Here are some shipping and handling tips that I have discovered.
Shipping:
You can get flat rate boxes mailed right to your house for free- there are specific APO boxes on the website you get a 2$ discount on the shipping fee. If the package you are sending is pretty light you may just want to use a regular box because it may end up being cheaper than the flat rate box. If you have something kind of perishable, make sure you send it priority either way. Also if you call this number 1800-610-8734 and ask for a military care kit they will send you free shipping supplies like boxes, tape and customs forms. As for the customs forms you just have to list what is in the box on there. Also do not mail anything aerosol this will explode in shipping. Porn, drugs,pork or alcohol is also not allowed. If you can get your flat rate box to weigh over 5.5 pounds (from PA) it will save you money,if not use a regular box to ship. Ask someone at the post office to calculate how much it would be to ship something in a regular box from your city to his APO. I would imagine that farther away you are from New York (where Army Post Office is) the lighter your box would have to be to save money.
Handling:
I was told is ok to ship chocolate through March but I’m not sure how accurate this is. Anything that can leak or explode or that has a fragrance you would like to preserve (or make sure everything in the box doesn’t smell like it) put in Ziploc bags.You can send fresh baked cookies and things like that. I have heard if you put them in a Ziploc or a air tight container with a piece of white bread they stay pretty fresh by the time they get there(maybe those new Ziploc vacuum sealers would be good-prob wouldn’t need the piece of bread then). Another tip I read was to wrap cookies like a log in bubble wrap or put them in a Pringles container. I know local news articles,magazines, funny articles or even a whole newspaper are nice to send and especially letters!
http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/
Discounts: (researching this will post more later)
Hickory Farms-ships free to APO
4 Military Families- this site lists discounts on clothing, food, auto, services
Travel discounts
Armed Forces Recreation Centers- vacation spots that are for those in the military only
Places to shop:
Big Lots
Target
Walmart
Please leave any comments with other suggestions!
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