Hiya,

This is my first time posting (and will be my first time sending a box once I get everything figured out), and I have a question about whether or not I should leave items in their original packagings?

For instance, a jumbo box of Rice Krispy treats, or granola bars. Or even just boxes of pens (like a dozen per box). I read on a thread that some people take the drink flavorings out of the boxes and put them in baggies. But I wasn't sure about these other items. If it is reasonable to un-box them so they take up less space in the big box, or if it would be safer to leave them in their original packages -- ie. make them less likely to get mushed, mangled, or otherwise destroyed. (especially the treats.. although I imagine pens and pencils could make quite a mess if they broke somehow.. but I'd rather the treats came through whole, if you know what I mean)

Sorry if this is a repeat and I didn't find it with the search utility.

Thanks!

//Mary (nissus) 

P.S. If folks think it is better to leave them in their original packages -- is it still ok to break them down (I mean take them out of the package) if you are making smaller boxes for individuals and you just want a few of each thing to go in the box?  Thx.

Mary,

For me, it is okay to open boxes of easily identified, more common snacks such as Quaker or Nature Valley granola bars or Rice Krispies Treats that everyone is familiar with and are labeled on the wrappers. I suspect that as tight as some of us pack the Treats and such other soft items, they are entirely at risk of getting smushed, but I don't worry about that.  They can eat them smushed or not. However, we don't send the Treats in the hottest of summertime because of the risk of being semi-liquid when they arrive.  We would rather send such items as those and chocolate chip cookies before June in quantities that they have a few to keep over for summer. The pens we place in the little snack bags to catch leaks (hopefully) in case of breakage, or else place them in the ziploc bag with writing tablets and stationery.

Gran

I think as long as the food items are individual marked with ingredients (for those with allergies) or directions for mixing or making it's fine to mail individually.  A lot of these bars and such can be bought individually anyway.   As for non food items, I've always broken up the packages and put them in zippies to give each box a few or put a couple zippies in each box for more than one person.  For the most part the guys and girls aren't looking for a pristine, straight from the store item.  They are going to throw away the wrapping anyway.  If you are still concerned, if you are writing a note you can just say you broke things up to fit more in the box, or to "spread the love" to other boxes.  That way they know they are new items.

I took the microwave popcorn packs out of the big box.  Each pack is still factory sealed in cellophane.  I'm doing the same with a case of Planter's peanuts.  I also bought an egg pack of those mini Cadbury caramel eggs.  Those I left in the lil egg carton because the foil they are wrapped in could easily tear.  I wanted them to see it was still factory sealed so I didn't take them out of the original packing.

Hope this helps :)

 I generally take all the individually wrapped foods (like granola bars) out of the bulky box before shipping, unless the item is really fragile (like chips). That way, I can get more into the box. I just put them into Ziplocks to protect them from moisture or sand or whatever. I figured that I can always throw the empty box into my recycle bin instead of giving the soldiers more trash to figure out how to dispose of over there! The ziplocks can always be reused for another purpose once they receive them.

Often I will buy a bulk pack of things like rice krispy treats, granola bars, or peanutbutter crackers and split them - half for my family and half for the soldiers. That way we both get more variety at less expense. 

Packing the box tight so that items do not slide around inside is the best way to keep them from getting crushed or mangled. The more space there is for it to jiggle inside the box, the more likely it is to get damaged in shipping - especially if the box is tossed upsidedown or sideways into the shipping container. Some nice things to stuff in the "holes" are beanie toys, small notepads, travel packages of kleenex, or any other semisoft items that can cushion and serve a useful purpose for the soldier as well. I generally throw a magazine in the bottom of the box and a puzzle book or newspaper cartoons on top before sealing just to add a little cushion, figuring I would rather have those take the shipping damage rather than the "good contents" inside the box.

I have shipped many items overseas from my ebay sales and have never had damaged goods arrive. As long as the box does not rattle when you shake it, it will survive the trip to just about anywhere.

Hope these tips help a bit, Kathryn M