Send a Military Care Package to Your Hero

When you dropped your son or daughter off at basic combat training, the first step in their military careers, you probably wondered what their next 10 to 16 weeks would be like. You hoped they were prepared and had everything they needed to succeed.

Now that they’re on base, you treasure the brief phone calls or quick letters you receive from them. Of course, you want to send them surprises to keep their morale up as they work hard at boot camp. But not all units allow care packages–and some put strict limitations on what can be in them.

To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of items your new military member would like to and can usually receive in care packages during basic combat training. Remember that your soldier has limited space to store their possessions.

 

Clothing Items and Accessories for a Soldier Care Package

• White calf-length socks without logos of any kind
• Brief underwear in white (Some units allow for brown, tan, or black as well, so check with your trainee)
• Sports bras for women (Check for specific color requirements, but usually white, brown, tan, or black are acceptable)
• Digital watch (black watch bands only)

 

Army Care Package Hygiene Items (for Navy, Air Force, and Marines, too!)

• Feminine hygiene products
• Unscented hair gel
• Unscented, unflavored lip balm
• Unscented hand lotion or body lotion
• Fine-tooth comb
• 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Nail clippers, without a built-in file
• Facial tissue
• Disposable razors for men only
• Unscented baby wipes or flushable wipes
• Unscented bar soap
• Dental floss
• Unscented stick deodorant or antiperspirant
• Unscented laundry soap
• Moleskin patches for blisters (available at your local drugstore)
• Black hair ties/ponytail holders for women only
• Lotion-style shaving cream (not in cans)
• Cotton swabs
• Foot powder

 

Stationery Items for Military Care Packages

• Small address book, pre-filled out with family and friends’ mailing addresses
• Black ink pens
• Pencils
• Journal
• Black permanent marker
• Plain white lined paper
• Plain white envelopes (you can self-address and stamp them, if you’d like)
• Stamps

 

Other Great Items to Include in a Care Package for Basic Combat Training

• Religious medallions or a rosary
• Plain black or silver combination lock
• Cash ($50 or less)
• Shoe inserts
• Sugar-free menthol cough drops
• Sewing kit
• Tasteful personal photos
• Bible, Quran, Torah, or other religious text
• Icy Hot
• Petroleum jelly

 

Prohibited Care Package Items

The military does not allow soldiers to possess certain items during basic combat training. Do not send these items, because they will be confiscated.

• Ammunition or explosives (live or expended)
• Cameras or other electronic items, including MP3 players, and radios
• Food or beverages of any kind
• Flavored cough drops
• Flavored lip balms
• Cosmetics of any kind
• Scented lotions, colognes, perfume, or after-shave
• Civilian clothes or eyeglasses
• Hair products aside from shampoo or clear hair gel, including hair dryers or curling irons
• Jewelry (wedding bands are approved)
• Matches, lighters, and tobacco products
• Weapons or sharp objects of any kind, including pointed scissors and pocket knives
• Medications or health supplements, including eye drops
• Braces (for knees, ankles, wrists, etc.)
• Books or magazines
• Coloring books and crayons
• Chemical hand warmers
• Liquid bandage
• Games or gambling items (including dice, playing cards, etc.)
• Any item valued more than $50
• Military memorabilia 

The list of prohibited items is not comprehensive, and allowed items vary by unit. A good rule of thumb is, if your soldier asks for a specific item, he or she is probably allowed that item, and it is OK to send it.

 

Choose My Hero Crate

When your soldier-in-training graduates from basic combat training and heads off to their assignment, send them a gift from My Hero Crate! Your newly-minted soldier will know you’re thinking of them as they protect and serve their country. Shop our thoughtfully-curated collection of military care packages.