Soldiers will appreciate small stuffed animals; they can carry these items easily in their packs to give to children they encounter during regular duties. Some soldiers love treating the children. Search your home for all those small stuffed animals that seem so abundant in the United States --- especially Beanie Babies or key chain animals. These items do not weigh much for shipping costs, and they fit easily into packages and are small enough for soldiers to carry in a pocket or clip to a pack.
Food and drink sent to soldiers must be factory made unless the soldier is a known friend or family member. The Army instructs soldiers to throw away homemade food from strangers due to biological warfare and other unintentional dangers to the troops, such as food allergies. Suggested food items include dried meats, seeds, protein bars, condiments in factory packaging and caffeinated gum. Drinks include ground coffee, tea bags in wrapped packages and powdered drinks.
Toiletries include everything from deodorant to hand wipes to bobby pins. Send brand-name soaps and shampoos in the original packaging to remind soldiers of home. Check to ensure items include all ingredients for soldiers with allergies who are avoiding certain products. Troops will appreciate combs, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair gel and other basic toiletries. Send bug spray and sun screen as well --- especially to troops stationed in deserts or areas of the world that are hotter or muggier than the United States.
Batteries are extremely sought after by troops. Send batteries to an APO to supply the various DVD players, music players and video game systems owned by the Army. Send video games for different systems, as well as DVDs and music CDs. Send non-electronic entertainment such as crossword books, cardboard puzzles, board games, decks of cards and dart boards. The soldiers serviced by an APO are sometimes stationary for months at a time, and boredom becomes an issue. If you send DVDs and CDs, label the packaging and the disk with the words "U.S. Soldier" to deter theft and resale of the items.
Clothes, such as socks, underwear, undershirts, T-shirts or pajamas are difficult to obtain in some APO address areas. Send these items, as well as pillowcases, hand towels or washcloths to an APO address. Bed wear must be green or tan --- Army standards. Include laundry detergents and fabric softeners in a box of linens. Send only brand-name items with the full list of ingredients to prevent allergic reactions.
Include a letter or card in any package sent to an APO. Soldiers love to hear from home, and a package should include a message from the sender. A group that has sent an APO package may include a group picture and letters from each group member. You can also send cards and letters individually and as often as desired. The soldiers always appreciate a word from home when they are so far away from everything familiar.
