Sending a little bit of home with a lot of love
Do you have a loved one deployed overseas? Here is everything you need to know to send them a care package! (Updated:2024)
Deployments are hands down one of the most challenging events for military families. There are times of loneliness, sadness, fear, missing children’s milestones… and the list goes on.
Deployments can be challenging for the whole family. Sending a care package is an excellent way to show your love and stay connected! Consider it an opportunity to send them a little bit of home.
As a girlfriend-to-wife, sending my husband care packages was one of my favorite things. Honestly, it was therapeutic for me.
Depending on my husband’s assignment and position, I often sent extra items or holiday surprises for his entire team.
Whether you are seasoned or new to this military life, this comprehensive guide will help you send your military loved ones a sweet care package.
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Care Package Boxes
My favorite care package boxes are the USPS Flat Rate Boxes, which you can easily pick up at the Post Office free of charge. The Large APO Box is almost the perfect size to send.
The Postal Service also offers free Military Care Care Kits, which includes free shipping supplies.
- Two APO/FPO Flat Rate Boxes
- Four Medium Flat Rate Boxes
- One roll of tape
- Six address labels
- Six Form Envelopes
The maximum number of military care kits one can order is five.
I recommend picking up a few USPS Flat Rate Boxes at a time. Life gets so busy when your loved ones are deployed! Trying to get to the post office with kids is not always easy. Having a few on hand will save you those extra trips!
How to Package Your Care Packages
It’s no surprise that boxes arrive with wear and tear; just imagine how banged up they could be when they arrive overseas!
I prefer packing everything so it fits nice and snug. If there are any small items, I like to organize them into plastic bags.
Tape
Tape, tape, and more tape! I use so many layers of tape! I not only tape the opening flaps but also reinforce the bottom, top, and all of the side seams. When in doubt, use more tape!
How to Ship Your Care Package Overseas
Shipping Labels
From the labels to the customs form, I was very overwhelmed the first time I sent my soldier care package. The label is very important. Verify with your soldier the correct address.
They will give you an APO address. You will also need to write down your complete address on the shipping label.
The APO is not addressed to the deployed country; it is a United States address specific to the armed forces.
Customs Form
The customs form must be filled out accurately. I always categorize my items. For example, I write down snacks instead of listing several food items.
You will need to give an estimated total for the entire package. My soldier care package is usually around $35.00.
Cost for Shipping your Care Package
The local post office cost for shipping these common-sized care package boxes are
- APO/FPO: $20.95
- Large Flat Rate box: $22.45
- Medium Flat Rate box: $17.05
Military Care Package Restrictions
It is very important to understand that there are restricted items per the local post office and the receiving Country.
Even though you are sending your care package to an APO address, it is still considered international shipping and the items must be permissible in said country.
Shipping a care package to a deployed service member in the Middle East has specific restrictions. Some of these restrictions include, but are not limited to
- Alcohol
- Pornographic and other obscene materials
- Pork products
Tip Reach out to your key volunteer or family group point of contact. They will be able to assist you with the full list of restrictions per the deployed soldier’s country
The post office also has its own list of restrictions, for example, lithium batteries. When you drop your care package off, the postal worker will ask you if you have packaged any of these restricted items. You can see the full list of restrictions per the postal service here.
When is the expected delivery time of your care package
Oh, I wish I had an exact timeline for you! On average, it took my husband two weeks to receive a care package. However, sometimes packages to military bases overseas can get lost and/or delayed.
One deployment my husband received a care package almost two months after I had sent it! This is something important to keep in mind if you are sending perishable items.
Tip – It helps to label your packages with a personalized letter
What should I send in my care package
Preparing a care package can be so much fun! I always love getting them put together! They always seem to put me in a better headspace during the deployments.
Think of some of their favorites! Do they have any special snacks that they love? Do they have a favorite indoor activity, could you possibly send it overseas in a care package? Here are some military care package ideas
Tip – I loved making brownies and cookies. I would vacuum seal all of the baked goods and send the care package out that day. It was a gamble, but sometimes the brownies and cookies were still good!
Snacks
- Crunchy Edemame
- Beef Jerky
- Snack Pack Varieties
- Canned Nuts
- Protein Bars
- Candy
- Mints
- Gum
- Flavoring for water
Clothes
I have sent themed t-shirts to my husband for special events. For Christmas, I included a Papa Bears First Christmas shirt in his Christmas care package because he was deployed for my son’s first Christmas.
Are they experiencing any weather changes? Often they can order clothes via Amazon, but it can be so comforting for them if they receive some of their own items.
- Underwear
- Socks
- Long underwear
- Favorite shirts
Personal Care Items
If they are unable to order products, then it can be a great idea to send in a care package for these personal care items. Make a little toiletry pack!
- Lip balm
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Shampoo
- Hair products
- Foot powder
- Supplements and vitamins
- Nail clippers
Entertainment
- Game books (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and other puzzle books)
- Playing cards
- Small board games (We love this brand)
- Magazines
- Books
Personalized items
- Personal message in a letter
- Open me when letters
- Date night games
- Scented clothing (I would spray a scarf with my favorite scent)
Related Post: Send your Soldier the Best Christmas Care Package
Additional considerations for sending care packages
Keep in mind the weather conditions. If your loved one is deployed during the Summer, sending chocolate is probably a bad idea.
Tip- Some organizations send care packages to troops! USO Care Package Program through the USO and Operation Gratitude are just a couple.
Care packages are a gift from home
No matter the branch of service, you should be able to send your deployed loved one a care package! Deployments are SO hard! Personalizing care packages can be a great activity for the entire family and something to look forward to.
Stay connected with your deployed soldier. Sending them a personalized care package lets them know you are proud and supportive! It is a great way to tell them how much you love and miss them.
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I would love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite items to send in a care package?
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This was really help! No idea about the military care kit!
Hi Whit! I am so happy you found this helpful! I remember how overwhelmed I was with everything military after meeting my husband!