We’ve polled troops who have deployed and have compiled a list of suggestions from them for care packages. This list is not definitive, so use your imagination! (At the bottom of the list, we have included a list of items to avoid sending).
SNACK FOODS
Jerky
Clif Bars
KIND Bars
Luna Bars
Larabars
Power Bars
Girl Scout Cookies
Slim Jim Sticks
Sunflower Seeds
Summer Sausage
Oreos
Holiday snack foods
Regional Snack Foods
Swedish Fish
Red Licorice (Twizzlers is a popular brand!)
Nuts
Trail Mix
Homemade snacks
Dried Fruit
Ramen Noodles
Flavored Popcorn
Candy
Gatorade Energy Chews
Sour Patch Kids
Spicy Foods/Candy
Microwaveable Mac & Cheese
Instant Oatmeals/Soups
Pringles Chips
Skoal Chewing Tobacco
S’Mores Kits
Snack Cups
CONDIMENTS
Sricha
Nutella
Hot Sauce/Tobasco Sauce
Wasabi Paste
Almond Butter
Flavored Salts (Garlic, Lowry’s, etc.)
Different Mustards
Cajun Seasonings
Salsa
Jalapeno Peppers
Spices
BBQ Sauce from a Favorite Place
DRINK MIXES
Instant Starbucks/Coffee
Good Coffees
Good Teas
Powdered Drink Mix
Mio/Gatorade/Crystal Light Water Enhancers
Protein/Whey Powder
Coffee Creamer
Hot Chocolate
Emergen-C
TOILETRIES
Good Smelling Lotion/Soap
Eyeglass Kits/Lens Cleaners
Antibacterial Wipes
Foot powder
Lip Balm
Socks
Eye Drops
Sunscreen
Moleskin
Icy Hot
Cough drops
Vicks Drops
Hand sanitizer Wipes
Air Fresheners
Disposable Hand and Foot warmers
Dr. Scholl’s Shoe Inserts
Face Soap/Moisturizer
Packaged Wet Ones/Baby Wipes
Laundry Stain Remover Pens/Wipes
Nail Clippers
Pillow Cases/Twin Sheets
Travel Size Sewing Kits
FUN STUFF
Amazon Gift Cards
Apple/Itunes Gift Cards
Blank Stationary
Current Magazines
Board Games
Nerf Balls
Letters/Pictures from Kids
3M Command Hanging Hooks/Poster Hangers
ITEMS TO AVOID SENDING:
Explosives, fireworks, flammable items, firearms/ammo, Fresh fruits or veggies, lithium batteries, live plants, precious metals or large quantities of cash, products in aerosol cans, alcohol, illegal items/substances, carbonated beverages, cigarettes, pork products, obscene/pornographic materials, unauthorized political material, and any item prohibited or restricted by the U.S. Post Office.