Care Packages: Birthday Gifts

Things to keep in mind when sending a birthday package

Plan ahead! Packages can take two weeks or longer especially if you’re sending them over seas to the Middle East. Send your package early so it has sufficient time to arrive on time. Allow five weeks for delivery during the holidays.

Be patient! These things can take time.

Also, I recommend communicating with your loved one regarding what their wants/needs are before sending a package. They have limited room in their rack so avoid big items unless they’re requested.

Unsure what to send? Some yummy snacks are always a good treat — believe it or not, ship food gets old after a while. A toiletries package can be really nice and helpful!

Take a look through some of our suggestions below:

Sending a birthday packages at the click of a button

It really can be that easy. Sending packages through Amazon was my favorite way to send things to my husband while he was deployed. Birthdays are no exception. Here’s some hand picked ideas for you.

Gifts

snack gift packages

Toiletries Gifts for men

Toiletries gifts for women

Neutral Toiletries Gifts

Sending your own birthday package

Ideas for what to include:

• Handwritten Letter/Note

• Toiletries

• Snacks

• Small gifts - even better if it’s custom or homemade. Make sure it’s small enough to fit in their rack

• Pictures

• Reading material (magazines, books or an e-reader like a Kindle)

• Handheld video games

• Board games

• Decks of cards

• iPod or thumb drives with movies, music and pictures

Need help filling out the customs form? Check out our detailed step by step guide with example pictures included!

What to not include in your package

1. No care packages while in bootcamp (letters are okay & encouraged).

2. Prohibited items:

   1. alcohol

   2. carbonated drinks

   3. cigarettes

   4. drugs/narcotics

   5. fireworks

   6. flammable items

   7. lithium batteries

   8. pornographic images

   9. byproducts

3. Postal service restrictions:

   1. no aerosols

   2. airbags

   3. dry ice

   4. fresh fruits and vegetables

   5. nail polish

   6. perfume

4. No perishable goods

5. Avoid sending big things - they have limited space. Keep it small

6. Don’t overstuff the box

7. It is not recommended to mix non-food items and food items

8. Do not pack food items in glass containers

9. Use sturdy packaging and seal everything

10. Consider shipping time (Most packages to the Middle East take two weeks or longer — allow five weeks for delivery during the holidays)