Goodies to send to friend in Afghanistan - any ideas?

[mrsrawlinson]

I've already made a fruitcake, but I need some more inspiration. It needs to be robust enough to stand being tossed unceremoniously around the back of a military aircraft, and handle up to 3 weeks in 40 degree heat without melting and withering. I'm thinking perhaps some biscuits or something but I'm a bit stuck. Can anyone help?

Many thanks.

ANZAC biscuits were sent to the troops in Gallopoli from NZ and Australia during the first world war. They are yummy and fairly robust.

Mmm, thanks Slug. They look lovely. Unfortunately vetoed by DH as "They've got coconut in and nobody likes coconut". Tsk.

Anyone got any more ideas?

Magazines are always popular, gummy sweets, nice tea bags, little tins of tuna pasta salad and stuff like that which is easy to eat, wet wipes, socks (!), still thinking.....

Can you tell we've done this a lot ?

And I like coconut!

Preaching to the choir, Scootergrrl! Some great ideas there, thanks for those.

Toiletries (not aerosols), sweets, lollipops seem to go down well, magazines (not lads mags as apparently they are ten a penny out there), I recently got asked for a pot noodle

Books, sweets, Pringles, toothpaste, suntan lotion, lipsalve (block ones are better as they don't melt so easily), DVDs, CDs.

Super, thanks ladies.

Do any of you send any baked stuff out there? If so, what sort of things seem to survive well?

Wow, Thunderduck - that's some list! Thank you very much, it's given me lots of ideas.

Stinkermink, that's a good point about the baked stuff. I'll risk the fruitcake as I've made it now but I'll leave it at that. I've got a great mental picture of your DH sneakily reading an OK magazine hidden inside a copy of Readers' Wives like some kind of naughty schoolboy in reverse!

Toiletries
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Shampoo
Conditioner
Shower Gel
Roll on Deodorant
Razors
Shaving Gel
Talcum Powder
Foot Powder
Cotton Buds
Wet/Moist Wipes
Tissues
Lip Salve
Travel Wash
Sanitary Protection
Savoury Snacks
Pringles
Crisps
Nuts
Pork Scratchings
Beef Jerky
Savoury Rice
Noodles
Oatcakes
Crackers
Stock Cubes
Packet Soups
Sweet Snacks
Fruit/Cereal Bars
Fruit Flakes
Dried Fruit
Shortbread
Small Cakes
Biscuits
Small Tins Fruit
Packets Custard
Evaporated Milk
Condensed Milk
Confectionery
Travel sweets
Toffee
Fudge
Mars Bars, etc
Chocolate Raisins
Chocolate Peanuts
Energy Sweets
Love Hearts, etc
Fruit Pastilles, etc
Lollipops
Mints
Chewing Gum
Clothing
Socks/Undies
T Shirts
Underwear
Recreation
Paperback Books
Magazines
Puzzle Books
Sport Programmes
Playing Cards
Travel Games
Jigsaws
Pens
Pencils
Notebooks
Artists Paints
Sketch Books
Batteries
Pharmacy
Imodium
Rennie
Paracetamol
Plasters
Insect Repellant
Sun Screen
Misc
Boot Laces
Blank Greetings
Cards
Message of Support

This list is not definitive ? it?s to give you an indication of suitable items. The
key is to things small and light as they are packed into shoeboxes which are
weight and size restricted. Travel/individual sizes are ideal rather than
family/bulk packs.
Variety is important too ? it?s much nicer to receive a box
filled with lots of different items, rather than one full of say toiletry items. And
please remember, these are morale boosting parcels ? the lads and lassies
are being well fed and watered!
Please note aerosols, alcohol, and lighters are strictly prohibited.

Here's some suggestions from Support Our Soldiers.

Baked goods are not allowed. If you think about it, your parcel might not make it for weeks, no one wants to handle mouldy madeira cake and besides all the main bases have american donut shops and stores to a plethora of baked goods available.

My DH asked for

Union Jack
Tea
Stick deodourant
Paracetamol (not sure if this is allowed)
USB memory stick with video and photos of friends and family
USB memory stick with downloaded tv series or funny films on (not that I would ever download anything)

I sent him a countdown timer from Iwantoneofthose.com

Teddy bears so the air crews could take them on a mission, get a certificate and photo for kids

Make sure parcel is less then 2 KG.

What a lovely thing to do for your friend x

Yeah lads mags not so much, but any gadget or running or sporty mags very popular. DH said that the PX is loaded with "Combative Fishing Magazine" and it's ilk, so anything more subtle and British is appreciated, I have sent him all the crappy Now mags detailing Katie and Peters break ups etc, because although he says he has no interest I KNOW he's reading the daily mail on line to find out!

Small bottle of tabasco sauce. According to a friend who's done two tour in Afghanistan, the rations get boring, so spicing them up helps.