Okay as most of you know my bf left this past Sunday for the first time out to Iraq. I am getting ready to make my first care package any cool fun ideas....Remember we have only been together 3 months so I am not 100% on all his favorite things....

well, i know we were told not to send chocolate candy because it melts so easily. i think i sent him some little debbie type stuff that wouldn't melt. i also sent him a little arcade game (it was less than 6 inches tall and played something like asteroids or something lol). i also used to send nerf stuff...they have slingshots, disc shooters and stuff. he was on a sub though...i don't know if they'd want (or could have) stuff like that in iraq...

mmm the first package i sent my db was full of anything i thought he would like. i sent him magazines, i sent him granola bars (per his request), pictures of us, a nice card, i made him a real cool little sign with cut out sayings from magazines and some pictures glued on. i also sent him an "important dates" thing that i made. i included all birthdays of people that are important to him, our special dates, and other things for each month that he was going to be gone. if he has any candy he likes, send him that, snack foods are good, wet wipes are good, i sent him his favorite chapstick because i know he gets coldsores from the heat and sun, ummm just whatever little things you think he may like. good luck care packages are fun!

cards, playdoh (incase he felt like being a kid again),candy, cookies (send lots to share, some people don't get anything), photos.

They seem to like anything you send so don't worry too much about that. I also send the individual drop into the water drink mix stuff of propel, crystal lite, and coffee. I send peanut butter crackers, dried fruit, nuts... Just try and think simple for a lot of it. Good luck on the first package.

i started sending my victoria's secret catalogs to db...often w/ things circled. didn't get any complaints.

i tried to "theme" his boxes. for instance, he told me his feet hurt, so i sent him a foot box. soak, lotion, marbles to put in the soak, insoles, files, nail clippers, pumice stone, etc...

I sent my first care packages a few days ago. Before DH left he told me he wanted a foot locker so I sent that filled with alot of goodies that he liked. I think I screwed up because I sent bottles of gatorade and I read on here that everyone sent the powder packs:worried. I hope it get to him soon, how long does it usually take to arrive to Iraq?

I am so excied to get started...these are all wonderful ideas....I am sure he would love a "foot box: after being in boots so long.....Who doesn't love junk food once in a while......Thanks so much!!!!

packages take a week minimum usually, can take a month or more. I really suggest priority mail and insurace, as those speed up mail to FPO adn APO addresses!

packages take a week minimum usually, can take a month or more. I really suggest priority mail and insurace, as those speed up mail to FPO adn APO addresses!

definitiely use the "flat rate box" from the post office. they have 2 sizes...long & thin or 8.5 x 11 x 5. i always use the latter. you can pack it full of the heaviest stuff & it's only, like ~$9 to send (i don't remember the last rate change). also the boxes, tape & labels are free.

my first few packages were things he figured out he needed after being there for a week or so...after that i have been sending magazines, pics, little games, cds, snacks, etc.

Same as what's been posted but I always include pictures for his wall above his bunk, computer and PS2 games, ramen, trail mix, popcorn, etc.

Okay...I pulled out my DB grocery list to add to what has already been posted. :giggle (He is in the sand too!)

- Underwear
- Sunscreen
- Antibacterial Gel (the $1 aisle at Target is great!)
- Pop Tarts (they usually don't get the good flavors like smores over there)
- Stick Up air fresheners
- Batteries (if he has a PX they are usually out of them)
- Liquid Band Aids (they help seal cuts pretty well and are easy to carry)
- EYE DROPS!
- Baby Wipes (Men are gross...need I say more?!)
- Gold Bond Foot Powder
- Gel Inserts for Boots (the first thing DB asked for)

Snacks:
- Jerky
- Mac & Cheese cups (if he has a microwave or way to boil water)
- Rice Krispy Squares
- The M&M debate rages on, but from what I understand definitely not in the summer months but if you are lucky they do well in the winter.
- Those danish butter cookies in the blue can do very well

Magazine Tip:
I subscribed to a couple of his fave mags so that they come to the house and I dont have to worry about remembering to get the latest edition. Plus you get them cheaper at the subscription price than off the rack.

