One of our younger karate teachers (19) has just been sent to Iraq. He's a nice guy, my son went through phase training when he was getting his 4th degree black belt and my ds was up for his first. They've posted his address in case any of the students/parents want to send a care package. I've never done this before but would like to. I need ideas on what to put in the package. TIA

By Ladypeacek on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 07:43 am:

care packages usually have things like toothpaste, deodorant, razors, ect. Also things like cookies and candy that don't go bad. Maybe some paper and envelopes and pens. Even a book or two would be good as well. My husband went as well, although he is home now but those things were very helpful to him since its hard to get to much money or stores. Hope that helps!!

By Marg on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 07:49 am:

Are they restricted on any items? Dh was in Italy, France,Spain, Egypt, Jerusalem, Cuba, Jamaica, etc. There were no restrictions except the summer of 85 when they sat off the coast of Beirut for 4 months, nothing went in or out... I know Iraq is a totally different situation.

Dh and his friends always loved homemade baked goods:

Brownies
cookies
(he was in Italy and sometimes it took 2 weeks to receive, try to pack airtight)
Pretzels

messages
cards
tissues
deodorant
trial size anythings
shampoos
toothpaste
you get the point...

Good luck, tell them to pack it with letters. Dh saved every letter he received from everyone. He said he often read them over and over because of being homesick.
calling cards (I don't know how much phone usage if any they can have)

By Marg on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 07:50 am:

Kenna had a great idea, yes paper, envelopes and STAMPS....

By Colette on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 08:06 am:

keep in mind, I don't know him that well. I wasn't told what to get him but they said, non-perishable foods (twinkies - yuck), no meat products, no alcohol, newspapers but no magazines unless you rip out the pages that show a woman's legs. They said it takes 2-3 weeks to get the care package.

Maybe some of the mum's that dh's were already over there can give me some ideas too?

By Kolbysmom on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 08:07 am:

My cousin is in Iraq and all of our family is sending him an Easter basket full of things. One thing he said he really wants is Kool-aid and lemonaid mix that is already sweetened. Beef jerky is another thing that is good to send because you don't have to worry about it getting broken or smashed during shipment.

By Ladypeacek on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 08:17 am:

marg, good idea with the stamps but when my husband was there all their postage was free to them os they won't need them too much.

By Amy~moderator on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 10:49 am:

http://www.momsview.com/discus/messages/41/18498.html

The link above takes you to another thread from a few months back about the same question you asked. There are plenty of ideas there.

By Sue3 on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 11:27 am:

Don`t forget phone cards !

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 12:02 pm:

Baby wipes and the other stuff mentioned above is greatly welcomed over there.

By Colette on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 12:59 pm:

Thanks!!

By Palmbchprincess on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 01:17 pm:

Ladypeacek is right...Save your money on sending stamps, they don't need them to send mail back to the States. Baby wipes, beef jerky, drink mixes, cookies and brownies (vacuum pack if possible). Newspapers make good packing material, I laid them on top of stuff so he could read the local news. Make sure you don't seal up the boxes at home, you have to fill out customs forms with all the contents. CDs, batteries, and other entertainment items are good. Things they can share with their comrades are nice. My Ex frequently asked for things like chips and salsa, so I sent the Torengos and Pringles to help keep them intact. Carmex lip balm was requested, how it held up in the heat I don't know. One sweet idea my mom had was a FSU flag for my Ex. His family and mine are all FSU football fans so my mom had one sent from the gear website. They told us no meat products, and no magazines, but they didn't seem to strict on it. You'd have to ask Mike for the official word on what they were allowed to have there. HTH