What should I put in a Gift box for Troops in Afghanistan?

[knifewieldingtoddler]

What do you think women would like to receive.

so far i have thought of nail polish, emery boards, hair clips (pretty ones), skin lotion.

I was wondering if maybe one or 2 out there may like some yarn, knitting needles and pattern to keep them company?

Tampons may be in short supply.

KWT - Having been there I'm not sure the ladies will be that interested in nail polish and hairclips - as they wouldn't be 'allowed' to use them.

Emery boards are a good idea, as is skin lotion. What about some kind of intensive hair conditioner as I know mine was like straw within weeks. Baby wipes are always useful too as is foot lotion (peppermint stuff from body shop?)

Yes probably to the wool / needles etc, but also could you and your friends save up magazines (TAB, Closer, Heat etc) as they can get them over there, but they are pricey.

There are shops out there, but supply is limited and prices can be steep. I had one friend that used to beg me to send her Walkers Cheese and Onion as she could never get them!

magazines, and sweeties were what dh wanted when he was on active service in the Gulf.

thanks for the tips. I was thinking of the nailpolish because I suppose with christmas coming, they may have at least one 'do' where they may want to spruce up a bit.

like the idea of shampoo, I remember going to the islands with no water except for what we could take with us and after a week, my hair felt like steel wool.

Hi, This is the 1st time I've used Mumsnet, and I'm probably on the wrong page, but maybe someone out there could help?
We've got a 20 year old daughter who's been in the Royal Navy for nearly 3 years. We've encouraged her and supported her all the way, which of course as parents is quite natural. We are hugely proud of her and she's doing really well
She is going away shortly and won't be home until next March. The problem from our point of view is that she seems to put everyone else before us, her Mum & Dad. When she has time off, she'll spend it with her boyfriend (she shares a house with him near her base), her boyfriend's parents, her friends,in other words, she fits us in long after she's seen everyone else.
Of course, we recognise that she's not going to want to spend every weekend with Mum & Dad, but we've hardly seen her at all this leave. In fact we make more effort to travel to her home than she does to come and see us. Does this ring any bells with anyone?