Military Care Packages: What to Send Loved Ones Stationed Overseas

Mail is one of the most anticipated items for anyone stationed overseas in the military. Even the simplest of care packages remind them people back home are thinking about them.

What to include - Include a mix of items that your military loved one needs and want. Even if he or she doesn't use it, it'll be passed on to someone who will.

Here are a few ideas:

Inexpensive toiletries - nail clippers, toothbrushes, travel size toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, baby wipes, razors, soap, sunscreen, etc. Remember - no aerosols!

Favorite, nuts, candies, candy, gum, energy bars - everything needs to be non-perishable; care packages are send on a "space available" condition, so you never know how long your package will sit in a warehouse.

Food that won't spoil - Instant soup, pouches of dehydrated food (like the Lipton rice or noodle sides), and small canned foods like tuna will be a welcomed addition to their diet

Ethnic Foods - Add in their favorite spices and mixes from the ethnic grocery store.

Powdered drinks (tea, coffee, fruit juice, punch, etc) - Those who are stationed in the Middle East and desert regions must drink a lot of water. Send them some variety.

Send entertainment, like magazines, books DVDs and music.

Local newspaper - give them a connection to home life through a collection of local newspapers.

Games - Send games, like travel games, cards, dominoes, that can be packed up and travel easily.

Favorite pens, pencils and extra paper, to make sure he or she writes home!

International Calling Card - to call home, of course!

Batteries for MP3 players, CD players, and other personal electronics

Photos, art and cards from the family, especially the kids

Disposable camera

Whatever you send, make sure there are extras, especially when it comes to food. Care packages are often shared with friends and bunkmates, so make sure there's enough so your loved ones gets more than the crumbs!

Make sure to keep things on the small size - they'll have to dump the "bulk-size mouthwash" the next time they move. Do not send anything that you're attached to; items are passed around quite a bit.

What not to send - The armed forces has placed restrictions on what you can and can't send into certain areas. The restrictions depend on many factors, including local customs, so they will change whenever your loved one is transferred.

An online database has been created at http://www.oconus.com/ZipCodes.asp to help you determine what you can and can't send. Enter the AFO/FPO zip code in the form provided and a list of restrictions will come

Most importantly, do not include alcohol of any sort. Even the "alcohol-filled candies" will be confiscated. Care packages and boxes are often inspected so don't think your little bottle of alcohol, disguised as shampoo, is going to "slip through". It won't and could very possibly put your loved one on probation or some other disciplinary action.

Also, make sure to keep your box at a "PG" rating. You stand a high chance of this box being opened by someone other than your loved one. So keep the naked pictures and Playboys at home.

Sending a care package to your loved one in military can be one of the most important things you can do to support your troops. Knowing their loved ones support them during their time away from home is the biggest moral booster ever.

So go out right now, get yourself a box and start packing!