Jim's Gem

If you're sending to a person in particular, send what they like/want. For my daughter she loved to get pens to hand out to kids, skittles, jelly beans, she's a tea drinker and though coffee is easy to come by, flavored teas are not so we use tea packets to "cushion" the cookies and stuff we send. She loves to receive our sunday "comic" page, We bake cookies and ship them off. One suggestion a friend made for sending cookies is use a small coffee can to cut out the cookie and then pack the cookies in the coffee tin to keep them from breaking, however if the cookie rises bigger than the can?? We would also send her a news magazine cause they don't get to hear of the news going on in the states.
We send her stuff in the priority mail flat rate boxes, if they go to military serving overseas they have a special rate for that. You do need to be able to fill out a customs form.
I'm not sure the best way to send to "generic" soldiers, maybe as gaigai suggested. Since we have our own soldier over there, we pack stuff specifically for her and her co-workers.

omak

We have not been able to ship to ANY SOLDIER for more than ten years. Back in the Viet Nam war, that was a good project, but now, you have to know someone ... they can share with others, and if they get too much, it is pretty common to ask the supply clerk's office to put out the extras for others, or have your soldier speak to the chaplain.
There are organizations you can send to that will forward them on, but that is like double paying for something that is pretty direct.
THe flat rate boxes are the ONLY way to go in my humble opinion.
The military gets an extra discount, and if you are very creative <g> you can pack that thing so full!
I think my mom holds the record - - 17 pounds in the rectangular 8.50 box (which is I don't know how much now).
The old magazines are very welcome ... and, I have shipped over old Alfred Hitchcock magazines from clean back twenty five years or older ... reading is what they do in their off time, and sometimes that old stuff is just a kick!
Also ... if you think to include a Book of Hoyle in your package ... it will let them learn to play LOTS of different solitaire games and a bunch of different card games beyond poker.
Another game that will allow two or more players to just sit and relax, shoot the breeze, and laugh, with just a little strategy is SKIPBO ...
And, if you would be so kind as to add DUCT TAPE and lots of little baggies, they will be very happy. A nice little bag that will hold their game cards together (we made ditty bags that measured 9x13 inches with draw string closures) can add a bit of home, color, and comfort to their care packages.
A suggestion from one young soldier was to put a loop at the top side of the ditty bag, so that if it goes with them to the shower - - they can hang it so that it is open ... (a lady soldier input was where that came from)
I am off to check out that website mentioned earlier.
THank you for your service to our country - - all of you with family serving.
Have you gotten your Blue Star banners, yet? Check with your American Legion Department headquarters to find the Unit/Post closest to you that can help you with that item. It isn't easy to be the family of a military person ... but, you are to be commended for the sacrifice you are going through, as well as your family member.
Our prayers ascend for you and the safe return of your loved one/s

Bill'sBonBon

I have a Grandson in Iraq he will be there for a year it is his 3rd tour. He will come home Jan.2010. We send Him care packages all the time. We alternate in sending so He will not get everything at once. We use the Flat Rate boxes you can send as much as you can fit in the boxes.
He always ask for candy and cookies,for himself and to give to the kids. I have a gadget that takes all the air out so he gets the homemade cookies fresh. He shares a lot with his buddies so we make sure he has plenty. The flate rate is wonderful.
BillsBonBon

QuiltMania

Rose,
When my husband was serving in a combat unit in the 1st Gulf War, I sent him candy (hard candy, individually wrapped so it wouldn't melt), bug repellent (lotion kind, not spray), socks (he wanted wool socks, said they were better), sunscreen, paperback books. Generally things that were light to carry and wouldn't spoil or melt. Home baked things such as cookies were always appreciated. Just make sure they are well wrapped so they won't go stale.

Barbm

Flat rate box from the post office- cram as much stuff in as you can. I used to fill it and then pour in wintergeen lifesavers and cinnamon disk candy, etc. to fill in the gaps. Daughter loves getting them- Noah loves the candy too.

I send the local paper too- gives the guys a laugh when they see all the rednecks with their deer and turkey.

We also sent barbque sauce- wrapped in bubble wrap.

Can't wait until they are stateside- 1month, 19 days and counting!

Tink's Mom

Send gum, baby wipes, baby powder, cookies....I have sent chocolate chip oatmeal that I pack back to back 2 to a little snack ziplock bag. Get as much air out as possible. We used airpopped popcorn with no salt or butter, as filler. Works great!

Remember to make a chewy cookie recipe, not a brittle one..

judee0624

:D Good for you! I sent packages to a Marine in Iraq. He is home now, thank goodness. I was thinking about him today while shopping at Big Lots. I used to get packages of chicken, tuna and ham there that shipped well. Any kind of jerky is good too. They usually have access to toiletries wherever they are so the comic pages from the newspaper and sports pages are good. The last package I sent had those plastic gold coins for St. Pat's Day that said "Get Lucky" on them. They probably had fun with those. I also sent those small sports balls. You will have fun with this. If you can communicate with the other families in his group, you can coordinate what you send.

judee

Rose Hall

Thank you for the great ideas.

the flat rate box sounds like a must. I will stop by the post office on Monday and pick one up. last night I raided my pantry and linen closet for items and added what else I needed to my grocery list for today.

thanks again!
Rose Hall

grammo013

tootsie rolls are always welcome any time of year. so use to get a 5 lb bag twice a month when he was there.

Jennifer

Here's website for those interested in sending a package down range.
http://www.treatsfortroops.com/

When I was in Iraq, packages from home or anyone really were always enjoyed. Nothing goes to waste, if they dont like something-there buddy does. Homemade anything is a big deal. Cookies, trailmix, puppy chow(chex mix- chocolate-powdered sugar, and travel size toiletries etc. You have to walk to the cadillacs(showers/toilets) so smaller items were better to tote around. Letters that are hand written mean more than emails even if you dont know the person. The BX/PX are only so big and the product selection is slim. I would not send liquids or aersols. Alcohol and pornagraphic materials are a no-no. When things were send over that were not allowed, there were huge amnesty boxes to put the stuff in without reprecussions. Just a thought.