Gum to help you stick together
cotton ball to cushion the rough roads
paperclip to hold it all together
a hug to let you know theres always someone on your side
a kiss so that you'll remember I LOVE YOU
mint because you're worth a mint
candle to light the darkness
Sunday, October 24, 2010
great idea if you have kids
having a blanket from home smelling like home is nice when you're away from home. if you have kids this is great because they can be involved.
get a twin sized sheet, just the flat sheet, fabric paint that will show up on the sheet color you chose and plenty of newspaper
lay the newspaper out and then put sheet over it (wash the sheet first and take it from dryer and lay it out) and squirt fabric paint into paper plates and let your kids put handprints and foot prints all over it... i like the idea of hand prints and a poem about hands always with yours in the center... let it dry and then spray with your perfume/body spray and put in a big ziploc bag and send!
get a twin sized sheet, just the flat sheet, fabric paint that will show up on the sheet color you chose and plenty of newspaper
lay the newspaper out and then put sheet over it (wash the sheet first and take it from dryer and lay it out) and squirt fabric paint into paper plates and let your kids put handprints and foot prints all over it... i like the idea of hand prints and a poem about hands always with yours in the center... let it dry and then spray with your perfume/body spray and put in a big ziploc bag and send!
boxes/mailing
Okay I hope that everyone knows that you can go to USPS website and order boxes and all the forms for FREE! If not well now you know! For those of you that live in Dunlap/or close enough to Dunlap, Citizens Bank will mail the packages for free, you just need to have all the forms with the box and drop it off with Ms. Diane Mounce. It will save you SOOOOOO much money!
Major taping of the box helps it get there in one piece and keeps thieves out. I taped all sides, corners, top, bottom and sides. There would never be a spot untapped on any of the boxes I sent out. I also put clear tape over the address label so that the ink wouldn't run if got wet and so it couldn't be taken off.
Do NOT send alcohol, pornographic or sexual items. This can get your service member into trouble if found. I know sometimes they have to open their packages in front of their Sergeant or someone so don't send anything that can get him/her into trouble.
The customs form (the White one) asks that you be detailed, dont be too detailed, just be vague... like shaving items and shower items can be listed as toiletries... food can be snacks/baked goods. Do NOT put the names of cds or movies on the form.
You can also call 18006108734 and ask for a military care kit and they will send you a package of boxes, forms and such. Its always better to have your forms filled out before getting to post office.
Find out how long it takes to get packages to him/her.... send a trial one with fun stuff in it. I suggest you do this before sending one that has food, food can go bad and you want to know how long it takes to get there before sending too much.
If you send anything liquid, anything that can leak put it in a ziploc bag, tape and put into another bag. If a package leaks they toss it, along with any other packages it leaked onto.
Always pad the boxes well and always shake it before you put the final tape on the top to see if it rattles, you want to avoid this as much as possible. I always sent plastic bags since I always have so many and they use them.... for trash for their rooms/tents, to put dirty/wet clothes in.
Major taping of the box helps it get there in one piece and keeps thieves out. I taped all sides, corners, top, bottom and sides. There would never be a spot untapped on any of the boxes I sent out. I also put clear tape over the address label so that the ink wouldn't run if got wet and so it couldn't be taken off.
Do NOT send alcohol, pornographic or sexual items. This can get your service member into trouble if found. I know sometimes they have to open their packages in front of their Sergeant or someone so don't send anything that can get him/her into trouble.
The customs form (the White one) asks that you be detailed, dont be too detailed, just be vague... like shaving items and shower items can be listed as toiletries... food can be snacks/baked goods. Do NOT put the names of cds or movies on the form.
You can also call 18006108734 and ask for a military care kit and they will send you a package of boxes, forms and such. Its always better to have your forms filled out before getting to post office.
Find out how long it takes to get packages to him/her.... send a trial one with fun stuff in it. I suggest you do this before sending one that has food, food can go bad and you want to know how long it takes to get there before sending too much.
If you send anything liquid, anything that can leak put it in a ziploc bag, tape and put into another bag. If a package leaks they toss it, along with any other packages it leaked onto.
