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A Care Package for a Sailor

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Sending Great Care Packages to Your Sailor

My husband and I are having fun sending care packages to our son who is serving on the USS Nimitz. We always send care packages with enough to share.
Nick says his friends like to see what is in the box and they speculate and make comments as to why we sent this or that. It breaks up the monotony of the day and everyone enjoys it. It is a little morale booster. Of course care packages aren't just for sailors. I'm sure your soldier, marine, coastie, airman or even college student would enjoy them too!

Updated on January 18, 2011

Free Priority Mail Boxes and a Military Discount

Did you know that you can get FREE PRIORITY MAIL BOXES? You can pick them up at the post office or you can order them from usps.com and they will be delivered to your door. The large size is 12x12x5 1/2 and it costs a flat rate to mail it no matter how much it weighs. It's an economical way to send care packages to your loved one in the military.

Order a CARE KIT from the US Postal Service for sending care packages to your military loved one. From the USPS website:
"The Postal Service continues to show its support by offering free Military Care Kits, designed specifically for military families sending packages overseas. The mailing kits can be ordered by phone by calling 1-800-610-8734 and asking for the Care Kit. Each kit includes two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes."

Customs Forms

For sending your care package to an APO or FPO address.

If you are sending a package to a person overseas you will need a CUSTOMS FORM . This is another thing that you can pick up at the post office or you can order them online for no charge. Another option is to fill it out online but I did this once and it took 5 sheets of paper, so I decided it was better to get the forms and fill them out by hand. If you are unsure which form to use just ask at the post office and they will know. Ask them to give you a few to keep on hand and then you can fill it out at home before you take your package to the post office.

What to include in the care package?

Geedunk of course!

Now we get to the fun part. First of all we send things that we know Nick likes. It might be Goldfish Crackers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Dutch Peppermints, Duplex Cookies or Almond Roca.

Secondly, we look for items that might have a little entertainment value. Everyone loved the Dutch Peppermints so we try to include those. Once we sent Jelly Belly Belly Flops. These are imperfect Jelly Bellies that might be the wrong color for their flavor or it might be two stuck together. They had fun with those.

Once we sent a bunch of boxes of atomic fire balls. They had contests with those to see how many they could fit in their mouths. Probably the favorite thing was some Red Velvet cookies from a grocery store bakery. Amazingly, they made it all the way to the middle east in good shape and the sailors loved them. They asked us to send them again and we even got thank you notes about those cookies.

The next thing is that it can't be anything too big that he has to store. There simply is no room. He can grab what he wants out of the box and share the rest and no one gets too much of a geedunk overload.

One place we like to shop is the Grocery Outlet store. They have great prices and they have items that you might not see at the regular grocery store. We often find unusual things there.

Trader Joes is another favorite shopping place. They have great treats there including chocolate covered almonds, English toffee and lots of different candies, cookies and crackers.

What is Geedunk?

Sailors love geedunk in their care packages

Geedunk is a navy term that refers to treats such as candy, cookies, ice cream, chips or any other junk food. Sometimes it refers to the ship's store where junk food is purchased.

Care Package Ideas

What to put in your care package

Care Package Information: This website has a ton of ideas for things to put in care packages. You can find guidelines for sending care packages overseas too.
Military Care Packages: Whether your soldier is learning the ropes at boot camp, or out and about in a foreign land, getting a care package from home gives them the knowledge that people are thinking about them - that's a huge pick-me-up. Our orders are shipped in white boxes, have colorful fill to brighten their day and include a card personalized with a note from you. Our top priorities are quality of food and products that go into our care packages, fantastic presentation and top value for your dollar

A Care Package from Home

Cookies, Gum, and Crackers

Here's a few of the things going into the next care package. Fortune cookies, gum, Starbucks chocolate, and Annie's Cheddar Bunnies.

Bubble Wrap 12" x 220ft 2 Rolls x 110ft

Bubble Wrap and Packing Tape are necessary items for sending care packages

Bubble wrap is lightweight and is not messy like styrofoam peanuts. The recipient of your care package will appreciate the fact that they won't have to clean up a static charged mess of styro peanuts. If you have styrofoam peanuts that you want to use up, tie them in plastic grocery bags and use them that way. It makes it easier to clean up.
Packing materials can be expensive. On occasion I have picked up a big bag or box of packing peanuts or bubble wrap for free on Freecycle.

12" x 220ft Small 3/16" Bubble Wrap

Amazon Price: $11.00 (as of 02/15/2012)

* Offers perfect protection for all fragile items glassware, vases, antiques, and all other valuables/collectibles.
* Lightweight bubble wrap packaging reduces shipping costs.
* Non-Abrasive, won't scratch or mar delicate surfaces.
* Superior puncture resistance, gives product superior protection.
* Superior burst strength, bubble withstands pressure and abuse.

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Kasseri Cheese

A little piece of home. Not for when they are in hot climates though.

Nick likes Kasseri cheese which is a Greek cheese and not always widely available. He was putting in 12 hour days and didn't have the time or inclination to do much grocery shopping. I froze a couple of wedges of Kasseri cheese overnight and packed it up early in the morning on a Monday, took it to the post office and sent it priority mail. He received it in a couple of days and it was fine. It was like a little piece of home for him.

