If you're thinking of sending a care parcel to someone in the forces currently on deployment, there are a few things you should take into account. While it's a great idea to send a parcel of goodies, not everything you might want to pop in it will be suitable.

To help ensure you're sending things that are allowed, as well as welcome, here are a few ideas of what servicemen and women could do with being sent:

Chocolate and sweets

Those deployed aren't going to be able to pop to the corner shop to pick up their favourite chocolate bar or packet of sweets when the mood hits, which means little treats like this are perfect for popping in a care parcel.

Adding a variety of different things, such as chocolate bars, multi-packs of sweets or childhood favourites will give them plenty to enjoy, ensure things are small enough to take with them and mean they can share goodies if they want to.

Shower gel

You may take it for granted having a few bottles of shower gel to hand at home, but once those who are deployed run out, it may be difficult to get hold of any more. Popping a bottle or two in your care parcel is sure to be appreciated, just take care to secure the bottles – taping around lids is a good idea – to prevent leaks.

Face and hand wipes

If a soldier is deployed in a hot country, it can be hard to freshen up, especially if the environment is fairly dusty. A pack of wipes that they can use quickly and easily to clean and refresh their skin could go a long way.

Playing cards and games

Deployed servicemen and women don't get to take their games consoles with them, so things can get a bit boring. Putting a few games and a set of playing cards in can help give them something to do when they get a bit of downtime and will probably be appreciated by more than one person.

Magazines

Magazines let them see what is going on back at home and help to provide a bit of an escape. Even if you include a trashy mag, it is going to be welcomed and will probably provide some topics of conversation. 

Books

Books are also a great option as they'll provide more than an hour of entertainment and could end up being passed around to several people once the original recipient has finished with them. Pick your favourite book or something that you think they might enjoy and you can't really go wrong.

A letter

Even if you don't know the person you're sending your parcel to, a letter can be incredibly welcome. Let them know who you are, what's going on back in the UK and just give them an insight into what is going on while they're deployed.

This is a great way to give them a connection to home and to ensure they know that what they are doing is really appreciated.