My husband is deployed to Iraq and won’t be home for the holidays. I want to send him something extra special. I always send the basics: baby wipes, eye drops, his favorite cookies, etc. Do you have any ideas for special care packages?

Wanda
Ft. Stewart, Ga.
Army, 9 years

Dear Wanda:
Happy Holidays! This has to be one of my favorite topics. I love thinking up new ways to surprise my own sweetie. Below are some quick and easy ideas for themed care packages. I hope this helps you find exactly what you needed to make your soldier’s holiday special!

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 sport 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:
• Wake up (take a picture in bed)
• Eat breakfast (take a picture eating cereal)
• Take a shower (take picture in towel).
• Start the day off by doing some yard work and mowing the lawn (take picture mowing lawn).
• After our work, have lunch (take picture with lunch) and then color pictures with the kids – or throw around a football etc. (Take pictures doing the activity).
• Eat dinner together (take picture having dinner).
• Later, sit down and watch your favorite TV programs (take picture watching TV).
• And then snuggle up in your jammies (take picture in jammies) and have a nighttime snack (take picture snacking).
• Tell him how much you love him miss him (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

Indeed, ‘tis the season to spread good cheer. Our soldiers need to be remembered the whole year through, but at this time especially. If you want to make sure you are within regulations for your package to arrive on time or want additional gift ideas, revisit Field Problems: Tokens from Home for our resources on holiday shipping.

Have other questions? For more information or to submit your Field Problem, visit www.FieldProblems.com or e-mail FromTheField@FieldProblems.com. Please include your first name, location, branch of service, and years in/associated with the military. Questions may be edited for length and clarity.

© 2006 Crooks and Henderson. All rights reserved.

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