With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s essential to remember our military service members and their families, who often find themselves away from home during this time. The holidays can be a lonely time for them, making it the perfect opportunity for us to show our love, support, and appreciation.

As a veteran who spent her first Christmas out of high school in Afghanistan, care packages are very special to me. One of my most cherished packages came from an unexpected source — a kind stranger named Peggy. Peggy often sent deployment care packages to soldiers overseas, and I was fortunate to receive one from her. A simple letter of gratitude from me formed the foundation of a special bond that lasted until her passing.

You too, have the power of leaving a lasting impact on a military service member and their family through these holiday military care package ideas.

1. Understanding the Needs

Military service members and their families are unique in their individual needs. So many members enlist for various reasons and those reasons often influence their morale in joining the military. Each member desires or misses something about their life before serving. When thinking about what to put in a care package, consider including their favorite snacks, personal care items, entertainment, and heartfelt messages in their care packages to provide comfort and a bit of holiday cheer.

Also, consider that many service members and their families come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds as well as family traditions. If given the opportunity it’s best to ensure you’re sending the service member something intentional and useful.

2. Personalized Holiday Touches

The more personalized the gift, the better. One of the best things about the holiday season is that almost everything can be tailored to fit the festive times, especially when thinking about care packages for the military. Just for fun, include some holiday confetti or colorful candy in your package, like M&Ms, which often come in red, green & white colors during the holidays.

You could even add some fluffy decorations to represent snow for that service member who might not get to experience the snow and misses it. Another way to add that personalized touch is to look for gifts that allow you to add names, photos, or graphics — perfect military care package ideas. A great place to find personalized gifts is Etsy.

3. Comforts of Home

“Home is where the heart is.” Reminding a service member of home is so special! You can bring comfort in a package by sending them things they can only get from their hometown, and here’s a list of items for military care packages that can help you achieve that personal touch. If you’re searching for ideas for both the service member and their family, consider gifts that promote group activities.

For instance, our family has started a tradition of monthly movie nights where we binge-watch movies, pop ALL the popcorn, eat ALL the candy & order SO much pizza! During the holidays that could translate to gingerbread house decorating and hot chocolate kits or sip-and-paint kits. Another way to remind them of home is by including a custom pillow or blanket, or even a handmade item they can display in their living space.

4. Entertainment and Relaxation

Service members train hard so they deserve to make their downtime count. Each member has their unique hobbies and interests, ranging from online gaming to playing an instrument, or simply enjoying activities like reading or watching movies.

Show them your appreciation by sending gaming or restaurant gift cards. For those service members with families, the holiday season offers a precious opportunity to spend time together. Some great military care package ideas include family-friendly board games or gifts focused on weekend travel to enable them to create memorable experiences with one another.

5.Practical and Useful Gifts

Military service members relocate frequently, so show them love during the holiday season by sending practical gifts they can use that won’t become clutter for them or their family, or worse, get misplaced in a move. When considering what to put in a care package, think of a gas card, clothing, or items to support their job.

6. Messages of Love and Support in Care Packages for the Military

Gifts from the heart are so impactful. A handwritten letter or a drawing from a child goes a long way. Asking them about their adventures, or the ups and downs are just a few things to consider in your letter to a service member.

7. Packaging and Shipping Tips for Sending a Military Care Package

Priority mailboxes are your friend when sending a military care package! The United States Postal Service (USPS) priority mail flat rate boxes are free and can be picked up from any local post office or delivered to your home. You can put as much as you want in the package (within specified weight and mailing restrictions) for a flat shipping fee. To ensure your package arrives in time for Christmas, check out the shipping deadlines chart to find out when you need to drop off your package to get it delivered to your service member and their family on time. Be sure to confirm shipping regulations while browsing dates as well.
If you plan to send perishable items in your care package for the military, make sure your service member will be available to receive them. Sometimes soldiers make holiday plans without knowing they have special mail on the way, and if it sits unattended for too long, it could potentially lead to spoilage or attract unwanted critters.

Operate with Care and Compassion

No matter what military care package idea you decide to use, be confident in knowing that care packages bring so much joy and comfort to both service members and their families. Being shown a little care and compassion with simple thoughtful gifts reminds service members that they have a strong support system.

ASYMCA Is Here to Help

The Armed Services YMCA stands ready to help brighten the holidays and strengthen family connections through amazing programs that assist families struggling with the challenges of military life with little to no cost to them. Please consider a donation to assist in providing holiday assistance to a service member or family in need.

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