Paige LeClairHolidays are fast approaching and with many families separated due to deployments, now is a great time to send your loved one and friends care packages to boost their morale.
Haven’t sent a care package before, or need help coming up with new ideas? Care packages can be sent any time of year, with themes to fit celebrations, holidays, and much more. Follow our weekly series to create a personalized care package for your loved one.
STEP 1: Pick a Theme. For this example, we choose Advent Calendar to begin our series with, which consists of 25 individually wrapped gifts to open each day until Christmas!
STEP 2: Decorate interior of the box (sides, inside flaps, and bottom). Here is some inspiration!
STEP 3: Purchase and collect items that match your chosen theme. Need some additional ideas? Check out our items list below.
Candy
Santa Hat
Christmas Ornament
Festive Toilet Paper
Chocolate Orange/Toblerone
Mini Christmas Tree
Gift Card- online movies, music, and games
Chocolate Bars
Mints
Candy Canes
Deck of Cards
Pack of Gum
DVD / BlueRay
Card Game
Board Game
Puzzles
New Wrist Watch
Sunglasses
Fake Snow
Long Distance Phone Card
Homemade Cookies
Ball cap or Toque (depending on location)
Family Photo
Poem
Handwritten Letter
Christmas Ornaments
Lego Kits
Books
Magazines
Novelty Mug
Word-search / Crossword / Sudoku Book
STEP 4: Include personalized items like handwritten letters, photos, children’s art, etc.
STEP 5: Address box clearly and tape box securely closed. Write and attach a list of the contents on the parcel. (Make sure to tell your loved one to not peek at the list).
STEP 6: Check with your local MFRC to find out where to drop off the care packages in your area or drop into your local Canada Post for free shipping!
For more information about mailing care packages visit the National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces website here.
