I have a fellow employee currently serving in Iraq and we are preparing a package to send, I was looking for ideas from people who have been there of items that troops there would need or appreciate. Thanks.

 

some type of cleaning wet naps (ie Dove makes them as does old spice makes them)

Deodorant, Bath/Body Wash, Hand Wipes, Hand Sanitizer, Nail Clippers, Lip Balm, Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste, Razors, Shave Gel, Wash Cloth, 1 Comb and Pic.

here's a good site and they claim this "personal higine kit" is one of the most requested kits asked for

anyway good site for some ideas

http://www.anysoldier.us/WhatToSend.html#WorldPrep

 

My college roommate was there for a year. Here is a list of things I had sent to him (I just put this together for an office-wide care-package effort):

Soap
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Floss
Deodorant
Shampoo/Conditioner
Suntan Lotion
Hand Lotion
Shaving Cream/Razors
Chapstick
Contact Solution
Advil/Tylenol (I'm pretty sure this is OK)
Magazines (C&D, Maxim, Business Week, etc.)
Socks
Undershirts
DVD's/CD's
Thank you card

Emptied and cleaned Listerine bottle - filled with 101 proof Wild Turkey (not on the list for work)
If you carefully cut the plastic "tamper proof" seal around the circumference, you can unscrew the cap, empty/fill the bottle, and screw it back on (lining up the seal).

Stay away from sending perishable goods, like candy and food (that melt in the desert heat anyway, and are confiscated by customs)

If you know this person well, you may want to include some more personal items. Perhaps photos of the group, or updates as to what the office is up to.

I know I'm forgetting something. . . if I remember some of the other items I'd sent over there, I'll update my post.

 

Thanks for the ideas thus far, I've seen lists online and I am sure that troops do need these items but I was trying to bring it to a little more personal level of things that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Definitely go with the Wild Turkey if you want to personalize your care package. If you're feeling really good, you can try matching the color of mint-flavored Listerine with green food coloring and Vodka (or rum).

I guess you could send over a soccer ball, or a nerf football. I'm not sure how much free time those guys have, but I'm guessing anything to pass the time when not patrolling the desert for asshole terrorists is much appreciated too.

 

PlayStation 2!

No, really - when a coworker was there, some friends and I sent over a PS2 with some accessories and a couple games. He said it was a huge hit.

 

We have been sending reading material (books, mags- no nudity), TP, Qtips, etc. DO NOT send chocolate or anything that will melt.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan
PlayStation 2!

No, really - when a coworker was there, some friends and I sent over a PS2 with some accessories and a couple games.

 

I've sent my brother...
Car Magazines, Chips, Drinks (boxes or Caprisun), Candies, Air Freshners (nonaersol), batteries, Books, DVD's, CD's, Playstation games.

Since he's in the Air Force he's luckily in actual housing, w/running water. No need to send Toilet Paper, or wash clothes. I have heard those are great as well has Mouth Wash, QTips, Contact Eye Solution, Chapstick, Sunblock, Deck of cards, small travel games they can play against each other. Make sure you check where your friend is stationed (i.e. dessert or actual housing) and also check with the service branch with what is allowed to be sent. I know the main thing is NO NUDDY Mags. That's a big NO No.

 

Send them anything that will remind them of home and that keep them in high spirits. Which would probably be anything from the states. I think they will appreciate anything from you. This is just my opinion, but I would probably send them something that would tell that we all appreciate what they are doing for all of us here in the states.

Just my opinion!!