296616 Mon Mar 29 12:58:44 -0800 2004 44 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1634457 I'm putting together a care package for my son stationed in Iraq. He is on a base with no PX, limited water, and no cooking facilities. He wants just non perishable, ready to eat stuff. Other than the standards, jerky, beef sticks, spam,I can't think of anything. Anybody have any unusual ideas?? Mon Mar 29 12:58:44 -0800 2004 0 Bobfrmia 1 1634458 I've made numerous packages to soldier friends in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some things that I sent them: Twizzlers (Costco sells tubs of them and each piece is individually wrapped) Shelled Nuts - peanuts and pistastios Ground coffee - The army serves Folgers. Ugh. Hard candies - such as individually wrapped life savers or cream savers Pringles/cheese puffs or other salty snacks that come in a can Chewing gum I can't think of anything else. I also try and throw in non-food products such as purell, pens and pencils (for the kids) and lotion. Mon Mar 29 13:07:50 -0800 2004 1634457 0 beetlebug 1 1634465 How about some small bottles of various hot sauces and other condiments, assuming your son likes them? Tabasco Green comes in a small enough bottle that it should be pretty much proof against any rough shipping. I think some of the MREs come with tabasco red. Other spice mixtures (lemon pepper?) or even real peppercorns and a small grinder might also be welcome. If you can find soft ginger candy (Trader Joes has them, so will almost any Asian grocery)chews, they should be a hit. If you are very fortunate, the Asian grocery will have vacuum packed chestnuts too. They are great! Mon Mar 29 13:42:55 -0800 2004 1634457 0 PollyG 1 1634469 Popped Popcorn. If it doesn't have butter on it, it should survive the trip pretty well. You could throw in packets of salt, too...or butter buds. Bobana Mon Mar 29 13:58:14 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Bobana 1 1634470 All the best to your son, Bob. Here are some things I might ask for: * Nuts * Tinned smoked oysters, or other smoked fish like herring or kippers * MSG (seriously, it's available in compact shakers, it's lightweight, non-perishable, and it can really perk up bland institutional food) * Tinned single serving fruit with pop-tops * Non-dairy creamer * Vacuum-packed curries and other Indian dishes. I forget the name of the well-known brand, but maybe some other hound can think of it. * Flavored syrups in cans or plastic squeeze bottles: chocolate, coffee, strawberry * Dehydrated beverage crystals (sweet and savory): Kool Aid, bouillon cubes, etc, instant coffee Mon Mar 29 14:19:06 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Lindsay B. 1 1634471 How about any of the stuff you would find in a Hickory Farms gift box, none of it needs refrigeration until it is opened. Once opened, immediately consume with one's buddies. Mon Mar 29 14:24:56 -0800 2004 1634457 2 The Chowhound Team 2 1634508 as in "send a salami to your boy in the army"? Mon Mar 29 21:32:39 -0800 2004 1634471 0 hattie 1 1634472 Baby wipes - he'll thank you for those (please send LOTS) more than any food item. Avoid super salty foods since water availability may be limited. Mon Mar 29 14:30:42 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Aguywhoknows 2 1634482 My curiosity is piqued--why are Baby Wipes so desireable? Mon Mar 29 16:51:30 -0800 2004 1634472 0 Tom from Durham 3 1634484 limited water = not much bathing/shower Think how nice it would be to have some wipes to wash up with. At least, that's why I think they would be appreciated. Mon Mar 29 16:57:32 -0800 2004 1634482 0 em 4 1634493 I had a friend who turned me on to them for camping trips, away from water to waste for washing...You're totally right! I keep'em in my car now...Ya never know.. Mon Mar 29 18:07:02 -0800 2004 1634484 0 galleygirl 5 1634509 My father's car gear lesson: baby wipes and disposable latex gloves. Stay clean if you have engine trouble or have to change a tire. (Or if you're eating while driving - in which case, skip the gloves). Mon Mar 29 23:42:43 -0800 2004 1634493 0 Caitlin McGrath 6 1634510 But what about the crumbs from the banh mi eaten on the way home? ;) Mon