Reply #22: Just to add [View All]

[Columbia]

There are many PX's (Post Exchanges) setup around Iraq so most soldiers are able to get the basic necessities from them quite easily. Most of the stuff like foot powder, sunscreen, etc. are indeed quite necessary, but more often than not they'll end up in giveaway boxes because EVERYBODY ends up sending those.

The best things to send are things that they won't be able to get from a PX. An obscure favorite candy or other snack food perhaps. Pictures of home. A portable DVD player for the downtime. Desert water bag. Inflatable bed roll. Sunglasses. Gameboy Advance if he's into video games. Favorite books/magazines.

Some little things to give to the Iraqi kids maybe. They really like pens, candy, and soccer balls.

Definitely get him the largest memory card you can for his digital camera. Maybe even a couple spares in case he runs out of room. He'll want to take a LOT of pictures in the highest resolution possible.