Always pad the boxes well and always shake it before you put the final tape on the top to see if it rattles, you want to avoid this as much as possible. I always sent plastic bags since I always have so many and they use them.... for trash for their rooms/tents, to put dirty/wet clothes in.
DAY @ HOME care package
The idea of this box is to replicate a day with you. first you'll need a camera. Take pics of each thing you do. Use creativity..(we woke up.. take a pic in bed)that sort of thing... send all the pics with treats
care package ENTERTAINMENT/BOREDOM BUSTER BOX
cds
tv shows on dvd
snacks
batteries (if they need them)
blank greeting cards
books
magazines
card games
colored pencils and a sketch pad
puzzle books
disposable cameras
electronic hand held games
phone card
hacky sack
envelopes (pre address them)
jokes/comics
nerf toys
travel size games
yo yos
tv shows on dvd
snacks
batteries (if they need them)
blank greeting cards
books
magazines
card games
colored pencils and a sketch pad
puzzle books
disposable cameras
electronic hand held games
phone card
hacky sack
envelopes (pre address them)
jokes/comics
nerf toys
travel size games
yo yos
ideas
I came across some great ideas while Scott was deployed this last time 07-08 and a lot I haven't used but know ppl that did...
* send a glass jar with 365 (or however long they are gone)little notes that say I love you, Missing you.... lines from songs that are special to you guys, that remind you of him/her....they open a new note everyday.
*a message in a bottle... get a glass bottle and put a lil sand in the bottom mixed with some glitter and roll up a love letter and send it
* send a ball... just send it as is... its a fun toy
*send a build a bear with your voice in it
*make a pillow, sheets and blanket for his/her bed
*get a singing card and send him
*tons of dvds... get used ones or make copies and send the copies
*I know someone that sent a thanksgiving meal
~turkey spam (turkey)
~corn nuts (corn)
~home made parmesan potato chips (mash pot)
~dried cranberries (Cranberry sauce)
~corn flake candy for dessert (whatever they like)
*superhero themed box
I think this is a great idea if you have kids because you can get a lot of superhero movies, comics and food that has a superhero on the front
* send a glass jar with 365 (or however long they are gone)little notes that say I love you, Missing you.... lines from songs that are special to you guys, that remind you of him/her....they open a new note everyday.
*a message in a bottle... get a glass bottle and put a lil sand in the bottom mixed with some glitter and roll up a love letter and send it
* send a ball... just send it as is... its a fun toy
*send a build a bear with your voice in it
*make a pillow, sheets and blanket for his/her bed
*get a singing card and send him
*tons of dvds... get used ones or make copies and send the copies
*I know someone that sent a thanksgiving meal
~turkey spam (turkey)
~corn nuts (corn)
~home made parmesan potato chips (mash pot)
~dried cranberries (Cranberry sauce)
~corn flake candy for dessert (whatever they like)
*superhero themed box
I think this is a great idea if you have kids because you can get a lot of superhero movies, comics and food that has a superhero on the front
links
On the desktop I have a ton of favorites that I saw that were neat and can be helpful for deployments, long times apart and for kids!
