Sending Great Care Packages to Your Sailor
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!
Priority Mail for Care Packages
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 of $11.95 to mail it no matter how much it weighs. This is a $2 discount from the regular domestic rate. 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.
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.
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
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
The Next Care Package
Care Packages are fun to receive
Here's whats going into the next care package:
Pocky
Hello Panda
Fortune Cookies
Mexican Gum
Black Jack Gum
Annie's Cheddar Bunnies
Goldfish Crackers
Starbuck's Chocolate
Chocolate CDs
Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts
Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey's Chocolate Kisses
and of course we mustn't forget the Dutch Peppermints
Contents of a Care Package
Geedunk
Bubble Wrap 12" x 220ft 2 Rolls x 110ft
Bubble Wrap and Packing Tape are necessary items for sending care packages
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 [2 Rolls x 110ft] Small 3/16" Bubble
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
* 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.
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
Scotch® Packaging Tape, 3500-6, 1.88 Inches x 54.6 Yards, 6-Pack
Amazon Price: $33.62 (as of 12/21/2009)
* 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
The Tightwad Gazette II: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle
Amazon Price: (as of 12/21/2009)
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.
$26.99
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.
What do you send in your Care Packages?
Add it to the plexo below
What do you like to send out in Care Packages? Where do you find good stuff to send? Sailors, chime in and tell us what you would like to receive! Share your Care Package Tips!
Dutch Peppermints
Nick and his friends like these so I try to includ more...0 points
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.
$23.99
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
Crystal Light On the Go, Classic Orange Sunrise, 1.3-Ounce Unit (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $19.71 (as of 12/21/2009)
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
32,000 Pounds of Mail
Hangar Deck, USS Eisenhower
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!
Wouldn't it be fun to get this?
90s Decade Box Gift Basket - Classic 90's Candy
Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/21/2009)
90's Decade Box Contains: 3" Whirly Pop, Bosco Blue Berry, Wonka Chocolate/ Graham Bar, 100 Grand Bar, Whatchamacallit, Laffy Taffy Sparkling Cherry, Ice Cube, Smoothie bar, Black Forest Gummi Bears, Nerds Rope, Now & Later Green Tingleberry, Hershey Special Dark Bar, Candy Cigarettes, Smarties, Tootsie Roll Twisties, Wonka Runts, Big League Chew, Bubblicious Paradise Punch, Rock Candy, Candy Stampers, Cry Baby Tears, Jolly Rancher Cherry, Lotsa Fizz, Wonka Gobstopper, Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip, Candy Lipstick, Intense Fruit Chews, Pearson's Nut Roll, Double Lolly, Whistle Pops.
BVD Men's Crew Tee, 4-Pack
A Practical Care Package Item
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 12/21/2009)
* 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.
$24.99
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?
Wrigley's- 5 Lush Gum, A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum
Save on shipping by ordering this through Amazon!
Wrigley's- 5 Lush Gum, 10/15 Piece Packs A Crisp Tropical Sugarfree Gum
Amazon Price: $18.39 (as of 12/21/2009)
* 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
Do you have tips for sending Care Packages?
What should we know about sending Care Packages?
When the weather turns warm, dont send perishables
Chocolate, cheese and things like that do not hold more...0 points
Use popped popcorn as packing material.
I've heard of using popcorn so that they don't hav more...0 points
Consider sending books.
Sailors pass these around and they can go into the more...0 points
Individually Wrapped Candy for Packing Material
I like to use individually wrapped candy to fill i more...0 points
Ketchup in Single-Serve Packets
Ketchup, Condiment, Single-Serve Packet, 200 Packets per Box, AVTSN329101
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
I'm told that on previous underways, my son's ship has quickly run out of ketchup, mustard and mayo. Why not send them some individual packets? It may not seem like a big thing but it is something that is missed when they don't have it.
Mustard in Single-Serve Packets
Mustard, Condiment, Single-Serve Packet, 200 Packets per Box, AVTSN329105
Amazon Price: $8.88 (as of 12/21/2009)
Mustard seems to be one of the items that gets scarce on a ship while underway. Keep your sailor supplied with mustard by sending them individual packets they can slip in their pocket.
Kraft Mayonnaise in Single-Serving Packets
Kraft Mayonnaise, Fat Free, 0.4375-Ounce Packets (Pack of 200)
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
Mayonnaise, another item that goes missing from the galley. Keep your sailor in mayo with these single serve packets.
Don't have anyone to send a care package to but you'd still like to help?
Check out these worthy organizations
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.
What do you think about care packages?
A Care Package for a Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Coastie, or any loved one.
What do you send in your care packages?
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Reply
- Louise Louise Nov 16, 2009 @ 1:03 am
- I have a sailor on the USS PINCKNEY and would love to get in on the Christmas cheer. I have been sending care packages to his division on the ship. LOTS of cookies, and for halloween popcorn balls and candy corn. I am always looking for ways to help keep their spirits up.
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Reply
- rncnicu@comcast.net rncnicu@comcast.net Oct 6, 2009 @ 1:12 am
- I too have a sailor on the USS Nimitz. He is a gunners mate in the Weapons Dept. I send packages frequently and am always looking for new ideas and suggestions. This is his 3rd deployment. Thank you for the info and links. My son too shares what I send and we send packages to the division at times. They help him to get through each day. Good luck to your sailor.
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Reply
- OLPS OLPS Aug 25, 2009 @ 5:35 am
- I am ex Royal Navy, we actually call these Red Cross parcels and they are most welcome. i can remember sitting in our mess deck sharing things that had been sent between us. It was a good boost to our moral and our families felt that they were still in touch.
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Reply
- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Jul 27, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
- You've been blessed by a Squid Angel, and this lens was included in Another Day of One Hundred Squid Angel Blessings.
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Reply
- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Apr 25, 2009 @ 7:41 am
- OMG, this is a wonderful lens idea! I've heard of schools locally putting together care packages -- bravo!
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Reply
- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Feb 16, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
- Great step by step for mailing & so many great ideas. Loved the Tightwad Gazette II book, too.
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- tandemonimom tandemonimom Feb 14, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
- Great lens on a great topic! 5*
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- stargazer00 stargazer00 Feb 14, 2009 @ 11:30 am | in reply to Treasures-By-Brenda
- You are right about there being no privacy. Once Nick moves up one grade he can live out in town so he is looking forward to that.
And Susan I do know that it is principal and not principle. Sheesh! Too early in the morning I guess.
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Reply
- stargazer00 stargazer00 Feb 14, 2009 @ 11:25 am | in reply to Susan52
- Trail mix and jerky are great ideas too! I hadn't thought of things like the games. I bet silly string was a big hit! Silly string is a tradition at our local high school graduations. Once they are pronounced graduated the silly string comes out and soon they are all covered with it including the principle who is standing at the podium in their midst. Yep, I think a trip to the dollar store is in order. ;-)
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- Treasures-By-Brenda Treasures-By-Brenda Feb 14, 2009 @ 7:03 am
- Your son is very lucky to have you crafting these beautiful geedunk packages for him and I am sure he loves receiving them!
My husband just retired from the Canadian Air Force. He spent many years on board frigates and destroyers with the Canadian Navy...he says, "There's no privacy on a carrier."
This is a heartwarming lens.
Brenda
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I hope you enjoyed reading A Care Package for a Sailor.
When our loved ones are far from us a care package lets them know we are thinking of them.
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by stargazer00
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