Hey all,

So I'm curious.  Do you have any standbys--things you throw in packages when you're not sure what to send or you toss in because it will be used by someone?  I'm curious and looking for new ideas.

 My Standbys: I always throw in something fun.  For example, I just purchased 12 individual bowling sets off of Oriental Trading Company.  In food boxes I always throw in Folger's coffee singles; you can't go wrong with coffee!

chewing gum, batteries, hard candies, comics from the Sunday newsapers,

New magazines. I have about a dozen free subscriptions from my Coke rewards. Car & Driver, Esquire, Mens Fitness, Money, People.... That's all I cash those in for. And Sam's sells new mags for about 30% off the regular price. I don't think i've ever sent a box or envelope without one!

Shelly

This is a GREAT topic! I can't wait to see what all the peeps put in theirs!

Over the years I have saved the kids drawings & school papers ~ i wanted to do something with them, just wasnt sure what! NOW I HAVE A USE FOR THEM :)  

 Another thing I do is collect magazines from my family & neighbors, then either put it in as is, OR take the pages out and use them that way {they still get the whole thing, they just have to piece it together and it takes up less space (sometimes)}

I also always include magazines. I figure that is something that can get passed on from one recipient to another when they are finished reading them. Also, pens with black ink. I buy them in bulk at an office supply store and put some in every package. They fit in the smallest spaces, and I can't tell you how many times those pens have been mentioned in thank you letters. I cut out crossword and sudoku puzzles from the papers (always include the answers!) and put in the comics as well. Those are just a few things I can think of off the top of my head. I agree, this is a great topic! I love new ideas. Keep them coming.

 Shepherd

Hmmmm..........beef jerky, chewing gum, water flavoring packets (Crystal Light, etc.), granola bars, chapstick, tootsie rolls, hand sanitizer, little sample-size bottles of hygiene products to fill up small spaces, beanie babies, puzzle books, stationery and pens.

Pat

Hmmm...the things I always try to keep in stock:

On the hygiene side - huggies wipes in both the 40 count soft pack and the 16 count travel pack; "manly colored" shower poofs; Mach3 razor blades

On the snack side - Powerbars; peanuts, honey roasted peanuts, cashews and sunflower seeds in the tubes; Propel kiwi-strawberry; Earl Grey tea; dried fruit, preferably in boxes of single-serve pouches; Jack Links Jerky

For the STMC (Stupid Toy of the Month Club) - Duncan yo-yos; Pez dispensers with refills; sudoko books with mechanical pencils; mini jigsaw puzzles

On a humorous note: a few weeks ago I was watching a sci-fi show wherein the only items available to help pass the time on a space station were solved suduko books, classic tv comedy and Earl Grey tea. I looked at the tv all hurt and said, "I sent them that."  I'm rethinking the Earl Grey and suduko (of course, I don't send them already solved but they probably get that way pretty fast). Maybe they have enough of those now. What do you think?

jo

If someone enjoys Sudoko, you can never send too many!  When I was in the hospital, I did crosswords to pass the time & I could go threw a whole book in no time.  As far as the tea, I'm not a tea drinker so I don't know.  :)  BUT, even if just one or 2 of them enjoy it, I'm sure it is very appreciated. 

I'm new, but my standbys have become:

Individual packets of peanuts.  I got them on Amazon - 72 packets for $11!!! 

Magazines.  My uncle brings bags of them to my mom & now they are passing them onto me.  They're mostly gossip & Women's World but I have 6 ladies in the troop I am supporting so hopefully they enjoy them.  Plus, my sister & I both get reader's digest so I send that along as well. 

Water flavoring packets. 

DVDs.  My local video store has 3 for $15 on the preplayed movies.  It's cheaper for me to buy them than rent them. (I always end up with late fees! lol)  So, instead of them just collecting dust, I will send them on to the soldiers.  I've only come across 2 movies in my lifetime that I'll watch repeatedly. 

Let's see - hygiene: baby wipes, wet wipes, lip balm, good disposable razors, travel tissues, hand cream

Food drink mix, flavor sticks, coffee sticks, M&Ms, cookies, cigars

Stationery - pens, notecards, postcards, pics and crosswords

Toys

Sports, comics, electronics sections from the local papers and magazines after we read them.

Ann

Hygine Stuff (only if they've asked for it, I have a couple of guys in Iraq that ask NOT to send them anymore, as they get enough from other people) Huggies Wet Wipes (they're thicker), hand sanitizer, face cleanser, Trident, quart & gallon ziploc bags & mouthwash.  I don't usually send hygiene stuff, though..I send food first, ask if they're good/need more hygiene supplies & go from there..I've been fortunate enough to have heard, in one way or another (snail/email) from just about all my guys..so there's always feedback.

Food Items...tuna packets, of flavored tuna cans/kits, salmon cups, chicken packets,  spicy cup o'noodles (36cents each at Walmart), noodles (Chow Mein brand at Walmart-they come in different kinds), chips, dips, granolas, gummies (the tongue tattoo kind ), fajita wraps, velveeta cheese, salsa, Oreos, Mrs Dash. 

Now, a few times in the last couple of months, I have gotten coffe makers for a couple of groups, an espresso maker for one.   I send a box of: powdered creamer (Pralines & Cream, Blueberry Cobbler or Hazelnut), non-dairy liquid creamers, splenda, coffees..and a couple requested biscotti for a treat night & Betty Crocker warm delights, too. 

Other than the last part, the ones above are usually my "staple"...with some diversity here & there..I usually send a toy (slinky or Rubik's cube or metal puzzle pieces) & occasionally, magazines & books.  The guys are rather shy about asking, though with some coaxing, they hesitantly ask for a little something to be added (like a Salt & Vinegar chips someone's not had in forever!).  I'm always snooping here or the AS posts, for ideas, too!

STL:

  I don't think i've ever sent a box or envelope without one!

I have only sent out 8 packages but i can tell you that all my packages have envelopes, they get free mail they just need the sationary to make it happen, and the majority of my cards do too.

But the one thing in ALL of them are  sudoku's from holiday inn's... And they are single so they can take them when they are traveling.  And i love adding homemade cards.

If I am not sure what to send, I put in any kind of individually wrapped snacks figuring someone will eat it! I also like the Crystal lite type mixes for the 16 once water bottles - I keep a variety of different ones around and put an assortment of several flavors in the box. I do try to throw in at least one magazine or puzzle book in each box as well, figuring it will get looked at by some one. (If the individual opening the box is not interested in the subject of the magazine, I figure they will just pass it on to someone who is - or else leave it in the rec room or work area for anyone to pick up.)

Socks seem to be a hot item too, but I only send them when mentioned in the email postings that they are wanted. 

In the female hygiene boxes, I always put in a small package of either pads or tampons - again thinking that they will be passed on to someone who needs them. 

Now I always throw pens in.  I cringe to remember when I threw puzzlebooks in, but no pens!