The E-1 who says, "I learned this in Basic Training..."
The O-1 who says, "Based on my experience..."
The E-5 who says, "Trust me, Sir..."
The E-9 who chuckles, "Watch THIS sh*t..."
Even more scary:
A Pfc with a badge.
A 2nd lieutenent with a map
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Check out the Angel Store
Our new Soldiers' Angels T-Shirts are FINALLY available. Please visit our store at www.angelsstore.org to find out more! These T-Shirts are black with the colored Soldiers' Angels logo across the back, and Soldiers' Angels written across the left front of the shirt in a very cool font. Looks great!!! Get yours now while supplies last. Besides t-shirts there are many items for you, your family and your adopted soldier might like. Check it out!
Why write to the troops?
While I never got involved with writing letters to the troops EXPECTING to get a response.......it can be discouraging to write letter after letter and never receive ANY responses at all. You wonder, am I really making a difference at all for someone by writing? Does this really mean anything to someone? But, just when you think that you're not making any difference at all, you get a reply letter in the mail like this:
"Thank you for taking the time to send me a card and for the prayers. I just want to tell you that I will save your card and the others that I have received and put them up on a frame that I will hold on to for a long time. They mean a lot to us."
Or like this:
"I just think that when someone takes the time to write a letter to a perfect stranger, just in hopes that it might bring that person a smile...it's only right to write back and say thank you for putting a smile on my face."
And then you feel renewed,and encouraged to keep writing, even if it's a long time before you receive another response. Because you realize you ARE making a difference for someone. Remember, though, replies are just icing on the cake. The real satisfaction comes from doing something nice for someone you never met, and probably never WILL meet....just to let them know that someone cares.
Now I've seen everything.....Peep Jousting
Click here: peep jousting I know some people are sending their soldiers Peeps for easter. Well some of you might have remembered all the info about Peep jousting from last year and the year before that. I printed out the info and am including it with my peeps and toothpicks for my marine this year! Your soldier and his entire unit may end up cheering at the microwave!
JOKE: You know you have been in Iraq too long when....
• When mortars land near your compound and you roll over in bed and think "still way off, I got another 5 minutes"
• When you start humming with the Arabic song playing on the radio on the shuttle bus
• Every woman that reports to your unit starts looking attractive
• Every guy that reports to your unit starts looking attractive
• You walk an extra 6 blocks to eat at the KBR (contractor run) dining facility to have the exact same food they are serving in your dining facility because you think it tastes better
• You actually volunteer for convoy security duty because you still haven't seen the country yet
• You start picturing your wife in traditional Arab dress
• The contractors have more fire power than the military combat units. (This is true)
• You take the time to add your lines to this list
• You drink the water from the tap because you want to drop 20 pounds in two weeks
• Driving around in SUVs with weapons pointed out the windows and forcing cars off the road seems very normal to you
• You can put your body armor and helmet on in the dark in under 5 seconds
• When the organization you work for has changed its name more than 3 times
• When you can actually talk to people in the United States on a cell phone, yet you can't get people on their cell phone a block away
• When you actually spend more time writing e-mail about the dog in the compound versus how to conduct the fight in Najaf
• Your idea of a fun Thursday night is to go to the Palace pool to watch the State Department folks get drunk, naked and try to pick each other up
• When you actually get excited to get a package that contains 3 pair of socks, 12 bars of soap and a Victoria Secret Catalog
• When you start to enjoy the rocking of the trailer every time the MEDEVAC choppers fly over
• You memorized every episode from the 4th Season of Sex in the City
• You enjoy the audience commentary while watching a movie bought at Haji mart
• You see celebratory fire going over the compound at night and think, "wow the colors are so pretty" and want to fire back
• Your thinking of buying real estate in the green zone
• You wake up and think Baghdad, I am still in friggin Baghdad
• You make the new guy show you his count down timer just to make you feel better about your time you have left in country
• You're in the Army and you start saying Ooorah
• You're in the Marines and you start saying Hooah
• You're in the Navy and you realize you are in the middle of the desert, the exact opposite of being in the middle of the ocean, where one might normally find the Navy.
• You're in the Air Force, and you're on the plane home because an Air Force tour is too short to have been a long Iraq tour. Ignore this list, zoomie, you won't get it.
• You only notice the stench of Haji funk when its not there
• You plan on removing all trees and grass in your yard when you get home so it will look more natural
• You forget there are other colors than brown that can be found in places other than power point slides
• The temp drops down to 102 degrees and you shiver while reaching for your Gortex jacket
• You have noticed a change of season, from long, hot and dry to short, cold and wet.
• When you call home and your kids ask "Who is this?"
• You call home and your wife says hello Bill (your name is Sam)
• When you go on R&R, you duct tape your child to the roof of your car, hand him a pellet rifle, and assign him a sector of fire for the ride to "The Olive Garden."
• When you can comfortably shave and brush your teeth using bottled water, but don't mind showering in the "non-potable" local water.
• While on R&R, you look out the window and find Nature, which leads you to wonder who stole your sandbags.
• When some of the contractors wear their DCUs (Desert pattern camouflage uniform) more properly than some of your soldiers.
• When 12 hours is a short work day
• You go Battle Captains!
• When, During the BUA, "DIV asked MNSTC-I for the FRAGO that MNC-I was supposed to publish, but couldn't because MNF-I hadn't weighed in, since they were too inundated with MOD and MOI war-gaming the JCCs within the ISF to square us away!" is a valid comment and generates no questions.
• When you start using words like G'day mate, Cheers, and Bloody hell as part of your normal vocabulary
• When you have your opinions printed in the STARS and STRIPES more than 3 times
• When the palace catches fire and instead of helping to put it out you grab a bag of marshmallows and start roasting
• When you step into any office and there are 6 colonels, 12 lieutenant colonels, 15 majors, and 8 captains supervising the work of 1 sergeant
• When you end every phone conversation with "Out"
• When you're ordered to get an air mission together on short notice because it's a "Hot priority" only to have the Major call back once he is in the air to ask "Does anyone know where I am going?"
• When the weapon buyback program has become so successful that you have issued the same AK-47 to the Iraqi army 3 times
• When you can actually tell the difference between the sound of an exploding car and an exploding mortar
• When on R & R you tell your wife that your weapon status is Red and your looking for the clearing barrel
• When on R&R you go to Church and wonder why no one is wearing body armor or carrying an automatic weapon to the service
• You see an indirect fire attack take out a generator and get angry at the enemy for not hitting the one that powers your computer
• You see an indirect fire attack take out an air conditioner and your vigor to fight is renewed
• You yell at the FNG for shouting incoming when the rounds don't impact close enough to hit your tent with dirt
• You know that you need to run inside immediately after any win of an Iraqi sports team to keep from being hit by celebratory fire
• You decide for that for shits and grins - lets take a run around Lost Lake at Camp Victory to see if we can get shot at by the sniper
• You never worry about oversleeping because if the morning call to prayers doesn't wake you, the daily 0430 mortar attack will (most mornings)
• The highlight of your shopping experience at the PX is to see that they got in a new shipment of Schick Tracer razor blades
• When you send out your laundry and your whites become grayer, your blacks become grayer and your DCU's become grayer - makes it easier to sort loads...
• You get offended by people wearing clean, pressed DCU's
• You decide that it is a better course of action to pull your blankets over your head than put on your body armor during a mortar attack - the woobee will save you and at least you are comfortable
• You make a contest out of seeing who can wear their uniform for more days before becoming entirely disgusted with themselves
• You wonder if the fish served at dinner really was carp caught out of the Tigris or Camp Victory's lake
• A rocket or a mortar really isn't a big deal until the crater it leaves is big enough to trip over in the dark on the way to the latrine
• You go to a social gathering and intermittent gun fire or explosions don't even cause a pause in the conversation
• When you start humming with the Arabic song playing on the radio on the shuttle bus
• Every woman that reports to your unit starts looking attractive
• Every guy that reports to your unit starts looking attractive
• You walk an extra 6 blocks to eat at the KBR (contractor run) dining facility to have the exact same food they are serving in your dining facility because you think it tastes better
• You actually volunteer for convoy security duty because you still haven't seen the country yet
• You start picturing your wife in traditional Arab dress
• The contractors have more fire power than the military combat units. (This is true)
• You take the time to add your lines to this list
• You drink the water from the tap because you want to drop 20 pounds in two weeks
• Driving around in SUVs with weapons pointed out the windows and forcing cars off the road seems very normal to you
• You can put your body armor and helmet on in the dark in under 5 seconds
• When the organization you work for has changed its name more than 3 times
• When you can actually talk to people in the United States on a cell phone, yet you can't get people on their cell phone a block away
• When you actually spend more time writing e-mail about the dog in the compound versus how to conduct the fight in Najaf
• Your idea of a fun Thursday night is to go to the Palace pool to watch the State Department folks get drunk, naked and try to pick each other up
• When you actually get excited to get a package that contains 3 pair of socks, 12 bars of soap and a Victoria Secret Catalog
• When you start to enjoy the rocking of the trailer every time the MEDEVAC choppers fly over
• You memorized every episode from the 4th Season of Sex in the City
• You enjoy the audience commentary while watching a movie bought at Haji mart
• You see celebratory fire going over the compound at night and think, "wow the colors are so pretty" and want to fire back
• Your thinking of buying real estate in the green zone
• You wake up and think Baghdad, I am still in friggin Baghdad
• You make the new guy show you his count down timer just to make you feel better about your time you have left in country
• You're in the Army and you start saying Ooorah
• You're in the Marines and you start saying Hooah
• You're in the Navy and you realize you are in the middle of the desert, the exact opposite of being in the middle of the ocean, where one might normally find the Navy.