Mar 29 23:47:00 -0800 2004 1634509 0 galleygirl 7 1634512 Haven't you heard of auto vacuum cleaners? Work equally well on uphostery and sweaters. [g] Mon Mar 29 23:54:49 -0800 2004 1634510 0 Caitlin McGrath 8 1634578 Use every bit of space in the box by filling up space between larger items with little packets of pre-sweetened drink mix, candy, gum, teabags, etc. Also, such small toiletry items as nail clippers, nailfiles, and sisscors, etc. will fit in tiny spaces. Tue Mar 30 17:55:25 -0800 2004 1634512 0 N Tocus 1 1634474 Baby Wipes. I have to second the advice mentioned above. Leave out some food in favor of baby wipes. Can't suggest this strongly enough. Mon Mar 29 15:11:51 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Boneywasawarriorwayayix 1 1634476 Bobfrmia, Please send me an email- I'd like to help out if I could. Alex Mon Mar 29 15:26:59 -0800 2004 1634457 0 AlexCasa 1 1634480 Powdered drink mixes, e.g. Gatorade, Country Time Lemonade, etc. Especially if the water has been chemically purified, having some flavoring agents available will make things nicer and break the monotony a little. - er Mon Mar 29 16:29:48 -0800 2004 1634457 0 enrevanche 1 1634481 dried fruits- spices to perk-up foods- jello-chocolate pudding Mon Mar 29 16:47:54 -0800 2004 1634457 0 hildegard 1 1634485 Something homemade that will last along time homemade fruit cake, candied fruit, or gingersnaps. (do they allow you to send homemade stuff?) pickles, olives, pickled onions or okra. Can you slip in the sports page from his hometown? Mon Mar 29 17:02:07 -0800 2004 1634457 0 em 1 1634486 Does he like gummi-thingys? If so http://www.candywarehouse.com/gummihotdogs.html I agree with sending homemade cookies, brownies, etc. but I don't know if they'd be incredibly stale when they got there. If you have a Tilia foodsaver, I'd try sending some molasses crinkles or something in them and see how they do. Or how about popcorn balls? They're usually good for a few weeks. Just about any storebought junk food will keep forever if he likes that stuff. Ding dongs, twinkies, pop tarts, oreos, etc. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth? ;-) Tell your son I said thanks for the service he's providing for me and for our country. Mon Mar 29 17:38:50 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Sarnie 2 1634496 Does anyone have any experience with food sealers like Tillia? Do they work well for long distance shipping? Mon Mar 29 19:11:39 -0800 2004 1634486 0 Lindsay B. 3 1634498 I love my Tilia foodsaver. Really helps to keep things fresh. The thing can pull a pretty strong vacuum and I've crushed a few batches of cookies with it. If you want to vacuum cookies, I think one way to do it is to place them in a single layer on top of a piece of sturdy cardboard (cover the board with foil to make it look pretty) and then seal. If you just throw a bunch of cookies in the bag and seal it, you'll end up with one big smushed together block of cookie. Still tasty... not so esthetic. Mon Mar 29 19:34:08 -0800 2004 1634496 0 chococat 4 1634503 I didn't know they were that sucky. ;-) Would it help to freeze the cookies first? Mon Mar 29 19:54:57 -0800 2004 1634498 0 Sarnie 5 1634553 I wouldn't freeze them first. I think they would be really moist/soggy when they thawed out. The vacuum bags really keep moisture out, but will also seal any moisture IN too. I just let the cool completely and then vacuum them. I've frozen them after I vacuumed them and they came out crisp and fresh. Tue Mar 30 13:47:41 -0800 2004 1634503 0 chococat 2 1634526 Homemade cookies held up pretty well. I put them in zip lock bags and then put the bags into tins. The cookies varied from chocolate chip cookies, to a bunch of bar type cookies. They stayed fresh and remained uncrushed. I did not freeze the cookies ahead of time. I was big into sending over uncrushed food (hence, chips such as Pringles.) Tue Mar 30 10:28:14 -0800 2004 1634486 0 beetlebug 3 1634593 I'd like to send some chow to US soldiers overseas. In previous conflicts, ordinary Americans were encouraged to send care packages addressed "to any soldier." Last year, I read that homemade care packages were no longer welcome, for storage