CARE PACKAGE IDEAS
While living in Armenia, there were a few items that we found hard to purchase. Our families and friends offered to send these items through care packages and gifts. Below is a list that we created to give them ideas. If you are a future volunteer to Armenia, this may help you in putting together your own care package list. Keep in mind that with each passing year, Armenia is importing more and more goods. This list was created 2004-2005. Enjoy!
- Brett and Laura
For family and friends who may be interested in sending a package to us in Armenia this list may assist you. You do not have to follow this list, this is just to give you ideas. Most of these items are not available in Armenia, though a few are available but not with a volunteer's living allowance. Generally, we can find most items for everyday living in Armenia, specifically in Yerevan. With each package that we receive, we take the time to share some items with our Armenian friends as a cultural exchange.
FOOD
- Hot chocolate (expensive)
- Peanut Butter (very, very expensive)
- Chocolate Chips (non existent, Armenians love them)
- Brown Sugar (brown not here)
- Tea: variety packs are great (a bit expensive or not very tasty)
- Dried Cranberries (not here)
- Amy's Organic Garlic Tomato Soup (the best, not here)
- Fantastic brand Taco Filling (looking for protein alternatives)
- Fantastic brand Vegetarian Chili (see above)
- Oatmeal packets (individual) (quick and easy, which we can use sometimes)
- Trail Mix (very, very expensive)
- Seasoning packets (salsa, fajitas, dips, vegetables) (easy, flavorful)
- Cereal: Kashi Go Lean Crunch, Cocoa Pebbles (not here)
- Cliff Bars, Kashi protein bars, Power Bars (big negative)
- Chips: Cheez Its, Tortilla Chips, Wheat Thins (not in this country)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Magazine: Backpacker, Climbing, Rolling Stone, Natural Home, or anything you have. All volunteers receive Newsweek. (magazine photos are excellent for visual aides)
- Books: We like to read (so far 30 books in 9 months). Brett's loves Non-Fiction books about outdoor adventures/expeditions, liberal politics. Laura loves a good story more than anything., this can be either Fiction or Non-Fiction. Children's stories are wonderful to read to the children.
- Note cards (great for studying and using for visual aides)
- Zip-lock bags (they don't exist, great for storage of items)
- Rolls of soft toilet paper (the common Armenian TP is rough on the tush)
- Scented candles (very hard to find, great relaxer)
- Old canvas shopping bags (plastic bags are everywhere. We would like to start to distributing to Armenians to use)
- Tom's of Maine Gel toothpaste (the best)
- Glide Dental Floss (floss is here but it's not Glide)
- Chapstick: Blistex Herbal Answer (Brett's addicted)
Updated 12/31/04