http://fabricfamily.com/
http://www.buildasign.com/Troops
http://www.flatdaddies.com
http://www.daddydolls.com
http://fabricfamily.com/
http://www.buildasign.com/Troops
http://www.flatdaddies.com
http://www.daddydolls.com
SPORTS care package
foot balls, nerf things
sports magazines
snacks
things wiht their fave team on it (like a checkers game)
sports magazines
snacks
things wiht their fave team on it (like a checkers game)
info duplicated
there will be some duplicated info in this blog but i have a lot of info and trying to get it all on here
blogging
Originally I started this blog for people to come to for care package ideas and information. I want it to be more than that. I want to get all the information I have out to those of you that have a special someone in the Military. Some of you aren't married to someone in the military and those that are married some aren't near a military base, or may be married to GUARD or RESERVE... life as active duty is different and life as a military spouse is alot different near a base and away from a base/post... which ever your branch calls it. I went from being a Army Wife to Active Duty AIR FORCE and now my husband is the spouse. I was asked in basic training if I was a Brat or a Spouse... they pulled up my med records from FT RILEY... I kinda laughed because I never had been asked that before and it was odd to me. I was neither both, at the time I was no longer a Military spouse, I had transitioned into the sponsor. Instead of having to give Scott's social security number, I now had to give mine. Military is a different lifestyle all around, wither for 6 yrs or 4 or till retirement. We all go through the same stuff over and over, our stories may be different but we basically all go through the same situations. Deployments, no matter how small or how long they are still deployments, they still suck and we have to suck it up and put our big girl/boy pants on and go on with our life as our servicemember has to go on with theirs and get the mission done. We all hope that we will never see that car pull up and the chaplain and commander get out to walk to our door, it happens but we all hope that it won't. We play the role of both parents, which is hard at times but we do it. We involve the other parent by videotaping those special moments to send to them, we have story time dvds for the kids so they can have that time with mom or dad, we buy buildabears we've made with our kids that have our voices in them saying I LOVE YOU! we buy lifesize pictures of mom/dad so that the kids will remember them no matter what. We pack up a house and move on our own, and unpack and sit up a house with no help. We are strong and being a military spouse is honorable and you should be proud of your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend/fiance.... you should be honored to walk through the airport holding their hand as they are about to board a plane back to IRAQ.... hold your head high and be proud to be a part of something so special. The friends you make while associated with the military will always be there for you because they are going through it to, have been through it or will about to go through it. we are all new to this life at one time or another and we make the best of the situation the government puts our servicemember in as we follow them wherever they go!
OPSEC
i am friends with a lot of military spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, fiances... the biggest thing I see and hear has to do with OPSEC... I know you want your family and friends to know that your loved one is deployed, where they are, how long they will be there, when they left and when they are coming back but PLEASE DON'T PUT THAT INFORMATION ON FACEBOOK AND MYSPACE... it violpicture ates OPSEC...If I personally see information like that posted I send a message to the poster telling them it violates OPSEC and to please remove it.
You announcing that you have your loved one deployed puts you at risk as well. I was a single mom with a toddler and pregnant the last time my husband deployed... I didn't announce that he was deployed because that puts me as a target... living alone with a child, pregnant... you get the idea... think before you give out that type of information.
Being on the other side of the picture and in a different branch of service I see how things are different. Army deploys as a Batallion/unit/Brigade and such... most of the Air Force doesn't, we deploy just a few and they go on a civilian plane and such... not a BIG deal is made of it like the Army makes it.
News media doesn't help I know, they publish the information and then people think they can give out the same information... Please don't have that mindset. The information you give out not only affects your loved one but all those serrvicemembers that are with him/her and all their families as well. 1 conversation can affect thousands of lives!
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, WHERE YOU SAY IT AND WHAT YOU POST ONLINE!
You announcing that you have your loved one deployed puts you at risk as well. I was a single mom with a toddler and pregnant the last time my husband deployed... I didn't announce that he was deployed because that puts me as a target... living alone with a child, pregnant... you get the idea... think before you give out that type of information.
Being on the other side of the picture and in a different branch of service I see how things are different. Army deploys as a Batallion/unit/Brigade and such... most of the Air Force doesn't, we deploy just a few and they go on a civilian plane and such... not a BIG deal is made of it like the Army makes it.
News media doesn't help I know, they publish the information and then people think they can give out the same information... Please don't have that mindset. The information you give out not only affects your loved one but all those serrvicemembers that are with him/her and all their families as well. 1 conversation can affect thousands of lives!
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY, WHERE YOU SAY IT AND WHAT YOU POST ONLINE!
you represent your service member
when you are a military spouse you represent your spouse all the time. keep that in mind when dressing for the day to go get groceries or just to go for an appt. How you dress and acts directly reflects on the service member. Keep that in mind!
discounts
Some places give military discounts, just ask and show ID... some only give it to the active duty member, some to the family member...