• You're in the Air Force, and you're on the plane home because an Air Force tour is too short to have been a long Iraq tour. Ignore this list, zoomie, you won't get it.
• You only notice the stench of Haji funk when its not there
• You plan on removing all trees and grass in your yard when you get home so it will look more natural
• You forget there are other colors than brown that can be found in places other than power point slides
• The temp drops down to 102 degrees and you shiver while reaching for your Gortex jacket
• You have noticed a change of season, from long, hot and dry to short, cold and wet.
• When you call home and your kids ask "Who is this?"
• You call home and your wife says hello Bill (your name is Sam)
• When you go on R&R, you duct tape your child to the roof of your car, hand him a pellet rifle, and assign him a sector of fire for the ride to "The Olive Garden."
• When you can comfortably shave and brush your teeth using bottled water, but don't mind showering in the "non-potable" local water.
• While on R&R, you look out the window and find Nature, which leads you to wonder who stole your sandbags.
• When some of the contractors wear their DCUs (Desert pattern camouflage uniform) more properly than some of your soldiers.
• When 12 hours is a short work day
• You go Battle Captains!
• When, During the BUA, "DIV asked MNSTC-I for the FRAGO that MNC-I was supposed to publish, but couldn't because MNF-I hadn't weighed in, since they were too inundated with MOD and MOI war-gaming the JCCs within the ISF to square us away!" is a valid comment and generates no questions.
• When you start using words like G'day mate, Cheers, and Bloody hell as part of your normal vocabulary
• When you have your opinions printed in the STARS and STRIPES more than 3 times
• When the palace catches fire and instead of helping to put it out you grab a bag of marshmallows and start roasting
• When you step into any office and there are 6 colonels, 12 lieutenant colonels, 15 majors, and 8 captains supervising the work of 1 sergeant
• When you end every phone conversation with "Out"
• When you're ordered to get an air mission together on short notice because it's a "Hot priority" only to have the Major call back once he is in the air to ask "Does anyone know where I am going?"
• When the weapon buyback program has become so successful that you have issued the same AK-47 to the Iraqi army 3 times
• When you can actually tell the difference between the sound of an exploding car and an exploding mortar
• When on R & R you tell your wife that your weapon status is Red and your looking for the clearing barrel
• When on R&R you go to Church and wonder why no one is wearing body armor or carrying an automatic weapon to the service
• You see an indirect fire attack take out a generator and get angry at the enemy for not hitting the one that powers your computer
• You see an indirect fire attack take out an air conditioner and your vigor to fight is renewed
• You yell at the FNG for shouting incoming when the rounds don't impact close enough to hit your tent with dirt
• You know that you need to run inside immediately after any win of an Iraqi sports team to keep from being hit by celebratory fire
• You decide for that for shits and grins - lets take a run around Lost Lake at Camp Victory to see if we can get shot at by the sniper
• You never worry about oversleeping because if the morning call to prayers doesn't wake you, the daily 0430 mortar attack will (most mornings)
• The highlight of your shopping experience at the PX is to see that they got in a new shipment of Schick Tracer razor blades
• When you send out your laundry and your whites become grayer, your blacks become grayer and your DCU's become grayer - makes it easier to sort loads...
• You get offended by people wearing clean, pressed DCU's
• You decide that it is a better course of action to pull your blankets over your head than put on your body armor during a mortar attack - the woobee will save you and at least you are comfortable
• You make a contest out of seeing who can wear their uniform for more days before becoming entirely disgusted with themselves
• You wonder if the fish served at dinner really was carp caught out of the Tigris or Camp Victory's lake
• A rocket or a mortar really isn't a big deal until the crater it leaves is big enough to trip over in the dark on the way to the latrine
• You go to a social gathering and intermittent gun fire or explosions don't even cause a pause in the conversation
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Themed Military Care Package Ideas
Here is a list of themed care packages that I thought I'd share with all of you. Of course here is just a "few" I'm sure you guys have many more ideas/suggestions. Hope this helps.
THEMED CARE PACKAGE IDEAS!
New Baby: A "Its A Boy/Girl" birth announcement card, candy pacifiers, baby bottles filled with candy, baby wipes (which they need), baby lotion, baby powder small stuffed animal, bubble gum cigars, baby boy stuffed bear, cheerios, Gerber Graduates - Banana Cereal Snackin' Squares, Veggie Crackers, Veggie Wagon Wheels, Fruit Juice Snacks, Cereal Bars, Johnson's Take Along toiletry pack, Sugar Babies, Milk Duds, Sour Patch Kids, Mini sweet tarts, Jerky Steak Bites - for teething, and can of powdered pink lemonade[Now I realize blue kool aid would have been more appropriate] (printed a new label - Baby Soldier Formula - Caution - use of this product may cause baby to require less sleep than normal babies, ability to sleep anywhere, develops strong patriotism, etc., and a disposable camera to record his rapid growth
Crazy for cookies: Any type of cookie in the cookie aisle Would be great during the holidays.
From the local zoo: animal crackers, peanuts, peanut butter from the elephants, beef jerky from the lions, dried banana chips from the chimps, trail mix from the birds ,Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears, tuna from the seals, postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals
You got the “write” stuff: pens, pencils, markers, stationary, envelopes, your own letters of encouragement, phone card, blank greeting cards, post cards, hand made cards, gel pens, stickers, sheet of computer printed return labels
Sweet Dreams package: cookies, hot chocolate, tea, pillow, powdered milk, book, small reading light, marshmallows (for the choc), mug
Fiesta theme: Margarita drink mix, Pina colada mix, lemonade, Salsa, Torango Chips (in a triangluar pringles type can), cheese in a jar (found in chips isle), hot tamales candy, Fire Balls candy, Red, green, yellow balloons, Chili peppers (canned), Refried beans, taco or fajita seasoning, tobasco Sauce, pinata (filled with candy),Taco Bell sauce packets
Lets Play Ball: baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shreaded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players
Brain Teasers: Those little games you get at parties and you have to put those little balls in the holes, crossword puzzles, puzzles, those puzzles that are small and metal and you have to take them apart and then put back together, rubiks cube, travel size games of checkers and chess
Emeril of Iraq ( or other place ): all kinds of hot nuts and sauces and spices, Sun-dried tomatoes, dried shitake mushrooms olive oil, minced garlic (jar), balsamic vinegar, dry rub spices, marinades, specialty oils pesto, capers, anything from Emeril's food product line (esp BAM! essence), perhaps some grilling utensils (spatula, tongs, etc), Emeril recipes/cookbook (Every Day's A arty sounds like a fun one) napkins, coasters, etc from his restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, or Orlando
Under the Sea: anything with Sponge Bob? Fish shaped crackers, salt packets, Blue colored Kool Aid, shark gummies, swedish fish, little game that has those fish going around and you have to fish for them? Goldfish game cards, At Oriental Trading company you can buy those toy fish. Maybe a Go Fish game. Tuna, those Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow. Maybe the crystals you add water too and they grow to resemble underwater coral growths, How about one of the medium sized Conk seashells so he could hear the ocean? Salt water taffey is always a hit too
Breakfast on the Go: individual packages of cereal, instant oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, coffee, mug, chex morning mix, donuts, Pop Tarts, cereal bars
You Stink: soap, deoderent, socks, laundry soap tablets, air fresheners, Foot powder, Odor eaters, baby powder, Fabreeze, baby wipes, new undies, tee shirts, whoopee cushion
Big Cheese/Promotion Box: Cheese curls, cheese balls, cheese flavored chips, cheese Doritos, cheese popcorn, cheese and crackers, cheese flavored crackers, tubs of cheese spread, cheesy instant mashed potatoes
Jamaica in a Box: Jerk Seasoning for their MRE's, Bob Marley posters and CD's, sand bucket and shovel (They have all the sand they need there), travel magazines from Jamaica Some beach towels with board games like twister, checkers on them, sunglasses, tropical fruits (since you can't send fresh fruits, he thought either the canned ones or dried fruits) pictures of the Jamaican countryside we took, little tropical things like palm trees, fish, etc that you can get from Oriental Trading Company postcards from Jamaica, sunscreen one of those hats with dread locks attached, translation guide on how to speak Jamaican or Patois as it's called there, a Jamaican Flag with an explanation on what the colors mean
