Ok I want to send my brother a care package. What are some ideas that I could send him. What would be able to last long enough and not be yucky when it arrives to him. He's in Afhganistan. I know that there are a lot of people on here that have family deployed what do you send them?

Well, I've never personally sent anything to someone who's been deployed overseas, but when my dd was in Girl Scouts, we would donate several boxes of Girl Scout cookies to an organization that sends care packages overseas. The women in the organization said the troops just raved about the Girl Scout cookies, so they must ship well. I believe Girl Scouts are still selling cookies, so that would be a thought.

__________________
"I learned the hard way that they all say things you want to hear." ~ Sara Bareilles

Military care packages ...

- Seasoning packets. Some of the food gets rather monotonous. Something a little different is always appreciated.

- Water flavoring packets - those little packets that you add to bottled water. Canteen water gets really skanky after a while.

- Small toys. Not only do the guys like playing with small toys themselves during off times, but they love handing out toys to the area children. You'd be surprised how few children have even a ball or doll.

- I read that knee-high nylons were sought after because they help keep sand out of the ends of the rifles.

- Wet wipes (especially if they are sealed so they don't dry out in shipment). Again, so much sand, so much yuck and water isn't always available. Look for wet wipes that aren't sealed in an aluminum coated bag. You don't want anything blocking the X-rays.

- Magazines. Old paperbacks.

- Hometown newspapers.

- Normal clothing. Even a comfy, regular T-shirt that isn't military issued is appreciated. A pair of flip-flops, if you know his size.

- Hard candy, jelly beans, licorice. If you can get them in small single-serving containers, even better.

- Letters from home! Oh my goodness, personal letters are ultimately appreciated.

__________________
"I've been rich and I've been poor but independently wealthy is where it is at."

I just wanted to say thank you for your brother's service and know that all the troops are in our daily prayers for a safe return. My son just got home from Iraq in September and will likely go back before long. I know how anxious it is for your whole family.

A lot of the other suggestions are great ones. Some of the other things that I sent my son were:

Axe hygiene products (although my son said that Infantry soldiers don't worry about hygiene - I can attest to that by the way they smelled when they arrived home!)
Batteries
Gum
Water pistols
CDs and Movies (write his name on them in Sharpie marker – they get lost and stolen pretty quickly)
Books/Magazines/Puzzle books (Sudoku, Crosswords, etc.)
A variety of packaged food (trail mix, ramen noodles, cookies like Oreos, Little Debbies, granola, microwave meals, Pringles, pudding, popcorn, protein bars, ravioli, nuts, snack bars, tuna, hot cocoa and coffee if he likes it) Make sure you put plastics spoons and forks if it's not finger food
Foot Powder
Warm socks
Alcohol (!! I sent him some vodka in a water bottle)
Homebaked cookies/brownies (Seal them in Ziploc bags and pack them tightly. If you shake the box and anything moves it will be in crumbs when it gets there)
Letters/Pictures

My best suggestion is to send fun things, letters and pictures. The military has set up a decent quality of life for the soldiers over there and most of the time they have access to a PX to purchase day to day stuff that they need. Sean even purchased a laptop over there so the PX is a lot like a Meijer/Walmart. In the outlying FOBs (Forward Operating Base), they still usually have a Shoppette with the essentials. Send things that you know he likes or things that will brighten his day/holidays. Have the kids make cards. Our younger sons' school all did cards and sent hundreds of them. He can share them with his buddies and they are so fun to read what kids' perception of the military and war is. Lots of misspelled words, letters written backward, etc.

Package everything very tightly. The post office has a box that is a flat rate ($8-$9) no matter how heavy it is and we got a bunch of those and packed them full. Also, keep in mind that you will have to fill out a customs form with a list of everything in the box. It is better to send smaller packages than a big one. They are easier to transport and more likely to get there sooner. If he is outside a major FOB, mail goes on supply trucks as there is room. Use lots and lots of packing tape.

__________________
Marcy
Proud wife of Tim, Mom to Sean (8/87), Ethan (10/98), Sam (9/02)
and angels Nathanial (8/6/97-8/8/97) and Benjamin (8/6/97-8/21/97)

Until they all come home......
Life is a Journey (follow my blog about my journey)

I've sent my husband boxes of his favorite cereal, P/B in crackers, trail mix, Starbucks coffee, granola bars, sports or computer magazines, letters and pictures.
He said that the bugs are starting to come out, so he's asked for Skin so Soft.
Whatever you think your brother wants or needs...just pack it up really well. The Post Office will give you the flat rate boxes for free.

Wow you guys are great! So many of these things are what I needed or loved when I was in Iraq. We also loved hackie sacks and yo yo's too! It's starting to get warm there again so be careful with choc! Also if you like to make cookies just but them in a zip lock bag and put a few slices of bread and they will stay fresh. Oh if you are sending stuff to someone that has a freezer they can use you send them the liquid pop cycles (flavor pops)that they can put in the freezer there. I liked having them and my husband loved them when I sent a bunch to him....

__________________