A recent college graduate, with friends serving bravely overseas, I am always on the lookout fir great troop gift ideas. The men and women serving overseas are brave and noble, but they are also like me -- often young, in their 20s, and not immune to the desire for some of the comforts of home or the thrill of a good time. I want to share with you some of my troop gift ideas, in the hopes 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.

Many very useful personal hygiene things might be things like baby wipes(which are more practical than one would think!), soap with lotion or aloe, dental floss, and soft wash clothes. These are all wonderful gifts and a favorite brand item like deodorant or toothpaste is never ignored. New underwear, undershirts, and socks, bug repellent, and air freshener can be some other useful or utility gifts though one must remember that sending food is a bad idea.

Our troops also love fun things. for fun send gifts to our troops like small electronic devices such as iPods loaded with music, Inexpensive digital cameras with extra memory. often there are some lucky guy in platoons whose family sent a portable DVD player with movies and television series. Don't forget to send "Real Toys" too like baseballs and Frisbees.

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.

Do you have any good ideas that a service member such as a lieutenant, sergeant or a captain would appreciate? Create and send them a gift basket and boost their morale. Sending letters and photographs are always welcome and tells them someone back home is thinking of them. Whatever you decide to send, check the regulations for what is allowed to be sent to them.

What do you give our soldiers, who are brave, noble, and mostly in their 20's? Here are some gift ideas to send to our troops. Gifts for the troops should include at least two of the following three categories: useful, fun, and good for bartering. When considering a good gift basket for military overseas, remember to check regulations for what service members are allowed to receive. Music and cigarettes are perennial favorites, while drugs, alcohol, and ammunition are not. Personal hygiene items are also good gift items while food is a bad idea.