Sending a military care package is a great way to support a loved one on deployment, whether they’re a family member, partner, spouse, child, parent, friend, or colleague. It’s also an excellent way for civilians to go about supporting military troops. Before you get started, it’s helpful to understand the process and guidelines for sending a military care package.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know, including the best options for sending a military care package, what to include, how to address it properly, and other important considerations.
Who sends military care packages?
Military care packages can come from anyone who wants to show support for our service members. While individuals can send packages directly to a specific service member, there are also several military care package organizations that facilitate the process.
Organizations like the United Service Organizations (USO) or Operation Gratitude collect donations, assemble, and coordinate with military units to distribute them to troops in need.
Sending a military care package without a specific service member contact is not allowed. So if you’d like to send a care package but don’t have a specific service member in mind, you can donate to one of these organizations.
Another great option is to send letters to a soldier. Anyone can write a letter to our troops, and an organization like A Million Thanks or Operation Gratitude can pass it along to a troop or veteran. If you’re not sure how to go about writing a letter to someone you don’t know, these organizations also provide information on how to send a letter to someone in the military.
If you want to create and send your own package to a loved one who is deployed, that is also an option. However, there are a few things you should know to make sure your deployment care package gets to its destination safely and efficiently. Here are 5 considerations to keep in mind.
1. It matters what’s inside: here’s what to include in a military package.
When sending a military care package, practical considerations like essential toiletries, snacks, and personal care items are a given, but don’t forget about the little things that can make a big difference. Military care packages are a source of comfort and relief, and stuff that reminds them of home can really go a long way.
Think about including things they might not have easy access to where they’re stationed—and things that could only come from home. When thinking back on deployment care packages received, soldiers often say that it was the small things that they really remember—a handwritten note, a photo of a loved one, a favorite snack, or a bottle of hot sauce to spice up the sometimes monotonous and unpredictable meals.
With these considerations in mind, also use what you know about your loved one personally. And when in doubt, ask the troops directly! Read through some Reddit forums to read what other soldiers loved receiving while on deployment. For example, one soldier shared a story about receiving a package filled with childhood games like dart guns and army men—the squad had a blast playing with them before giving them away to local children, and it provided a much-needed break from the challenges of military life. Here are a few specific military care package ideas:
Military care package list of items:
- Baby wipes
- Non-perishable snacks, like nuts, granola bars, and (especially) beef jerky
- Games, puzzles, or puzzle books (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and deck of cards are great options!)
- Comic books or magazines (National Geographic is a good choice)
- Socks
- Homemade treats that are not easily perishable and travel well, like cookies or trail mix
- Letters or cards from loved ones
- Photos or other small, lightweight mementos from home
- Condiments and spices
- Dry drink mixes (Gatorade mixes are great for hot climates!)
What is not allowed in a military care package?
Besides the usual shipping rules, think about anything that could cause problems. You don’t want to send anything fragile, messy, or embarrassing. Avoid things like glass, magnets, or liquids that might spill or break in transit. Here are a few specific items to avoid, but it’s also a good idea to check with the full list of USPS restrictions.
- Glass and other breakable materials
- Magnetic items
- Liquids
- Perishable foods that could spoil during transit
- Items that could melt in high temperatures
- Anything that might attract pests or insects
- Offensive or inappropriate materials
- Any form of weapon (dart guns aside)
- Alcohol or tobacco products
- Heavy perfumes or detergents (especially if you’re sending a military care package with food)
2. Sending a military care package to boot camp is not a good idea.
Sending a military care package to someone in boot camp might seem like a nice gesture, but it’s actually not recommended. There are specific guidelines about what recruits in boot camp can and can’t receive, and an unauthorized package could get your loved one in trouble with their superiors. However, you can still show your support with a handwritten letter. Standard letters are always allowed and can mean a lot to someone going through the rigors of boot camp.
When it comes to sending a military care package, it’s best to wait until recruits have completed boot camp and are deployed. At that point, they’ll have more freedom in terms of what they can receive, and your package will be more likely to reach them without any complications. Plus, by then, they’ll probably appreciate the goodies and reminders of home even more.
3. Shipping times vary for military mail USPS.
When sending a military care package, it’s smart to plan ahead and account for the range in shipping times. Shipping can always be unpredictable, and military mail can add even more variables—especially when you’re shipping overseas.
Different branches of the military might have different procedures or processing times for incoming packages. Plus, the type of facility where your loved one is stationed—whether it’s a base, a ship, or an overseas deployment—can affect how long it takes for your package to reach them. Most estimated ship times range from 7–9 days for priority mail, but some estimates are longer, up to 18 days. You can find location-based military mail USPS shipping estimates here on the USPS website.
If you’re planning to ship during the holidays, know that holiday delays can affect overseas and military shipments too, so don’t forget to account for potential delays.
4. You can get free shipping materials with a military care package USPS.
To make it a little easier for those sending a military care package, the USPS offers a free Military Care Kit that includes:
- 6 Priority Mail flat rate boxes: 2 standard, 2 top-loading, and 2 side-loading
- Priority Mail tape
- Priority Mail address labels
- Customs forms
While it doesn’t make military care packages free, the kit certainly helps cut the cost, not to mention, takes much of the guesswork out of the shipping process. Everything you need to send a military package in accordance with postal regulations will be included, and the USPS website offers more guidelines for using their Military Care Kit to send a package securely.
5. There’s a right way to put a military care package together.
Address Details: When addressing your package, make sure to include the recipient service member’s unit, last and first name, title, and the appropriate military mail designation (DPO/FPO/APO) along with the full ZIP code. This ensures that your package is correctly routed to the right location, even if it’s overseas.
Shipping Forms: If you’re sending a military care package to an address outside the United States, you’ll need to fill out customs forms detailing the contents of your package. If you choose to use the USPS Military Kit, these forms will be included. Make sure to accurately report what’s inside to prevent any delays or issues during transit.
Secure Packaging: Pack your items tightly to prevent shifting during transit, and use sturdy boxes and packing materials, like the ones provided by USPS. We also recommend sealing everything to prevent leaking and protect the items from potentially harsh travel conditions. Consider wrapping each item separately—especially if you have both food products and chemical or fragrant items like soap.
How often can you send a military care package?
When it comes to sending a military care package, there’s no hard and fast rule. In fact, many military spouses choose to send a deployment care package once or twice a month to provide a steady stream of support throughout deployment.
In addition to care packages, sending a letter to the soldier in between shipments is a thoughtful way to stay connected. Letters are lighter and easier to send than packages, making them ideal for more frequent communication.
Whether you’re a civilian looking to express your gratitude for the sacrifices and service of our military personnel or a loved one supporting someone in the armed forces, sending a military care package or letter is a great way to do so. These gestures not only provide comfort and support but also remind them that they’re not alone during their deployment.
Another meaningful way to show your love and appreciation for a service member or veteran is by giving them a custom gift that honors their time in the military. At Navy Paddles, we craft specialty plaques and paddles, picture plates, and other custom memorabilia designed to celebrate and preserve memories and achievements made during service. If you’ll be welcoming a loved one home from deployment, celebrating a friend’s military promotion or retirement, or are otherwise looking to show your appreciation for someone who has served in the military, consider gifting them a meaningful gift from our veteran-owned shop.
Whether sending a military care package, letter, or personalized gift, every gesture of appreciation makes a difference in boosting morale and reminding our service members that their sacrifices are deeply valued and appreciated.
