[Azrael256]

Ok, I'm about to send off a package to the brother-unit, and I'm wondering if any of those people who have been there have any suggestions as to what to send. I'm sending him reading material of both a novel and a... um... y'know... type, a couple of cartons of cigarettes, lighters, and a few other personal items that I know he'll want. I want to know if there is anything you guys can think of that he would really appreciate, and I also want to know if I should send photos. I know he wants to be reminded of his home and family, but I wonder if a ream of photos of the family, the cats, and our project car might be a little difficult for him to handle right now.

[Elmer Snerd]

http://www.2frogs.net/carepackages.htm#CarePackages

http://www.hastings-usa.com/index.php?action=faq

http://www.marinemoms.us/usmc/deploy-care-pkg.asp#

http://www.usmc-mccs.org/News/deploy/mailtotroops.asp

http://www.usps.com/communications/news/press/2003/pr03_018.htm

If he is in the Middle East, do not send pork products, religious items, alcohol, or anything even remotely pornographic. They will be removed by Customs there. I have read that they are even removing alcohol-based waterless hand cleaner.

I have read that prepaid phone cards, skin and lip care items, and hot sauce are very popular.

[Penman]

Go to the Post Office ahead of time, with his address. Ask them for the appropriate customs declaration form for that address. There's a lot of stuff to list, and it will be a lot easier to do this at home while you assemble the package, as well as saving you time at the counter. Jerky and pistacios seem to be popular as well, I think anything salty or spicy would be a welcome change from their meals. Perhaps a disposable camera. As for the photos, that's going to be your call.

[Derek Zeanah]

You might want to throw in about 20 decks of cards.

[xsquid]

Your sending your package through what I assume is an APO address or in case of a Marine/Sailor an FPO address - so there should be no problems with customs. Anyway, send him alot of baby wipes and home made chocolate-chip cookies are always a big hit.

[4v50 Gary]

Books. Helps to relieve boredom and cultivate the mind. Alibris (a book finding service) sent me an email about "buy a book for a soldier" and lo, listed was one book this sergeant in Kabul wanted. I emailed Alibris and asked them to strike that title off the list. Sent the book, some jerky and a letter of hello the next day.

[dance varmint]

I sent a Spyderco Delica and a Photon light to my brother on a carrier. They fit right in an audio cassette box, disguising and protecting them over the one-month journey. He really appreciated them.

[M1911]

xsquid: I've sent two packages to the Gulf and had to fill out the customs form each time.

For the customs form, you'll need a list of the items in the package and their value.

[shadow 1]

Yeah and send cans of dip, he may not dip but his fellow soldiers might. Always a morale booster when a box gets sent over and he can share with everyone. I just sent an old Army buddy of mine those Lever 2000 wipes, disposable cameras, ciggies.,a coule of cigars,cans of dip. Lots of junk food and both Turkey and Beef Jerky. Plus the usual OTC meds.
I had to fill out a customs card, but what the heck well worth it!

[Azrael256]

Oh yeah, I'm definitely doing the whole tobacco thing. I'm sending a few cartons of smokes, as well as a sleeve of copenhagen. I'm also talking to a friend who is a rather well known tobacco blender to see if he's willing to send a few tins their way. I'll go find some pistacios and jerky. I've been hearing those a whole lot as well. Baby wipes sound like a good idea, too. I'll pick up some tonight.

I went to the bookstore to pick up some of his type of stuff (Heinlein, Turtledove, jordan, etc.) and I started talking to the owner of the shop and I told him that I was sending them to my brother in Iraq. He knocked the first few books off the stack and said "Well, if he's over there doing that for us, then we'll give him these for free." So, if you live around Ok City or visit and are looking for a book, call on the little book shop at Pennsylvania and NW 30th.

I guess photographs are a good idea. We think almost exactly alike, and, while I would be a little upset and homesick for a little while, I think I would like to have something to remind me of the people back home that I love.

Thanks for your suggestions and advice :)

[4v50 Gary]

How about American toilet paper? Seriously guys, is GI paper gud or wot? Does it have to be olive color?

[NapAttack]

My son-in-law's unit is in Iraq. I recently asked him about this. He said the biggest need is toilet paper and unscented baby wipes. But when you send the toilet paper label it wrapping paper cause if you label it toilet paper it gets stolen before it gets to them.

[tcsd1236]

Still a relevant question, for those with family and friends still overseas..I'm including a link to another thread on this issue with some suggestions, because the question never seemed to get answered......don't forget our people over there........


http://www.trafficenforcement.org/cgi-bin/YaBB/YaBB.pl?board=Askacop&action=display&num=1067911679&start=0

[Preacherman]

GI toilet paper is like the Marines... takes c**p from nobody! :D

[cameroneod]

You guys are definately on the right track. I was one of the first on station to deploy for OEF. You wouldnt believe some of the wierd stuff we got over there (even though it was still very much appreciated). One box was full of 9v batteries, one was full of instant noodles (we had no way to heat water, other than an engine block), we got a lot of stamps (GI's get free mail), etc. Stationary is a good thing to get. Pens, paper, etc. TP and baby wipes are a MUST. It was always cool to see who we were getting this stuff from. Some people send pictures of themselves with the packages. Lots of old people and veterans associations.

Anything you can throw in the box will be used and appreciated (I prefer dry ramen noodles to MRE's any day). :D

[Sergeant Bob]

Playing cards? If you have any casinos in OKC, you might stop by one and tell them what you're doing, They might be willing to give up a few (slightly used) decks for the cause.
Pictures are a definite plus. Nothing a G.I. likes better than pics of the family doing all the corny things they do.

[Balog]

Preacherman: that's absolutely hilarious! I needed a good laugh. Thanks

Edit: Oh, and shouldn't this be in General instead of L&P? Maybe give it a float like the veterans thread already up there?