Sun Tea: Get one of those plastic 2qt jugs with the handles and the push button spout.. fill the inside of the jug with tea bags, sugars and sweet and lows and see about finding a restraunt that carries those little packets of real lemon...or even include a few real lemons??? Include a spoon and some cups... or Celestial Seasonings 'summer tea' bags that you use with cold water....hubby seems to like these real well....I also found on an end cap at wallyworld sample size for 25cents that came 4 bags in each pouch...we used these in our platoon packages this last shipment. ~
Pool/Sand Party: a burnt cd with the 'beach boys' or any other group singing about...summer time fun... beach ball, squirt guns--water balloons--ummmm, koolaid and those little paper umbrellas, several different types of "water bombs" that you soak in water and toss around, footballs, vollyballs, sand toys, those velcro pads you wear on a hand & the balls that stick to them. bunch of beach towels, , chapstick, bottles of aloe vera, Beach Towel board games(Twister, Checkers & Tic, Tac Toe), hacky sacks, insect repellent, plastic baseball bat and ball sunflower seeds, buckets and shovels(to build sand castles), soft-sided cooler plastic Trucks to play in the sand with, croquet game, kiddie blow up pool, ice tea, lemonade, sunglasses, sunscreen
Hawaiian/Luau: Macadamia nuts, coconut creme cookies, Kona coffee, sugar in the raw packets, photos/cards with Hawaiian scenery, go to orientaltrading.com they have a TON of Hawaiian things like paper palm trees, grass hula skirts, leis, coconut novelties, tropical staws w/ palm trees, flamingos, pineapples, etc. pineapple chunks, 'hawaiian tropic lotion smell', Hawaiian punch juice boxes, sun glasses, pina colada drink mixes, bag of seashells, line the box with tropical themed wrapping paper, Hawaiian girl car ornament, inflatable fish, sharks, palm trees, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, Dole tropical fruit cups, dried mango, papaya and pineapple, those Loreal Kids Shampoo in fish shaped containers, teriyaki chicken and beef nuggets, Barbie dolls dressed in bikinis, colorful flip flops
Kick back and have some fun: Dominoes, playing cards, magazines, books, music CD's, those relaxation CD(the ones with sounds of waves, etc), crossword puzzles, word searches,jig saw puzzles, hand-held electronic games, squirt guns, water balloons, bubbles, hacky sacks, nerf Balls, jokes and funny pictures and cartoons Going Nuts/Hang In There Package: banana chips, barrel of monkey game, I think Little Debbie makes some Curious George Banana Twin cakes, Bath & Body Works has some Kids Bananarama wipes, all kinds of nuts - carmel corn with nuts, peanut butter, peanut butter crackers, baby ruth, snickers, almond joy, planters bars, peanut brittle, Peanut - Almond or Peanut Butter M&M's, all flavored corn nuts Cold Season : some cough drops, kleenex, tea, instant noodle soup, hot chocolate, get well card phone card to call MOMMY
Poker Party: Poker chips and cards... for snacks so far I have pizza, cheese and bbq pringles, sunflower seeds, tobasco flavored microwave popcorn (found at dollar store)... and since I have read of people being successful sending cans - I am going to send O'Douls non-alcoholic beer in ziplocks and bubble wrap. maybe send cheese/cracker snack packs with Pepperoni pieces, chips and dips, salsa, pretzels, shelled peanuts, dice, play money, dealer visors and a lucky rabbits foot and shot glasses, felt to play on, Crackers & Pub cheese or velveeta (no refridge req'd kind), beef summer sausage, salami, or pepperoni, drink mixes (Bloody Mary, Margarita, etc - for virgin drinks), Gatorade or iced tea powder some kind of multicolor hard candies (in case they run out of chips, chocolate - Tasteations or Nips or equiv. for the summer, men's magazines, CDs/Music & batteries, cards, chips, dice , cigars/cigarellos - the real ones - recommend Black-n-Mild - they're pretty cheap, bubble gum cigars & candy cigarettes - for those that don't want the above, party-themed napkins/plates/decor
Salute to the Heroes: bag of toy soldiers, donuts, water guns, small black flashlight, there are some fire stations that will give a t-shirt to another fireman in a different area that may be visiting, maybe if you explain what you are doing they may give you a t-shirt from their station a St. George Medal. St. George is the Patron Saint of the Military. The inscription on the back reads: "Keep us safe, day and night. Give us courage, strength and might."
Warm Them Up: Hot Tamales, flamin hot Cheetos,hot sauce, hot nuts,cajun spices,Fritos and Jalapeno Dip, Atomic Fire Balls, Cinnamon Gum, Red Hots, Hot-Flavored Planters Peanuts, Mini bottles of hot sauce, Cinnamon TicTacs, IcyHot Sore Muscle Rub, Crystal Lite Iced Tea, Andy Capp Red Hot Fries, Jalapeno Jelly Belly Beans, a Hot Rod magazine and Tums,Icy/Hot Cream and
Cool Them Down: A few of Angel's chilly willys squirt guns (forgot to put them in the bday box - space cadet!) Fan/Mister & Batteries Dentyne Ice & Koolerz gum IceBreakers mint tin Lemonade Drink Mix SnowBall cakes Cool Ranch Doritos Sunglasses (also forgot to put them in bday box - I must get organized!) water bottle "wet suit" candy ice cream cone thing-a-ma-jigs
American A-Z: A- Individual Apple Pies B-Baseball: Plastic or nerf baseball and bat C- cotton candy in a bag, chocolate chip cookies, D- Ding Dong Hostess Cakes E- F- Flags, Nerf Footballs, G-Gatorade powder H- Hot Dogs(Vienna Sausages(chicken)) I-Ice Cream -The astronaut Ice Cream someone else mentioned J- Jokes, jelly bean ( red white and blue ) K- Kool Aide mix, Kellog’s cereals L- M- mac n cheese N- O- Oreos P- poker cards/chips,phone card to call home, Mr Potato Head, popcorn Q- Q-tips R- Racing: Die Cast Cars, Schedules from Race Tracks, Ritz crackers S-Sunflower Seeds, Soldiers (Toy Soldiers), slinky T- tea for sun tea, twinkies, taco bell sauce U-Unity: Photos showing people's support of our soldiers(signs in yards, etc) V- volley ball and net W- watermelon flavored hard candy X- Y- yo yos, yellow mustard Z- zingers Fishing: a box of "Whoppers, the game Go Fish, some little plastic fish from Oriental Trading Co, they've got all kinds of fish and things like that, rig up a little fishing pole out of a piece of dowel rod and string, a hat with fishing flies on it, pepperidge farms goldfish crackers, Swedish Fish, Field and Stream magazines, gummy night crawlers, tuna kit
Lets Play Ball: baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shredded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players
Gentlemen start your engines: Any racing related items: NASCAR, NHRA, BUSCH, Fomula One, little remote control car, they also make die cast car replicas of the individual driver's cars
Personal Hygiene: razors, baby wipes, toilet paper, deodorent,foot powder, odor eaters, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye drops, lotion, soap with plastic case, Q-tips, shaving cream, towels, Bug Be Gone, medicated chapstick,antibactarial hand sanitizer,dental floss, tampons/pads, baby powder, sports bras, underwear
Pamper Party: I'm thinking of including 2 bottles of foot soak and a small inflatable pool so they can all soak their feet, also some foot lotion, foot powder, foot files, new socks, some mud mask stuff, and some cappucino or International Foods coffee and some cookies,some shampoo and deep conditioning treatment too, scented lotions, peel-off facial masques (individual), travel size Caress body washes & lotions, travel size baby powders, chap sticks, clear fingernail polish, emery boards, foot scrub & foot/leg lotion, new socks & underwear, microwave popcorn, fancy chocolates, the movie "Thelma & Louise", Cosmo & other magazines, stationary, plastic soap dish's with lid's and used those to pack several small bottles of nail polish & toe seperators. Wal-mart has a little itty bitty bottle for $0.88 in various colors. Liquid body gel & lotion in matching scents, a soap scrunchie, a back washing "strap", packet of pony tail holders, case of bobby pins, a small pair of trim scissors., nail clippers, tweezers, disposable "ladies" razors, toothpaste, toothbrush
Birthday Ideas: In an Oriental Trading book, there is balloon animal kit, cake in a jar, party hats, streamers, confetti, noise makers, get some of the Little Debbies cakes and candles, traditional birthday banner, party favors, noisemakers of course, confetti, balloons, filling space with shredded colored tissue paper (red, white & blue or camo colors to keep with the theme so to speak), hard candy, and bubblegum, camo napkins, plates (seen them at party supply stores and craft stores) party games like pen the tail on the donkey. Hostess Cupcakes, box of candles, confetti, birthday cards signed by as many people as possible, goodies like candy and books etc wrapped in birthday paper. Hershey gifts sells a chocolate cake (basically it's in the shape of a cake-candle included and personalized) it's like a giant chocolate candy bar but a circle in a b-day tin. check out the link: http://www.hersheygifts.com/prdSell.aspx?SubDeptName=Birthdays(Hershey)&Name=RedSwirlsBirthdayCakeWYel_2092(Hershey)
Christmas Ideas: how about a Christmas card swap, I know postage would be a little more but soldiers would be bombarded with cards across the nation, those little Christmas trees that they sell in all of the mail order catalogs (Lillian Vernon, etc.) that come with their own ornaments, mini Christmas stockings and candy canes or those little candy bags of coal (bubble gum ones), the green and red M&Ms for the holidays, an Advent Calendar box, Oriental Trading Company has these. They are little pine trees (about 4" tall) that have a mineral solution on them (I'm going by memory here, I have a whole bag upstairs in a closet but am too lazy to dig them out). You add water to the little base, and these color mineral salts "grow" on the tree and look like colored snow and decorations
Halloween Ideas: A gingerbread haunted house ( all precut and ready to go), goodie bags full of candy, plastic carved pumpkins, a Tootsie Roll pop covered with tissue to look like a ghost, apple cider packets, candy corn, costume for your soldier, carvable pumpkins
Thanksgiving Ideas: Turkey Jerky, dried cranberries I think they are called Craisens?, if you check a good candy store there are some candies called Peas n Carrots ( they are round green balls and small orange squares ), candy corn, beef jerky or summer sausage = venison, potato chips = potatoes, canned veggies = veggies, dried fruits and assorted mixed nuts are themselves assorted crackers or breadsticks = asst. breads, hostess fruit pies for the pies, cupcakes for cakes, you could even send some caramel sauce with shortbread cookies for the gravy! and send it in one of those cheapy cornucopia baskets from the craft stores and stick some plastic or silk colored leaves around it and write a note on a nice autumn looking picture postcard ! If you have kids - or access to some, you can do some Thanksgiving crafts. The old trace-you-hand and color turkey comes to mind, instant mashed potatoes, many of the big candle companies make scented candles that would fit this theme and Thanksgiving also, for example, Yankee has Harvest, Cranberry Chutney, Apple Cider, Autumn Lodge, Pumpkin Pie, and Spiced Pumpkin St Patricks Day: green beanie baby, green jelly beans, instant irish coffee, rice krispie treats dyed green, potato soup, green sugar 4 leaf clover cookies, Irish Spring soap, Pert Shampoo, taste the rainbow of "skittles",Lucky Charms cereal, sour cream and onion Pringels, small toys from Oriental trading company or your local party store, gum in green wrappers, green dental floss, green toothbrush,guacamole chips,
EASTER IDEAS: jelly beans, starburst, bunny corn, skittles, easter basket, colored candycanes,. eggs, candy, toys hidden in eggs, bible verses, chocolate eggs,Don't forget the peeps!!! Those lil sugary chics, bunnies, etc remember? A big hit last year were the "jousting" peeps. Send your soldier toothpicks, have them insert on in each peep, put them in the microwave facing each other, turn it on (obviously)and watch them "joust"!!! Your soldiers will get a big kick out of it!!! Banners to decorate their rooms or mess hall that say Happy Easter. Confetti to decorate the tables, pin the tail on the Easter Bunny-maybe a playboy bunny,Stuffed Animal of a Easter Bunny, Stationary, Phone Cards, typical chocolates, Easter Coloaring Book with Crayons, Easter Book Mark, just some fun things. I'm trying to find an Easter Pinata to send along with the candy so the soldiers can fill the pinata and have at it, Water Guns that are shaped like Easter, Easter Straws, if you go to walmart, in the toy section there is a pack with a jump rope , jacks, the paddle with a ball. I sent a few of those to a unit, and they said that was the best thing that they could have ever receive. They laughed all night long. And they are only $2.00 for a pack, How about a couple of egg dying kits. I'm sure they can get hard boiled eggs from the chow hall. Make sure the kits only require water (no vinegar). Easter M&Ms are great, they won't melt, Plastic eggs so he can make up Easter treats for buddies or have an Easter egg hunt, Stickers,The dollar stores sell al kinds of Easter Novelties, like plastic bendable rabbits, colorful erasers, pencils, etc.
For Fun and Entertainment: Batteries (AA, AAA, C), Blank Greeting Cards (for Soldiers to send home), Books, Magazines (Please see disallowed items list), Card games (Uno, Skip-bo, etc.), Colored pencils, Crossword Puzzle Books, Decks of cards, Dice, Disposable Cameras, DVD/CD cases with zippers, Bandannas, DVD’s and VHS Movies, Electronic hand held games (poker, blackjack, etc.), Flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Envelopes, Global phone cards (pre-paid), Hackie Sacks, Hand-held games, Jigsaw Puzzle Books, ,Jokes & comics, Journals, Jump ropes, Mini-fans, Music CDs, Nerf toys (small footballs, basketball, etc.), Paper / Stationary, Pencils (mechanical), Pens (Black ink only), Pocket size notebook ,Slinky’s, Softballs, Squirt guns, Travel games, Word Search Books, Wrap Around Sunglasses (Blaster Shield Style), Yo-yo’s, you could also use newspaper for packing material that way they could read it afterwards.
Food and Snack Items: Crystal Lite Drink Mixes (Just add water) Beef Jerky, Beef Summer Sausage, Breakfast Cereal – Individual sizes, Cereal bars, Instant Cup of Soup (Just add Water), Cheese and Crackers, Chex Mix / Snack Mix, Instant coffee (various flavors), Chocolate, Coffee Singles (like a tea bag), Coffee-mate Non-Dairy Creamer (powder), Condiments (Fast food restaurant type packets), Cookies, Equal (packets), Fruit Cocktail / Applesauce Snack Packs, Gatorade (presweetened, powder), Granola Bars, Gum, Hard Candy, Hickory Farms Beef Stick, Homemade cookies / baked goods, Hostess Snack Cakes, Hot cocoa / Hot chocolate (Just add water), Hunt’s Snack Pack Puddings, Individually Wrapped Snack Items, Instant Grits (Just add water), Instant Oatmeal (Just add water), Jell-O Snack Packs, Kool-aid (presweetened, powder), Kraft Handi Snacks, ,Lemonade Mix (presweetened, just add water),Life Savers / Certs / Tic Tac’s, Little Debbie Snack Cakes / Treats, Malted Milk Mixes (Just add water), Maruchan Instant Lunch – Cup of soup/noodles, Milk & Cereal bars, Nacho dip, Peanut Butter and Crackers, Pop tarts / Pop tart sticks, Power bars, Pretzels (Regular, Yogurt dipped, etc.), Pringles snack size packs, Rice Krispies Treats, Salt / Pepper packets, Snack Crackers (Wheat thins, Ritz), Snack Size Chip Varieties, Sugar (packets), Tea Bags, Trail Mix, Tuna Snack Kits, Velveeta
SOLDIER CARE PACKAGE
"Tucked inside this little bag When your spirits are starting to sag Are some little reminders that I care As you fight for freedom over there."
Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.
Hugs and Kisses(Hershey's Hugs and Kisses): Because sometimes we all need a "hug and kiss" Paperclip: to help you "keep it together" when it all seems to be hitting the fan.
Marble: To replace "the ones we all lose" from time to time.
Snickers: To remind you to "laugh" even when you feel like crying. Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and "bounce back" in times of trouble without breaking.
Stick of Gum: To remind you to "stick" with the task at hand.
Mint: To let you know you're worth a "mint" to me.
Cotton Ball: To help "cushion" the rough times.
Lollipop: To help you "lick" the problems you encounter. Star Burst: To let you know I'm "bursting" with pride for you.
Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little "nutty" sometimes.
Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important "roll" you play.
Lifesaver: To signify the "lifesaving" things you do to keep our country free.
Boredom Buster Care Package: This care package is full of great activities to cure their boredom. It's an ideal military care package, or perfect for anyone that is homebound, in the hospital, or stuck in bed. If your child needs some extra fun for camp, this care package is great fun for camp. All of the items in this care package are small enough to fit into a pack, backpack, or suitcase. Hasbro Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee Radica Electronic Pocket Poker Hand-Held Game Radica Electronic Pocket Slot Hand-Held Game MGA Entertainment Baseball Hand-Held Game Original Full Size Rubik's Cube Original Full Size Slinky
"Spiritual Journey" devotional literature; encouraging studies; bulletins, notes, & recordings from congregation; books by favorite authors (to be shared with one another then donated to the chapel), etc.
"Surviving the Sandstorms" eye wash, nasal spray, chap stick, sand scarf, bandana, etc.
"Laundry Load" laundry soap (sample size), fabric softener sheets, cleans socks, socks, underwear and bras fare always eaten up by the washer and or dryer.
"Lotta Java" Tea, cocoa, coffee singles, creamer, sugar, international coffee tins,
"Thanks a Million!" Things that "seem" expensive such as Grey Poupon, small amount of cash, electronic version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and wrap items in green tissue paper
"Hang in There!" Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding, Monkeys in a Barrel game, card with a monkey on it
"A Day at the Beach" sunscreen, beach towel, beach snacks, flip flop sandals (shower shoes), Aloe Vera gel, sunglasses, beach music, beach ball
"Medicine Cabinet" Aspirin, band-aids, Neosporin cream, A&D ointment, cold medicine, Alka Seltzer, Rolaids, etc.
