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What to Send in a Care Package for Your Soldier in Training

As an Army Mom, you might have many questions about what to include in a care package for your Soldier in Training (SIT) during Basic Combat Training. While mail is generally allowed, there are specific rules regarding care packages that vary by unit.

Before focusing on care packages, the most important thing you can send is **encouragement** through letters. Staying in touch helps boost your soldier’s morale during training.

How to Send Letters to Your Soldier

• Handwritten letters: A simple letter on plain paper and in a standard envelope is always appreciated. Your SIT will receive it within a couple of weeks.
• Send letters via smartphone: The SANDBOXX app allows you to send letters directly from your smartphone. They print and deliver the letters quickly, often arriving faster than traditional mail.

What Can You Send in an Army Basic Training Care Package?

Before sending a care package, confirm whether your soldier’s unit **allows** them. Some units permit care packages, while others do not.

Even if allowed, space is limited in the barracks, so **keep packages small**. Essential items such as soap or deodorant should be placed in a **sealed zip-lock bag** to keep everything neat.

Suggested Items for a Basic Training Care Package

Always check your soldier’s specific unit guidelines before sending anything. Below is a reference list of approved items:

• Address book
• Baby wipes (unscented)
• Bar soap (unscented)
• Black pens
• Cash (under $50)
• Dental floss
• Deodorant (unscented)
• Digital watch (black band)
• Envelopes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hair gel (unscented)
• Hair ties (black)
• Journal
• Lip balm (unflavored)
• Lotion (unscented)
• Moleskin (for blisters)
• Paper (white, lined)
• Pencils
• Permanent marker (black)
• Self-addressed stamped envelopes
• Stamps
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Laundry soap (unscented)
• Nail clippers (no file)
• Shampoo/conditioner combo
• Flushable wipes (unscented)
• Razors (males only)
• Travel-size tissues
• Religious medallions
• White calf-length socks (no logos)
• Combination lock (black/silver)
• Underwear (white briefs)
• Fine/medium-tooth comb (for female hair)

How to Ship a Care Package

Use the **United States Postal Service (USPS)** to send care packages. The USPS offers free military care package supplies, including priority mailboxes, tape, and address labels.

Although the supplies are free, you will need to pay for shipping. You can check the USPS website for the latest pricing.

Note: **Stop sending mail two weeks before your soldier’s Basic Training graduation** to ensure they receive everything before leaving for their next assignment.

Basic Combat Training Locations

Here are links to official Army Basic Combat Training websites where you can find additional information about mailing policies:

• Fort Jackson – Columbia, South Carolina
• Fort Leonard Wood – Waynesville, Missouri
• Fort Sill – Lawton, Oklahoma
• Fort Benning – Columbus, Georgia

Final Thoughts on Sending Care Packages

Letters and care packages are a **huge morale booster** for your soldier during training. They will appreciate hearing from you and receiving thoughtful, practical items.

Keep packages **small and essential** to comply with unit rules. Always check with your SIT to ensure their unit allows care packages before sending anything.

We hope this guide helps Army Moms decide what to include in their care packages. If you have additional suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below.

🎖️ **Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas – Celebrate Their Big Achievement!** 🎖️

Completing **Boot Camp** is no small feat—it's a **monumental milestone** in a service member's journey. After weeks of intense training, discipline, and hard work, your child has emerged stronger, both physically and mentally.

**What better way to celebrate this proud moment than with a meaningful gift?** 🎁 Whether it’s something practical, sentimental, or just plain fun, here are some of the **best gift ideas** to honor their dedication and sacrifice.

💵 **1. Personalized Money Clip or Wallet**

A **custom-engraved money clip** with their name and graduation date is a sleek and memorable gift. If you opt for a **wallet**, make sure it has a **clear ID slot** for their military ID.

🎒 **2. Durable Gym Bag**

Physical training (PT) is a big part of military life, so a **high-quality gym bag** is a practical gift. It’s perfect for carrying **workout gear, uniforms, shoes, gloves, and shower essentials.**

🎟️ **3. Event Tickets**

If your service member has time off, surprise them with **tickets to their favorite concert, sports event, or a fun experience.** It’s a great way for them to unwind and enjoy their hard-earned break.

🎧 **4. High-Quality Headphones**

Whether for **gym workouts, relaxation, or long flights**, a **pair of premium noise-canceling headphones** will be a game-changer. Look for durable, wireless options with great sound quality!

📱 **5. Electronics – Stay Entertained!**

After months of limited access to entertainment, **video games, MP3 players, tablets, or e-readers** make fantastic gifts to help them relax and enjoy their downtime.

🍔 **6. A Delicious Meal – Because They Deserve It!**

Boot Camp meals aren’t exactly gourmet. **Treat them to their favorite restaurant or stock up on their favorite snacks.** A taste of home will mean the world to them! 🍕🍔🍩

🔥 **7. Customized Lighter (For Cigar Lovers)**

If your service member enjoys an occasional cigar, a **personalized lighter** with their name and graduation date makes a classy and sentimental gift.

🔪 **8. Ka-Bar Knife – A Military Favorite**

Many military members love **Ka-Bar knives**—they’re classic, durable, and practical. **Engraving their name or a special message** makes it even more meaningful.

⌚ **9. A Tough & Stylish Watch**

A watch is **both stylish and practical**. If your grad is into tech, go for a **smartwatch**. For a durable, military-grade option, **G-Shock watches** are a solid choice.

🏅 **10. A Challenge Coin – A Military Tradition**

Challenge coins are **highly valued in the military**. You can buy one with their unit insignia or **custom-make one** to commemorate their graduation. It’s a **small but meaningful** keepsake!

