Alyssa
04-24-2009, 01:28 PM
Hey ladies, I haven't been around much, but I thought I would post this for everyone... a woman in our company put this together... I have the original PDF file (which also includes the rest of the info!!), so PM me if you would like it in print out form, I will email it to you!!
Happy care packaging! :cooler:
CARE PACKAGE SUGGESTIONS / GUIDELINES
Researched & Compiled a 1-40th CAV spouse from A Troop
It is recommended to use Priority Flat Rate boxes available through the US Postal Service. The US Postal Service offers a discount on the large flat rate shipping to APO/FPO addresses. Also, the flat rate boxes are FREE from the US Post Office. If the post office does not have adequate boxes in stock, you can go on-line at www.usps.gov (scroll down to “2”, click on “stock up on supplies”, click on “flat rate boxes”, and then choose Priority APO/FPO Flat Rate Box) to order your very own supply ! Once you place your order, the postman will deliver them free to your doorstep!
All boxes sent overseas require a “Customs Declaration Form. On this form you will briefly list the contents of the package, and always mark the “gift” choice. It was recommended by Brigade Mailroom staff to take the box to the Post Office un-taped, as a Postal Agent may ask to verify the contents of the box. Often they don’t ask to view the contents – however, don’t be caught off guard if they do. If a Postal Agent does ask to inspect the box, they will cut the tape open, review the contents, and then assist you with re-taping. It is suggested to take your own roll of packing tape with you to the post office so that you don’t have to unexpectedly purchase a roll. When insuring the box, you may want to slightly under estimate the cost in order to discourage temptation for the box to “go missing.” If you will be mailing packages often, it’s a good idea to get a handful of extra “Customs Declaration Forms” and fill them out before you go to the Post Office – this is a real time saver!
Restrictions
(as outlined on www.oconus.com)
C1 - Obscene Articles & Comics
Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited.
E2 - Objectionable Material
Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials are prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
F – Firearms
Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM C024.1.1C. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies.
H1 - Pork Prohibited
Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.
M - Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.
R - Alcoholic Beverages
All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM C021, are prohibited.
R1 - Alcoholic Beverages
Materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.
Themed Packages
After a Hard Day” or “Man Cave” package: send your Soldier’s favorite PJ bottoms, house shoes, a DVD of his/her favorite TV show, favorite munchy food they especially enjoy while relaxing or watching TV/movies, Glade stick ups for aroma therapy, squeezy stress relief balls, back scratcher
“Good Morning Sunshine” package: breakfast bars, cereal packs to go, donuts, muffins, small fruit snack or canned fruit with the easy open top, rice cakes, pop tarts, instant oatmeal, granola bars, individual dry cereal boxes, Tang!, Coffee/Tea. Individual creamer/sugar packets, Sturdy travel Coffee mug (individualize it by writing a little note with a permanent marker or have the kids draw a picture on it), powdered juice, Gatorade or Kool-aid packets. Throw in a hometown newspaper, the Sunday comics, puzzle books, or your Soldier’s favorite magazine
“Lunchtime with Us” package: Chips, beef jerky, Beef and cheese sticks, powdered juice mixes, Gatorade, Propel mix, fresh pouch tuna/salmon, potted meat, sardines/clams, instant soup, Little Debbie snack cakes. Save empty Pringles cans -- they are great for packing a roll of Ritz/Saltine crackers so they won’t crumble enroute! Get individual packages of ketchup/mustard/mayonnaise/salt & pepper (ask for extra when you or friends go out through fast food places). Stuff these packets around the crackers in the Pringles can for extra cushioning. Take pictures or videos of you, the kids, friends eating a meal and send it with the package. Set a place for your Soldier at the table as though they are there.
“Ruck Sack/Snack Pack” package: Include some of your Soldier’s favorite snacks, individual size chips, nuts, candy (be mindful of the season and melting issues for chocolate), Chex Mix, Pretzels, Rice Crispie treats, Slim Jims, anything they like. Your Soldier can throw snacks in for the road if they need to go out, or this gives them something to nibble on before chow is served.
