Newbie makes First CP

[CoutureGirl]

I have looked through the care package stickys and through some threads as well. DB just got his mailing address...yay. But It's too late to do a Halloween cp mostly because I don't have time to run around last minute.

My idea for his first care package is to gradually collect things over time and then send it.

But I do have some questions...

What kind of theme is valuable for a first care package when there isnt a holiday?

Everyone goes above and beyond and decorates the box. Is it appreciated?

I am a college student so I am on a very tight budget. How does one create a care package that doesn't seem cheap? I dont want it to look like I randomly went shopping at the dollar store and just bought a bunch of cheap crap.

Do you go to USPS to buy the box and then go back and mail it? How many boxes do you usually buy at once?

What tools or stuff is essential...like what do I need from hobby lobby that I will use for all care packages?

TIA

[Raychel]

I buy paper on sale at Hobby Lobby. I'm a college student too and so I try not to spend 10 bucks just on decorating the box.. I send packages for major holidays + his birthday. I send cards for other occasions that a. I'm broke or if b. he just needs a pick me up. The post office has free boxes which you can order and get them delivered if you don't live by a post office, but they are free to get (flat rate) and then 11.95 to mail (large flat rate boxes)
I wouldn't say the decorations are APPRECIATED.. but they do make him laugh or smile which is all I can want and ask for.
As for how to make it as cheap as possible, when you find out, be sure to tell me.. ha. They really aren't cheap. I buy food when it's on sale.. but if he says "babe. I want uh-oh oreos" His last request.. lol.. I will buy them.. regardless. So *shrugs*

Good luck :

[CoutureGirl]

Originally Posted by Raychel I buy paper on sale at Hobby Lobby. I'm a college student too and so I try not to spend 10 bucks just on decorating the box.. I send packages for major holidays + his birthday. I send cards for other occasions that a. I'm broke or if b. he just needs a pick me up. The post office has free boxes which you can order and get them delivered if you don't live by a post office, but they are free to get (flat rate) and then 11.95 to mail (large flat rate boxes) I wouldn't say the decorations are APPRECIATED.. but they do make him laugh or smile which is all I can want and ask for. As for how to make it as cheap as possible, when you find out, be sure to tell me.. ha. They really aren't cheap. I buy food when it's on sale.. but if he says "babe. I want uh-oh oreos" His last request.. lol.. I will buy them.. regardless. So *shrugs* Good luck :

I didn't know they were for free. I do live near a post office, so do I just say I need a free flat rate box?

[KaCee*]

You want the white Priority Mail boxes and Customs forms. A friend or the USPS associate can fully explain this form. Its a necessity for all APO packages. I adore tape to the point that I overload DH's boxes! But hey, I'm just ensuring they have okay!

The smallest things brighten our soldiers' days, so money is no matter. Begin visiting dollar stores, Target's dollar section for fun goodies, send disposable razors & his favorite bar soap. The list goes on & on with their packages. Even written letters/cards help them out during these times. Here are a few ideas to get you started....

Package 1
*chapstick with SPF 30
*Cherrios snack mix
*snack cookies
*photo album with pictures

Package 2
*gatorade/kool aid powder
*mini light saber (for those Star Wars fans)
*hand held Texas Poker game
*beef jerky
*gum, candy

Package 3
Breakfast box....
*cereal-small variety boxes
*bagged coffee if they're coffee drinkers
*travel coffee mug
*variety of cereal/power bars
*dried fruit (if they like fruit)
*OR homemade coffee cake, banana bread, etc..you get the idea.

[Am]

In there care package sticky, it explains how to order a kit with everything you need, for free.

They don't have to be themed. I usually just sent stuff he needed and a few fun things. You could always do a comforts of home package and include his favorite things since being away from them will be new.

ETA: Here's the link for that thread. Care Packages 101

Here's the stuff about the free kit.

The kit may be requested by calling 1-800-610-8734 (Packing Supply) Choose your language (“1” is English, “2” is Spanish). Choose option 1 (it states it is for Express Mail service, Priority Mail or Global Express Guaranteed). When you reach a live agent, request “CAREKIT04.” Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. Note: These are free supplies, postage must be affixed.