For New Years I sent two boxes of crackers, two summer sausages and 3 packages of cheese. They arrived in good shape but I wouldn't do that in hot weather.

Sometimes it takes me a while to put together a care package. I will get a box ready and then as I see things I think will be appreciated I'll buy them and put them in the box. When I have enough to fill it I tape it up and send it. It is usually good to send things that are not too perishable. I won't send something like cheese if I know that he is out to sea for sea trials or if it is a long term deployment.

Scotch® Packaging Tape 6 rolls per pack

Packing Tape is a must for care packages

You can buy cheaper tapes but I think it ends up costing more. Cheap tape tears and sticks to itself and I end up throwing a lot of it away.

Scotch® Packaging Tape, 3500-6, 1.88 Inches x 54.6 Yards, 6-Pack

Amazon Price: $24.20 (as of 02/15/2012)

* Sure Start technology provides a smooth, easy and quiet unwind.
* Great for shipping, moving and package sealing.
* Meets US Postal Service and Courier regulations for standard packages.
* Made in the USA.
* Made by 3M, the leader in adhesives

Homemade "Almond Roca"

A quick and easy recipe for "Almond Roca" Geedunk

This is not something to send if your sailor is in a hot climate!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Walnuts, chopped, I use a food processor
1/2 cup Butter
3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

Putting it together:

Butter an 8x8 pan.
Chop the walnuts and spread them in the buttered pan.
In a saucepan over medium heat stir the butter and brown sugar together.
Stir constantly and when it starts to boil, let it boil for 7 minutes.
When it turns a darker color and is smoking it is done.
Pour it over the chopped nuts and spread it out.
Pour the chocolate chips over that.
Top with a cookie sheet for maybe 10 minutes and allow the chocolate chips to melt.
Remove the cookie sheet and spread the chocolate around evenly.

You're done! I make this in disposable foil pans to send in care packages to my sailor.

I originally got this recipe from The Tightwad Gazette II by Amy Dacyczyn

The Tightwad Gazette II: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle

by: Amy Dacyczyn

Amazon Price: $3.50 (as of 02/15/2012)

The Tightwad Gazette II
The Perfect -- and Cheap -- Home Chili Recipe! New Uses for Old Blue Jeans!
Make a Quilt for Ninety-five Cents!

In 1993, Amy Dacyczyn's first book featured advice from the pages of her two-year-old newsletter The Tightwad Gazette. Over 250,000 copies were sold, inspiring millions of people to profit through thrift. Now, The Tightwad Gazette II serves up all-new help and hints from the newsletter's third and fourth years, yielding still more savings for millions of converts to tightwaddery.

Save More Money! Save More Time! Save More Resources!

Send a T-Shirt

Great item for a Care Package for a Sailor

Your sailor would love to get a Navy t-shirt in their care package.

US Navy T-Shirt

T-shirts for Care Packages

US NAVY Dark T-Shirt
US NAVY in distressed look text with crossed anchors underneath.

Product Information

Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.

* 5.6 oz. 100% cotton
* Standard fit
See all of my Navy Merchandise and Apparel!

Mail on the Nimitz

Christmas on the Nimitz

INDIAN OCEAN (October 1, 2009) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dayon Banks sorts through mail in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) after a replenishment at sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).

The Nimitz Moms group on Navy for Moms (navyformoms.com) has undertaken the task of sending a stocking or goodie bag to every sailor in Carrier Strike Group 11 for Christmas 2009. They just had their deployment extended by two months and won't be home for Christmas this year. Groups around the country have volunteered to help us. Realtors, churches, Boy Scouts, Wal-Marts, school children, VFWs, American Legions, Moose Lodges, Elks Lodges and others have volunteered to make cards or send us donations of cash or goods. It is heartwarming to see so many Americans willing to help the Nimitz Family make Christmas a little cheerier for our sailors.

USS New York

Never Forget

USS New York Never Forget by navy_tees_gifts
See more Uss new york T-Shirts

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Plank Owner

USS George H.W. Bush

Plank Owner Bush White T-Shirt
Plank owner of the USS George H.W. Bush. A great gift for a Bush plank owner.

Product Information

For stylish weekend comfort anytime, guys will want to live in our Fitted T. Made of ultra-fine, combed ring-spun cotton, that gets softer with each washing. Lightweight for summer comfort or winter layering. Grab attention with this vintage fit that loves to hug skin. (Size up for a looser fit).
See all of my Navy Merchandise and Apparel!

Crystal Light On the Go

A Handy Care Package Item

One of my Navy for Moms acquaintances recommends Crystal Light On the Go for care packages. She says this is especially appreciated by sailors who work on the flight deck where it can get really hot.