"Staying Healthy" Nutrition/health bars, vitamins, nutri-grain bars, Gatorade or PowerAid, "
MRE/Mess Hall Survival Kit" Restaurant size condiments and snacks
"Correspondence Carton" Notebook paper, stationery, pens, pencils, stickers, journal, envelopes, address book (filled), camera with a note to send back once its filled
"Action Heroes" Powerbars, squirt guns, Red Bull drinks, small Army figurines
"To Be a Kid Again" silly string, bubbles, small bouncy balls, hacky sacks, brain teaser toys (Rubix Cube, etc.), deck of cards, dominoes, whoopie cushion
"Bathroom in a Box" toilet paper, razor refills, foot powder, bars of soap, washcloths, travel size shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush
"Stress Reliever" back scratcher, bubble wrap, yo-yos, bubbles, squeezy tension
"I’m Nuts about You" peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any "Rocks On" Pop rocks, CDs, Itunes/Napster music gift card, music dvd
"And this Little Piggie went to the Sandbox" (foot care kit) foot powder, boot inserts, foot lotion, foot file, fresh socks, toe nail clippers
"Chili Today, Hot Tamale" Hot Tamales (candy), small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa flavored sunflower seeds, Cajun flavor Pringles, Spicy Chex mix, Boston Red Hots, peppered beef jerky, Taco Bell hot sauce packets, Extreme Doritos, chili powder, nacho cheese sauce in a can
"How do you eat your OREOS?" regular Oreos, peanut butter Oreos, double stuff Oreos, chocolate filled Oreos, etc.
"Pick Nick Basket" Line basket with linen napkin and fill with juice boxes, beef summer sausages, pre-packaged cheese, fruit roll ups, chips, nuts, cookies, candies, pickles, olives, etc. Throw in some plastic ants and photos of your pick nick back home
"Breakfast on the Go" nutrigrain bars, instant oatmeal cups, boxes of cereal, pop tarts, powdered donuts, packaged muffins, cocoa, coffee, Tang,
"Ruck Sack Snack Pack" fill with loved one’s favorite snack items
"Sloppy Kisses" chocolate melts there, so a package of Hershey’s kisses are bound to be "sloppy kisses"
"Congrats on your Promotion" congratulations party favors, snack items, sparkling cider (wrapped in bubble wrap)
"Pamper Party" (for females) feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, hair barrettes and scrunchies (same color as their hair), facial scrub or soap, facial mask, lotion, shower gel, razors, facial moisturizer, tweezers, nail care kit, toner, special facial products
Beach Party Luau: Coconut drink holders, leis, Hawaiian music cd, dried pineapples & other tropical fruits, sunglasses, grass skirts, etc (a lot can be bought in the Oriental Trading Company Catalog) Hot & Spicy Extreme Pack: Hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, extreme Doritos, extreme cheese sandwich crackers, microwave popcorn (use chili powder on this), Nachos, jar cheese, salsa, tums.
Picnic Basket: Cheap picnic basket, checkered tablecloth, plastic ants, summer sausage & cheese stuff (from Hickory Farms), Hostess Apple Pies, root beer barrels, Frisbees.
At the Movies: New release movie, or taped sitcoms, microwave popcorn (get empty popcorn tubs from movie theater for putting popcorn in), cups & straws, Koolaid mix, movie candy (good-n-plenty, whoppers, malt balls, etc)
Saturday Morning Cartoons: tapes of cartoons, mini boxes of cereal, poptarts, cereal bars, fun socks or boxers, fun pillow cases
Fun & Games: Nerf balls of all kinds, bubbles, cards, card games, hacky sack, squirt guns, balloons, Frisbees, silly string, slinky, bubble gum, rice krispy treats, cookies, pez & dispensers, popcorn, koolaid, travel games
Friday Night Pamper Me Party (for the girls): shower/bath gel, lotion, flavored coffee (Starbucks), teddy bear, cute coffee mug, fun socks, stationary, teas, novels, bath beads/salt, nail polish & other nail accessories, mask, hot oil treatment, popcorn , wooden hand massager, relaxation cd, candle in a tin & CHOCOLATE
Foot Care Kit: Foot soak, Peppermint foot lotion, foot file, foot powder/spray, Pumice stone, Dr Scholls Inserts, new socks, put all in plastic tub big enough to soak feet in Fishing in a Box: Fishing Magazines, goldfish crackers, Swedish fish, gummi worms, fishing games, “go fish” playing cards, fishermans hat, tackle box, lip balm, sunscreen, lego kit of a boat, sand pail to fill with water to play with fish price fishing game that comes with plastic fish, fishing pole & tackle box.
Action Hero/Super Hero: figurines or toy action figures, packs of little green army men, squirt guns, Gatorade, power bars, red bull drinks
Keep in touch kit: writing supplies, journal, pictures, cameras, blank all occasion cards, address book, envelopes
Keep Smiling box: Magic 8 Ball, Mad Libs, Smiley Face Toys, Goofy candy like Sours, Nerds, Laffy Taffy (line box with Smiley face paper) Lotta Java Pack: teas, cocoa, coffee packs & canned coffees (starbucks), Milano’s cookies, relaxing magazine to read, etc
Staying Healthy: Doctor bag or plastic toy one filled with aspirin, cold meds, sinus meds, vitamins, visine, bandaids, Neosporin, power bars, soup, and other health related things
Movie Care Package: Movie (DVD or VHS), Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don't have access),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 Cups,Get Well "Pills" (candy coated mints),Get Well Card, Chapstick,A&D ointment
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,
"Scruf" Care Package: Razors, Baby Wipes, Chapstick, Shaving Cream, Deodorant, mouthwash, Lotion (if soldier is female step it up a notch and do something SPA line),Foot Powder, Shampoo & Conditioner, Soap, Big Fluffy Towel, Toilet Paper, Shoe Polish Comforts of Home Package: Small Bottle of Febreeze, Candle, Snuggle Dryer Sheets, Phone Card, Blanket (A nice comfy one), Glade Stick Ups, 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
Holiday Themed Packages: Fill any package with holiday themed ideas and use things like tissue paper, balloons, confetti etc. to decorate it!
Bath Package: Gel eye-pack, Shower Gel, Shower Flip-Flops, Aroma therapy oils, Scented candles and holders, Pumice stone, Washcloths, scrubber or loofa sponge, Back cleaning brush, Relaxing music on CD or cassette, Rubber ducky
Write Home Package: Note paper or cards, Envelopes (choose a variety of sizes), Letter opener, Nice Pen or Pencil, Address Labels, Address Book
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'll need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity 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). Then we colored pictures - or threw around a football etc. (take pictures doing 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! (send picture of kiss goodnight) 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 Lunch Snacks New Pajamas Popcorn Recorded TV show or movie DVD Hershey's Kisses
THEMED CARE PACKAGE IDEAS!
New Baby: A "Its A Boy/Girl" birth announcement card, candy pacifiers, baby bottles filled with candy, baby wipes (which they need), baby lotion, baby powder small stuffed animal, bubble gum cigars, baby boy stuffed bear, cheerios, Gerber Graduates - Banana Cereal Snackin' Squares, Veggie Crackers, Veggie Wagon Wheels, Fruit Juice Snacks, Cereal Bars, Johnson's Take Along toiletry pack, Sugar Babies, Milk Duds, Sour Patch Kids, Mini sweet tarts, Jerky Steak Bites - for teething, and can of powdered pink lemonade[Now I realize blue kool aid would have been more appropriate] (printed a new label - Baby Soldier Formula - Caution - use of this product may cause baby to require less sleep than normal babies, ability to sleep anywhere, develops strong patriotism, etc., and a disposable camera to record his rapid growth
Crazy for cookies: Any type of cookie in the cookie aisle Would be great during the holidays.
