I see that some of the contacts request travel size and some do not specify a size.

 Is it okay to send travel size items if they don't specifically request full size?

I just figured that many small body washes, shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, bug repellent, would help more people.

Granted, it won't help them for long because they are small, but you get variety too and I can fit more/different things into a box. 

Anyway, please let me know your thoughts. 

My current boxes are packed and sealed and I will search for contacts that specify travel sizes, but in the future should I be sending full size? 

In my opinion, you are probably safe to send the travel sizes most of the time.  Some of them are traveling about delivering supplies or otherwise going from base to base, and some of them don't have much room for storage. Some have said that they like to keep some of the extras for those that are traveling, and some of the aid stations have requested extras also. The small sizes are also easier to carry from the living quarters to the showers, and they are perfect for the hospital patients. Another bonus is that they are less apt to get squished in the mail and make a mess all over everything.  Putting them in ziploc bags is helpful, but doesn't work 100% of the time.  I received word from a contact once who said they could smell my package coming because there must have been a "near" explosion.  It didn't leak, but must have done a large "burp" at the very least.  It was filled with some medium-sized hygiene products, and I regularly tape up the tops before putting them in ziploc bags. 

 The only drawback I can see is when some of them have favorite brands and scents that are very hard to find in the small sizes, or you have to pay an arm and a leg to get them if you can find them. 

Enjoy sending your gifts.  They surely will enjoy receiving them.

I almost always send just travel size items with the exception of if they request full size or it's a unit living in the middle of no where (ie. no base such as my soldiers in Colombia). If I send full size items I send a pack of the empty travel containers so they can either share with each other or they can put it in a smaller bottle to carry to the showers or in their packs.

medic_1181:

If I send full size items I send a pack of the empty travel containers so they can either share with each other or they can put it in a smaller bottle to carry to the showers or in their packs.

Now that's a good idea!  I think I'll start doing that myself!  I normally send the travel sizes unless otherwise specified for.

Amelia

That's mostly what I've been buying as well for the same reasons Jersey Girl - I'm from Jersey as well!  :)

I want to try and stuff as much as I can in the box I send with enough variety.   I know some won't last as long as others like body wash and shampoos vs. deodorant, but I think that something is better than nothing.  I just want to try and send out as much as I can to help the most in one shipment.