Canada Pen Pack Information
Information and resources for sourcing items to send your loved one in their pen pack.
What Can Be Included In a Pen Pack?
National list of offender personal property tool
The most reliable source for items and belongings that can be included in your loved one’s pen pack is this page on the Correctional Service Canada website.
Every institution has different rules about what items can be sent in. To avoid delays or returned packages, we highly recommend contacting the institution to confirm what’s allowed.
Do not rely on outdated websites, PDFs or word of mouth.
What Should You Include In a Pen Pack
When preparing a pen pack for a loved one in a federal institution in Canada, it’s important to think practically and compassionately about their everyday needs.
A pen pack is often the main and only chance to equip someone with essential personal belongings that can significantly improve their comfort and quality of life while incarcerated.
Think beyond just the basics, consider what they’ll use daily, and prioritize durable, good-quality items that will last.
For example, maxing out on permitted quantities of underwear, socks, and T-shirts can go a long way toward helping them feel clean, comfortable, and dignified.
Small, thoughtful additions can make a big difference:
A simple reading lamp can support evening routines or study
Approved forms of entertainment, like music players or gaming consoles, can help pass the time constructively and ease mental strain
Personal grooming items and health products that align with institutional guidelines also contribute to self-care and overall well-being
While regulations vary, taking the time to plan a well-rounded pen pack shows care and support, helping your loved one maintain a sense of stability and self-worth during a difficult period.
Smart Shopping for Pen Pack Supplies
The tips below for items are only suggestions/recommendations from personal experience.
Remember to cross-check with the Correctional Services website.
Prioritize Quality and Durability
Since the pen pack is the primary opportunity for an incarcerated individual to receive essential personal items from outside the institution, it's important to prioritize quality, as these items may need to last throughout their sentence.
While we recognize that everyone’s budget is different, we encourage you to choose durable, well-made items whenever possible to help ensure comfort and reliability over time.
Batteries
If any items in the pen pack require batteries, we recommend including a battery charger and a set of rechargeable batteries. While batteries may be available for purchase inside (availability can vary by institution), they’re used frequently and covering the cost can place an extra financial burden on your loved one. Including them up front helps ensure they have what they need without relying on their own limited funds.
Check Electronics Carefully: No USB Charging Allowed
Since USB charging ports and cords are not permitted, it's essential to carefully check all electronics before purchasing or sending them. In today’s digital world, many devices, especially grooming tools like electric razors or hair trimmers, now come with USB-style power cords intended to be plugged into a wall adapter.
From experience, items that require USB power, even with an included wall adapter, are not approved upon arrival. Always double-check to ensure electronics have a direct-to-outlet power cord and meet facility requirements.
Prohibited Clothing Restrictions/Colours
Ask your loved one about any clothing restrictions before sending items. Certain colours may be prohibited because they’re linked to gang identifiers.
Amazon Canada Shopping for Pen Packs
Finding and purchasing the right items for a pen pack can be time-consuming and, depending on your location, sometimes frustrating.
To help make the process easier, we've curated a list of Amazon Canada items. While approval can vary by facility and province, this list is meant to serve as a helpful starting point.
Please note that the links provided are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. These earnings go directly toward maintaining and updating this website as a free, accessible resource for families and loved ones. Our goal is to support, not profit. We’ve selected items based on reasonable pricing and availability at the time of posting and we’ll continue to review and update this list as needed.
Pen Pack Shopping Spreadsheet
Use the spreadsheet below OR you can choose to open the spreadsheet in a new window (easier to view/navigate) by clicking HERE or the button below.
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