Everybody loves getting gifts, but there’s nothing quite like ripping open a package sent by someone you love from the place you miss the most. Especially if it’s something that you really need and something that is nowhere to be found in Afghanistan, Iraq or wherever you may be stationed.

Looking to send a care package to a deployed service member without a specific troop in mind? The DoD advises identifying someone through family and friends since you can no longer send packages addressed to “Any Soldier.” You can also partner with an America Supports You homefront group found here, which can connect you with a unit and provide a list of desired items.

Meanwhile, we received top intel from a former marine who spent his fair share of holidays overseas. He gave us the 411 on some of the most-requested items that would make for perfect gifts this holiday season.

1. Books/Magazines
Paperback books and magazines are excellent, no-batteries-required ways to stay in-the-know and give a quick, much-needed escape from reality. Just don’t send books from the Twilight series, since those on the receiving end will likely be publicly ridiculed.

2. Toilet paper
This might seem like some strange gag gift. It’s not. Think of how you feel when you go to grab a wad of Charmin and find an empty roll. Not such a good feeling, right?

Continue reading “10 Holiday Gifts to Send Your Troops”

3. Candy
Nevermind that it’s bad for the teeth and waistline, M&Ms, Skittles, Snickers, etc. are good for the soul. When super-sweet flavors hit the tongue, you know that a blissful sugar high is only moments away.

4. Hygiene gear
Buying someone a tooth brush, baby wipes or deodorant as a gift is typically met with looks of embarrassment (what, do I smell bad or something?) and shame (yes, I do…). However, in this case, it is encouraged to exchange such gifts. In fact, we hear that baby wipes “are like gold” overseas “not just for wiping … but for dusting off weapons or cleaning hands before or after eating chow.”

5. Beef jerky
Not only does beef jerky have an incredible shelf life because of its vacuum-sealed packaging, it’s a great way to get protein and is typically low in fat. It’s also hard to ignore just how delicious those marinated, easy-to-carry meat strips really are.

6. Rifle cleaning kits
Although baby wipes can be used to tidy up a firearm, having an actual rifle cleaning kit is necessary to keep it functioning well. If troops are in a desert climate, guns tend to get extremely dusty, and if they aren’t cleaned properly, there’s the risk of jamming.

7. DVDs / CDs
While some might have access to crappy wobbly-camcorder-in-movie-theater versions of the latest films, you can send them the real thing. Need help? Here’s Amazon’s list of the best DVDs and CDs of 2009.

8. Hand sanitizer
The most commonly accepted alternative to hand washing will also come in handy before meal time. The mini Purell bottles with a key chain jelly wrap will turn it into the perfect accessory to latch onto some tactical pants.

9. Canned food
SpaghettiOs anyone? Allow Chef Boyardee to take care of a few meals for your troop. Canned food typically has a two-year shelf life after the purchase date, so it will really come in handy when all the holiday fixings have disappeared.

10. Notes of thanks
There’s a reason why your favorite troop isn’t in the States for the holidays. Let him or her know that you appreciate their dedication and service, even if you already remind them incessantly. A note of thanks is especially meaningful around the holidays.

(Image via Wikimedia Commons and Gijoesmilitarysurplus.com)