Commonly Requested Items for Soldiers' Care Package

Daily I receive emails and requests regarding ideas for care package content to send to soldiers. Many just simply don't know what to send. The best advice I can offer is to ask the soldier what his/her needs are and follow their guidelines as to what to send. However, some are sending packages without a specific need in mind, and simply want to donate items to our warriors. Below you will find some commonly requested items for care packages during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most items are general and will apply to any area of deployment. For specific area needs please consult Unit Command.

• Toiletries


• Aromatherapy Oils


• Hand Lotion


• Deodorant


• Body Powder


• Foot Powder


• Toothbrush


• Toothpaste


• Lip Balm


• Baby Wipes


• Face Moisturizer


• Loofah


• Makeup


• Blush


• Powder


• Mascara


• Body Wash


• Soap


• Manicure Kit


• Eyeglass Cleaner


• Toilet Paper


• Mouthwash


• Shampoo


• Conditioner


• Hair Color


• Tampons


• Pads


• Foot Spa


• Insoles


• Razors


• Handwarmers


• Eye Drops


• Q-tips


• Sunblock



• Food


• Salsa


• Chips


• Tuna


• Slim Jims


• Beef Jerky


• Pretzels


• Applesauce


• Pudding


• PopTarts


• Dinty Moore Soups


• Lunchables (non-refrigerated)


• Jelly Beans


• Altoids


• Rice Krispie Treats


• Snack Mixes


• Sunflower Seeds


• Chewing Gun


• Nuts


• Snack Cakes


• Coffee


• Gatorade


• Kool-Aid


• Crystal Light


• Jaw Breakers


• Cookies


• Canned Foods


• Peanut Butter


• Spices, Salt, Pepper


• Squeeze Butter


• Pringles


• Licorice


• Popcorn


• Ramen Noodles


• Macaroni & Cheese


• Cereal Bars


• Granola Bars


• Microwave Pasta


• Hot Cocoa mix


• Soup Mix


• M&Ms



• Entertainment


• CDs


• DVDs


• Disposable Camera


• Phone Card


• Poker Game


• Playing Cards


• Dice


• Newspapers


• Magazines (esp. Gossip, Entertainment)


• Handheld Electronic Games


• Board Games


• Books


• Taped Television Shows


• Game Cartridges


• Books on Tape


• Foam Footballs


• Silly String


• Frisbee


• Hacky Sack


• Dominoes


• MP3 Player


• Web Cam


• Headphones


• Silly Putty


• Squirt Guns


• Crossword Puzzles


• Word Searches


• Stationery (no stamps, soldiers' mail free)


• Blank Cards


• Journal



• Miscellaneous


• School Supplies


• Stuffed Animals


• Ink Pens


• Vitamins


• Inflatable Chairs or Pillows


• Shoe Laces


• Canned Air (for blowing dust out of electronics)


• Cleaning Supplies (wipes are best)


• Air Fresheners


• Candles


• Small Flashlight


• Posters


• Flag


• Holiday Decorations


• Stick-Ups


• Febreeze


• Stress Ball


• Sewing Kit


• AA Batteries


• D Batteries


• Baby Food Jars With Dirt From Yard


• Decorated Pillow Case


• Balloons


• Can Opener


• Dryer Sheets


• Dixie Cups


• Fan


• Koozies


• Microwaveable Plates or Bowls


• Paper Plates


• Napkins



• Linens & Things


• Handmade or Small Blanket


• Sheets


• Fluffy Towel


• Socks


• Underwear


• Tshirts

Disclaimer: This is not an all -inclusive list and some items may not be permitted by Command. Please use common sense when packaging and mailing items. For additional information consult Tara Crooks' article on Themed Care Packages as well as What Not To Send In Your Care Package, and How To Send Your Care Package. Army Wife Talk Radio is in no way affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) or any branch of the Armed Services and inclusion in this article does not reflect endorsement by the DoD, any local government or their agencies.

© 2006 Army Wife Talk Radio

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