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As a recent college graduate with friends serving bravely overseas, I'm always on the hunt for gift ideas to send to our troops. The soldiers serving overseas are brave and noble, but they're also like me: in their 20s, and not immune to the comforts of home or the thrill of a good time. I want to share with you my gift ideas to send to our troops, and I hope that I can help you assemble a good gift basket for military overseas personnel.

When sending a care package to soldiers serving in the line of duty it is important to think in practical terms. Gifts that are fun, gifts that are good for bartering, or gifts that useful are some of the best types to include. A good mix of these three categories should make for a good care package. That way they can get something fun, something useful, and have something to share with their platoon buddies.

Some great useful items might include personal hygiene items: baby wipes (more practical than you'd expect!), soap with lotion or aloe, dental floss, and soft wash clothes are fabulous ideas, and a favorite brand of a standard item like deodorant or toothpaste never goes unappreciated. Other great practical items include new underwear, undershirts, and socks, bug repellent, and air freshener. Remember, though: sending food is not 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!"

Sending a useful and and interesting thing to a bartering favourite soldier is a nice thing to do. Tobacco in its many forms is a thing popular from grand old days. It is a tool used by the soldier to bargain some adjustments with his colleagues. Other useful articles like a small book or magazine is also happily received. However, on must restrain from sending proscribed articles such as liquor, drugs or ammunition, paticularly across the border. Please take note of this.

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!