How to Mail and Tons of Ideas for Military Care Packages
Deployments are hard, one of the hardest things you’ll go through in life. Military life, most of the time, calls for multiple deployments but I wanted to share one of my ways of coping with this difficult time. Care packages are what I look forward to during deployments. I enjoy having something to focus on. From the shopping for items to put inside, to mailing it, then waiting to hear about your loved one getting them, it is fun!
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What kind of box do I use?
Hands down the only option I would suggest is the USPS Flat Rate Boxes. These boxes are a flat rate for shipping no matter where to or how much it weighs. All APO and APE addresses are included! You can order the “Military Care Kit” with these boxes on the USPS website or pick them up at your local post office. These boxes are FREE! You will also need customs forms. I suggest ordering the kit first since it comes with everything you need including tape! It’s also free delivery to your house so why not?!
What to Send?
From experience, I have learned to send items that can be consumed, essentials, or items that can be left behind for others to enjoy. Travis has so much to bring home after a deployment that he doesn’t want to have a bunch more extra crap that I’ve mailed him.
Food is always a good idea. Non-perishables that is. Snacks can be shared with everyone, which is what Travis would do. I would also mail his favorite snacks from home that he doesn’t have access to on deployment.
Essentials are things they need that they don’t have access to like toothbrushes, deodorant, laundry detergent pods, etc. While some deployment locations have access to shopping others do not. Items that I’ve mailed that Travis has left behind for others to use are magazines, books, and board games.
All of my boxes have a theme. Travis’ team mates have learned that his packages are pretty extravagant so they gather around to see what he ends up with. I like doing some funny and embarrassing ones on ocassion.
This one got a pretty good laugh from all his friends. A lot of themes I found on Pinterest and made it my own or I come up with them for things going on in our lives.
I made this this one when we found out we got orders to Washington!
Another great option for themes are holidays. While it’s sad to miss them, we want to make them feel as included as we can. I usually send small decorative items associated with the holiday that they can set up. A mini Christmas tree, a fake carvable pumpkin, hanging paper hearts, etc.
If you have kiddos include them! Aurora loves making things to put inside. Coloring pictures, writing him cards, and helping me pick out stuff at the store.
Most of the decorations I get for the boxes are from the dollar tree or the Target dollar spot. These do not need to be expensive! All of the paper is from Hobby Lobby, every other week it’s 50% off so about 0.10-0.50 per sheet. You can print or hand cut letters, or grab stickers for 50% off at Hobby Lobby.
I also have a Cannon Mini Printer. I love this and use it to print photos from home to include inside and on the packages. It is about $100-120 on Amazon, click here.
Travis’ Birthday package is one of my favorites. I went on a hunt for everything “birthday cake” flavored to include. I also found a mini piñata in the party section in Target. I wrote down things I loved about him and put those papers inside the balloons for him to pop.
Yes, he actually hung the piñata and swung at it. As a couple we have been through two six month deployments. These are all of the care packages I have made for both. I generally do one every 2-3 weeks to mail. I hope these inspire you to get creative and find joy in making something for your deployed loved one.
Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle
