.
Tags: your soldier, Army Care, Army Care Package, care package, care package