@ bluesstratone & Trueblueflipover I'm kinda thinking he'll be well equipt in the gizmo department..cheers
@ Rollie cheers I'll cross the sardines off the list
@ somebizzaredude, Ceri & Arjay condiments, sauces etc cheers
@ T2 stratman, fenderbender1968 & Klowenst cheers all noted
@ Mrs C best of luck to your nephew, and anyone else who has relatives / friends in the services oversees a speedy and safe return home

Since he is interested in food - spices, hot sauces, small tins of coffees, salsas, or anything like that to liven food up. Hard candy is always good - Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, or anything that won't melt in the heat. Even TicTacs are great.

Gift cards for iTunes are great, if you know he has an iPod. Paperback books, educational books are great [it can get really boring overseas and mental stimulation is much needed], and magazines. When I was overseas, I would have killed for an Arizona Highways magazine [I am an Arizona native] or even a local newspaper. Gameboys or handheld games are pretty popular.

Keep in mind APOs and FPOs are strictly enforcing foreign national regulations against religious materials, porn/adult themed anything, or pork. No Bibles, cans of Spam, or a copies of 50 Shades of Grey. Don't even think of sending them to the Middle East/SE Asia as a joke.

The one thing he can't buy are photos. Photos of home, family, the dog/cat, or the local scenery. It will remind him of home and digital cameras are cheap and can be emailed. Even printed photos are great because many troops don't have access to print photos.

A small package every two or three weeks will be a great gift.

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Sent from my K&E slide rule.