What to Pack in a Military Care Package — Herobox (2024)

what to pack in a care package

what to pack in a military care package

SNACKS

This category is an easy one. Basically, if you can eat it out of your pantry with no prep, it’s a winner! These items are ones where temperature and climate shouldn’t be an issue.

• Crackers

• Chips

• Candy (some chocolate can make the trip, Halloween candy does fine)

• Packaged cookies

• Nuts and trail mix

• Mints

• Gum

• Popcorn

Coffee and drink mix

Our heroes need caffeine! Almost everyone asks for coffee and creamer. For the most part they ask for K-Cups. Drink mixes offer a quick and easy alternative to, the always available, water! Hydration is important, but it should never be boring. Many service members have access to a Keurig. Some options include…

• Coffee K-Cups

• Shelf-stable creamer (CoffeeMate, International Delight, etc.)

• Electrolyte mix (Liquid IV, Gatorade Thirst Quencher, Propel, etc.)

• Water enhancers (i.e Mio)

At HeroBox we make sending care packages to deployed troops easy! When you register as a sponsor with HeroBox you gain access to a list of deployed service members who have registered and asked for care packages. Our heroes are able to make a wish list and tell you exactly what they want! You also have a way to communicate with them directly and say thank you. We provide you with a complete shipping label, with the APO address and customs form taken care of, so all you have to do is select a Hero and send them love!

We at HeroBox have come up with a fool-proof way to meet your adopted service member’s needs! If you already have a service member in mind, simply have them register and they can receive boxes from you and others who care and want to support them.

Interested in learning more? Click Here

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We often get asked what should go in a care package being sent to a deployed service member. We believe in supporting our deployed troops in practical and personal ways and sending a care package is the perfect way to show love and support. Below are some categories of items that our registered heroes ask for the most. These are affordable and fun items that are really wanted and always appreciated!

Protein

Our Heroes love working out and often request protein products. It’s a good idea to ask your Hero if they are on a restrictive diet. These items can get pricey and you’d hate to send some of these items to find they are eating a plant-based diet. Most will share their items if they won’t eat them themselves, but it’s always a better feeling when your Hero can use everything you take the time to send. Here are some recommendations.

• Protein Powder (it packs best if it is in a bag vs. a tub)

• Protein bars (Cliff Bars, Lara Bars, etc.)

• Beef Jerky

• Fitness supplements like Pre-Workout

CONDIMENTS and treats

Heroes have access to many nutritional meals, but they can get monotonous! Condiments from back home can provide a nice break to the “same ol same ol” and sometimes add some flavor from home. It’s a good practice for ALL of these to go into a zipper bag before packed in your HeroBox!

• Hot sauce! (All brands and flavors- we get a lot of requests for these)

• Ketchup (if your Hero is from Texas...Whataburger Spicy Ketchup!)

• Gummy treats (the candy kind!!)

• Nutella

• Novelty Peanut butter

Toiletries and Entertainment

These items are fairly specific to your Hero’s personal needs. If they don’t need them they will definitely share.

• Lip balm

• Face care (lotion, cleanser, acne patches)

• Deodorant

• Body/Face wipes

• Sunblock

• Cough drops

• Cosmetics/Nail Care

• Puzzle books

• Cards/Card Games

• Comics

• Holiday Items and Decorations