This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Holt’s Cigar Company via SoFluential Media. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Father’s Day can be an emotional time for both kids and their dads during deployment. And of course, not all things can be solved with a care package during deployment, but I do think that the act of creating something special and sending it to someone you love for their enjoyment can be very cathartic and help loved ones feel a little closer.
Creating a care package is easy because it’s all about the person receiving it and the person (or people) putting it together. If you need a few ideas for how to get started, don’t worry: you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a quick primer on how to start creating care packages:
- Here’s how to get care package supplies for free
- Here’s the best way to send care packages
- And here are a ton of ways to save money on care packages
Now, let’s get to what to actually put into this Father’s Day care package!
1. Beef Jerky
Especially if your significant other is overseas, beef jerky is a great way to send something flavorful that will keep in the heat or without refrigeration. If you want to send something extra special, go local or gourmet and send meats or flavors that you normally wouldn’t send like buffalo or Cajun.
2. Trail mix
If you have kiddos, this is a lovely way to get them in on the action. Have them brainstorm what Dad’s favorite snacks and foods are and then create a trail mix from them. Think outside the box. If Dad loves Oreos, why not include minis in the trail mix? Patriotic mixes of candies can be found this time of year–so jazz it up with a bit of color. And, Dad loves healthier options, a health food store often has exotic nuts and dried fruits that will be fun to include too. If it’s not exactly what regular trail mix is like, who cares? It will still be fun and tasty.
3. Handmade gifts
It’s always lovely to send things made by the kids on Father’s Day. If Dad is deployed, just make sure that any precious pieces of artwork or creativity can either come safely home or the creators (and parents) are okay with them not making it back. Consider having the kids make pieces of disposable art– or decorating the inside and outside of the care package itself.
4. Cigars
Especially perfect if this is the first Father’s Day for Dad (or if he just found out that he will be a father), send–what else?–cigars! Holt’s Cigar Company offers a 10% off discount for military and first responders; you just need to complete the registration process to verify military or first responder status. Learn more about their program here.
5. Video
Send a USB drive with a special Father’s Day message. If the kids are too young to talk into your phone or video camera, taping special–or simply ordinary–moments can be a lovely way for Dad to connect with his children. Just remember: never videotape or photograph and send anything that you would be uncomfortable with strangers seeing.
6. Photos
Get some of those pictures on your phone printed and into this care package. Many dads have access to the internet during deployment and can see the photos you upload to social media or send through email… but there’s nothing like holding a physical picture of your kids and spouse or significant other.
7. Coupons
Sure, it’s old school and a little cliche, but sending a booklet of coupons or rain checks for Dad to cash in with his kids once deployment is over is still one of those pull-on-your-heatstrings kinds of gifts. If the kids are old enough, ask them to come up with the ideas– you (and Dad) might just be surprised by the kinds of things they want to do and miss while he’s away.
8. Supplies
Just because it’s Father’s Day doesn’t mean that Dad doesn’t need the basic staples you usually send to him. Whatever that is– razors, socks, juice boxes–make sure that you include those in this box too so he doesn’t go without. (You can always include a note to let him know the celebration will happen when he’s home.)
