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No chocolate or items with chocolate pieces which could melt except between November and February (unless you care to put chocolate items in zip-lock bags. Some of our soldiers love melted chocolate as well).

• Obscene articles (prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, etc.);

• Pork or pork by-products;

• Any matter depicting nude or seminude persons, pornographic or sexual items, or non-authorized political materials. Although religious materials contrary to the Islamic faith are prohibited in bulk quantities, items for the personal use of the addressee are permissible.

· No liquor

· No flea collars

· No aerosol sprays

· No leaking items (make sure items that may leak are sealed)

· No corrosive materials

· No fresh fruit or produce

· No living plants or animals

· No negativity; your goal is to put smiles on their faces

The site below lists all current restrictions for each APO, FPO, etc…which need to be

adhered to as well as the restrictions above.

http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/2003/html/pb22101/apofpo.html

Candies

Blow Pops

Gum

Hard candies

Hard mints

M&Ms

Sweet Tarts

Tootsie Pops

Clothing

Ball caps

Bandanas

Cool Ties

Socks (athletic, white or black)

Under Armor

Drinks

Crystal Light

Kool-Aid Powdered drink mix

Powdered Drink packets

PowerAde

First Aid

Bandages (water-proof)

Bug repellant (with DEET)

Nasal spray (saline)

Neosporin

Sunburn creams

Sunscreen (SPF ≥ 25)

Food Items

Chex® Party Mix

Condiments in Pouches like ketchup, mayo, relish or mustard

Gourmet hot sauce

Granola bars

Meats in vacuum sealed pouches (tuna, beef, salmon)

Mixed nuts and dried fruit

Olives (vacuum packed)

Peanut Butter (tube)

Pop tarts

Popcorn or Microwave Products

(if Soldier has access to Microwave)

Potato chips in a canister

Pretzels in a canister

Protein bars

Slim Jims, individually wrapped (no pork)

Snack Cakes

Fun Items

Balloons

Football

Frisbee

Games (travel size)

Hackie sack

Squirt gun

Yo-yo

Anything that will elicit smiles!

Miscellaneous

Fans (battery powered)

Flashlights

Fly strips

Fly swatter

Ziploc bags

Personal Hygiene

After shave lotion

Baby powder

Baby wipes (unscented)

Conditioner

Cotton balls

Deodorant (non aerosol)

Eye drops (wetting or lubricating)

Foot powder (Gold Bond preferred)

Hand sanitizer

Lip balm

Lotion (heavy moisturizers)

Oral-B Brush-Ups

Q-tips

Razors (non-breakable that do not cut the skin)

Shampoo

Soap

Fun Items

Balloons

Football

Frisbee

Games (travel size)

Hackie sack

Squirt gun

Yo-yo

Anything that will elicit smiles!

Personal Wants

Batteries

Bedding

Blow-up pillows

Camera (disposable)

Cards to send home for special occasions (Holidays, anniversary, etc.)

Computer games (handheld)

Pens

Phone Cards (verify kind with your soldier)

Portable CD players

Post cards for them to write back on

Stationery items (for writing home)

Relaxation

Books

Candles (scented)

Comics

CDs

Deck of Cards

DVDs

Home-baked food items (Comfort foods)

Magazines

Newspaper

Ointment for sore muscles

Stress balls

The main item to include in the soldier's care package is a phone card.

The online exchange sites, for example, www.aafes.com allows non-military members to purchase phone cards to send in care packages, or to send directly to the soldiers. It is safe and secure to supply the soldier's address as this is run by the Department of Defense.

Place items that can leak or melt in zip-lock bags.
Use small to medium sized sturdy corrugated boxes that are as free of markings as possible. There are size restrictions on overseas packages.
Use enough packing materials to ensure that items are not loose in the box.
Make generous use of strong packing/shipping tape to ensure that your package does not open during handling.
If you are looking for a reply, enclose a self addressed envelope in your package (stamps are not necessary as military personnel pay no postage on letters. You can also enclude an addressed post card for them to reply on.
Be sure to fill out the proper customs Declaration Form. Most any package over 1 pound now requires the long (white) form.

Brief list (if allowed) of items in box with value (undervalue if possible to prevent stealing)

In upper left corner, write your complete return addresses so they know it's safe to open.
Remember to check current restrictions for your particular APO/FPO here

This list is updated every Thursday

http://www.usps.com/cpim/ftp/bulletin/2003/html/pb22101/apofpo.html

Other than the declaration form, the mailing of overseas military packages is treated as domestic mail at domestic mail rates.

We recommend not making the boxes too big at the request of commands so you would not want it bigger than 12" X 12" X 8".
If the goodies just don't fit in that size box- send two boxes...even shoeboxes.

Please remember it is whatever is most convenient for you as the soldiers are so grateful for the support with so many needing a smile and hug from home...however small or big the goody boxes are.

Hugs4Smiles does not endorse any political party or candidate. We strive to provide support and peace of mind for our troops and their families, regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, or life choices. We do not discriminate in accordance with the US Constitution and in honor of the troops and veterans worldwide who serve our country with courage and honor at great personal sacrifice.