and security reasons. This made me sad. In the same week, I read a really moving interview from a soldier who'd served in Somalia, talking about how great it had been to receive homemade goodies in the mail. Does anyone know if the "any soldier" program has been revived or amended since last year? Tue Mar 30 19:52:07 -0800 2004 1634526 0 Lindsay B. 4 1634599 Try This Link: http://www.anysoldier.us/ Tue Mar 30 20:29:44 -0800 2004 1634593 0 ciaolette 1 1634488 How about dried fruit? I can find dried mango in the bulk bins here that's really delicious. They have dried papaya too, but that's too sweet for me. I also like toffee peanuts from the bulk bins. Mon Mar 29 17:48:47 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Sarnie 1 1634489 Jelly Belly jelly beans! They have all kinds of cool flavors (including buttered popcorn) that might do as substitutes if the real thing is not available! Mon Mar 29 17:51:28 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Sir Gawain 1 1634490 Bob, If you can wait a day, I just e-mailed my friend over in Iraq. I'm sure I'll hear back today or tomorrow and I'll let you know what I find out. Dave Mon Mar 29 17:52:34 -0800 2004 1634457 0 MSPD 2 1634495 Wow...the miracle of modern communications. One hour later, here is the reply from my friend: "being as it is starting to get hot over here already, powdered drink mix is always good cuz we drink a TON of water in the summer months. We always got excited about some good home baked cookies too, but make sure they wrap em up in plastic. Other than that, I guess it depends on the person. Some new photos from home once in a while is always nice to see. and baby wipes......can NEVER go wrong with those." So there you go. Mon Mar 29 18:26:29 -0800 2004 1634490 0 MSPD 1 1634492 It's not food related, but magazines. His unit is probably starved for decent reading. Becareful if you send anything that is powder, especially white powder. Make sure it is in it's orginal, sealed package. Chocolate is a problem because of the heat, but I wonder if Nutella would survive? Mon Mar 29 18:03:09 -0800 2004 1634457 0 eggirl 2 1634523 Nutella will survive, just make sure to wrap it in bubble wrap so that the jar doesn't break. Same with jars of jam. One box that I sent to Afghanistan with both those items made it ok, except for one jar of jam which burst open. Peanut butter is also a good thing. With some crackers. this way, the soldiers have various options for the three spreads. Tue Mar 30 10:12:16 -0800 2004 1634492 0 beetlebug 3 1634642 I've seen Nutella in a plastic jar. PB, too. Wed Mar 31 15:39:17 -0800 2004 1634523 0 kc girl 1 1634494 Also not food, but a box of panty liners might be appreciated, too. They can be used as helmet brow liners (stuck inside the helmet) to keep the forehead clean(er). Mon Mar 29 18:20:30 -0800 2004 1634457 0 ricepad 1 1634502 Some great ideas. The wipes would be great as he tells me the shower facilities rarely work. The miracles of modern comunication only applies to some bases. His internet access is nearly nonexistent. Hopefully whatever I send will get there. I'm getting by with beer and anti-anxiety meds. ;-) Thanks again for the suggestions and good will. Mon Mar 29 19:40:57 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Bobfrmia 2 1634525 I said Purell in an earlier posting, but I wanted to clarify. If you can, send a large bottle of purell and a small travel size one. What my husband did was keep the travel size one in his BDUs and refilled as necessary. He went through a lot of Purell. Also consider sending over multi-vitamins and vitamin C tablets. If had travel size samples of nice shampoo and lotions I often sent those over too. It's nice for the women, especially, because the times they could shower, they could then pamper themselves. Since there is limited internet, how about stamps, writing paper and envelopes? My husband also used a lot of rope. The kind that you use to hang clothes up with. The soldiers would string it through the tents and hang stuff off of it. Include clothes pins too. Lots of them. And, extension cords. Oh, also, those little headlamps that campers use? That was one of the most welcome things he got. I went