What to put in care packages to Iraq for the soldiers?

I am not packing any in this go-around. But, I have done it before. When I sent homemade 'cookies', I put them into an aluminum pan as BARs instead of little cookies. They travel better that way. Anything you send should be in disposable containers. And, I sent store bought cookies with zip lock bags so they could be resealed. With the bugs and sand, they need a way to seal things and they do not have the plastic containers over there that we have in our kitchens! If you send plastic containers, they can reuse them as packing containers for socks or underwear, or give them to an Iraq household to store food!

Of course, brownies are a premium. But, do NOT put any frosting on them. If you send brownies, make two pans; one with and one without nuts (friends, you know! Some are allergic.) If you feel you MUST send frosting, put it in a disposable container with a plastic knife so it can be spread on when it gets there (a paper cup from the fast food restaurant with a lid in a zip lock bag, or such). Remember, it is Generally HOTTER there than here. So, if it does not melt in transit, it will when it gets there. So, think of heat and cold in transit; as well as Rough handling.

Whether they are male or females, soldiers like to snack!! So, check it out, I found that the pop-corn that has it's own pan to pop in (we are not to use brand names) is good...they often have access to microwaves, but not always!! They do not weigh a lot, the shelf life is long, and they can be heated up out in the field. What more could they ask for! If you know your soldier is around a microwave, throw in that type! OR, if he/she is generally in the field, throw in these for when they are around a microwave! Or so they have something to barter with!

Another thing to send is GUM. Send a wide selection. If your soldier does not like a flavor, he/she can share or barter. Be sure NOT to send the kind without sugar as it is not healthy, and we do not want anyone to be negatively affected by thatl.

I just heard about a new snack. It is fruit chips. That means it is healthy and a snack. What could be better for them? And, I just got some things that are similar to fruit roll-ups. But, they are not the candy. They are strawberries and apples. I got them at the big "W", which is around in most cities (I am not supposed to give any brand, but I will give a big hint!)

Personal hygiene products are really important. Size is the key; big is not in; small is. That way, they can be taken with and packed in small spaces!! Soldiers love things like shampoo and baby wipes (showers are not a daily thing out in the field, and these make-do). There are special bath wipe things, but baby wipes work fine, and the packaging is great! The little refills simply go into the duffel bags. Also, there are products that are non-wash shampoo hair things; we used to just put like a powder in. But, find what you can find in your local shops (if you have a beauty supply shop, great!). And, baby powder for chaffing in the heat (non-fragrance, especially for the men) as well as lotion,because it is so arid. Baby lotion is all purpose, and again it can be found without a fragrance.

Of course, heart attacks are prevented by good dental hygiene. So, send dental floss, those picks, and small tubes of tooth paste. They probably get sand into their stuff a lot, so they probably would enjoy a new brush more often than normal, right? And, they are small and cheap! So, give it to them to use, share, and enjoy!

The list can contain healthy things like vitamins. Not the junk kind. Go to the mall and get some good ones; they can advise you on a GOOD MULTI-Vitamin. The better the soldier feels the better they can wear those heavy flack jackets and carry all that stuff they have to have on them so they can return home safe and sound! In return, what is a little bit of vitamins?

AND, if you have children, have them draw pictures on some paper. NOT fancy pictures. Just with markers or crayons. The younger the child, the better. Be sure to label the picture as to who draw it, and what it is. Have them start by drawing an outline of their hand or their foot.

If you have flowers in the yard, cut a few small ones, put them between some waxed paper, lay them on the floor in an out of the way place for a day or two with a book or two on top of them to flatten them. Again, you can label them as you gently place the waxed paper into an envelope saying these are the flowers from the flowerbed in the south corner and I think of how we planted the bush together, and I wish you were here to enjoy the fragrance with me....or something to that effect.

You can even clean out the hair out of your hairbrush, put it in a baggie, and send it. (IF MARRIED, Let your romance mind wander!) Again, if you have children, have each child clean out a hairbrush, or snip a lock of hair, bag it and send it. If the child is an infant, just clip a lock, tape it on a recipe card and label it. It will travel fine and be carried and treasured very well after it gets there. If you have a small photo, tape that on the card, also.

Believe it or not, little things like these will mean more than the junk from the store. But, they will use the things from the store; they will love the memory items.

First answer by Kaydell. Last edit by Kaydell. Contributor trust: 21 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]