The best way to a soldier's heart is through the contents of the packages that you send, especially when the package contains homemade cookies! Shipping cookies (or anything small and fragile) can pose a problem for how to wrap the cookies so that they don't break or crumble. Have a little fun in wrapping up those cookies, and give your soldier a reason to smile by using empty Pringles cans that are decorated with colorful can wrappers that are available from Military Free Printables.
After you've enjoyed the Pringles chips (or put them in a plastic container for later), use a clean paper towel to gently wipe out the inside of the can. Wash the plastic lid, and dry it thoroughly. If you are going to cover the can with a
can wrapper, then you can do that while the cookies are baking! Print one can wrapper for each Pringles can you are using. Print several of the same wrappers, or print one of each of them! You can either glue the whole wrapper to the can, or glue or tape just one edge of the wrapper over the flap (the end of the wrapper with the written instructions).
If you have children at home, let the kids color or decorate the can wrappers before you glue them to the can. If you are making up packages for soldiers you've “adopted” or are doing it as a group function, then have fun signing the wrappers or writing a few supportive messages on them. Create as many wrapped cans as you will need.
Using the lid as a “size” sample, make cookies that are no bigger around than the lid. Once the cookies have cooled thoroughly, you can either wrap them separately or put a gallon-size plastic bag inside the can, and then put in the cookies. Seal the bag with a twist tie, and snap on the plastic lid! Now, you can lay the cans in a box, layered in bubble wrap, and your soldier will get cookies that are fresh, unbroken, and in something that can be easily tucked into a backpack or duffel bag!
You can use Pringles cans for more than just cookies! Does your solider need a new pair of sunglasses? Use a Pringles can! Slide in a new toothbrush and tube of your soldier's favorite toothpaste (and don't forget to include some floss!). Roll up a crossword puzzle book and add in several sharpened pencils. Make a stationery kit by rolling up several sheets of writing paper, and include envelopes, stamps, and a couple of new pens. If your soldier has a sweet tooth, then fill the Pringles can with individually wrapped hard candies or Lifesavers. Fill a can with individually wrapped bubblegum! Send a whole can of Jelly Beans or M&M's! You can also send pouches of drink mixes, tea bags, or little vacuum-packed bags of specialty coffees.
For lady soldiers, collect “travel-size” bottles and foil packages of shampoo, body lotions, facial scrubs, bath gels, and other body-care items. (Pringles cans will hold a lot of tampons or mini-pads…and sure beats carrying them around in a box!) The guys will probably appreciate some shampoo and other “toiletry” items as well.
Your soldier might need a sewing kit! Pack the Pringles can with several sizes of safety pins, a variety of buttons (in various shades of camo-colors), several sewing needles (use a piece of felt to stick the needles into), and some small
spools of camo-color thread. You can buy small scissors that fold up, or get a small sewing repair kit that includes a very small pair of plastic handled scissors---just big enough to snip thread.
If your children are budding Picassos, then roll up their artwork and ship it to Mommy or Daddy in a Pringles can. (Be sure to include some pushpins if your soldier is stationed somewhere where there is a bulletin board.)
Your options are virtually limitless for what you can pack in a Pringles can…and, oh, by the way…why not just send a few cans of Pringles? Decorate the cans with Military Free Printables can wrappers and send them to your soldier---along with your love.
Source note: The original idea for shipping cookies in a Pringles chip can to keep them from breaking came from Navy Mom Forum.
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