Care Package Ideas?

Peanut butter is a good idea, any kind of snack that we all like. My kids 8,8 & 14. they love foot by the foot and rice krispie treats. My Husband travels to China and he said if you go to the upscale hotels that have stores attached have more items including deodorant. He said they don't have deodorant because they don't use it. Euh! Bye

I gather that a lot of potato chip/snacky foods are typically fish or seaweed flavored. So regular ones (or ones WE'RE familiar with) might be nice :)

My sister's friend was in Shanghai for 3 years and they loved getting American magazines (they get them late over there) and the kids loved things like character bubble bath (with the head tops) and fun toothbrushes, things like that. Also stuff from Costco, like oreos, but that might be expensive to ship with the bulk.

Lisa, Lots of gift stores have "american" gifts.. I know there is a Michigan store in Lansing, I am betting on one in Detroit.. A few pictures of her fav. spots, go to her neighbors or friends and have them write a note about neighborhood happenings, have a party in her honor, (have everyone bring a dish to pass and a small gift for her!) take a vidio.. have everyone send her an e mail. My daughter lived in France in HS.
we did this and she LOVED it! Good luck! K.

I'd say some photos of Michigan in the winter months. Another cute idea is to send pics of people holding signs for them saying things like "we Miss You", "Hello", "Have a great experience", etc. Let your kids make signs with their own idea, take pics of your kids holding them and then send them off. Maybe tape a favorite tv show. My family, even in other states, love to get a jar of Sanders Hot Fudge. (package it in a ziplock bag to shop just in case the jar breaks) They can get US stuff, but not Michigan exclusive stuff so maybe go that route. In the fall we send my sister in California some pressed fall leaves since she doesn't get the color there.

Just a few ideas.

Lisa,

First off, your friend is blessed to have such a caring 'Girlfriend' back home thinking of and taking care of her!

Secondly, I have had the opportunity to travel to Mexico and Spain in the past: (oddly enough, I never learned Spanish), anyway...simple American pleasures are best. The things that I took with me - that were life savers was facial tissue (the soft Kleenex kind) and toilet tissue! (preferably Northern) A bit bulky to ship, but light and very much appreciated by your friend and her family.

Third, on a sweet note - send peanut butter! (plastic jars) Ritz crackers, gummy bears for the girls, anything princess...stickers, color books, reading books. Do they have access to a DVD player? Maybe on their lap top...send a few kiddo movies and maybe a chick flick for your girlfriend and then something that she and her husband would enjoy together when the girls are in bed.

I think that one of the other Ladies which responded gave a great idea of 'Don't try to send it all the first time' -space it out - and from me - don't really try to set yourself a schedule to send things, that way when (not if), but when you are unable to keep that schedule of sending items, you do not start beating yourself up for messing up.
Just some thoughts from a Mom who has been married to her college sweetheart for 30+ years. Someone who has had the opportunity to travel and learn from her own experiences, as well as from others. Blessings to you Lisa, for caring for your friend.

Hi Lisa, we just moved back this summer from Dubai and I can relate to your friend. When I first arrived all the American ladies seemed to miss shopping at Target the most...I soon understood and joined them in the dreaming of this simple pleasure! I was thinking of Webkinz...I doubt that they have those there. But she's right, deoderant, toothpaste and simple toiletries may be there, but are very limited. One of my friends wanted me to bring back the toothpaste with scope. Your friend my not have been there long enough to really start missing certain things. Everything is still new and exciting. I imagine she will begin to think of things as time goes on. The GS cookies are golden! Maybe some simple coloring books for the girls... You are a great friend! We missed certain restaurants and foods. Also, certain TV shows and movies. I would give them some more time and offer your kind services again. I loved when my husband brought me Oprah's magazine. They were available there, but cost about $15 so it was a real luxury. Maybe a few mags. Sorry, for the rambling...oh, the girls would probably love the American Girl magazine too. Good luck!

I know this is strange, but Squirt you can't get most places. We live in Michigan, and my brother now lives in New York. He loves it when he gets Squirt. He can't get it in NY.

Better Made Potato Chips!

Lisa,

Chocolate covered cherries (Trader Joe's are mmmmm), dried Michigan cherries.

Have everyone you know (even people that dont know her, but know you) write her a card or a quick note and mail one out every day or every other day. That way your lovely care package continues over time.

Use a food saver (that machine that sucks all the air out of the bags it comes with) to keep things like homemade chocolate chips cookies, etc. as fresh as when they were baked.

