I love fall. I relish the chill in the air, and how the leaves turn colors and tumble to the ground. It’s time for chilli, sweatshirts, and fall crafting. October is one of the more fun months because we get to celebrate Halloween! You all know I am the queen of care package ideas so I thought I’d give you some great ideas for Halloween.

We spouses know our Soldiers are just giant children at heart. Celebrating holidays across the miles can be a lot more fun if you pack up the perfect bash in a box. Several of my husband’s Soldiers still laugh and talk about the Halloween treats I sent them when he was deployed. I encourage you to surprise your Soldier with something “spooky” this holiday.

• Halloween candy (and lots of it!)
• Halloween decorations (streamers, caution tape, etc.)
• Fake blood
• Plastic rat, bat, or snakes
• Glow sticks
• Ghosts
• Purple or orange lights
• Plastic pumpkins
• Markers & stickers to decorate
• Spiders & spider webs
• Halloween toys
• Silly string
• Gum eyeballs
• Mask
• Wig
• Costume
• Funny teeth
• Face paint
• Scary movies
• Scary music
• Halloween crossword puzzles
• Halloween craft
• Family pictures (of past Halloweens)
• Halloween themed paper and pens
• Halloween themed games
• Pillsbury Halloween themed cookies
• Orange and black rice krispie treats

Really jazz it up and make a “trick” box and a “treat” box. Use your imagination on what to include.

DIY Network has a template for a Pumpkin Picking Mini Memory Book. You don't have to wait for the pumpkin patch to come around to make this book.

What's more, Hershey’s has some great ideas, recipes, crafts and more at trickortreat.com. 

Here’s some Halloween riddles: dltk-holidays.com and some Halloween coloring pages www.coloring-page.net/halloween.

Whatever you do, have fun with it. Your Soldier will be able to see the love and joy that went into creating their care package.