Care Package Ideas...

This week I will be sending out a care package to my hubs and wanted to share with you some ideas that you can send in your care packages to deployed loved ones. I feel like care packages are a good way to stay connected and show our deployed loved ones some love! Care packages seem like an easy thing, but once you run out of hygiene and snack ideas it becomes a little tricky. I try to make each package I send a little piece of home. I always try and send extra items as well, so Jacob can share them with his fellow Marines. Here are some of the items I've sent in the past and some new ideas!!

Snacks:
PringlesSunflower SeedsPackaged Hummus (Yes they make it! And it's on the shelf... Not refrigerated)Nuts Beef Jerky Pickled Veggies (Jacob and I love picking up local homemade pickled okra, pickles, and peppers from the local farmers market so I always try to send him a jar... I feel like it's a small piece of home. He also has access to a refrigerator to store them once opened so double check before sending anything that needs to be refrigerated.) Package Cheese- Not refrigerated (Babybel is a great brand)Candy (I like to send fun stuff like candy cigarettes, Big Chew gum, jelly beans, ect.)Chips (They might have access to them while deployed, but usually the taste is different from chips you buy in the U.S.)Baked Goods (Just make sure to store them well for the journey across the world.)GushersFruit RollupsMilk (I like to send Jacob the Horizon milk boxes, you can find them usually in the baking isle. They are not refrigerated.)Mini Tabasco Sauce/ Condiments Nutella Packets Girl Scout Cookies!CoffeeEasy MacCup of NoodlesEnergy Drinks (Package well)Energy BarsSoda (Package well)Canned Tuna/FishNon-Carbonated Drinks (Gatorade, Propel, juice, ect)
 Tobacco Products:
I don't usually like to encourage any bad habits, but there is a local tobacco shop where we live and Jacob enjoys when I send him and his friends nice hand crafted cigars. 
Hygiene Products: 
Since they have access to most hygiene items while deployed I usually send brand name items that he uses at home, that they do not have available there. 
Dove SoapAxeCologneToothpasteFace Wash (I will usually stick a bar of Clinique Men's Face Soap in Jacob's package...high maintenance, I know) Body WashBaby PowderFoot PowderElectric Toothbrush and RefillsAfter ShaveSunscreenBaby WipesChap StickDeodorantShampoo/Conditioner
Leisure Items: 
BooksMagazinesLocal NewspapersGames (Board, Electronic, Card)Deck of CardsHeadphonesWhoopee Cushion (Silly... I know, but they seem to have fun with them)MoviesCD's (I will usually burn Jacob a cd with the latest hits songs on it.)Blank CD'sFrisbee Hacky SackSquirt GunNerf Balls/BallsPackaged Poker SetDart Board w/ DartsYo-Yo's

Bed Linens:
A nice pair of sheets is always a great package item. I sent a pair with Jacob when he left. (Twin Size)PillowsMattress Pad
Other Items:
Vitamins (Flintstones were in Jacobs first package)Pictures- If you are like me I'm forever taking pictures on my phone, especially with Instagram...Here is a great site I found to print off my Instagram pictures: http://printstagr.am/Handwritten Letters (always a nice little touch!) Gym ShortsSocksUnderwearExtra shirts to wear under uniformsDryer Sheets Flip Flops (Shower Shoes) Stationary FebreezeDisposable Camera Protein Mix
Great places to find care package items:
Walmart/Publix/Grocery StoresTargetWorld Market (If you have one close by, they have lots of great small package items. I had good luck finding small packets of Nutella, hot sauce, and other items here.) Trader JoesDollar Tree
Great websites/blogs for care package ideas:
http://lovefromhome7.blogspot.com/http://www.armywifenetwork.com/?page_id=40
Note: I usually always send USPS Large Flat Rate Priority. The boxes are free and you get a discount for sending them APO addresses. If it fits it ships!! They usually cost a little over $13 a box. 


If you have any ideas or items that you have sent in the past please feel free to comment and let me know! I'm always looking for fun new items to send! 
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and gathered some ideas for your packages!