ann:

Towards the end another foot care package a little different - with repair type products foot soap/soak, pumice stones, foot brushes, foot powder/lotion, pedicure implements, sometimes those really cushy socks to wear after you've had a long day and a soak basin ( still looking for the collapsible kind). 

Ann

Anne, just to let you know, Avon has small inflatable soak basins for a good price this month (and foot soak, lotion, etc on sale if I remember correctly)...BUT they are a "berry" color.

Great boxes by the way! 

Sara - Thanks.  Just found an Avon Lady in my area last weekend!

Ann 

My favorite package is the laptop I scored at no expense and can send to my PFC who has no idea it is coming...But when I don't have something great like that I like to send any and all kinds of food....and fun toys....

Lisa

Add my voice to the chorus praising this thread.

I love sending brand new sheets because it's easy to fit in an FRB and generates the best thank-you letters. There's room to toss in a few hygiene items like body wash, foot powder, deodorant or dental stuff.

The most time-consuming, but ultimately worthwhile box I ever packed was filled with deflated soccer balls, footballs and basketballs. I included a pump and some extra needles and stuffed towels and pillows into the available spaces of a big box. It was worth it about three weeks later when I got a long, very appreciative letter.
 

A coffee maker, $12 at Walmart, just stuffed with "Good" coffee and those little tasty creamer things.

I read so many requests for coffee, I figured, "who can't use an extra coffee maker?"

Jenifer_one_N:

Yeah, coffee seems to be a "hot" commodity over there!

Great thread and I'm planning on stealing numerous ideas for future boxes! I really like that game one, since I have a box just about ready with some games I just picked up. I have 120 NG and it's a little tough to come up with affordable ideas for this many.

We've sent the breakfast/coffee break in a box, Night at the movies, with popcorn, candy and dvds, Super Bowl themed ones with every kind of snack item you'd want at a party, along with the plates, banners and large foam fan fingers. I love the July 4th toy ones, squirt guns, water ballons, whoopie cushions, gag glasses with the mustache, and balsa wood planes.

My favorite though was just a few months ago. One of my Marines was training for the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, this being his first year to attempt it. I sent him the book, Marathoning for Mortals (changed the title on the book to "Marathoning for Marines", since Marines are more than mere mortals ), the marathon issue of Runner's World,  funny gel packs, ace bandages, heat packs, powderd Propel and Gatorade, bags of trail mix, and bags of dried cherries (he has a problem with gout). Since he would be coming home in Oct, I also tried to incorporate some running things along with getting him ready for his homecoming. I attached little notes to each of these items also. I packed good lip balm (to get his lips ready for lots of kisses from his wife and family), a small bag of shells, (to inspire dreams of romance on the beach, since they live on the shore) and a bottle of GenTeal (so he could always see his way home) I know I packed more, but you get the idea.

Thanks again for all the great ideas!

Cheryl

"favorite box--coffee, toilet paper, and a newspaper.  anyone who has simply been camping knows how valuable that stuff is!"

Ok, that almost made MY morning coffee come out my nose!!!!!!

These are some awesome ideas!  Keep them coming! 

And, to everyone who said "Thanks for starting this thread," you are more than welcome.  It has been more than worth it on my end, too.  

After the holidays I'm going to try making more packages tailored for individuals.  Still working on the details, but something a contact could give unopened directly to someone.  (I've been aboard the USS AnySoldier only about 3 months now.)

In his 11/15 update 1stSgt John Lightle mentions that he gives some packages to people who otherwise don't get mail, or puts together individual packages from others he receives.  He's got a big group.

Way to go 1Sgt!  That's the kind of guy you want keeping watch as an NCO.  Your idea may work on occasion, Dragon--as long as you've got someone like 1Sgt Lightle on the other end to coordinate with.  I guess you could try checking with your contacts and seeing if they are interested or in need of such a thing.

 The closest we ever got to this was a medic who said all she wanted was cards to give out to the wounded.  This was my favorite "requested" package to send.  It just so happened that my church needed an evening project to keep some kids--age3 to 14--busy during a leadership meeting.  Me and 25 kids created some 150 cards and pictures!
 

I actually plan on sending this within the next couple of shipments. I came up with (or I think lol) an idea of sending a state nicknames box. I would send something that relates to the states nickname. Ex: The Golden State (CA) I would send Twinkies or the Goober (means peanut) State (GA) I am going to send Goober Peanut Butter and Jelly. I can't wait to start this one!!! Love the post so thanks!!

BTW, this would be kind of a game/quiz because I will write the states nickname on a post it that is attached to the item and they will have to guess what it's real name is. Then they can flip the post it over and see if they are right.

Wow! That's a really neat idea!! I'm sure they'd like anything that is fun and keeps them guessing!

My favorite boxes to send are Halloween and Christmas. I was just at the grocery store and saw they had their Halloween stuff out. I grabbed mullets and other crazy wigs, Billy Bob teeth, face paint, horns to glue to your forehead - even candy and table/wall decorations! I cannot wait to ship these boxes over!! I'll probably have more fun than the guys will!! LOL