Holiday Care Packages to Those Deployed

Do you want to create a care package to send abroad as the holidays draw near? If you are wondering what to put in a box to send to someone deployed, here are five ideas to inspire you. Whether the care package is for someone you love or going to a deployed squadron, we promise these boxes will be appreciated.

Holiday in a Box

If the box is going to someone in the sandbox, there might be a lack of snow and greenery, but you can bring the winter to them! Buy a mini light-up tree and fake snow fluff. Include a tin of cookies, socks filled with treats for a nod to dear old Saint Nick, and even twinkle lights they could hang around the rec room.

Snack-A-Thon

You can never go wrong with a snack box. Some snacks are locationally based, like Chile Lemon chips from HEB in Texas, Corn Nuts from Iowa, or time-based, like Girl Scout Cookies. If something is local, send extras! Remember depending on the weather; some things may melt. Send a variety of fun snacks and treats for a care package they’ll love to share. 

Themed Joy

Does your loved one love Marvel? A Funko Pop and comics are the perfect addition to your package. Send them some crystals, a book, or a Tarot deck if they are currently exploring their spirituality. One spouse I know sent a “12 days of Christmas care package” and had 12 gifts wrapped inside with notes for each day. Get creative, and you can’t go wrong. 

Variety is the Spice of Life

Dorothy says in the Wizard of Oz that “there is no place like home,” but you can bring the taste of home abroad. Sometimes when deployed, seasonings can be in low supply. Send a box full of seasoning packs and bottles of their favorite things, like hot sauce, a favorite condiment, Tajín, tea, or pumpkin spice for their morning coffee. Your package will bless not only the person you send it to but their dorm mates.

Stick to the Basics

Deodorant, socks, different card games, toothpaste, snacks, sudoku puzzle books, and other items are always classic choices. Fill a box with useful things mixed with treats and fun surprises for a package that covers all the bases. Remember, whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong unless the can of Ghost Chilis cracks on transit and gets on everything. Perhaps you should triple-wrap the Ghost Chilis, just in case. 

Thinking outside of the box

If your loved one is far away, remember to be kind and considerate of those left behind and missing them. Whether indulging on a short trip to a local zoo, or a night in with popcorn and a movie, you can have days where you also treat yourself, even if it doesn’t come in a box. Another critical item to consider is life insurance. You may need to adjust what you already have when a deployment occurs. You can talk to Navy Mutual to arrange life insurance that fits your needs. Double-check all your paperwork before they leave, including a power of attorney if necessary. That way, everyone feels supported while the military member is far away. 

Holiday Care Packages are a great way of sending love from afar and are always appreciated. Don’t worry about getting it just right. Send a note, fill the box and send it off, and know that it’s bringing joy to the world by brightening the day of the people who open it.

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Aj Smit is the author of the book Red Thread: Weaving an Embodied Life of Joy, speaker, glitter enthusiast, and professional weaver of Joy. She is a military spouse in S. Korea with a pup and houseplants galore. Aj has led various Red Tents, retreats, and workshops internationally over the last ten years to help others discover how to weave creativity and curiosity into their lives. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram at @TheJoyWeaver and TheJoyWeaver.com