🎉 **Celebrate Their Achievement with the Perfect Gift!** 🎉

Graduating Boot Camp is an **unforgettable milestone**. Whether you choose a **practical, sentimental, or fun gift**, what matters most is the thought and love behind it. **Which of these gifts do you think your service member would love the most?** 💙

🎁 The Ultimate Military Care Package Guide for Proud Military Moms 🎁

Being a Military Mom—whether you're an Army Mom, Marine Mom, Air Force Mom, or Navy Mom—comes with many responsibilities. One of the most heartfelt duties? **Sending care packages to your child.**

A well-thought-out care package can **brighten their day, boost morale, and remind them they are loved** no matter how far they are. Below is the **ultimate checklist** to ensure your package is filled with the best surprises! 🎀

📦 What to Include in Your Military Care Package

After packing everything from our **Ultimate Military Care Package List**, you can personalize it with small touches that make your child smile. 🎉 A little creativity can turn a simple package into a **treasured gift** that lifts their spirits!

✅ Must-Know Care Package Tips

To make sure your package arrives safely and in perfect condition, keep these important tips in mind:

• 📏 **Size & Weight Restrictions:** Check the postal size and weight limits. You can grab **free Priority Mail boxes** at your local post office or order a **FREE Military Care Package Kit** by calling **1-800-610-8734**.
• 📜 **Include a Contents List:** Always add a **detailed card** inside the package listing everything you packed. This helps your soldier know what to expect and assists mail handlers in case of accidental openings.
• 🛑 **Prevent Spills & Leaks:** Place any liquid or spillable items in **heavy-duty, zipper-lock plastic bags** (gallon freezer bags work best for keeping things organized).
• 📬 **Write the Address Clearly:** Be sure to include your child’s **full name, unit, and APO/FPO address**. If possible, add the **battalion, ship, squadron, or platoon** name and a **nine-digit ZIP code**. When filling out customs forms, be **generic** (e.g., list "non-perishable snacks" instead of naming each item individually).
• 🔢 **Number Your Packages:** If you plan to send multiple care packages, **number them**! This helps your child know which ones are still in transit. You can even **themed packages** for different occasions (🎃 Halloween, 🎄 Christmas, 🎆 4th of July, etc.).
• 🔥 **Be Mindful of the Climate:** Avoid sending **perishable items** to warm climates **from March to October**, as they may melt, spoil, or get damaged in transit.
• 🚫 **Know What NOT to Send:** Some items are strictly **prohibited** in military care packages, including alcohol, weapons, and **obscene photos or articles**. Always check the latest military mailing regulations before sending.

🎀 Final Touches: Make It Special!

Now that you know exactly what to include, **what special items will you add to make your care package unforgettable?** 💌 Whether it's a handwritten letter, a favorite snack, or a little surprise, **your love and thoughtfulness will always shine through.** ✨

💙

💙 Staying Connected During Deployment: A Guide for Military Moms 💙

As a military parent, you may not always know exactly when or where your child will be deployed. For security reasons, deployment dates remain undisclosed, and unit locations may be classified. While this uncertainty can be tough, there’s one thing that can help ease the stress: **strong communication.**

Separation can feel overwhelming, especially for Army Moms. That’s why making an effort to stay in touch—despite the challenges—is so important.

💬 Finding the Right Way to Communicate

With deployment schedules constantly shifting, planning communication can be tricky. Flexibility is key! Here are the **best ways to stay connected** and make deployment feel a little less distant.

📹 Video Calls: Skype & FaceTime

If your soldier has access to Wi-Fi, video calls are a great way to **see and hear** them in real time. Even a few minutes of face-to-face interaction can make a world of difference. Try scheduling a time when the whole family can gather and check in.

📞 Phone Calls: The Power of Their Voice

Nothing beats hearing your child’s voice after weeks or months apart. Phone calls are perfect for **special occasions** like birthdays or holidays. However, international calls can be costly—check with your service provider for military discounts.

“The Army goes out of their way to make telephone access possible for us, and they do it as quickly as possible.”
— Cathy, mother of Staff Sergeant John Martin

📧 Emails: Fast & Reliable

Emails are one of the **quickest ways** to stay in touch. Share daily updates, send photos, and attach short videos to keep your child connected to home. Many email services show when a message has been read, so you’ll know they received your note.

“We email frequently with our son and his wife. It keeps us feeling close, even when he’s far away.”
— Phyllis, mother of Specialist Antoine Grimes

✉️ Letters: A Personal Touch

There’s something special about handwritten letters. Unlike digital messages, letters can be **saved and re-read** whenever your soldier needs a morale boost. Numbering your letters helps ensure they’re read in the correct order.

“Jodie’s letters were so important. But honestly, the ones we got back meant even more.”
— Buddy, father of Specialist Jodie Wood

📦 Care Packages: A Little Piece of Home

A **care package** filled with their favorite snacks, photos, and little reminders of home can mean the world to a deployed soldier. Be sure to send it early if it’s for a special occasion—mail delivery can take time.

⚠️ Safe Communication: What NOT to Share

While staying in touch is crucial, **security comes first.** Never discuss the following information in emails, phone calls, letters, or online:

• Deployment areas or times
• Unit missions or troop movements
• Port call dates or shore deployments
• Military capabilities or operations
• The planned return date for service members

Note: Depending on training schedules or deployment locations, communication may be limited. If your child can’t reach out often, don’t take it personally—they’re doing their best!

💙 Stay Strong, Stay Connected

Military life comes with challenges, but with the right communication strategies, you and your child can navigate deployment **together.** Even miles apart, your love and support will always reach them. 💌