A family member has recently been deployed to Iraq, and we would like to send a care package, but are unsure what would be useful and appreciated, and what is unnecessary or prohibited. Does anybody have a link to a page with guidance on this sort of thing? Your personal experience would also be appreciated.
A Google search on the thread title found this fairly lengthy list of do’s and don’ts. Good luck!
A wig, fake beard, business suit, cab fare to Monaco, and a passport under the name of Bruce Abdul Karim Aziz III.
Oh yeah, and baby wipes.
I’m sure he’d appreciate phone cards. I get lots of $10.00 phone cards because of work and rarely use em because my cell phone has a great plan for nationwide roaming. Since work doesn’t want em back, I’ve started giving them to a lady I know who is a member of the local American Legion Auxillary because she collects them and sends them to service men and women stationed overseas. They’re good for 120 minutes and a lot of them are rechargeable if someone wants to do so. I think they’d be really welcomed.
Get him a pocket tool kit, like a Leatherman or a really good Swiss Army Knife.
The Service doesn’t issue pocket knives, & you’d be suprised how often having a tool close to hand could save a life.
When I was in the service, paperback novels were always in great demand.
I did a care package a few months ago, and off the top of my head, I sent…
Jolly Ranchers
Gummy worms
Baby wipes
Shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues, hand sanitizer (travel sizes)
Mixed nuts
Chex Mix
Magazines (Glamour, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated)
Puzzle book
Chapstick
I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but mostly that’s it.
Little girls and ponies.
At least that’s what the thread below this suggested.
A plane ticket to Las Vegas, from Bagdhad.
New York of San Francisco (or Honolulu) would be good, too.
Check out anysoldier.us for some ideas. This organization cooperates with specific military men & women who agree to accept donations for their troop, platoon, whatever. Even if you don’t go through this group, it will give you a good idea of the kinds of things folks request, and also things that under no circumstances should be sent.
Make sure you don’t send hand sanitizer with alcohol in it, such as Purell. Come to think of it, I don’t know if any hand sanitizer doesn’t contain alcohol, so you’re best off just sending wet wipes.
My guy in Baghdad likes Pepperidge Farm cookies and Maxim magazines. 