Trail mix? Miracle Whip!!!!! It does come in plastic jars now. I don't know if they have that there, but I would cry if I had to eat sandwiches for that long with no Miracle Whip.

Remember that you don't have to send all the ideas at once. You can even make theme boxes and send them out every once in a while. Makes it nice for your friend and keeps your cost down.

You're doing a wonderful thing. Much luck to your and your friend.

L.

Hi Lisa,
I lived in Japan for 2 years and although not the same country some things might be the same. In Japan you could get deodorant but the package was so small and expensive it was crazy. Asians just don't sweat and smell as much. I can't remember ever meeting anyone who smelled and most probably don't wear deodorant.

Anyway you are on the right track with your package. Reading material is good...magazines, children's magazines etc. Maybe an interesting book. Games for the girls. If it is like Japan the only game for fun was Uno which can get old really fast. Sometimes holiday stuff is good because the holidays are not the same and it can be comforting to have a familiar candy or decoration. We liked to receive taco seasoning because we cooked with it a lot and it wasn't available. Maybe your friend has some food items she misses.

Be careful how big your package gets. You might be unpleasantly surprised at how much it costs to ship it. Check around. It might be better to send two smaller packages rather than one big one. One Christmas package my mom sent was 150.00 for postage and the stuff inside probably wasn't worth 50.00. I don't say this to be discouraging, but want you to be aware.

I do remember how great it was to receive mail. It would make our whole day, week etc. So exciting. You doing this will really bless them.

Hope this helps.

Lisa,
I currently live in Mumbai, India with my husband, my youngest brother (who we are the legal guardians of), and I have a little one on the way. I can relate to your friend - while we are having some amazing experiences I have the hardest time missing my family and friends and the "comforts" of home/USA. The things I miss most are those items that remind me of my friends/family and routines at home. I agree with the cookie idea - boy could I go for some Thin Mints! As we live in a Hindu society we miss things like beef jerky the most (the cow is holy and you can't eat it here). You might want to see if there is a food she or the kids are missing but can't get there and send that but it doesn't have to be all about food. The things that I like to get most in care packages are photos of friends and family, personal letters, DVD's of my favorite TV shows that I can't see here, fun games to play with my family, etc. Also, I know for a fact that there is deordant in Seoul but the form it's in and the brands are not how we are used to seeing them. Perhaps send her some of her favorite deordant. I also got a package once of lots of little travel sized things from Bath and Bodyworks and loved it. Your friend will hopefully get into an expat community there soon and will feel better about her move. It's an amazing thing working and living abroad and her kids will be exposed to a much more diverse world. Best of luck to her and her family and good luck to you with the care package (be sure to insure it! things can go "missing" from these packages).
~ E.. B ~

When my brother and family (boys ages 12, 9, 3) were in Bolivia, they enjoyd Kraft mac & cheese and Quaker instant oatmeal, especially the dinosaur kind. They also enjoyed quality chocolate, Godiva, etc.

You are such a great friend! That is so very nice of you. Just the fact that you would be sending them something to show you are thinking of them will be much appreciated!!! My family and I are currently in Germany, and we're lucky if we even get an email from friends. But I have to say, if someone were to send me something, I would want it to be literature (magazines, newspapers, etc) and pictures, like most people have already said. Most items can be found here, although they are expensive. I don't know about Korea, but in Germany, we miss things like Mac&Cheese, pancake syrup, peanut butter, and American-brand candy.

How about some Morley candy, pure Michigan and pure yummy. They should have out their easter stuff pretty soon too. Have fun!
L.

Hi Lisa,

How about things from the state. Jiffy Mix, jams from Michigan, etc. There are some Made in Michigan stores. You may want find a store closest to you.
D. O

How about Better Made potato chips?

My sons in Iraq, second tour, he enjoys my homemade cookies and rice krispie treats the best over every thing else I send. He also likes recieving pictures of everyone, and seeing the outdoors in the background. Its so dirty over there, not sandy like people would like to think. You're a good friend.

Could you snap some pictures of her family and friends (such as yourself), and put them into a photo album for her??? My sister has been a missionary in Spain with her husband and 3 girls, for several years. Our dad sold the house we grew up in, and I took pictures of everything, including the mailbox. She said she cried when she saw it, and it meant so much to her. What about sending a journal book? With a special pen? Or a new cd, of her favorite music? Whenever I give gifts, I try to think of all the senses...so maybe some scented candles too?? Send puzzle books....sudoku for the whole family. Hope some of these ideas are useful to you. I think you are doing a wonderful thing for her, and it will be appreciated. Good luck,
J.