USAA has the link to great discounts through them for car rentals that are sometimes cheaper than calling the car place and getting just the military discount, and if you rent through USAA with Avis< I know this personally, you don't need the additional insurance because you rented through your insurance company and they cover it! I was in a rental car and got rear-ended and I didn't have the insurance but because I rented through USAA it was covered!
Anyways the point of this is to give you information on discounts, everyone loves to save money, especially us Military people... MILITARY.COM has a list of all discounts that they know about.
Ruby Tuesdays gives 10% off, Cracker Barrel (some of them) give a discount, Footlocker, Sears Portraits... those are just a few of the places that I frequent a lot that I know about.
USAA has the link to great discounts through them for car rentals that are sometimes cheaper than calling the car place and getting just the military discount, and if you rent through USAA with Avis< I know this personally, you don't need the additional insurance because you rented through your insurance company and they cover it! I was in a rental car and got rear-ended and I didn't have the insurance but because I rented through USAA it was covered!
Anyways the point of this is to give you information on discounts, everyone loves to save money, especially us Military people... MILITARY.COM has a list of all discounts that they know about.
Ruby Tuesdays gives 10% off, Cracker Barrel (some of them) give a discount, Footlocker, Sears Portraits... those are just a few of the places that I frequent a lot that I know about.
FLAT RATE care package
get a flat rate box adn stuff it full of smarties, dum dums, slim jims, fruit snacks, granola bars.... fill it as full as you can get it!
no matter what it weighs it still costs the same!!
no matter what it weighs it still costs the same!!
moving day
I have been through moving to Germany then to KS and moving myself home and then having the military move us to Colorado and we had to do a local move a few mths back.
let them pack you up and unpack you. let them get rid of those darn boxes. do an inventory of your stuff... dont just let them do it. keep your own... trust me it helps in the long run. we keep a video and pics of the serial numbers and all that.
do your claims... if something is broken or lost... REPORT IT!
Go through stuff before moving day and as you unpack as well.
let them pack you up and unpack you. let them get rid of those darn boxes. do an inventory of your stuff... dont just let them do it. keep your own... trust me it helps in the long run. we keep a video and pics of the serial numbers and all that.
do your claims... if something is broken or lost... REPORT IT!
Go through stuff before moving day and as you unpack as well.
care package COOL IDEA
get the freezer pops that are liquid before frozen... if they have access to a freezer (many have the mini fridges) send cases... its a nice treat in the heat and they can share!
care package KEEP IN TOUCH BOX
note paper or note cards
envelopes
pens
address labels or preaddress the envelopes
phone cards
greeting cards that are blank
post cards
camera with a note to send it back when full and include a small box to send it back in
envelopes
pens
address labels or preaddress the envelopes
phone cards
greeting cards that are blank
post cards
camera with a note to send it back when full and include a small box to send it back in
care package ZOO BOX
animal crackers
peanuts and peanut butter
beef jerkey
dried banana chips
trail mix
hostess snowballs
tuna
postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals
peanuts and peanut butter
beef jerkey
dried banana chips
trail mix
hostess snowballs
tuna
postcards, stuffed animals or plastic zoo animals
care package SUNSHINE BOX
line a box with yellow tissue paper
and include things that are bright and sun themed
and include things that are bright and sun themed
care package KEEP SMILING BOX
magic 8 ball
mad libs
smiley face toys
goofy candy like sours, nerds, laffy taffy, dum dum
line the box with smiley face paper!
mad libs
smiley face toys
goofy candy like sours, nerds, laffy taffy, dum dum
line the box with smiley face paper!
care package TO DO LIST
get one of the to list magnets and write your name as many times as you can get to fit on it and send to him/her....
care package FISHING IN A BOX
fishing magazine
gold fish crackers
gummi worms
go fish
whoppers
gummi fish
gold fish crackers
gummi worms
go fish
whoppers
gummi fish
care package MRE/DFAC SURVIVAL KIT
send packets of all kinds of condiments and seasonings and sauces
Care package AT EASE
glow in the dark stuff
crossword puzzle
silly putty
deck of cards
ritz bitz
cookies
twizzlers
cheetos
cereal bars
crossword puzzle
silly putty
deck of cards
ritz bitz
cookies
twizzlers
cheetos
cereal bars
care package stuff
~cake in a jar~ this ships well, holds well and is a good homemade treat for your service member... he/she can share it and get a piece of home. who doesn't love cake?!?!?