From the local zoo: animal crackers, peanuts, peanut butter from the elephants, beef jerky from the lions, dried banana chips from the chimps, trail mix from the birds ,Hostess Snowballs from the polar bears, tuna from the seals, postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals
You got the “write” stuff: pens, pencils, markers, stationary, envelopes, your own letters of encouragement, phone card, blank greeting cards, post cards, hand made cards, gel pens, stickers, sheet of computer printed return labels
Sweet Dreams package: cookies, hot chocolate, tea, pillow, powdered milk, book, small reading light, marshmallows (for the choc), mug
Fiesta theme: Margarita drink mix, Pina colada mix, lemonade, Salsa, Torango Chips (in a triangluar pringles type can), cheese in a jar (found in chips isle), hot tamales candy, Fire Balls candy, Red, green, yellow balloons, Chili peppers (canned), Refried beans, taco or fajita seasoning, tobasco Sauce, pinata (filled with candy),Taco Bell sauce packets
Lets Play Ball: baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shreaded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players
Brain Teasers: Those little games you get at parties and you have to put those little balls in the holes, crossword puzzles, puzzles, those puzzles that are small and metal and you have to take them apart and then put back together, rubiks cube, travel size games of checkers and chess
Emeril of Iraq ( or other place ): all kinds of hot nuts and sauces and spices, Sun-dried tomatoes, dried shitake mushrooms olive oil, minced garlic (jar), balsamic vinegar, dry rub spices, marinades, specialty oils pesto, capers, anything from Emeril's food product line (esp BAM! essence), perhaps some grilling utensils (spatula, tongs, etc), Emeril recipes/cookbook (Every Day's A arty sounds like a fun one) napkins, coasters, etc from his restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, or Orlando
Under the Sea: anything with Sponge Bob? Fish shaped crackers, salt packets, Blue colored Kool Aid, shark gummies, swedish fish, little game that has those fish going around and you have to fish for them? Goldfish game cards, At Oriental Trading company you can buy those toy fish. Maybe a Go Fish game. Tuna, those Sea Monkeys you add water to and they grow. Maybe the crystals you add water too and they grow to resemble underwater coral growths, How about one of the medium sized Conk seashells so he could hear the ocean? Salt water taffey is always a hit too
Breakfast on the Go: individual packages of cereal, instant oatmeal, trail mix, hot chocolate, coffee, mug, chex morning mix, donuts, Pop Tarts, cereal bars
You Stink: soap, deoderent, socks, laundry soap tablets, air fresheners, Foot powder, Odor eaters, baby powder, Fabreeze, baby wipes, new undies, tee shirts, whoopee cushion
Big Cheese/Promotion Box: Cheese curls, cheese balls, cheese flavored chips, cheese Doritos, cheese popcorn, cheese and crackers, cheese flavored crackers, tubs of cheese spread, cheesy instant mashed potatoes
Jamaica in a Box: Jerk Seasoning for their MRE's, Bob Marley posters and CD's, sand bucket and shovel (They have all the sand they need there), travel magazines from Jamaica Some beach towels with board games like twister, checkers on them, sunglasses, tropical fruits (since you can't send fresh fruits, he thought either the canned ones or dried fruits) pictures of the Jamaican countryside we took, little tropical things like palm trees, fish, etc that you can get from Oriental Trading Company postcards from Jamaica, sunscreen one of those hats with dread locks attached, translation guide on how to speak Jamaican or Patois as it's called there, a Jamaican Flag with an explanation on what the colors mean
Sun Tea: Get one of those plastic 2qt jugs with the handles and the push button spout.. fill the inside of the jug with tea bags, sugars and sweet and lows and see about finding a restraunt that carries those little packets of real lemon...or even include a few real lemons??? Include a spoon and some cups... or Celestial Seasonings 'summer tea' bags that you use with cold water....hubby seems to like these real well....I also found on an end cap at wallyworld sample size for 25cents that came 4 bags in each pouch...we used these in our platoon packages this last shipment. ~
Pool/Sand Party: a burnt cd with the 'beach boys' or any other group singing about...summer time fun... beach ball, squirt guns--water balloons--ummmm, koolaid and those little paper umbrellas, several different types of "water bombs" that you soak in water and toss around, footballs, vollyballs, sand toys, those velcro pads you wear on a hand & the balls that stick to them. bunch of beach towels, , chapstick, bottles of aloe vera, Beach Towel board games(Twister, Checkers & Tic, Tac Toe), hacky sacks, insect repellent, plastic baseball bat and ball sunflower seeds, buckets and shovels(to build sand castles), soft-sided cooler plastic Trucks to play in the sand with, croquet game, kiddie blow up pool, ice tea, lemonade, sunglasses, sunscreen
Hawaiian/Luau: Macadamia nuts, coconut creme cookies, Kona coffee, sugar in the raw packets, photos/cards with Hawaiian scenery, go to orientaltrading.com they have a TON of Hawaiian things like paper palm trees, grass hula skirts, leis, coconut novelties, tropical staws w/ palm trees, flamingos, pineapples, etc. pineapple chunks, 'hawaiian tropic lotion smell', Hawaiian punch juice boxes, sun glasses, pina colada drink mixes, bag of seashells, line the box with tropical themed wrapping paper, Hawaiian girl car ornament, inflatable fish, sharks, palm trees, Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, Dole tropical fruit cups, dried mango, papaya and pineapple, those Loreal Kids Shampoo in fish shaped containers, teriyaki chicken and beef nuggets, Barbie dolls dressed in bikinis, colorful flip flops
Kick back and have some fun: Dominoes, playing cards, magazines, books, music CD's, those relaxation CD(the ones with sounds of waves, etc), crossword puzzles, word searches,jig saw puzzles, hand-held electronic games, squirt guns, water balloons, bubbles, hacky sacks, nerf Balls, jokes and funny pictures and cartoons Going Nuts/Hang In There Package: banana chips, barrel of monkey game, I think Little Debbie makes some Curious George Banana Twin cakes, Bath & Body Works has some Kids Bananarama wipes, all kinds of nuts - carmel corn with nuts, peanut butter, peanut butter crackers, baby ruth, snickers, almond joy, planters bars, peanut brittle, Peanut - Almond or Peanut Butter M&M's, all flavored corn nuts Cold Season : some cough drops, kleenex, tea, instant noodle soup, hot chocolate, get well card phone card to call MOMMY
Poker Party: Poker chips and cards... for snacks so far I have pizza, cheese and bbq pringles, sunflower seeds, tobasco flavored microwave popcorn (found at dollar store)... and since I have read of people being successful sending cans - I am going to send O'Douls non-alcoholic beer in ziplocks and bubble wrap. maybe send cheese/cracker snack packs with Pepperoni pieces, chips and dips, salsa, pretzels, shelled peanuts, dice, play money, dealer visors and a lucky rabbits foot and shot glasses, felt to play on, Crackers & Pub cheese or velveeta (no refridge req'd kind), beef summer sausage, salami, or pepperoni, drink mixes (Bloody Mary, Margarita, etc - for virgin drinks), Gatorade or iced tea powder some kind of multicolor hard candies (in case they run out of chips, chocolate - Tasteations or Nips or equiv. for the summer, men's magazines, CDs/Music & batteries, cards, chips, dice , cigars/cigarellos - the real ones - recommend Black-n-Mild - they're pretty cheap, bubble gum cigars & candy cigarettes - for those that don't want the above, party-themed napkins/plates/decor
Salute to the Heroes: bag of toy soldiers, donuts, water guns, small black flashlight, there are some fire stations that will give a t-shirt to another fireman in a different area that may be visiting, maybe if you explain what you are doing they may give you a t-shirt from their station a St. George Medal. St. George is the Patron Saint of the Military. The inscription on the back reads: "Keep us safe, day and night. Give us courage, strength and might."
Warm Them Up: Hot Tamales, flamin hot Cheetos,hot sauce, hot nuts,cajun spices,Fritos and Jalapeno Dip, Atomic Fire Balls, Cinnamon Gum, Red Hots, Hot-Flavored Planters Peanuts, Mini bottles of hot sauce, Cinnamon TicTacs, IcyHot Sore Muscle Rub, Crystal Lite Iced Tea, Andy Capp Red Hot Fries, Jalapeno Jelly Belly Beans, a Hot Rod magazine and Tums,Icy/Hot Cream and
Cool Them Down: A few of Angel's chilly willys squirt guns (forgot to put them in the bday box - space cadet!) Fan/Mister & Batteries Dentyne Ice & Koolerz gum IceBreakers mint tin Lemonade Drink Mix SnowBall cakes Cool Ranch Doritos Sunglasses (also forgot to put them in bday box - I must get organized!) water bottle "wet suit" candy ice cream cone thing-a-ma-jigs
American A-Z: A- Individual Apple Pies B-Baseball: Plastic or nerf baseball and bat C- cotton candy in a bag, chocolate chip cookies, D- Ding Dong Hostess Cakes E- F- Flags, Nerf Footballs, G-Gatorade powder H- Hot Dogs(Vienna Sausages(chicken)) I-Ice Cream -The astronaut Ice Cream someone else mentioned J- Jokes, jelly bean ( red white and blue ) K- Kool Aide mix, Kellog’s cereals L- M- mac n cheese N- O- Oreos P- poker cards/chips,phone card to call home, Mr Potato Head, popcorn Q- Q-tips R- Racing: Die Cast Cars, Schedules from Race Tracks, Ritz crackers S-Sunflower Seeds, Soldiers (Toy Soldiers), slinky T- tea for sun tea, twinkies, taco bell sauce U-Unity: Photos showing people's support of our soldiers(signs in yards, etc) V- volley ball and net W- watermelon flavored hard candy X- Y- yo yos, yellow mustard Z- zingers Fishing: a box of "Whoppers, the game Go Fish, some little plastic fish from Oriental Trading Co, they've got all kinds of fish and things like that, rig up a little fishing pole out of a piece of dowel rod and string, a hat with fishing flies on it, pepperidge farms goldfish crackers, Swedish Fish, Field and Stream magazines, gummy night crawlers, tuna kit
