Gift Ideas To Send To Our Troops Overseas
I am a recent college graduate and I am forever on the lookout for good gift ideas for my friends in the armed forces. On one hand, these soldiers are brave and noble. On the other hand, they are also in their 20's, just like me i.e., not used to not having the comforts of home or the thrill of a good time. I wish to let you know my own gift idead for my friends in the troops. I hope you will be able to utilize these ideas to assemble a good gift basket for military overseas.
Gifts for the troops ideally fit into three categories: useful, fun, and good for bartering. Try to include at least two of these three categories in any box you send; a box full of nothing but "toys" is great, but doesn't help keep a soldier's feet warm; similarly, a box full of practical items might be appreciated, but it's no fun to share with one's buddies in the platoon.
Some very useful things include personal hygiene items: baby wipes (more practical than you'd expect!), soaps with lotion or aloe, dental floss soft wash cloths, and favorite brands of standard items like toothpaste or deodorant. These items never go unappreciated. Other great practical items are underwear undershirts, socks, insect repellent and air freshener. But remember, sending food is never a good idea.
Our troops also look forward to receiving fun gifts! Here are a few ideas for exciting gifts to send our troops. For example, the Ipod preloaded with music and the cheap digital cameras with extra memory are two very popular electronic devices to present. Invariably there will be one lucky guy in the platoon who has received a portable DVD player from home. Entertainment in the form of movies and television serials are great ways to make life easier for our troops. Finally, remember the baseballs and Frisbees, the "real toys!"
Your favorite soldier will enjoy receiving items that he or she could barter. Tobacco, for example is an all-time great. My own grandfather bartered with tobacco during WWII and the practice still lives. Soldiers nowadays could still use tobacco as an incentive to have a shift taken over, or getting a share of rations. Discreetly packaged men's magazines will also be very welcome. Keep in mind, however that many things are not to be sent through the mail""for example liquor or amno.
I hope you've got some great ideas for what to send your favorite lieutenant, sergeant, or captain. Always remember to check regulations for what service members are allowed to receive by mail, and also keep in mind that a letter and a photograph will always be welcome too. Have fun creating your own gift basket!
What do you give our soldiers, who are brave, noble, and mostly in their 20's? Here are some gift ideas to send to our troops. Gifts for the troops should include at least two of the following three categories: useful, fun, and good for bartering. When considering a good gift basket for military overseas, remember to check regulations for what service members are allowed to receive. Music and cigarettes are perennial favorites, while drugs, alcohol, and ammunition are not. Personal hygiene items are also good gift items while food is a bad idea.
Published May 16th, 2007
Filed in Government
