| Our brave men and women who proudly serve in | | | | or Europe. Stay away from gifts like adult |
| the United States military must endure many | | | | magazines and pictures of women because of |
| difficult things, some that I couldn't possibly | | | | regional religious restrictions with these types of |
| imagine going through. Not only do they do their | | | | things. Think about where you are sending the gift |
| duty bravely without ever asking for recognition, | | | | and take the local customs into consideration |
| there are a few obstacles when times can be | | | | when deciding. |
| particularly tough on them and that is the | | | | - No matter where they are stationed, all soldiers |
| separation from family and friends during the | | | | love and miss the little things that remind them of |
| holidays. You can make it easier by showing them | | | | home such as music or food, but there are |
| they are always in your hearts and minds by | | | | certain items that just make their time abroad |
| sending gifts once and awhile. | | | | easier. Ask any soldier and they'll tell you they |
| A thoughtful gift not only brightens their spirits | | | | would prefer things such as socks, baby wipes or |
| and boosts morale but also makes a brave | | | | chocolate bars over a new CD any day of the |
| soldiers day by showing them they are loved. It is | | | | week. If you are looking for other gift ideas along |
| a great way to show that you care and support | | | | these lines, talk to a soldier that has just returned |
| their efforts. | | | | from deployment, and ask them the types of |
| With so many of our military stationed abroad, it's | | | | things they couldn't live without. |
| important to make sure they have everything | | | | - Try not to forget that these gifts are travelling |
| they need. This includes reminders that we love | | | | overseas and are going to be handled more than |
| and are thinking of them. Here are a few ways | | | | a few dozen times before getting to their |
| you can make sure your gift makes it to its | | | | intended recipient. Never send anything that can |
| destination. | | | | be lost or stolen. Perishable items are not a good |
| - Before you go shopping for a gift, it's best to | | | | idea, either. They can either melt, leak, or go bad. |
| know what's allowed and what isn't. The military | | | | - Be patient. Don't expect you're gift to make it |
| has very specific rules and regulations in place | | | | there overnight. You'll just be setting yourself up |
| about what can and cannot be sent to its military | | | | for disappointment. You're sending something |
| bases. They are there for the safety of | | | | overseas and it takes longer than domestic. |
| everyone stationed on the base and must be | | | | Remember, these gifts also have to travel |
| adhered to closely. You can find out what's | | | | through security checkpoints and many other |
| allowed by reading the government regulations | | | | departments for security and safety reasons. |
| online or talking to the civilian liaison at the base. | | | | Don't get upset if the recipient doesn't receive |
| - Know the location of where you are sending the | | | | their package a week after you sent it. Depending |
| gift. Depending on where the base is located such | | | | on where it was going, there is a good chance it |
| as the Middle East, there will be much stricter | | | | may take up to one month to be delivered. |
| limitations for certain materials than places in Asia | | | | |