Daily I receive emails and requests regarding ideas for care package content to send to soldiers. Many just simply don't know what to send. The best advice I can offer is to ask the soldier what his/her needs are and follow their guidelines as to what to send. However, some are sending packages without a specific need in mind, and simply want to donate items to our warriors. Below you will find some commonly requested items for care packages during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most items are general and will apply to any area of deployment. For specific area needs please consult Unit Command.

Toiletries

Aromatherapy Oils

Hand Lotion

Deodorant

Body Powder

Foot Powder

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Lip Balm

Baby Wipes

Face Moisturizer

Loofah

Makeup

Blush

Powder

Mascara

Body Wash

Soap

Manicure Kit

Eyeglass Cleaner

Toilet Paper

Mouthwash

Shampoo

Conditioner

Hair Color

Tampons

Pads

Foot Spa

Insoles

Razors

Handwarmers

Eye Drops

Q-tips

Sunblock

Food

Salsa

Chips

Tuna

Slim Jims

Beef Jerky

Pretzels

Applesauce

Pudding

PopTarts

Dinty Moore Soups

Lunchables (non-refrigerated)

Jelly Beans

Altoids

Rice Krispie Treats

Snack Mixes

Sunflower Seeds

Chewing Gun

Nuts

Snack Cakes

Coffee

Gatorade

Kool-Aid

Crystal Light

Jaw Breakers

Cookies

Canned Foods

Peanut Butter

Spices, Salt, Pepper

Squeeze Butter

Pringles

Licorice

Popcorn

Ramen Noodles

Macaroni & Cheese

Cereal Bars

Granola Bars

Microwave Pasta

Hot Cocoa mix

Soup Mix

M&Ms

Entertainment

CDs

DVDs

Disposable Camera

Phone Card

Poker Game

Playing Cards

Dice

Newspapers

Magazines (esp. Gossip, Entertainment)

Handheld Electronic Games

Board Games

Books

Taped Television Shows

Game Cartridges

Books on Tape

Foam Footballs

Silly String

Frisbee

Hacky Sack

Dominoes

MP3 Player

Web Cam

Headphones

Silly Putty

Squirt Guns

Crossword Puzzles

Word Searches

Stationery (no stamps, soldiers' mail free)

Blank Cards

Journal

Miscellaneous

School Supplies

Stuffed Animals

Ink Pens

Vitamins

Inflatable Chairs or Pillows

Shoe Laces

Canned Air (for blowing dust out of electronics)

Cleaning Supplies (wipes are best)

Air Fresheners

Candles

Small Flashlight

Posters

Flag

Holiday Decorations

Stick-Ups

Febreeze

Stress Ball

Sewing Kit

AA Batteries

D Batteries

Baby Food Jars With Dirt From Yard

Decorated Pillow Case

Balloons

Can Opener

Dryer Sheets

Dixie Cups

Fan

Koozies

Microwaveable Plates or Bowls

Paper Plates

Napkins

Linens & Things

Handmade or Small Blanket

Sheets

Fluffy Towel

Socks

Underwear

Tshirts

Disclaimer: This is not an all -inclusive list and some items may not be permitted by Command. Please use common sense when packaging and mailing items. For additional information consult Tara Crooks' article on Themed Care Packages as well as What Not To Send In Your Care Package, and How To Send Your Care Package. Army Wife Talk Radio is in no way affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) or any branch of the Armed Services and inclusion in this article does not reflect endorsement by the DoD, any local government or their agencies.

© 2006 Army Wife Talk Radio

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