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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.

Ideal gifts for the troops can be categorized into useful, fun, and gifts having a good barter value. At least two of these three categories should be included in a box that you send. A box full of "toys" is good but not ideal,it does not have a practical use but has only entertainment value. Similarly, a box full of practical items might be well received, but it may not be good enough 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 soldier also appreciate fun gifts. Small electronic devices like iPods (loaded with music before sending it!) and inexpensive digital cameras (with extra memory!) are all great fun gifts. A platoon often has a fortunate soldier whose people send him a portable DVD player; movies and television series. These are fun recreation gifts but one must not forget 'real toys' like basket balls and frisbees also.

It's always nice to send items that your favorite soldier can barter. Tobacco, a item that my own grandfather used for bartering in World War II, is still a great bargaining tool for soldiers looking for somebody to take over a shift or share rations. Men's magazines, very discreetly packaged, will be gleefully welcome as well. Remember, though, that there are many things that cannot be shipped: liquor, drugs, and ammunition should never travel by mail, especially internationally.

Soldiers of any rank enjoy inventive presents. Whether a lieutenant or captain, the idea is where one should begin. One must remember military regulations, and only send things which they can get through the mail. Photos and correspondence are always a welcome way to liven any personal gift basket!