to the local EMS and asked the sales clerk, what kind would work the best in that environment. The path to the porta potties were not lit at night. Also the PPs were dark. Don't forget lots of batteries. Not only for the head lamp, but whatever CD players and such the soldiers have with them. Tue Mar 30 10:20:24 -0800 2004 1634502 0 beetlebug 3 1634528 Back in Vietnam days (w/out internet), we sent cassette tapes back & forth & included snapshots. Both sides destinations waited in great anticipation for these tapes, just detailing everyday things from parents, sibs, kids, spouses & friends, milestones & celebrations. Something we could all listen to again & again. Also Fig Newtons traveled well & my brownies made it too. Although I was sending to one person, my friends added to the beer case sized boxes we sent on a regular basis with items & letters, so troops who weren't receiving news & treats could be included. Tue Mar 30 10:35:17 -0800 2004 1634525 0 Taralli 1 1634515 If you are located anywhere near a Trader Joe's you may opt for some ethnic foods that are shelf stable. There are several selections of Indian Food and even some really great Thai Noodle soups that you just add hot water to. They also have a good selection of nuts, trail mix, spicey snack mixes, etc. Tue Mar 30 04:54:02 -0800 2004 1634457 0 MarkinLA 1 1634540 Granola bars, cereal/milk bars, peanut butter, Variety of crackers with fillings...cheese, peanut butter...etc. powdered drink mixes...kool-aid, tea, tang.... Another idea to send...my cousin begged for lip balm, lotion, and playing cards. I also agree with homemade cookies and items to pampered one's self. Tue Mar 30 11:32:51 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Stacey 1 1634557 Granola bars, pretzels, dried apricots and fruits, power bars, that liquid/lotion soap that you don't need water with, toilet paper, sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, magazines, gum, altoids, tic tacs, etc. Tue Mar 30 14:42:42 -0800 2004 1634457 0 John 1 1634566 You got a lot of posts so I apologize if you got this suggestion already, I didn't have time to read them all - Katz's deli on Houston Street in NYC has a program "Send a Salami to your boy in the Army" - it's been something they do for many many many many years - and apparently that is not all you can send. I think you can send hot dogs w/ all the necessary trimmings (buns, mustard, kraut, etc) and knishes. Give them a call and find out. Tue Mar 30 15:59:51 -0800 2004 1634457 0 snot-rock 1 1634625 Almonds (not salted or seasoned - thirst inducing) Honey Baklava Tea Almonds have something in them that creates a calming effect. Also, protein and healthy oils. (in that vein, maybe send some fish oil capsules, too - or multivitamins with anti-oxidants in them) Honey is a sturdy staple and gives energy. Mix them with the almonds and its a great sweet treat. We used to eat the combo before any show to calm and energize us - much better than coffee. Baklava - a sweet treat that has a good shelf life and will travel well without too much breakage. (Course you might need the Baby Wipes after eating them.) Others have wonderful suggestions. Wed Mar 31 12:39:09 -0800 2004 1634457 0 kc girl 1 1634713 I'm a civilian in Iraq right now myself, though lucky enough to have a PX and a dad who sends LOTS of care packages. A lot of the ideas below are spot-on--homemade cookies (we HAVE to eat the packaged stuff, but something homemade is heaven!), peanut butter, dried fruit, powdered drinks. Those make-yourself tuna and chicken salad packs have gotten me through many a night, as have crackers and that Cow Cheese (I can't remember the name--Smiling Cow? Singing Cow?), which ships dandy. Baklava originated around here, though, so if he ever gets off the base or if he works with any Iraqis, he's probably flush in it. But what I recommend alongside all those staples are some luxury items. It's getting pretty tough out here; every day is mundane, except when it's tragic. And a little special treat can absolutely make the day. Macadamia nuts. Rooibos tea. Dove chocolate. A book of poetry. Good luck, and thanks all for the good karma! Thu Apr 01 09:41:53 -0800 2004 1634457 0 Sharkh