Last updated: June 24, 2026
At Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), one of the most anticipated moments of training is the Candio box — a care package candidates receive from loved ones during the final phase. It is a long-standing OCS tradition, and families can send just about anything. Below I will explain what a Candio box is, what to put in it, and how to mail it so it arrives on the right day.
What is a Candio box?
In the lead-up to graduation from Officer Candidate School and the transition into the “candidate officer” role, friends and family gift candidates “Candio boxes” filled with treats to help them through the final few weeks of training. Opening these boxes is a highly anticipated tradition, and it happens during Week 9.
The boxes are often decorated on the inside, usually with a U.S. Navy motif, and packed with the candidate’s favorite goodies — including things they wanted but were not allowed to have during training. Keep in mind that in the newer Nimitz facility, candidates do not have access to microwaves, refrigerators, or coffeemakers.
Alcohol, tobacco, pornographic material, gambling paraphernalia, prescription drugs, firearms, and live animals are all CONTRABAND, and possessing them can get a candidate dropped — so never send any of these. It may seem obvious, but I once watched someone send their candidate a cigarette as a joke, and it landed him on probation.
What can you send? (Candio box ideas)
Plenty of options from Trader Joe’s work well: jerky, candy, dried fruit, biscuits, almonds, facial wipes, dry shampoo, and sunscreen. Warm socks and hygiene items (deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush — candidates often cannot get to the NEX for these), HotHands hand warmers for the cold weather, and gel insoles for PT shoes and boots are all appreciated.
Do NOT send homemade items. Candidates share their treats, and you cannot guarantee that no one has an allergy — do not risk someone’s health or career at this stage.
How do you mail a Candio box?
I recommend mailing your package in the middle of Week 8, or a little later depending on your location — you want it to arrive on Tuesday, or the day before. If it arrives on Wednesday, it likely will not be opened on “Candio box day.” Use the standard mailing address and write “CANDIO BOX” in large, clear letters on both sides of the box. That keeps it from reaching your candidate too early or too late; depending on the class team, some boxes are not delivered until Thursday or Friday.
Any size box works, but USPS Large Flat Rate boxes are popular because they are usually the cheapest option for the weight involved. They are free to pick up at any USPS location and cost about $16 to mail, with a small discount if you buy and print postage at home. Do not require a signature on delivery. There is usually no limit on how many boxes a candidate can receive, but their storage space is very limited — and there is only so much they can eat! Sadly, there are always candidates whose family and friends are unaware of the tradition, so they do not receive a box.
This post is part of my full Navy OCS Journey series — follow it week by week from the start.
