My husband called me yesterday and said he got his pre-deployment check list...sigh...it's starting to get hard when I think about it. That's when my brain started going, think about everything I wanted to do to help him, as well a little surprises for pre and actual deployment.
Then it hit me, I have not idea where to even start and this is where you guys come in.
What ideas do you have for deployment gifts/surprises? They can be something to give him before he leaves or little things to work on and send while his is actually deployed.
I helped on of my Army wife friends at flight school with a scrapbook, but that is a little "traditional" in my book. I also, have no idea where to start, or even start looking.
So, I thank you in advance for all your help and I will for sure keep you posted on whatever projects I do.
My fiance will be deploying for the first time next summer, so I can't say yet what I'll give him pre-deployment. But I do have some experience with sending care packages to friends overseas. I think one of the most important things to remember is to send enough to share with his unit. It's a little more expensive, but I feel like it helps unit morale.
ReplyDeleteSome of the things I like to send:
homemade cookies
homemade muffins
Gum
Hard candies (chocolate will almost certainly melt en route)
Dip (I'm not really a fan of supporting the habit, but some guys do request it)
Magazines for a variety of interests
Notes!! Send cards, get your friends/coworkers to sign the cards, whatever you can to make them smile
I also found this website (http://cinchouse.com/Deployment/tabid/83/ID/137/Sending_Edible_Treats_to_the_Middle_East_Culinary_Care_Package.aspx) that has some tips and tricks on how to send treats to the Middle East so that they are as fresh as possible upon arrival. I definitely like the cake in a jar idea and will likely use that next year for my fiance.
Also, definitely give him lots of pictures of you and the family to take with him and send updated pictures throughout the deployment. Depending on his living conditions, calling cards may be a good thing to send, too.
If you come up with anything else, please let me know because I'll be in you place next year! And, good luck with his deployment. Keep an eye on my blog because we have several friends deployed and I'm hoping to make at least one "deployment treats" post.
This website: http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/Care_Package_Ideas.html may also help. They have a list at the bottom of commonly requested items. I know that baby wipes can be very important for "field bathing". I also like their idea of making a video of yourself to send to your spouse.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that I will be doing for my fiance is sending him Injinji socks (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/accessories_injinji_socks.htm). They look silly, but my soldier gets really bad blisters between his toes and these socks really help prevent that and are much easier to wear than constantly taping his toes and then hoping the tape doesn't come off.
Thanks! Great ideas and I can't wait to check out the websites.
ReplyDelete