”Movie Night” package: Complete with popcorn, Fiddle Faddle, Cracker Jacks, movie size snacks (hot tamales, gummies, raisenettes, starburst, jumbo size Reeces, M&Ms), Movies (new releases, clearance previously viewed at Blockbuster, $5 Walmart values). Add in one of your Soldier’s favorite movie poster, either buy it or find one on Google and print it out, they can hang it on their wall.
“Game/Play Box” package: If your Soldier has a handheld game player -- buy a new game for him to enjoy – or consider buying used games at Gamestop. Consider travel size board games, deck of cards or pokers chips, Dominoes! Frisbee, hacky sacks, squirt guns when it gets hot, hand held electronic games, water balloons, Nerf balls, puzzles, Rubix cube, yo-yo’s, bubbles, slinkys “Bathroom in a Box” package: Aspirin/Acetaminophen (travel ones), Band aids, Neosporin, A&D ointment, cold medicine, cough drops, Rolaids, Mylanta, Visine, Nasal spray, Chapstick, sunblock, baby wipes, toilet paper, shouts wipes, back scratcher, FOOT POWDER, razors, shampoo, soap, a fresh towel/wash cloth, toothpaste/ toothbrush, comb, bathroom books, etc.
“Goodnight/Sweet Dreams” package: Bunk size sheets (wash them so they are soft) a pillow, room fresheners (stick ups/travel Febreeze, dryer sheets, etc) (Spray a small teddybear or animal of your choice with your favorite perfume and put it in a ziplock baggy to keep the scent in transit), a CD of favorite songs, a book/magazine, a book reading light. Make a picture pillow case…get some of your favorite pictures, print them out on iron-on photo transfer sheets (available in the photo paper section). Transfer the photo onto the pillowcase so that your Soldier can sleep on it every night. There are "talking" picture frames that allow you to record a message. Record yourself saying goodnight and I love you, so your Soldier can hear you say it every night.
“Sports Box” If he has a favorite sport make that the focus or just a collage of different sports, DVD of games, greatest moments or follies, Nerf balls, games for his system or handheld games, a T shirt with his favorite team logo, Sports Illustrated or other sports magazines. Add some powdered sports drink mix, energy bars
“ And This Little Piggy…” package: Foot powder, Dr Scholl’s gel foot inserts, foot lotion, nail clippers, fresh clean/new socks, flip flops/house shoes, odor eater balls, foot lotion, scrub brush, take a family “foot” picture and include it the box.
“For the Fisherman” package: Goldfish crackers, tuna/salmon pouches, sardines, gummy worms, GoFish card game, Field and Stream magazine, electronic fishing rod game
“I’m Nuts about You” package: Peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any candy or cookies with nuts!
“Chili Today, Hot Tamali” package: Hot tamales candy, small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa sun flower seeds, CAJUN Pringles, Spicy Chex mix,, Boston red hots, peppered beef jerky,, taco bell sauce packets, Extreme Doritios, Nacho cheese sauce in a can, Tums/Rolaids
“Hang in there” package: Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding (that doesn’t need refrigerated and don’t forget to put it in a zip lock) Monkey’s in a barrel, a card with a Monkey on it.
“Muchas Gracias…Nacho Supremos” package: Doritos/Fritos/or any corn tortilla chips, Mexican velveeta, salsa (wrapped in ziplock and bubble wrap) small can of olives/green chilies/jalapenos, been dip. Nacho cheese dip, taco sauce (especially easy are those condiment packets from Taco Bell), Festive napkins/bowls, throw in a CD of music, and cards/letters saying thank you – for their service, for loving you, for being such a good husband, wife, friend, father, mother…..the things you can thank your Soldier for are endless!!!!