Lisa-

I sell Avon products and we have a fantastic deodorant that is on special now for only $.99. You can order them for her and receive 10% off of your order of $25.

My website is www.youravon.com/sachtman.

I think that she may be able to order directly from the website, also.

It is so sweet of you to send her a package. How about putting in some Sanders products.

Aaah living abroad...for some it's great for others it miserable! I lived in Germany for 4yrs while in the military and it was a double edged sword for me. I loved having the opportunity to live/experience another culture. But I hated being away from friends/family and especially from the luxuries and conveniences of the states. The best gift I received was a photo album full of pics of my friends and family, places I love, and she even put a pic of my car. She also had everyone write a little note on a pad that she included. I still look at it to this day and I am overcome with feelings of love and appreciation. The only thing I could suggest doing differently is having the people in the pics write something about what they would want to do if they were living abroad. It might inspire her to become more involved in the culture and it would give her something to talk about with these people. Good luck and definitely find our her fav foods that she and her family can not get there.

One thing is for sure, there is deoderant in Seoul. Perhaps your friend is looking for a particular brand that she can't find there? There you go, a perfect addition to the care package. Your friend is right in that she will have access to all her creature comforts she is accustomed to, just perhaps not the brand name, although even then so many brands are available internationally. I suggest keeping in touch with her is one of the best gifts she can receive. I do have to say, though, homemade baking always put a smile on my face while living in Japan. My mom used to send all sorts of cookies, individually wrapped, which were amazingly well kept in transit. Go on, a dozen of chocolate chippies, you can't go wrong.
K.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. They are light, travel great and I loved getting them when I lived in Europe. When I moved back I gave my extras to a friend there who was immediately in love with them and also irritated that I intoduced her to something she couldn't get again! Now I must send them to her!

Do something unique to Michigan - try some squirt and sea foam from here. My BIL used to live in S. Carolina and LOVED to get these things as they were not sold there. I'll bet she can't get them there either. I WOULD however, make sure you're not sending it in cans....hehehe :)

K.

Hi Lisa!
I lived in Singapore for 5 years, where far more is available than in Seoul. If she has access to the base there, she'll be able to find some more familiar things. Also, I know there's a strong 'black market' for things we take for granted like butter and other food items.
That said, if you know any food items she really loves or that just had a habit of eating, send those! Also, products are very different, so if you know what hair styling products she used here then send her a few bottles. Little things like that, that we usually take for granted, become the most missed when you're overseas. You're a good friend for doing this!!

My husband was stationed North of Seoul with the military for 1 year when my son was an infant (family couldn't go with him). All the care packages we sent that he said were the most special were homemade things, items you can't buy in a store anywhere. He said it was the reminders of family and friends that got him through it. We made T shirts with my sons foot prints and hand prints, homemade cookies, etc. His favorite gift we sent was a mini-size photo album and on the first page it said "The Why We Love Daddy Book" with the date and Love, Mommy and Jake. Then the rest of the album was pictures and index cards with giving the reasons we loved him. For example, one card said "For always making us laugh" and the photo opposite the card was a picture of my husband holding my son while he is laughing. Another said "For being there when I was born" and had a picture from the day Jake was born. Doing easy homemade things that will remind your friend of her family and friends back home can mean more than anything from the store that she can do without for a few years. The same sort of things could be done for the kids as well. Good Luck!!!

What about some their favorite dvds of American movies or tv shows? Chocolates, snacks, Starbucks coffee, maybe favorite cereals?

chocolate chip cookies are uniquely american. Even though other places have chocolate, they are not sold as chips.

If friends and family are really who she's missing though, consider putting together a CD or audio tape (or whatever she'd have access to listen to) with her family and friends talking to her or reading favorite stories. Having the voices of friends and family and knowing that they are thinking about you too can be very reassuring. Especially with kids, having someone read age appropriate stories on tape can be a lot of fun.

If you know others of her family & friends, a little coordination could be really neat: Choosing a story where it can be read a chapter at a time, and getting other family or friends in on the plan of each family sending them a new tape periodically. This tends to encourage more people to participate (some people get worried about making tapes because they wouldn't know what to say), gives them access to hearing more family and friends, and gives the family overseas something to look forward to each time period as it keeps them guessing who they will get their next tape from.