1) Is a Maxim magazine considered to be "porn"?
2) Do I have to go to his post office to send stuff? Or HQ? My navy friend said that I had to go to HQ but I'm not so sure...
3) Would it be smarter to send letters and cards in something that is waterproof? Like a package or something? Or will they be ok?
4) Is sending cookies this time of year a good idea?
5) Sunblock, can I send sunblock in the mail? I know he isn't going to wear anyway and skin cancer kills people! I know I sound like the biggest crazy, but it's true.
6) Do they usually share rooms over there? I was going to send him a book for his birthday and write down some bedroom secrets that we share together on sticky notes and put them inside the book. Is this a good idea or do people go through other peoples things? He does get embarrassed easily, and I don't want to embarrass him. 7) Anything that I could send to him that would promote "bargaining" power? I heard from a girlfriend of mine that if I send a log of tobacco dip it could come in handy for him. He is a smoker so he has no use for it.
8) Any candies that dont melt? 1. You can send porn...I always do. Maxim isn't porn though.
2. Yes, you must go to the post office to send the package. There is no reason to go to Hqtrs, there's no one there except the Family Readiness Officer and the D.A.D., everyone else is deployed.
3. Are you sending letters in your box? Or do you just want to send something separate? I guess I may not get #3. I sent my letters in regular envelopes, they all made it okay.
4. All of my cookies that were sent in my care packages and were packed correctly, made it just fine, unmelted and in one piece.
5. You can send sunblock. I would put it in a Ziploc bag.
6. They do share rooms but they get to open their things over there on their own. They usually scan the boxes for weapons, etc. but he will open it on his own. Be as creative as you want to, he'll enjoy it!
7. I sent my husband logs of "dip", he asked for it, I don't know why, I just sent it. I left it wrapped in the plastic it comes in, I wrapped it in a wet paper-towel and put it in a huge ziploc bag and sent it that way. That helps it to keep more moist and not dry out so quickly.
8. Skittles, starbursts, bags of assorted hard candies (they like to throw that to the little kids) as well as pencils and pens
9. Like I said previously, I sent my husband those "kinds" of magazines all the time...they end up leaving them there for the next group of Marines coming in....just a thought. No problem!! Report It
* Socks: Kids hate getting socks for presents, but I love getting these when I'm deployed. Ditto for underwear and t-shirts.
* Food: Everyone gets cookies and brownies, which is great, but real food is better:
o gift sampler packages, like Pepperidge Farms type stuff
o bricks of ramen noodles
o beef jerky, summer sausage, etc.
o energy bars. Cliff Bars are best, imho.
o cracker, tricuits, etc
o tobasco sauce, garlic salt, etc to put on your government issue food.
o Peanut butter or cheese spread.
* Playing Cards: or board games like chess, risk, or battleship. Getting a nice crisp pack of cards to replace the frayed, floppy ones you've been using is wonderful.
* Tobacco: I don't use tobacco, but I always take some cans of copenhagen with me. These are worth their weight in gold when the addicts run out, heh.
* Crossword Puzzles: these are great while standing by to stand by
* Books: anything to read will be appreciated by your GI and his buddies
* Pens, Paper, Envelopes: Pens all get lost and stolen, and all of this can be hard to come by
* Drugs: I take plenty of motrin, allergy pills, immodium, gas pills, etc because just getting an aspirin can be a royal pain in the butt. Add antacid to that, as well. It all gets mooched or eaten eventually.
* Disposable Cameras are great, and you get to see the results when Johnny comes marching home.
Most of all, just ask what they would like to get.
I don't know other specific answers, but I'm sure anything will be appreciated. 1) I've sent Maxim magazines and it was fine, but you might want to make sure the cover model isn't too scantily clad (or fold it back if it is)
2) You can mail it from any USPS. (Use flat rate boxes and fill out a customs form!)
3) They should be ok - my letters have always been fine. If you're worried, put it in a ziplock.
4) Cookies are always a good idea :) Package them carefully so they don't get crushed - in a tupperware, or vaccuum seal them if you have the option.
5) Yes, you can send sunblock in the mail.
6) Always assume that other people will see it, but ask him just to be sure.
7) I've been told that individual powdered drink mix, foot care stuff (powder, blister pads, socks, etc) and phone cards are popular, but again... ask him :)
8) Candies that don't melt - skittles, m&m's, licorice, bubble gum, candy corn, candy canes 1) probably
2) no... you don't have to mail it from a certain post office.
3) letters and cards should be fine in envelopes
4) send cookies that won't get stale if they sit in a box for two weeks, like biscotti
5) yes, but be sure to put it in two baggies. Oh, and don't send it in the same box as the cookies, or the cookies will taste like sunblock. Ick.
6) ask him
7) ask him, but I'd imagine phone cards are very valuable
8) candy-coated chocolate only, I can't off the top of my head think of any other candy that melts. Ask his UNIT! Depends on where the Marine is. you cannot send things that would be offensive to the country at hand. If he is in Iraq....Playboy or Maxim is outlawed and he could get in trouble for having such things. You can send almost anything. Stay away from perishable foods and pork. Letters, just use Moto mail. Moto mail go right to them within 24 hrs. great stuff you don't have to have them wait. I know from personal experience. You can always ask the unit or one of the Key Volunteers. You should have fun with it . Any post office will help you mail it. #2 No. Just go to your local post office. Fill out the customs forms.
#3 You can send cards in a regular envelope.
#4 You can send cookies. Pack them in a tupperware container, taped, with white bread inside. The bread keeps them moist.
#6 The guys he shares a room ( or tent) with won't read his book. Send him personal stuff. It's OK.
#8 Skittles 1)Maxim magizine is all over the place over there, and its not a good idea to send that.
2) No, you don't have to go to his HQ to send stuff, just go to your local post office...call this number (USPS) 1-800-610-8734 and request their carekit04 which contains boxes, tape and customs forms...you will have to fill out a customs form with every package you send but dont worry, just ask your postal worker how to fill it out and its a piece of a cake, i can do mine blind folded now. Also do NOT mix food items like candy, ramen noodles,etc with toiletries, the scents mix with the taste so you get cookies that taste like lever 2000..yuck. Best option for shipping overseas is flat rate as opposed to pay by the pound. Flat rate boxes are only $8.95 and come in a couple of sizes. You can really get your moneys worth out of those and they also include those in the carekit04.
3)I send letters and cards over there all the time and they get there fine, there's not usually a lot of wetness over there. If you mail items that could leak like shampoo for instance, ziploc bag it before you pack it and the boys can always use the bags later to store small items in.
4) Cookies are fine, just no chocolate or any melty stuff from about April thru October or so, because it melts really easily.
5) Sunblock is cool, just remember to not send any aerosol sprays. Bug repellent is also a good option.
6) Yes 99% of them share a room with at least one person, so if its really really personal, then its probably not a good idea. And yes the guys are nosy and share things and someone will most likely see it.
7)Playboy is a big no-no, no porn of any kind, that can get them in trouble.
I hope this helps some, if you need more help, check out anymarine.com and click "how to send" and "what to send" as well as the unites states postal service website for info on shipping rates. Wish you and your marine many blessings..semper fi from a marine sis. |