Happy care packaging! :cooler:
CARE PACKAGE SUGGESTIONS / GUIDELINES
Researched & Compiled a 1-40th CAV spouse from A Troop
It is recommended to use Priority Flat Rate boxes available through the US Postal Service. The US Postal Service offers a discount on the large flat rate shipping to APO/FPO addresses. Also, the flat rate boxes are FREE from the US Post Office. If the post office does not have adequate boxes in stock, you can go on-line at www.usps.gov (scroll down to “2”, click on “stock up on supplies”, click on “flat rate boxes”, and then choose Priority APO/FPO Flat Rate Box) to order your very own supply ! Once you place your order, the postman will deliver them free to your doorstep!
All boxes sent overseas require a “Customs Declaration Form. On this form you will briefly list the contents of the package, and always mark the “gift” choice. It was recommended by Brigade Mailroom staff to take the box to the Post Office un-taped, as a Postal Agent may ask to verify the contents of the box. Often they don’t ask to view the contents – however, don’t be caught off guard if they do. If a Postal Agent does ask to inspect the box, they will cut the tape open, review the contents, and then assist you with re-taping. It is suggested to take your own roll of packing tape with you to the post office so that you don’t have to unexpectedly purchase a roll. When insuring the box, you may want to slightly under estimate the cost in order to discourage temptation for the box to “go missing.” If you will be mailing packages often, it’s a good idea to get a handful of extra “Customs Declaration Forms” and fill them out before you go to the Post Office – this is a real time saver!
Restrictions
(as outlined on www.oconus.com)
C1 - Obscene Articles & Comics
Obscene articles, prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc., and horror comics and matrices are prohibited.
E2 - Objectionable Material
Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials are prohibited. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.
F – Firearms
Firearms of any type are prohibited in all classes of mail. See definitions of firearms in DMM C024.1.1C. This restriction does not apply to firearms mailed to or by official U.S. government agencies.
H1 - Pork Prohibited
Pork or pork by-products are prohibited.
M - Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits, animals, and living plants are prohibited.
R - Alcoholic Beverages
All alcoholic beverages, including those mailable under DMM C021, are prohibited.
R1 - Alcoholic Beverages
Materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (i.e., distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.) are prohibited.
Themed Packages
After a Hard Day” or “Man Cave” package: send your Soldier’s favorite PJ bottoms, house shoes, a DVD of his/her favorite TV show, favorite munchy food they especially enjoy while relaxing or watching TV/movies, Glade stick ups for aroma therapy, squeezy stress relief balls, back scratcher
“Good Morning Sunshine” package: breakfast bars, cereal packs to go, donuts, muffins, small fruit snack or canned fruit with the easy open top, rice cakes, pop tarts, instant oatmeal, granola bars, individual dry cereal boxes, Tang!, Coffee/Tea. Individual creamer/sugar packets, Sturdy travel Coffee mug (individualize it by writing a little note with a permanent marker or have the kids draw a picture on it), powdered juice, Gatorade or Kool-aid packets. Throw in a hometown newspaper, the Sunday comics, puzzle books, or your Soldier’s favorite magazine
“Lunchtime with Us” package: Chips, beef jerky, Beef and cheese sticks, powdered juice mixes, Gatorade, Propel mix, fresh pouch tuna/salmon, potted meat, sardines/clams, instant soup, Little Debbie snack cakes. Save empty Pringles cans -- they are great for packing a roll of Ritz/Saltine crackers so they won’t crumble enroute! Get individual packages of ketchup/mustard/mayonnaise/salt & pepper (ask for extra when you or friends go out through fast food places). Stuff these packets around the crackers in the Pringles can for extra cushioning. Take pictures or videos of you, the kids, friends eating a meal and send it with the package. Set a place for your Soldier at the table as though they are there.
“Ruck Sack/Snack Pack” package: Include some of your Soldier’s favorite snacks, individual size chips, nuts, candy (be mindful of the season and melting issues for chocolate), Chex Mix, Pretzels, Rice Crispie treats, Slim Jims, anything they like. Your Soldier can throw snacks in for the road if they need to go out, or this gives them something to nibble on before chow is served.