Crystal Light On The Go Sunrise Classic Orange, 10-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)

Amazon Price: $17.88 (as of 02/15/2012)

Sugar-free, orange flavored drink mix that turns water into a flavorful, low-calorie soft drink
90% less calories than leading soft drinks; provides 100% daily value of vitamin C; a good source of calcium
Individual packets; just add to your bottled water and shake
Offers all the benefits of water plus a refreshing light taste

Popular TV Shows

TV shows are great for a care package

Most sailors take some things to keep them from being bored while at sea. These TV shows are great for keeping boredom away!

32,000 Pounds of Mail

Hangar Deck, USS Eisenhower

Here is a pile of 32,000 pounds of mail in the hangar deck of the USS Eisenhower. You can see why you want to make sure you have sturdy packaging. What if your care package is on the bottom of that pile? Also you will note that this mail was delivered while the Eisenhower was in the Arabian Sea. If your sailor is in the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf or any other hot location, make sure that you do not send chocolate or anything else that will melt or is perishable. Chocolate is a popular care package item but the sailors are told to inform their loved ones not to send it because it will be soup. It then leaks out of the box and ruins other people's care packages.

ARABIAN SEA (April 23, 2009) - Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower sort 32,000 pounds of mail during a replenishment at sea.

90s Decade Gift Basket and the Three Month Slump

Classic 90's Candy, a great care package!

Could not locate item B0001VSA3M. Please try again.Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

The Three Month Slump

Send something fun!

I have heard that about three months into a long deployment on an aircraft carrier, morale begins to sink. Maybe because the Geedunk store is out of good geedunk! This would be a good time to send some great care packages from home. Ask your sailor what they would like to receive. Chips and dips are popular as is jerky, candy and cookies.
One thing we sent that the sailors loved were red velvet cookies from the bakery department of the grocery store. Believe it or not they arrived there in good shape. It was the favorite thing by far. We even got thank yous from the sailors which was not expected, but it was nice to know that they were enjoying what we sent.

BVD Men's Crew Tee, 4-Pack

A Practical Care Package Item

My son said that on their last underway there was a problem with the water and no one could do laundry. The onboard store quickly sold out of white t-shirts so a lot of sailors had no clean t-shirts, which they are required to wear.
Navy for Moms recommends sending white t-shirts, socks and underwear because the sailors need these things and sometimes can't get them. Make sure you know your sailor's sizes so you can send these things if necessary.

BVD Men's Crew Tee, 4-Pack

Amazon Price: (as of 02/15/2012)

* 100% soft natural cotton
* 1x1 micro-rib neck trim
* Full cut, generous fit
* 4-Pack of classic white t-shirts
* Taped shoulder-to-shoulder construction
* Heat-transfer tag eliminates chafe
* Perfect for layering, lounging and all-day wear

NAVY Shirt

Great item for a Care Package for a Sailor

NAVY Baseball Jersey
A clean and simple NAVY design. Big navy blue block letters outlined in gold.

Product Information
Our 100% cotton Baseball Jersey is a sporty hit with both men and women whether you're in the game or just looking the part in great run-around casual-wear. Choose red, blue or black sleeves.
6.1 oz. 100% heavyweight cotton
Standard fit
3/4 length contrasting raglan sleeves

See all of the "NAVY" T-Shirts and Gifts.

Who do you send care packages to?

It seems that I am always the designated care package sender. That's ok because it is something I enjoy. Do you send out care packages? Who do you send them to?

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Wrigley's- 5 Lush Gum, A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum

Save on shipping by ordering this through Amazon!

My sailor was just home on leave before deploying. He requested this Wrigley's gum for his next care package. Note that they will ship to APO/FPO Military addresses.

Wrigley's- 5 Lush Gum, 10/15 Piece Packs A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 02/15/2012)

* Wrigley's- 5 Lush Gum, 10/15 Piece Packs A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum
* A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum
* ALL PRODUCTS GUARANTEED FRESH . FAST WORLDWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE
* WE SHIP INTERNATIONALLY, APO/FPO MILITARY BASE....EVERYWHERE!!!a
* ALL IN STOCK ORDERS SHIP WITHIN ONE BUSINESS DAY, OR YOU WILL BE CONTACTED

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Consider sending books.

Sailors pass these around and they can go into the more...0 points

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Don't have anyone to send a care package to but you'd still like to help?

Check out these worthy organizations

Do you want to support the troops but have no idea what to do? Here are some links to organizations that do great things for all of our troops.

Before my son went into the Navy I contacted a sailor on the USS Ronald Reagan through anysoldier.com. This was a female sailor who wanted books. She loved to read and the library on the Reagan didn't have what she wanted. We exchanged letters and and she would request books and I would order them through Paperbackswap.com and send them to her. I lost track of her when the Reagan came home but I think of her often and wonder how she is doing. Sarah if you read this give me a shout!

AnySoldier.com: anysoldier.com will put you in touch with troops requesting items such as books, toiletries, food and clothing items. They also serve sailors, marines, coast guard and airmen.
Web Sites for Heroes: With concerns about operational security and keeping bandwidth available for military purposes, social applications such as YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and Hotmail have been blocked on military bases. Websites for Heroes provides a secure way for troops to stay in touch with their families. This is great for morale and a valuable service. A great cause to donate to.

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What do you think about care packages?