Item Selection

• 1
  Homemade cookies are a possibility.cookies image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
  
  Bake cookies or brownies for recipients who will receive their packages before the baked goods become stale. If the shipping time will be extended, choose items with a longer shelf life. Homemade granola or candy will last longer, as do canned goods from the garden. Store-bought items are also perfectly acceptable, but should be carefully selected. Think about the recipient's personal preferences. Do they have a sweet tooth? Do they enjoy coffee or tea? Are they a chocoholic? Is there a spice rub from a local restaurant that would remind them of home? Would microwave popcorn or instant oatmeal be usable?
  
  
• 2
  Personal care items can make daily life easier and more hygienic.toiletries image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Consider the daily needs of the beneficiary. Depending on the recipient's location and circumstances, the following items may be appropriate: bug spray, sunscreen, deodorant, new socks or underwear, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, insoles, foot powder, dental floss, baby wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, gloves or a hat, lip balm, long-distance phone cards, batteries, pens, sticky notes, highlighters, notebooks, laundry detergent, rolls of quarters for laundry, stamps, envelopes, stationery, candles, incense or an air freshener.
  
  
• 3
  Crossword puzzles keep the mind active and stave off boredom.crosswords and pen image by yuri4u80 from Fotolia.com
  
  Add items that provide entertainment or humor, such as a book of crossword puzzles or Mad Libs, Sudoku puzzles, brain teasers, a Rubik's Cube, travel games, books, CDs or a DVD, playing cards, video games, comic books or movie gift certificates.
  
  
• 4
  The package itself is a reminder of home, but the gifts inside can be even more meaningful.Photo Album image by rlat from Fotolia.com
  
  Pack an item or two that will remind the recipient of home. Photos of loved ones, cards or clothing sprayed with the perfume or cologne of a significant other, stories from the local newspaper, a disc or flash drive with a video or recording from family members, a digital photo keychain (loaded of course), or a handwritten letter or poem are personalized touches to consider.
  
  

Packaging and Shipping

• 1
  Package items carefully to prevent breakage or leakage.what in a cardboard box? image by Andrey Khritin from Fotolia.com
  
  Place all of the items in a cardboard box for shipping.
  
  
• 2). Pack tightly with newspaper or other packing material. Depending on where the package is going, you may consider gift-wrapping individual items. Tape the box shut and add postage.
  
  
• 3). Visit the United States Postal Service website, where you can calculate shipping costs, print a shipping label, schedule a pick up or locate a local post office, and track and confirm the shipment. You can also order eco-friendly shipping supplies to wrap the care package in. Fill out a customs declaration form for care packages shipped overseas.