Lets Play Ball: baseballs, peanuts, major league gum, sunflowers, baseball cards, baseball hat, shredded beef jerky (looks like snuff), sunglasses, popcorn, fake beer (near beer?), Cracker Jacks and a pennant from a hometown team, game day programs, stats on teams and players
Gentlemen start your engines: Any racing related items: NASCAR, NHRA, BUSCH, Fomula One, little remote control car, they also make die cast car replicas of the individual driver's cars
Personal Hygiene: razors, baby wipes, toilet paper, deodorent,foot powder, odor eaters, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye drops, lotion, soap with plastic case, Q-tips, shaving cream, towels, Bug Be Gone, medicated chapstick,antibactarial hand sanitizer,dental floss, tampons/pads, baby powder, sports bras, underwear
Pamper Party: I'm thinking of including 2 bottles of foot soak and a small inflatable pool so they can all soak their feet, also some foot lotion, foot powder, foot files, new socks, some mud mask stuff, and some cappucino or International Foods coffee and some cookies,some shampoo and deep conditioning treatment too, scented lotions, peel-off facial masques (individual), travel size Caress body washes & lotions, travel size baby powders, chap sticks, clear fingernail polish, emery boards, foot scrub & foot/leg lotion, new socks & underwear, microwave popcorn, fancy chocolates, the movie "Thelma & Louise", Cosmo & other magazines, stationary, plastic soap dish's with lid's and used those to pack several small bottles of nail polish & toe seperators. Wal-mart has a little itty bitty bottle for $0.88 in various colors. Liquid body gel & lotion in matching scents, a soap scrunchie, a back washing "strap", packet of pony tail holders, case of bobby pins, a small pair of trim scissors., nail clippers, tweezers, disposable "ladies" razors, toothpaste, toothbrush
Birthday Ideas: In an Oriental Trading book, there is balloon animal kit, cake in a jar, party hats, streamers, confetti, noise makers, get some of the Little Debbies cakes and candles, traditional birthday banner, party favors, noisemakers of course, confetti, balloons, filling space with shredded colored tissue paper (red, white & blue or camo colors to keep with the theme so to speak), hard candy, and bubblegum, camo napkins, plates (seen them at party supply stores and craft stores) party games like pen the tail on the donkey. Hostess Cupcakes, box of candles, confetti, birthday cards signed by as many people as possible, goodies like candy and books etc wrapped in birthday paper. Hershey gifts sells a chocolate cake (basically it's in the shape of a cake-candle included and personalized) it's like a giant chocolate candy bar but a circle in a b-day tin. check out the link: http://www.hersheygifts.com/prdSell.aspx?SubDeptName=Birthdays(Hershey)&Name=RedSwirlsBirthdayCakeWYel_2092(Hershey)
Christmas Ideas: how about a Christmas card swap, I know postage would be a little more but soldiers would be bombarded with cards across the nation, those little Christmas trees that they sell in all of the mail order catalogs (Lillian Vernon, etc.) that come with their own ornaments, mini Christmas stockings and candy canes or those little candy bags of coal (bubble gum ones), the green and red M&Ms for the holidays, an Advent Calendar box, Oriental Trading Company has these. They are little pine trees (about 4" tall) that have a mineral solution on them (I'm going by memory here, I have a whole bag upstairs in a closet but am too lazy to dig them out). You add water to the little base, and these color mineral salts "grow" on the tree and look like colored snow and decorations
Halloween Ideas: A gingerbread haunted house ( all precut and ready to go), goodie bags full of candy, plastic carved pumpkins, a Tootsie Roll pop covered with tissue to look like a ghost, apple cider packets, candy corn, costume for your soldier, carvable pumpkins
Thanksgiving Ideas: Turkey Jerky, dried cranberries I think they are called Craisens?, if you check a good candy store there are some candies called Peas n Carrots ( they are round green balls and small orange squares ), candy corn, beef jerky or summer sausage = venison, potato chips = potatoes, canned veggies = veggies, dried fruits and assorted mixed nuts are themselves assorted crackers or breadsticks = asst. breads, hostess fruit pies for the pies, cupcakes for cakes, you could even send some caramel sauce with shortbread cookies for the gravy! and send it in one of those cheapy cornucopia baskets from the craft stores and stick some plastic or silk colored leaves around it and write a note on a nice autumn looking picture postcard ! If you have kids - or access to some, you can do some Thanksgiving crafts. The old trace-you-hand and color turkey comes to mind, instant mashed potatoes, many of the big candle companies make scented candles that would fit this theme and Thanksgiving also, for example, Yankee has Harvest, Cranberry Chutney, Apple Cider, Autumn Lodge, Pumpkin Pie, and Spiced Pumpkin St Patricks Day: green beanie baby, green jelly beans, instant irish coffee, rice krispie treats dyed green, potato soup, green sugar 4 leaf clover cookies, Irish Spring soap, Pert Shampoo, taste the rainbow of "skittles",Lucky Charms cereal, sour cream and onion Pringels, small toys from Oriental trading company or your local party store, gum in green wrappers, green dental floss, green toothbrush,guacamole chips,
EASTER IDEAS: jelly beans, starburst, bunny corn, skittles, easter basket, colored candycanes,. eggs, candy, toys hidden in eggs, bible verses, chocolate eggs,Don't forget the peeps!!! Those lil sugary chics, bunnies, etc remember? A big hit last year were the "jousting" peeps. Send your soldier toothpicks, have them insert on in each peep, put them in the microwave facing each other, turn it on (obviously)and watch them "joust"!!! Your soldiers will get a big kick out of it!!! Banners to decorate their rooms or mess hall that say Happy Easter. Confetti to decorate the tables, pin the tail on the Easter Bunny-maybe a playboy bunny,Stuffed Animal of a Easter Bunny, Stationary, Phone Cards, typical chocolates, Easter Coloaring Book with Crayons, Easter Book Mark, just some fun things. I'm trying to find an Easter Pinata to send along with the candy so the soldiers can fill the pinata and have at it, Water Guns that are shaped like Easter, Easter Straws, if you go to walmart, in the toy section there is a pack with a jump rope , jacks, the paddle with a ball. I sent a few of those to a unit, and they said that was the best thing that they could have ever receive. They laughed all night long. And they are only $2.00 for a pack, How about a couple of egg dying kits. I'm sure they can get hard boiled eggs from the chow hall. Make sure the kits only require water (no vinegar). Easter M&Ms are great, they won't melt, Plastic eggs so he can make up Easter treats for buddies or have an Easter egg hunt, Stickers,The dollar stores sell al kinds of Easter Novelties, like plastic bendable rabbits, colorful erasers, pencils, etc.
For Fun and Entertainment: Batteries (AA, AAA, C), Blank Greeting Cards (for Soldiers to send home), Books, Magazines (Please see disallowed items list), Card games (Uno, Skip-bo, etc.), Colored pencils, Crossword Puzzle Books, Decks of cards, Dice, Disposable Cameras, DVD/CD cases with zippers, Bandannas, DVD’s and VHS Movies, Electronic hand held games (poker, blackjack, etc.), Flashlight with a red lens, Frisbee, Envelopes, Global phone cards (pre-paid), Hackie Sacks, Hand-held games, Jigsaw Puzzle Books, ,Jokes & comics, Journals, Jump ropes, Mini-fans, Music CDs, Nerf toys (small footballs, basketball, etc.), Paper / Stationary, Pencils (mechanical), Pens (Black ink only), Pocket size notebook ,Slinky’s, Softballs, Squirt guns, Travel games, Word Search Books, Wrap Around Sunglasses (Blaster Shield Style), Yo-yo’s, you could also use newspaper for packing material that way they could read it afterwards.
Food and Snack Items: Crystal Lite Drink Mixes (Just add water) Beef Jerky, Beef Summer Sausage, Breakfast Cereal – Individual sizes, Cereal bars, Instant Cup of Soup (Just add Water), Cheese and Crackers, Chex Mix / Snack Mix, Instant coffee (various flavors), Chocolate, Coffee Singles (like a tea bag), Coffee-mate Non-Dairy Creamer (powder), Condiments (Fast food restaurant type packets), Cookies, Equal (packets), Fruit Cocktail / Applesauce Snack Packs, Gatorade (presweetened, powder), Granola Bars, Gum, Hard Candy, Hickory Farms Beef Stick, Homemade cookies / baked goods, Hostess Snack Cakes, Hot cocoa / Hot chocolate (Just add water), Hunt’s Snack Pack Puddings, Individually Wrapped Snack Items, Instant Grits (Just add water), Instant Oatmeal (Just add water), Jell-O Snack Packs, Kool-aid (presweetened, powder), Kraft Handi Snacks, ,Lemonade Mix (presweetened, just add water),Life Savers / Certs / Tic Tac’s, Little Debbie Snack Cakes / Treats, Malted Milk Mixes (Just add water), Maruchan Instant Lunch – Cup of soup/noodles, Milk & Cereal bars, Nacho dip, Peanut Butter and Crackers, Pop tarts / Pop tart sticks, Power bars, Pretzels (Regular, Yogurt dipped, etc.), Pringles snack size packs, Rice Krispies Treats, Salt / Pepper packets, Snack Crackers (Wheat thins, Ritz), Snack Size Chip Varieties, Sugar (packets), Tea Bags, Trail Mix, Tuna Snack Kits, Velveeta
SOLDIER CARE PACKAGE
"Tucked inside this little bag When your spirits are starting to sag Are some little reminders that I care As you fight for freedom over there."
Toothpick: To help you pick out the good in every situation you encounter.
Hugs and Kisses(Hershey's Hugs and Kisses): Because sometimes we all need a "hug and kiss" Paperclip: to help you "keep it together" when it all seems to be hitting the fan.
