Military Care Package Tips Packing and mailing tips:
Do NOT send packages using “Next Day” or “Overnight” service as they will NOT arrive to Iraq the next day. They will still take the same amount of time as packages sent first class mail due to the way that mail to APOs is processed.
Instead of using Styrofoam packing peanuts (which are hard to get rid of), use items that can be reused as packing materials such as plastic grocery bags, plastic zipper-type bags, newspapers, small tissue packages.
Rats and other vermin have been known to get into the mail containers during transit. When shipping food items, it is a good idea to make sure they are properly sealed in a Ziploc style bag. Doubling bagging is never a bad idea and your Soldier can always use the extra storage bags to store their food items in when they receive them.
Mail toiletries separate from food items; otherwise food ends up tasting like deodorant. If you must mix the two in one package, put the items in separate Ziploc bags. It may be wise to double bag deodorant.
If sending batteries, ship them in new and unopened packages for the quickest and safest arrival. If sending battery-operated gadgets (for example, flash lights or games), remove the batteries prior to shipping, so that the batteries do not corrode in the item.
Be conscious of what the weather is downrange. During the peak summer months shipping items such as chocolate, gum, or even hard candy is not a great idea as the heat will melt these items creating a sticky mess for your Soldier to deal with. Sometimes deodorant can melt, be sure to put it in a Ziploc bag just in case.
Use sturdy cardboard boxes to ship your items. Avoid using recycled boxes that may be damaged, torn, or punctured. Use clear packing tape to seal all openings of the box. Avoid masking tape, scotch tape or duct tape to seal closures.
For addresses and labels use large, block print – use a dark permanent magic marker to write with if possible. Cover the address with clear packing tape to avoid smearing or illegible addresses in case of contact with moisture or water.
On the address label, include the full name of the person you are sending mail to (with or without rank designation), the unit address, the APO (Army Post Office) address, the nine-digit zip code and a return address.
It is best to use the US Postal Service’s Flat Rate Box service. They offer several different size boxes that range in price, but as long as the items fit in the box they can weigh up to 70 pounds and you still only pay the flat rate price. This can be a huge money saver.
Packages are taking between 21-28 days to arrive and even longer during major U.S. holidays. See the United States Postal Service Web site for more information on mailing packages to our troops: http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/welcome.htm.
All packages going overseas need to have a completed U.S. Customs form in order to be shipped. It is best to pick up a bunch ahead of time so that you can fill one out in advance at home while putting together your package. This will save you a lot of time once you get to the Post Office.
The United States Postal Service will send free boxes, packing materials, tape and mailing labels for care packages to be sent to military family members deployed to Iraq. Call 1-800-610-8734 and press one for English or two for Spanish, then press three to reach an operator.
Shopping tips:
Your Soldier will have a PX or Shoppette of some sort that he will be able to shop at on the Base. They are often able to get some of the same items you may pay to ship over. Find out which items your Soldier cannot get at the PX and only ship those items. For a special treat you can send AAFES gift cards in small demonization in a card instead of shipping a large package and he or she can have a mini shopping spree at the Shoppette from time to time.
Small packages of individually wrapped snacks are portable and stay fresher longer.
Can openers can be hard to come by – choose flip-top lids on canned products when possible.
Be aware of what items you cannot ship legally through the postal service. Liquids of any type are generally not allowed. You should be able to obtain a complete list at your local post office or online at www.usps.com
Examples of items to ship in care packages Toiletries and personal care items:
baby wipes/cleansing cloths
toothpaste/toothbrushes
shampoo, deodorant, lotion
antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer
liquid body wash
eyeglass wipes, eyeglass case
sunblock, aloe vera
throat lozenges, cough drops
lip balm
aspirin, pain relievers
feminine hygiene products for military women
jock itch spray, foot powder
antifungal/athlete’s foot products
Food and drink items:
coffee, tea, hot cocoa mix, pre-sweetened drink mixes, Gatorade powder
hard candy, cookies, homemade cookies, candy bars, gum, mints
small bags of individually wrapped snacks - nuts, trail mix, power bars, protein bars, breakfast bars, pop tarts, granola bars
chips or crackers
Fun stuff: frisbee, nerf football, hacky sack decks of cards hand-held games music cds, video game cds for laptop computers