[CoutureGirl]

Originally Posted by KaCee* You want the white Priority Mail boxes and Customs forms. A friend or the USPS associate can fully explain this form. Its a necessity for all APO packages. I adore tape to the point that I overload DH's boxes! But hey, I'm just ensuring they have okay! The smallest things brighten our soldiers' days, so money is no matter. Begin visiting dollar stores, Target's dollar section for fun goodies, send disposable razors & his favorite bar soap. The list goes on & on with their packages. Even written letters/cards help them out during these times. Here are a few ideas to get you started.... Package 1 *chapstick with SPF 30 *Cherrios snack mix *snack cookies *photo album with pictures Package 2 *gatorade/kool aid powder *mini light saber (for those Star Wars fans) *hand held Texas Poker game *beef jerky *gum, candy Package 3 Breakfast box.... *cereal-small variety boxes *bagged coffee if they're coffee drinkers *travel coffee mug *variety of cereal/power bars *dried fruit (if they like fruit) *OR homemade coffee cake, banana bread, etc..you get the idea.

This helped a lot.

If you put food in the care package, what kind do you NOT want to add?

What about home made food? What kinds are good to send? How do you send them? (i.e. sandwich baggies, glad ware, etc)


What is the most unusual thing you guys have sent?

[Raychel]

Originally Posted by CoutureGirl I didn't know they were for free. I do live near a post office, so do I just say I need a free flat rate box?

Yes. Some post offices have them in stands.. You just take what you need and leave. You pay when you ship it.

[amy1117]

What kind of theme is valuable for a first care package when there isnt a holiday?

Anything! You can do food themes, date themes (send him things that will remind him of your special date nights), silly themes (send toys like water guns, whoopie cushions, etc.), movie themes (a movie, popped popcorn, candy.) There are a ton of websites with suggestions, just google care package ideas. Also, it if you send a package soon it can be Thanksgiving themed.

Everyone goes above and beyond and decorates the box. Is it appreciated?

Yes! At least, my DF thought it was awesome. He loved seeing the time and effort I put into it.

I am a college student so I am on a very tight budget. How does one create a care package that doesn't seem cheap? I dont want it to look like I randomly went shopping at the dollar store and just bought a bunch of cheap crap.

I was in the same position while DF was gone. I just gathered things little by little. Food and snacks are a great way to keep a low budget but still make him very happy. So are things like pictures of the two of you, books (even if they are used), puzzle books like crosswords or sudoku, and toiletries. Again, google some websites for a bunch of suggestions! I would even send cheap little stuffed animals that were themed with the package (very small, so they would not be a burden to carry around.) He displayed them at each station and still has them to this day!

Do you go to USPS to buy the box and then go back and mail it? How many boxes do you usually buy at once?

You can order a whole pack of flat rate boxes online at the postal service website. It is completely free for the boxes and delivery. That way you have them on hand whenever you need them, and you pay only when you drop them off.

What tools or stuff is essential...like what do I need from hobby lobby that I will use for all care packages?

Get fun scissors so you can put patterns on the edges of pictures, etc. Packing tape is crucial, markers, and whatever else you think might be fun. Good luck!

[CubLub63]

What kind of theme is valuable for a first care package when there isnt a holiday? Any kind of theme! It actually doesn't have to have a theme, but I'm sure just something about loooove would be good.

Everyone goes above and beyond and decorates the box. Is it appreciated? DH appreciates it. For a while he was living in a tent, so he couldn't keep the boxes but he really wanted to. Now he's in the position to be a pack rat so he's keeping them.

I am a college student so I am on a very tight budget. How does one create a care package that doesn't seem cheap? I dont want it to look like I randomly went shopping at the dollar store and just bought a bunch of cheap crap. I have never put my care packages on a budget. They always end up being like $30 each. I do get some stuff from the dollar store, and thankfully the stuff DH asks for isn't outrageously expensive.

Do you go to USPS to buy the box and then go back and mail it? How many boxes do you usually buy at once? The boxes are free. You can even order them online. I think I got like 20 and I haven't had to get anymore.

What tools or stuff is essential...like what do I need from hobby lobby that I will use for all care packages? Stickers, markers, maybe some paint if you want to take it that far.

[CoutureGirl]

Great! Everyone has helped a lot. I was just nervous to send him stuff that he didnt need because I dont think he is able to keep a whole lot. But disposable things like food and drinks will be good!!