Marble: To replace "the ones we all lose" from time to time.
Snickers: To remind you to "laugh" even when you feel like crying. Rubber Band: To help you be flexible and "bounce back" in times of trouble without breaking.
Stick of Gum: To remind you to "stick" with the task at hand.
Mint: To let you know you're worth a "mint" to me.
Cotton Ball: To help "cushion" the rough times.
Lollipop: To help you "lick" the problems you encounter. Star Burst: To let you know I'm "bursting" with pride for you.
Nut: To remind you to relax and get a little "nutty" sometimes.
Tootsie Roll: To remind you of the important "roll" you play.
Lifesaver: To signify the "lifesaving" things you do to keep our country free.
Boredom Buster Care Package: This care package is full of great activities to cure their boredom. It's an ideal military care package, or perfect for anyone that is homebound, in the hospital, or stuck in bed. If your child needs some extra fun for camp, this care package is great fun for camp. All of the items in this care package are small enough to fit into a pack, backpack, or suitcase. Hasbro Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee Radica Electronic Pocket Poker Hand-Held Game Radica Electronic Pocket Slot Hand-Held Game MGA Entertainment Baseball Hand-Held Game Original Full Size Rubik's Cube Original Full Size Slinky
"Spiritual Journey" devotional literature; encouraging studies; bulletins, notes, & recordings from congregation; books by favorite authors (to be shared with one another then donated to the chapel), etc.
"Surviving the Sandstorms" eye wash, nasal spray, chap stick, sand scarf, bandana, etc.
"Laundry Load" laundry soap (sample size), fabric softener sheets, cleans socks, socks, underwear and bras fare always eaten up by the washer and or dryer.
"Lotta Java" Tea, cocoa, coffee singles, creamer, sugar, international coffee tins,
"Thanks a Million!" Things that "seem" expensive such as Grey Poupon, small amount of cash, electronic version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and wrap items in green tissue paper
"Hang in There!" Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding, Monkeys in a Barrel game, card with a monkey on it
"A Day at the Beach" sunscreen, beach towel, beach snacks, flip flop sandals (shower shoes), Aloe Vera gel, sunglasses, beach music, beach ball
"Medicine Cabinet" Aspirin, band-aids, Neosporin cream, A&D ointment, cold medicine, Alka Seltzer, Rolaids, etc.
"Staying Healthy" Nutrition/health bars, vitamins, nutri-grain bars, Gatorade or PowerAid, "
MRE/Mess Hall Survival Kit" Restaurant size condiments and snacks
"Correspondence Carton" Notebook paper, stationery, pens, pencils, stickers, journal, envelopes, address book (filled), camera with a note to send back once its filled
"Action Heroes" Powerbars, squirt guns, Red Bull drinks, small Army figurines
"To Be a Kid Again" silly string, bubbles, small bouncy balls, hacky sacks, brain teaser toys (Rubix Cube, etc.), deck of cards, dominoes, whoopie cushion
"Bathroom in a Box" toilet paper, razor refills, foot powder, bars of soap, washcloths, travel size shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush
"Stress Reliever" back scratcher, bubble wrap, yo-yos, bubbles, squeezy tension
"I’m Nuts about You" peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any "Rocks On" Pop rocks, CDs, Itunes/Napster music gift card, music dvd
"And this Little Piggie went to the Sandbox" (foot care kit) foot powder, boot inserts, foot lotion, foot file, fresh socks, toe nail clippers
"Chili Today, Hot Tamale" Hot Tamales (candy), small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa flavored sunflower seeds, Cajun flavor Pringles, Spicy Chex mix, Boston Red Hots, peppered beef jerky, Taco Bell hot sauce packets, Extreme Doritos, chili powder, nacho cheese sauce in a can
"How do you eat your OREOS?" regular Oreos, peanut butter Oreos, double stuff Oreos, chocolate filled Oreos, etc.
"Pick Nick Basket" Line basket with linen napkin and fill with juice boxes, beef summer sausages, pre-packaged cheese, fruit roll ups, chips, nuts, cookies, candies, pickles, olives, etc. Throw in some plastic ants and photos of your pick nick back home
"Breakfast on the Go" nutrigrain bars, instant oatmeal cups, boxes of cereal, pop tarts, powdered donuts, packaged muffins, cocoa, coffee, Tang,
"Ruck Sack Snack Pack" fill with loved one’s favorite snack items
"Sloppy Kisses" chocolate melts there, so a package of Hershey’s kisses are bound to be "sloppy kisses"
"Congrats on your Promotion" congratulations party favors, snack items, sparkling cider (wrapped in bubble wrap)
"Pamper Party" (for females) feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, hair barrettes and scrunchies (same color as their hair), facial scrub or soap, facial mask, lotion, shower gel, razors, facial moisturizer, tweezers, nail care kit, toner, special facial products
Beach Party Luau: Coconut drink holders, leis, Hawaiian music cd, dried pineapples & other tropical fruits, sunglasses, grass skirts, etc (a lot can be bought in the Oriental Trading Company Catalog) Hot & Spicy Extreme Pack: Hot sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, extreme Doritos, extreme cheese sandwich crackers, microwave popcorn (use chili powder on this), Nachos, jar cheese, salsa, tums.
Picnic Basket: Cheap picnic basket, checkered tablecloth, plastic ants, summer sausage & cheese stuff (from Hickory Farms), Hostess Apple Pies, root beer barrels, Frisbees.
At the Movies: New release movie, or taped sitcoms, microwave popcorn (get empty popcorn tubs from movie theater for putting popcorn in), cups & straws, Koolaid mix, movie candy (good-n-plenty, whoppers, malt balls, etc)
Saturday Morning Cartoons: tapes of cartoons, mini boxes of cereal, poptarts, cereal bars, fun socks or boxers, fun pillow cases
Fun & Games: Nerf balls of all kinds, bubbles, cards, card games, hacky sack, squirt guns, balloons, Frisbees, silly string, slinky, bubble gum, rice krispy treats, cookies, pez & dispensers, popcorn, koolaid, travel games
Friday Night Pamper Me Party (for the girls): shower/bath gel, lotion, flavored coffee (Starbucks), teddy bear, cute coffee mug, fun socks, stationary, teas, novels, bath beads/salt, nail polish & other nail accessories, mask, hot oil treatment, popcorn , wooden hand massager, relaxation cd, candle in a tin & CHOCOLATE
Foot Care Kit: Foot soak, Peppermint foot lotion, foot file, foot powder/spray, Pumice stone, Dr Scholls Inserts, new socks, put all in plastic tub big enough to soak feet in Fishing in a Box: Fishing Magazines, goldfish crackers, Swedish fish, gummi worms, fishing games, “go fish” playing cards, fishermans hat, tackle box, lip balm, sunscreen, lego kit of a boat, sand pail to fill with water to play with fish price fishing game that comes with plastic fish, fishing pole & tackle box.
Action Hero/Super Hero: figurines or toy action figures, packs of little green army men, squirt guns, Gatorade, power bars, red bull drinks
Keep in touch kit: writing supplies, journal, pictures, cameras, blank all occasion cards, address book, envelopes
Keep Smiling box: Magic 8 Ball, Mad Libs, Smiley Face Toys, Goofy candy like Sours, Nerds, Laffy Taffy (line box with Smiley face paper) Lotta Java Pack: teas, cocoa, coffee packs & canned coffees (starbucks), Milano’s cookies, relaxing magazine to read, etc
Staying Healthy: Doctor bag or plastic toy one filled with aspirin, cold meds, sinus meds, vitamins, visine, bandaids, Neosporin, power bars, soup, and other health related things
Movie Care Package: Movie (DVD or VHS), Microwave Popcorn (or already popped if they don't have access),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 Cups,Get Well "Pills" (candy coated mints),Get Well Card, Chapstick,A&D ointment
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,
"Scruf" Care Package: Razors, Baby Wipes, Chapstick, Shaving Cream, Deodorant, mouthwash, Lotion (if soldier is female step it up a notch and do something SPA line),Foot Powder, Shampoo & Conditioner, Soap, Big Fluffy Towel, Toilet Paper, Shoe Polish Comforts of Home Package: Small Bottle of Febreeze, Candle, Snuggle Dryer Sheets, Phone Card, Blanket (A nice comfy one), Glade Stick Ups, 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
Holiday Themed Packages: Fill any package with holiday themed ideas and use things like tissue paper, balloons, confetti etc. to decorate it!
Bath Package: Gel eye-pack, Shower Gel, Shower Flip-Flops, Aroma therapy oils, Scented candles and holders, Pumice stone, Washcloths, scrubber or loofa sponge, Back cleaning brush, Relaxing music on CD or cassette, Rubber ducky
Write Home Package: Note paper or cards, Envelopes (choose a variety of sizes), Letter opener, Nice Pen or Pencil, Address Labels, Address Book
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'll need a camera. Take pictures of each thing you do. Use your creativity 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). Then we colored pictures - or threw around a football etc. (take pictures doing 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! (send picture of kiss goodnight) 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 Lunch Snacks New Pajamas Popcorn Recorded TV show or movie DVD Hershey's Kisses
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