Birthday Gift for "Iraq Bound" Army Man

You got tons of good care package advice already which I was going to suggest also, so I will give you my idea for something that is meaningful but not so useful. When my husband left for boot camp my mom got him a St. Christophers medal to wear on his dogtags. He is the patron saint of travelers, to keep him safe while away from home. He really appreciated it and always had it on his dog tags. There is a patron saint for almost everything, in case something else would have a better personal meaning for you.

You have gotten a ton of great suggestions! My son-in-law was in the first Gulf war and has been over there on TDY many times. To lighten the atmosphere during the 1st time I sent him a sand pail set for Easter with a note to "have fun in the sand". He loved it and it was passed around.

You can make him a book of "Care Package coupons"... one or two for each month over the next year. And of course the gift is that you take on the responsibility to actually get those care packages out each month. You could even do different care package themes... the poker, gambling & card game package, the naughty care package (girlie magazines, etc.), the sweet tooth care package, etc.

They are able to wear necklaces, so if he/you are religeous and he doesn't have one, then you could buy him one with a cross or a Virgin Mary pendent. Or, you could go to the Christian store and they sell lots of different pendents. You could find one with Michael the Arch Angel. Otherwise, lots of stamps, phone cards, mechanical pencils with extra lead, a VISA gift card - all of which are the personal touch items you were looking for, but still good ideas.

Hope to reach you in time! My stepfather Is currently in Iraq and I had sent him an email for suggestions. He said one of the most convenient things he could have is a 110/220 volt converter for plugging in electrical devices. He also mentioned that his favorite thing is a key ring digital picture display that he can keep with him all the time. If he has the adapter for the voltage he can bring or get stuff like a radio and a razor or even an international equipped cell phone. He also suggested an eReader device loaded with some books and reading material or a small iPod for music and photos. He should be able to charge those devices at the morale centers. My stepdad is a civilian contractor and has a bit more freedom perhaps and was able to procure a small tv and brought his laptop b
so he definately seemed to think that the volt converter and a small or key chain sized digital photo frame would be well received. He also said that once there the guys always love to get socks, magazines, baby wipes and favorite snacks in care packages. Thank your nephew for his service and our well wishes on a safe trip and safe return home :)

Dear E.,

I can empathize, my son has been to Iraq twice. Not knowing your budget what about a laptop? I know from experience it's a way for them to stay in touch with friends and family, but it also is entertainment for them (games and music).

c.

Why not take him out to dinner at a nice resturant of his choice. Take as many photos of his stay with you and then make a photo book (through Shutterfly.com or another photo website) that he can take with him. When ever he's homesick he can look back on this special time with you.

God bless him on his journey...

Take him to dinner and send him with a photo album of pictures of family and friends he has back home , he will need it.
as for "stuff"
DH was in Iraq a few years ago and the things we were asked to send him in care packages were.
Baked goods,
magazines,
books,
an alarm clock
socks,
depending on what he does in the Army can limit or expand the type of stuff he can get or will need.
They aren't in tents anymore over there and generally have internet access ( depending on location.)

Take him to go and see a movie and to eat out in his favorite place to eat.
Those will be something he will miss fun and good food.
The day before he leaves get him pizza. He will miss That as well.
Over there they will have to eat lots of MRE's ( food in packages ).

Pray with him before he leaves.

Best wishes.
God bless.

Hi! I've been writing letters to adopted soldiers since 2007 through a charity called Soldiers Angels. They have a great store on line and the money goes back to the cause of "May No Soldier Go Unloved." Sand scarfs are some of the most appreciated gifts for soldiers and they are on sale for only $5.

http://www.angelsstore.org/category_s/36.htm

The Soldiers' Angels Sand Scarf is made of 100% cotton for comfort and is used to protect our brave soldiers from the elements of the deserts of the middle east. Designed to keep sand from the nostrils and mouths and when tucked into the shirt, prevent the sand from getting inside the clothing.

Protects face, neck and ears from dust, sand, mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, etc.
Fabric is good for all weather climates great for sand, desert and wooded environments. Blends well with camouflage military attire. Assists with breathing in blowing wind and protects from sand and other debris.

Great item to place in care-packages. Also a great stocking stuffer!!
Size: One Size Fits All
Color: Tan ONLY
Material: 100% Cotton
Care: Machine or Hand Wash - Cold Water

Hubby has been back from Iraq for a little over 6 months. Some units are actually still starting out in tents but yes over all they have pods to sleep in. Does he like puzzle books? It is a LONG flight so something that he can do while in flight and just toss when he is done with it may be nice. It won't be until he is all set up with an address but if he isn't already getting it the Army Times is an excellent resource for any soldier serving. It has a lot of useful information that many times the chain of command just doesn't have time to relay and the "regular" news doesn't cover. If he isn't already subscribing you can get a years subscription for 55 bucks and he can keep up on raises, regulation changes etc while he is away. Please pass on my thanks to him for his service. We've been through 2 tours in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan it's tough. The best thing you can do is make sure he knows how proud you are and how much you love him.

I have 3 relatives over there and they all ask for snacks! Sunflower seeds and snacks like that. Also depending on how much you want to spend, a camera, if he doesn't already have one.

You already had some GREAT ideas!!! I just want to add my thanks and my prayers for a good deployment, successful mission and SAFE return home! GOD BLESS!

Ipod, mini personal dvd player, nintendo dsi. They are all small and will be greatly appreciated. When not on patrol, those guys get REALLY bored. Other great things would be a box of candy (not chocolate), pre-stamped envelopes, pre-addressed envelopes to different family members with stationary that way he can quickly jot off letters when he has a chance without the extra work of standing in line at the post office. Prepaid calling cards, AAFES gift cards. All of these things will probably be more appreciated than he can probably say. A CD with pictures of all the family members, or a digital frame preloaded with lots of family and friends' pictures. The best gift is receiving mail from home as often as possible.

Here's what a friend, whose 21 year old son spent 1+ years in Iraq suggested:
"A good bible if they don't have one! Scott always like getting jerky of any kind, chapstick and major sun block. Anyhting that will help keep them cool, cause Iraq is hot like none of use have EVER know here in the states! A webcam for their computer so you can Skipe back and forth! A camera if they didn't leave with one so they can always remember how awful Iraq really is and how blessed they are to live in the US! Battleship is a good game to send (no pun intended...), crossword puzzles, anything to help fill the time so it seems like a blink and they're back home with their families"

My husband has had several friends who've served either in the first Gulf war or the current one.

They've always said the best gifts are the necessities:
baby wipes
magazines
DVDs
razors
deodorant
snacks

We try to put care packages together when possible to support our troops.

I have several friends whose husbands are serving who are FB friends. I'll put it out there for them as well and see what responses they give back.

Just talked to a friend who served in Iraq for a year - he couldn't think of a gift for a birthday (other than a hug), but he said care packages have an amazing effect on your spirit.

He said no bug spray, etc. But the essentials are always welcome (especially baby wipes and magazines).

Hoping he's brave and well-protected during his deployment.

My husband was in Iraq last year. For Christmas I uploaded photos of me and my daughter onto a digital picture frame and sent it to him. He loved it!