Safe Luxury

When sending care packages to soldiers, can you gift-wrap the items inside the box?

This is probably a really ignorant question, but I am sending a friend of mine a few Christmas care packages (he hasn't gotten any since he's been in Iraq) and I want to wrap the items in bags and gift wrap so he has things to unwrap. To me, it would mean more and seem more like I miss him and want him to come home safe. Can I gift wrap things inside the box or no?

Public Comments

1. Yes you can. They can't keep you from sending something you want to send to a soldier.
2. my mom did for chrismas. I got it perfectly wraped.
3. Yes, you can. Although some packages get opened to check for contraband it is VERY rare and usually happens when there's reason to believe something bad is inside.
4. 1. Just don't send any contraband or anything that might look under x-ray like it. That way the packages will not be opened. 2. After wrapping the gifts pack inside a box with foam peanuts so the wrapping paper will be in better shape when It gets to him. 3. Any candies, fudge, cookies you should send enough to share. Vet-USAF / Contractor In Iraq
5. You can wrap the items inside but I would highly suggest filling out a customs form if you do. You don't have to be specific but don't be vague like: Christmas presents. Use terms like toiletries, or books, etc. Something that isn't specific as to exactly what it is, but enough that they won't see a need in checking them. I live overseas with my husband and we just send Christmas presents out and learned all the do's and don'ts. Don't send batteries!! Especially since he's in Iraq, batteries can be used to build roadside bombs if they get into the wrong hands and he can get into a LOT of trouble. Those are the most important tips, just remember to fill out a customs form to help ensure that your package won't be checked and the items inside unwrapped. Sorry I'm editing this, but wrapping the gifts does not create extra weight and I talked to the Active Duty Members who work at the Post Office on base and I was informed that all packages are sent and there are no exceptions, that the packages will all be delivered and that if you ship Space Available Mail (which isn't available to Civilians) then you may have to wait for your package to be sent but I don't believe you will be sending it by SAM. Sorry for editing! There's no reason for you not to wrap the presents and provide some joy to a Soldier who is stuck in a crappy place over the holidays.
6. my advice is don't bother. it is in a box and they will be opening that, so there isn't really any need. also, it is extra weight, and the amount of stuff people will be sending to people in service means that if everyone gift wrapped stuff, there is going to be less room and other soldiers will be left out. especially at christmas time.
7. Yes you can, they should get it intact. They rarely check it and as far as batteries go, if you look at the USPS website there are some rules to it but soldiers and troops need batteries. I'm currently a Marine fiance going through deployment, I just wrapped coloring books (yes the guys love them :)) and here are some extra tips. - Seal the seams of the box with tape because the box could become damaged during shipping - Tape the inside bottom of the box too, sometimes there are even problems with mice - Make a list of the contents of the box and put it inside along with the address of the person receiving the box. That is in case the box gets opened/damaged during shipment and items fall out they can find them and return them. Good luck!