Sending care packages is simply part of life for most military spouses. You are always searching for a new idea or something special to send to your loved one. In my experience, the most fun care packages to put together are those for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Getting creative and involving your children can be a lot of fun. I have put together a list of care package “themes” with ideas of what to pack. I hope this gets your creative juices flowing and you enjoy putting together something special for your Soldier.

Movie Care Package
Movie (DVD or VHS)
Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don’t have a microwave)
M&Ms
Doritos
Cracker Jacks
Rice Krispie Treats
Twizzlers
Cookies (Oreos and Chips Ahoy)
Ruffles chips & dip
Hot Tamales
Nachos (tortilla chips & cheese)
Make a “Now Featuring” Movie poster on your computer and add it to the package

Get Well Package
Puzzle
Chicken Noodle soup packets
Gourmet tea packets
Cold medicine
Crackers
Inspirational “Get Well” quotes
Goldfish
Dole Fruit Bowls
Get Well “pills” (candy coated mints)
Get Well card
Chapstick

At Ease Package
Glow in the dark yo-yo
Crossword Puzzle Book
Silly Putty
Deck of Cards
Ritz Bitz
Pringles
Cookies
Twizzlers
Cheetos
Cereal Bars

Scruff Care Package
Razors
Baby wipes
Chapstick
Shaving cream
Deodorant
Mouthwash
Lotion (if your soldier is female, step it up a notch and do something from a SPA line)
Foot powder
Soap
Big fluffy towel
Toilet paper

Comforts of Home Package
Small Bottle of Febreze
Candle
Snuggle dryer sheets
Phone card
Blanket (a nice comfy one)
Glade PlugIns
Pair of slippers or cozy socks
Hot cocoa or coffee
Decorative coffee mug
Pillowcase with your perfume/cologne sprayed on it
Book on tape

Big Kid Package
Squirt guns
Silly Putty
Silly String
Whoopie Cushion
Funny face eyeglasses
Sidewalk chalk
Crayons & color book
Jacks
Marbles
Balloons
Frisbee
Football/soccer Ball (mini)
Hacky Sack

Sports Theme Package
Favorite sports magazine
Taped TV or DVD of favorite sport
Cheetos
Popcorn
Personalized mug
Cookies

A Day At Home Package
There are several variations of this package. The idea is to replicate a day with you. First, you will need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity, but here are a few ideas:

We woke up (take a picture in bed) and ate breakfast (take a picture eating cereal) and then took a shower (take picture in towel). We started the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn). After our work, we had lunch (take picture with lunch) and then we colored pictures – or threw around a football, etc. (Take pictures doing the activity). We all ate dinner together (take picture having dinner). We had a full day so we were tired when it was time to set down and watch our favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV). Later we snuggled up in our jammies (take picture in jammies) and had a nighttime snack (take picture snacking). We love you very much and miss you! (take a picture of a goodnight kiss)

Now take all of your pictures (referencing above) and send them with treats:
• Pillowcase with cologne/perfume sprayed or maybe a decorated one
• Several small boxes of cereal or cereal bars
• Shower gel or shampoo or even a towel
• Grass clippings in a baggie or dirt from backyard (strange but reminds them of home)
• Color books or football (something that matches the day’s activity)
• Lunch and snacks
• New pajamas
• Popcorn
• Recorded TV show or movie DVD
• Hershey’s Kisses