All About Care Packages

My husband has only been in Japan for 5 months, so I wouldn't call myself a care package pro or anything.  However, I will share with you all of the insight that I have gained so far.

1.  Obtain their mailing address.  Most of the time, this can be done by Googling their ship name or base name.  If you can't find it online, simply ask your soldier/sailor/airman/coastie/etc. and they will be able to give it to you.

2.  Order and/or pick up military care package boxes.  USPS is your friend.  You can either call them at 800-610-8734 to order the kit or you can go to your local post office and ask for the FREE military packages.  These can be sent to any FPO/AP address (so, any military base worldwide).  The kit includes boxes, stickers, customs forms, and even tape.

3.  Choose a theme.  Whether it's a holiday, their birthday, or just because, themes are an awesome way to begin creating your care package.

3A. (Optional) Choose scrapbook paper to go on the inside of the box.  This is my favorite part.
Hobby Lobby and Michael's are great.  You just choose two coordinating pieces,
fold them in half, cut them and tape them to the box.  It's simple and decorative!

4.  Get the stuff.  Depending on your theme, now's the time to get the good stuff!  Military members love food, but I would shy away from homemade goods unless its something like trail-mix or you know that it will get there in time.  There are a lot of not-so-successful stories about homemade food items.  Other good items to send are: pictures, cards from family/friends, working gloves, thermals, socks, underwear, washing pods, dryer sheets, towels, blankets and favorite snacks.  For a list of things not to send, go here.

5.  Stuff it, seal it, send it.  Stuff all the stuff into the care package. Seal it with your handy dandy packing tape they sent you.  Fill out the pesky customs form (if it's an international shipment). Send it by taking it to a drop box or to your local Post Office! :)

Christmas Care Package

I sent my sailor his care package just in case I didn't make it to Japan due to some crazy reason.  Luckily, I made it and had a GREAT two weeks in Japan.  I'd be doing all of the MilSO's a disservice if I didn't post pictures of the gifts I got him and the package that I sent.  So, here you are: :)

The "HOME" shirt pictured in the care package box was made by a local company here in NC called Kustom Kottage.  They can make anything and everything and my husband LOVED his shirt.  They also make decals, tumblers, etc.  If you can think it, they can make it!

I ordered these puzzle piece keychains from an Etsy shop called RiverValleyJewelry.  My husband, again, loved it.  Although it came as a keychain, he took it off and put it on his dog tag chain so that he could wear it every day.  :)

I ordered this embossed USN wallet from EBay.  My husband kept saying that he needed a wallet, so it was a purchase that was long overdue.  This was his favorite gift.

Kustom Kottage also made this shirt for us.  The first thing Ryan said when he opened it was, "I'll actually wear this!"  Not exactly the response I was thinking I'd get, but, hey, I'll take it!