~Food items~ this list of items are all items that are great for sending long distances, they won't spoil, crumble and should make it there fresh
*individual packets of flavored coffee creamer, you can also make your own by buying small ziploc bags and put a spoonful or so in each baggie.
* MRS DASH.... many different flavors and its a nice change from salt and nice if you use this in your cooking at home!
* different hot sauces try sending different brands and kinds that way they won't get tired of one particular one
DRINKS
+powdered crystal light... comes in many flavors and you can even get the cheaper off brand and it is the same!
+instant coffee
+powder gatorade, send a long a jug to put it in as well!
+pre sweetened kool aid
+tea bags
+country time lemonade (its presweetened and its a great drink!)
SNACKS
+salsa and chips or just salsa.... they can use the salsa as condiments in their food as well
+torengo tortilla chips... they come in a plastic container rather than a bag... safer shipping!
+tuna in the "fresh pouch", it doesn't require draining so its much easier to eat in the field/barracks/chus than other tuna
+slim jims
+crackers and easy cheese (the spray cheese)
+single servings of bagged chips, the small bags stay fresh longer
+cookies... homemade cookies stay fresh with a piece of bread placed inside the container
+tuna with crackers (the kind already done up like this is great)
+candy... hard candy and kinds that won't melt!
+little debbie snack cakes
+graham crackers, teddy grahams
+heart shaped candies
+lunchables... theres several kinds that don't have to be refrigerated!
+prepackaged brownies
+licorice
+bubble gum
+snack mixes (chex mix, gardettos)
+cashews and other nuts
+pretzels
+rice krispie treats
+goldfish crackers
+applesauce, puddings, fruit cups... send plastic spoons
+raisins and trail mix
NON MICROWAVABLE MEALS
*some need access to boiling water... if your service member doesn't have access to a coffee pot send a 1 cup coffee pot... deff worth the money
+cup o noodles
+dry cereal(the small individual servings... these stay fresh longer)
+bowl appetite dinners
+instant oatmeal/grits
+breakfast bars
+pop tarts
+soup mixes that you just add water to!
MICROWAVABLE MEALS
+campbells chunky soup
+pasta anytime dinners
+dinty moore
+popcorn
+small microwave dinners in cups (they don't weigh as much adn don't take up a lot of room)
FUN STUFF
+send board games, the type that are keychain versions... they are small light and just as much fun as the bigger version
+use your computer to print onto magnetic paper... this is fun!
+send their fave magazines
+get a stuffed animal and spray your perfume on it and put it in ziploc baggie , do the same with a pillow case
+use your computer to print onto iron on transfer paper and put worlds greatest dad, husband...etc onto pillow, boxers... etc etc
+get a pair of white boxers and paint and put your hand prints and lip prints all over...
+if they are gone over a holiday fill a box up of just fun stuff
+disposable cameras
+ make a cd of songs
+always write letters, better yet record them using your computer onto a cd and send that way!
+send silly toys... slinkys, sidewalk chalk, mini squirt guns
+if they have a laptop with dvd or a dvd player send dvds, take out of cases and send in sleeves, don't take up as much room or weigh as much sometimes
+theme packages... decorate the inside of the box and send stuff that matches that theme... i however don't recomend decorating the outside... he/she may get crap for that...
+send electronic games
+make your own custom crossword puzzle
~Food items~ this list of items are all items that are great for sending long distances, they won't spoil, crumble and should make it there fresh
*individual packets of flavored coffee creamer, you can also make your own by buying small ziploc bags and put a spoonful or so in each baggie.
* MRS DASH.... many different flavors and its a nice change from salt and nice if you use this in your cooking at home!
* different hot sauces try sending different brands and kinds that way they won't get tired of one particular one
DRINKS
+powdered crystal light... comes in many flavors and you can even get the cheaper off brand and it is the same!
+instant coffee
+powder gatorade, send a long a jug to put it in as well!
