Care Package Time!

I am not a fan of deployments, at all. I even dread the word but one thing that keeps me busy during deployments is making care packages. Not only are care package fun to make for your loved one overseas, but they also enjoy receiving them. It is also a moral booster which our military servicemen and women could use during a deployment. Because I do enjoy putting care packages together, here are just a few tips and ideas that can be used when creating one.

If you're like me, you get all artistic with your care packages. I try and send at least one per month to my Sailor. Each month I do a different theme. I design the box, and stuff it with things pertaining to that particular theme, as well as necessities.

Below are some Do's and Don't of care packages.

Do's...

• Send pictures and lots of them. They can hang it up in their rack or sleeping quarters, and it helps them feel connected despite the distance. 
• Write letters. Hand written letters are the best because it is a lot more personal. (Spraying a little of your perfume on it wouldn't hurt either)
• Zip Block bags are awesome. If you are sending something that can be opened & possibly create a mess put it in a zip block bag to prevent a mess all over your items in the care package. 
• Something we may not think about is them getting sick overseas. If your husband is anything like my husband, when he is sick, the world is over. Be sure to send Aspirins/Ibuprofen, cough drops, or syrup, so they can have on hand in case they do get sick. 
• Bubble wrap anything you feel can break. Care packages will be handled by many before reaching your loved one and may even end up at the bottom of a pile. You'd hate for anything to break in transit. Take extra precaution and bubble wrap these items to keep them as safe as possible. 
• Send Prepaid Calling Cards. As much as you would love to hear their voice, they would love to hear yours as well. 

Don't...

• Send Alcohol
• Pornographic material
• Anything that may melt. 

Fun Themes to Work With 

I find doing themed care packages are a lot more fun for the both of you. Here are some themes and ideas...

-Birthday In A Box. Send party favors, goody bags that they can pass along, hostess cupcakes  a wrapped gift, and a birthday card. 

-Sporty Care Package. Send small souvenirs from their favorite team, a team shirt or jersey, a magazine associated with sports they can read in their spare time. You can even try contacting the their favorite team and inquire about how to get a free fan package to your military member. Most will do it in honor of their service. 

- Movie Night Care Package. Most service members take a laptop with them. For those who don't a portable DVD player can benefit them on their down time. Movies, Popcorn, loads of goodies, and a pair of headphones. 

- Soak up the Sun. It can get really hot overseas especially during the summer time and who doesn't want to have a little bit of fun? Some things you can load this package with are little water guns, portable hand fan (with batteries), water balloons, a Frisbee, beach ball, and summer time goodies!

- Anniversary. It is hard celebrating an anniversary with your loved one being deployed. It is also hard to figure out how to help your S/O celebrate your anniversary while he is overseas. Sending him a card attached with a love letter is great idea, a coupon book he/she can use when they return, a photo book or scrap book full of pictures and memories, something such as a teddy bear or  t-shirt sprayed with your perfume, the movie from your very first date together, a USB slide show of pictures he/she can plug into their laptop and watch, and a mixed CD with some of your favorite love songs you both enjoy.

-Winter Wonderland. Hot cocoa packets, a warm throw blanket, books, socks, baked goodies, handmade ornaments with pictures attached, holiday movies, and holiday snacks. 

*For the Holidays, fill the package with things pertaining to the holiday and decorate it with tissue paper and confetti to be extra festive!  

For The Little Ones

It is hard on the deployed parent to be away from their child(ren) as well as the child(ren). Here are some of the things the little ones can send to their mommy or daddy...

- Hand written letters. 

- Crafts and projects they've done in school or at home. 

- Have the little one(s) record a video for the parent and transfer it to a USB or DVD and send it. 

- For Mother's Day or Father's Day have them write down their reasons they love their mommy/daddy. 

Cake In A Jar

Image Credit: Bing

The cake in a jar recipe is common around holidays and deployment time for spouses. It allows you to send an already made cake to your loved one in the mail. You can also send icing and topping along with it so they can decorate it themselves (& cake tastes much better with icing hehehe)

Cake in A Jar Recipe 

1 cake mix – whatever kind

4 wide-mouthed Mason Jars 

Pam spray

Mix the cake mix and pre heat oven as directed. Spray the 4 jars with Pam spray and set on a cookie sheet. You want to fill the jars only 1/3 full of cake batter. Bake for directed time. As soon as you take them out of the oven, carefully screw the tops on. If the cake has risen above the top, carefully slice off excess so cake is even with the top. As the cakes cool, you will hear the tops pop as they seal themselves. 

(Source: Army Mom Strong)

Want to Save Some time? 

You can get a "Mili-Kit" from the USPS shipped to your home free of charge! 

The kit contains:

Image Credit: Bing 

• Two APO/FPO Large Priority Box (12 x 12 x 5-1/2)
• Two Medium Priority Box 1 (11 x 8-1/2 x 5-1/2)
• Two Medium Priority Box 2 (13-5/8 x 11-7/8 x 3-3/8)
• Priority Mail tape.
• Priority Mail address labels.
• Appropriate customs forms. 

To get your free kit call 1-800-610-8734. 

It usually takes 7-10 days for delivery. 

The price for a large flat rate box to ship to FPO/APO/DPO address is $14.85 ($2.00 less than the domestic pricing) 

(Source:Military Care Package Kit)