”Movie Night” package: Complete with popcorn, Fiddle Faddle, Cracker Jacks, movie size snacks (hot tamales, gummies, raisenettes, starburst, jumbo size Reeces, M&Ms), Movies (new releases, clearance previously viewed at Blockbuster, $5 Walmart values). Add in one of your Soldier’s favorite movie poster, either buy it or find one on Google and print it out, they can hang it on their wall.
“Game/Play Box” package: If your Soldier has a handheld game player -- buy a new game for him to enjoy – or consider buying used games at Gamestop. Consider travel size board games, deck of cards or pokers chips, Dominoes! Frisbee, hacky sacks, squirt guns when it gets hot, hand held electronic games, water balloons, Nerf balls, puzzles, Rubix cube, yo-yo’s, bubbles, slinkys “Bathroom in a Box” package: Aspirin/Acetaminophen (travel ones), Band aids, Neosporin, A&D ointment, cold medicine, cough drops, Rolaids, Mylanta, Visine, Nasal spray, Chapstick, sunblock, baby wipes, toilet paper, shouts wipes, back scratcher, FOOT POWDER, razors, shampoo, soap, a fresh towel/wash cloth, toothpaste/ toothbrush, comb, bathroom books, etc.
“Goodnight/Sweet Dreams” package: Bunk size sheets (wash them so they are soft) a pillow, room fresheners (stick ups/travel Febreeze, dryer sheets, etc) (Spray a small teddybear or animal of your choice with your favorite perfume and put it in a ziplock baggy to keep the scent in transit), a CD of favorite songs, a book/magazine, a book reading light. Make a picture pillow case…get some of your favorite pictures, print them out on iron-on photo transfer sheets (available in the photo paper section). Transfer the photo onto the pillowcase so that your Soldier can sleep on it every night. There are "talking" picture frames that allow you to record a message. Record yourself saying goodnight and I love you, so your Soldier can hear you say it every night.
“Sports Box” If he has a favorite sport make that the focus or just a collage of different sports, DVD of games, greatest moments or follies, Nerf balls, games for his system or handheld games, a T shirt with his favorite team logo, Sports Illustrated or other sports magazines. Add some powdered sports drink mix, energy bars
“ And This Little Piggy…” package: Foot powder, Dr Scholl’s gel foot inserts, foot lotion, nail clippers, fresh clean/new socks, flip flops/house shoes, odor eater balls, foot lotion, scrub brush, take a family “foot” picture and include it the box.
“For the Fisherman” package: Goldfish crackers, tuna/salmon pouches, sardines, gummy worms, GoFish card game, Field and Stream magazine, electronic fishing rod game
“I’m Nuts about You” package: Peanuts, cashews, pistachios, peanut butter cookies, any candy or cookies with nuts!
“Chili Today, Hot Tamali” package: Hot tamales candy, small cans of chili, red pepper flakes, salsa sun flower seeds, CAJUN Pringles, Spicy Chex mix,, Boston red hots, peppered beef jerky,, taco bell sauce packets, Extreme Doritios, Nacho cheese sauce in a can, Tums/Rolaids
“Hang in there” package: Stuffed animal monkey, banana bread, banana chips, banana pudding (that doesn’t need refrigerated and don’t forget to put it in a zip lock) Monkey’s in a barrel, a card with a Monkey on it.
“Muchas Gracias…Nacho Supremos” package: Doritos/Fritos/or any corn tortilla chips, Mexican velveeta, salsa (wrapped in ziplock and bubble wrap) small can of olives/green chilies/jalapenos, been dip. Nacho cheese dip, taco sauce (especially easy are those condiment packets from Taco Bell), Festive napkins/bowls, throw in a CD of music, and cards/letters saying thank you – for their service, for loving you, for being such a good husband, wife, friend, father, mother…..the things you can thank your Soldier for are endless!!!!