+pre sweetened kool aid
+tea bags
+country time lemonade (its presweetened and its a great drink!)
SNACKS
+salsa and chips or just salsa.... they can use the salsa as condiments in their food as well
+torengo tortilla chips... they come in a plastic container rather than a bag... safer shipping!
+tuna in the "fresh pouch", it doesn't require draining so its much easier to eat in the field/barracks/chus than other tuna
+slim jims
+crackers and easy cheese (the spray cheese)
+single servings of bagged chips, the small bags stay fresh longer
+cookies... homemade cookies stay fresh with a piece of bread placed inside the container
+tuna with crackers (the kind already done up like this is great)
+candy... hard candy and kinds that won't melt!
+little debbie snack cakes
+graham crackers, teddy grahams
+heart shaped candies
+lunchables... theres several kinds that don't have to be refrigerated!
+prepackaged brownies
+licorice
+bubble gum
+snack mixes (chex mix, gardettos)
+cashews and other nuts
+pretzels
+rice krispie treats
+goldfish crackers
+applesauce, puddings, fruit cups... send plastic spoons
+raisins and trail mix
NON MICROWAVABLE MEALS
*some need access to boiling water... if your service member doesn't have access to a coffee pot send a 1 cup coffee pot... deff worth the money
+cup o noodles
+dry cereal(the small individual servings... these stay fresh longer)
+bowl appetite dinners
+instant oatmeal/grits
+breakfast bars
+pop tarts
+soup mixes that you just add water to!
MICROWAVABLE MEALS
+campbells chunky soup
+pasta anytime dinners
+dinty moore
+popcorn
+small microwave dinners in cups (they don't weigh as much adn don't take up a lot of room)
FUN STUFF
+send board games, the type that are keychain versions... they are small light and just as much fun as the bigger version
+use your computer to print onto magnetic paper... this is fun!
+send their fave magazines
+get a stuffed animal and spray your perfume on it and put it in ziploc baggie , do the same with a pillow case
+use your computer to print onto iron on transfer paper and put worlds greatest dad, husband...etc onto pillow, boxers... etc etc
+get a pair of white boxers and paint and put your hand prints and lip prints all over...
+if they are gone over a holiday fill a box up of just fun stuff
+disposable cameras
+ make a cd of songs
+always write letters, better yet record them using your computer onto a cd and send that way!
+send silly toys... slinkys, sidewalk chalk, mini squirt guns
+if they have a laptop with dvd or a dvd player send dvds, take out of cases and send in sleeves, don't take up as much room or weigh as much sometimes
+theme packages... decorate the inside of the box and send stuff that matches that theme... i however don't recomend decorating the outside... he/she may get crap for that...
+send electronic games
+make your own custom crossword puzzle
Starting off
I've been through 2 deployments with my husband... the first one I was clueless and it was back in 2003 and things were very different... the 2nd time he deployed I was a bit more prepared and I did research on care packages and ideas and such. Thats why I have so much info. I was also a volunteer in our FRG (Family Readiness Group) and I had to come up with some of this stuff for our spouses and such. Now that I myself am Active Duty I know one day these ideas and information will help my husband out, as it helped me out when he was deployed. I hope that the info I share helps everyone and pass this website to others you know with deployed spouses or just spouses in the military... a lot of active duty/reserve/guard people go on TDYs and are gone for months for training and such, not just deployments and all these ideas can be applied to those times as well.
It's hard being on either side of the military relationship. It takes work and determintation and HARD WORK and communication. It's never easy and the military doesn't allow for it to be easy. It takes a special and strong person to make a military relationship work.
This blog is going to contain a lot of info, sites and just venting at times. Know that as a military spouse or military service member you are never alone.
It's hard being on either side of the military relationship. It takes work and determintation and HARD WORK and communication. It's never easy and the military doesn't allow for it to be easy. It takes a special and strong person to make a military relationship work.
This blog is going to contain a lot of info, sites and just venting at times. Know that as a military spouse or military service member you are never alone.
Original blog on care packages
My original blog on care packages will soon be deleted since for some reason I can no longer post anything to it.
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