Oh and I havent seen it here but if you do a search for "military pack" in the threads you should probably find one on how to order your supplies from the post office to your door. They will send you boxes, labels, tape, and customs forms. Everything you need to ship your stuff. If you can't find it...let me know and I can come back and post it. I am already dangerously long in this post. :teehee

Its fun making up care packages - I've sent latest release dvds, new novels, silly post cards, a digital photo key chain, magazines, many of the foods and personal care stuff listed above. I don't know what he likes best, he hasn't said.

where do i get that from?

Okay...I pulled out my DB grocery list to add to what has already been posted. :giggle (He is in the sand too!)

- Underwear
- Sunscreen
- Antibacterial Gel (the $1 aisle at Target is great!)
- Pop Tarts (they usually don't get the good flavors like smores over there)
- Stick Up air fresheners
- Batteries (if he has a PX they are usually out of them)
- Liquid Band Aids (they help seal cuts pretty well and are easy to carry)
- EYE DROPS!
- Baby Wipes (Men are gross...need I say more?!)
- Gold Bond Foot Powder
- Gel Inserts for Boots (the first thing DB asked for)

Snacks:
- Jerky
- Mac & Cheese cups (if he has a microwave or way to boil water)
- Rice Krispy Squares
- The M&M debate rages on, but from what I understand definitely not in the summer months but if you are lucky they do well in the winter.
- Those danish butter cookies in the blue can do very well

Magazine Tip:
I subscribed to a couple of his fave mags so that they come to the house and I dont have to worry about remembering to get the latest edition. Plus you get them cheaper at the subscription price than off the rack.

Oh and I havent seen it here but if you do a search for "military pack" in the threads you should probably find one on how to order your supplies from the post office to your door. They will send you boxes, labels, tape, and customs forms. Everything you need to ship your stuff. If you can't find it...let me know and I can come back and post it. I am already dangerously long in this post. :teehee

awesome....i want to do it all....i might just make several boxes and make them all fun.....

I called the US post office and ordered what they call the "Mil Pack" if you ask for it they will know. It has an order number but I don't remember it. (google it) They send you for free boxes (flat rate and others), lables, customs forms, and packing tape. It nice to have it all here and its FREE

I like to do theme packages. I did one for coffe. I'm doing poker night. I think I'll do a luau. But they really do appreciate anything you sned. The powdered Capri sun sport drinks were abig hit along with homemade baked goods and tuna in foil packages

I sent my first care packages a few days ago. Before DH left he told me he wanted a foot locker so I sent that filled with alot of goodies that he liked. I think I screwed up because I sent bottles of gatorade and I read on here that everyone sent the powder packs:worried. I hope it get to him soon, how long does it usually take to arrive to Iraq?

that should be fine. i've sent gatorade bottles, vitamin water, even glass IBC rootbeer bottles!! all have made it in one piece.

at the post office though they ask you if anything is liquid perishable or potentially hazardous.. i just say no.. and even when I write water bottles on the customs slip, they never say anything. so i dont see what the big deal is. as long as its sealed, you're find. they just don't want stuff spilling everywhere.

I called the US post office and ordered what they call the "Mil Pack" if you ask for it they will know. It has an order number but I don't remember it. (google it) They send you for free boxes (flat rate and others), lables, customs forms, and packing tape. It nice to have it all here and its FREE

I like to do theme packages. I did one for coffe. I'm doing poker night. I think I'll do a luau. But they really do appreciate anything you sned. The powdered Capri sun sport drinks were abig hit along with homemade baked goods and tuna in foil packages

USPS provides free military packing supplies to help support the troops. As of October 25, 2004 the USPS is offering free packing materials for family and friends of military members who are deployed overseas (APO and FPO addresses only). These kits are not available at the USPS website. To take advantage of this service call 1-800-610-8734 then press 1 for English, then press 0 to talk to an operator. Once you have the operator on the line simply ask for the 'Military Pack' and they will send you boxes, packing materials, tape, mailing labels, and customs forms free of charge. It will take 7 to 10 days for the package to arrive.



**However all of the boxes are NOT flat rate. So it's good to order this the first go round for the tape and labels, but when you need more boxes you can just go to usps.com and order all flat rate boxes. Save yourself the $$! :) I sure as hell know I need to. I am like a care-package-making-addict. :weee

Sorry for not getting back to post the info on the Mail Pak but Julianne got it. :thanks

Have fun! Care packages are the BEST! :dance