Well I am speaking from experience regarding the Flat Rate boxes. My mom has saved more than she has spent sending me care packages in those $7.70 boxes. They are not big, but when packed properly they can get quite heavy. Now this serves 2 purposes, cheap to send a lot more stuff, and the boxes damage on the trip here to Iraq is minimal.
And another gift idea, yeah it is a little more expensive and the book doesn't come out until this winter, but the Knowing the Enemy book that is described in my thread about that book, is a very intriguing topic. Also, after being here and experiencing the culture of Islam, it is something I feel a little a part of. My fiancee, already told me not to order the book because someone plans on getting it for me for Christmas. OOOO, I just got an idea for gift ideas for some of my family (I gotta write that down). Well I will get off my soapbox now, but if any of you have any questions reqarding this or any other Iraq subject please feel free to ask. I know that the Moderators will probably hate it if you post your question as a thread instead of in a Private Message, but that would probably be best so everyone can know the answer.