Top Ten Gifts for American Soldiers

Supporting our troops doesn't just mean putting a sticker on our car. Why not show a little extra love this holiday season by sending a package with some gifts that the troops will definitely enjoy this holiday season. Being away from friends and family during the holidays is probably the hardest time for many soldiers. They will be thankful that you thought of them and chose to share the holiday warmth and extend the season of cheer across an ocean.

Helping the soldiers through the holiday season may mean blessing them with a special gift. While there are plenty of ways to help, consider these ten gifts to make a difference in the troops' lives this year.

It is also important to keep in mind that there are regulations that apply to sending any materials through the military. For example, patrons are asked not to mail anything with batteries or anything that could leak fluid of any kind. Also, it is necessary to not put the name of any country on the package being sent. If that happens, the mail will end up costing more and taking more time. Military mail is considered domestic mail, no matter where it is located. Also, it is suggested not to send pork because of the highly Islamic region. Also, obscene materials are not allowed to be sent.

A few other tips include sending the packages early, use strong reinforced materials to package, and do not use boxes from grocery or liquor stores. Also, be sure to check postal deadlines carefully, some deadlines are in the middle of November for packages to be able to arrive on time.

While packing, be sure to include personal items as well as practical items. They will appreciate the sentimental and the practical stuff. Be sure to include any updated pictures in frames for them to display.

10-Treats for Troops. This is an easy online way to send a package to a soldier who would appreciate some goodies! The package is negotiable and includes items like freshly baked cookies, duct tape, Chap Stick, salt water taffy, jelly beans, and other items. There are also more expensive packages with items like pepperoni, cheddar cheese and a variety of other snacks including fudge.

9-Gift Certificates to the "Army and Air Force Exchange Service" will also be appreciated. This is a great place for troops to purchase all sorts of goods from digital cameras, to CDs and pretty much anything you can buy in America.

8-Soldiers' Angels Hero Packs are also available online. These packages also have a variety of treats that the Soldiers will enjoy. One package in particular called, "Thanksgiving with the Guys" includes Rice Krispie Treats, a Nerf Football, Folger's Coffee, and other Thanksgiving treats that the soldiers will enjoy.

7-Another gift that will bless troops is the gift of food. Soldiers tend to miss foods like power bars, granola bars, dried fruit and beef jerky. Foods that are common in America and have a long shelf life are great for sending overseas. They last long and remind the soldier's of home.

6- Stamps, paper and envelopes with a nice pen, as well as phone cards and books will give the soldiers something to do and help to encourage them to write home. Disposable cameras also fall into this category for the purpose of memories.
5- Personal Hygiene products are also a little harder to come by overseas, things like contact lens solution, cotton balls, nail files, sun block, lotion and dental floss are all definitely appreciated.

4-Frisbees, cards, hand held games and other games also help soldiers to have a little fun while they are away. Mini fans also help protect against the heat.

3-For female soldiers, feminine hygiene products and deodorant, as well as body sprays, nail polish and perfume are some products that make dessert life a little more tolerable. Help the female soldiers to feel a little more at home by purchasing and sending these products.

2-CD's, A Homemade CD with the Soldier's favorite songs is an easy gift that means a lot. They will be pleased with the gift and happy to reconnect through the music itself.

1-Photo Albums or Scrapbooks, These highly personal gifts will definitely make the soldier a little homesick, but they will also be so thankful that they were able to reconnect with family and friends in a unique way. Try including letters and notes from different people in the book, a different person on each page, so that the soldier will know that they are missed and loved!