The Care Package
The care package is a much anticipated arrival for ALL of our sailors! It is a little piece of HOME and always brings a smile to their face. I always include a little "extra" so that my sailor can share!
Here is a list of some of the typically needed and desired items. Remember, if you are sending a care package to FPO addresses, the Post Office requires that you fill out a Customs Form (you need to list everything on the form) Remember also that when they are on a ship, space is limited and refridgeration is almost non existant. Better to send several carepackages over time than to send one big one.

Pre-paid phone cards
Stamps
Paper and Envelopes
Playing Cards Magazines (New or Used) (No Nudity!)
Books (New or Used)
Videos
Candy (No chocolates - they don't travel well)
Travel Games
Holiday decorations
Pens/Pencils
Personal Hygeine Items (Soap, Shampoo, disposable razors, chapstick, toothbrush/paste, Shower Gel, etc...)
Sunscreen
Blank Holiday/Greeting cards (with envolopes and stamps)
Baby Wipes
Disposable cameras
Instant Coffee/Hot Chocolate mix
Pre-sweetened, powdered drink mixes (Gatorade, Kool-Aid, etc...)
Condiments from fast food restaurants (to help spice up MRE's)
Local newspapers
Baked goods (that will hold up to extended travel time)
Beef Jerky
Slim Jims
Canned cheese spread
Crackers
Peanut butter crackers
Hand held video games
Soft rolls of toilet tissue
Microwave Popcorn
Breakfast Bars
Peanut Butter (small plastic jars are the best)
Rice Krispy treats
Family Pictures
Decks of cards
Board Games
Snack cakes (Little Debbie's are great)
Graham Crackers
Raisins and Trail Mix
Foam football (miniature)
Frisbie
Personal video tapes (record your messages and your lovely face!!)