Care packages boost morale and give soldiers a touch of home. Whether you send packages to a loved one or someone you haven’t met, give someone a practical gift. They’ll appreciate the sentiment! Here’s what soldiers deployed overseas want in a care package.
Toiletries
Service members appreciate toiletries while overseas. These items support personal hygiene while keeping soldiers comfortable in various climates. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo are basic items that troops need. However, there are niche products that help too! Include the following in your care packages:
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Pain-reliving topical cream
- Foot powder
- Eye drops
- Baby powder
- Feminine care products
Downtime Activities
Not every day is action-packed, and soldiers experience downtime. Overseas, soldiers don’t have the luxury of using their smartphones to scroll social media, talk to friends, or catch up on shows. They must create their own fun. For that reason, downtime activities are something soldiers want in a care package.
In the kit, you can include reading materials, handheld video games, puzzles, a deck of cards, and board games. Furthermore, baseball gloves and balls are popular so troops can play games together. Downtime activities help soldiers decompress after a long day and give them something to do in their free time.
Non-Perishable Snacks
Although there’s plenty of food at the base, some meals are bland and lack variety. There’s nothing like unwinding with your favorite snack after a long day.
Give soldiers a touch of home with non-perishable snacks like pretzels, chips, protein bars, and sunflower seeds. You can also include seasoning packets like hot sauce or barbecue sauce (to enhance their meals).
Don’t forget about drinks like instant coffee, water flavoring packets, hot cocoa, and tea bags.
It’s important to note that some snacks aren’t great for soldiers in warm climates. For instance, gum and chocolate will melt and create a mess.
Sentimental Items
Serving overseas is tough, and soldiers deserve encouragement. Boost someone’s confidence with sentimental items like handwritten notes, pictures, drawings, and scrapbooks. If you plan on sending bulk care packages, partner with an elementary school and ask kids to write notes and draw pictures. This way, every soldier receives something special in their package.
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