Entertainment

• Give him a gift of entertainment to keep him busy during his down time. Send him a deck of cards, with a list of unusual card games and instructions. To make him smile, create a custom deck of cards with a different picture on each suit. You can make these types of gifts online at places such as SeeHere.com. You can also send him board games, such as Monopoly or Scrabble, that he can play with friends. If your budget permits, buy him a handheld gaming system, such as Nintendo DS, and a selection of games that he can play on the go. Or buy him an iPod Touch, which acts as a gaming device and MP3 player. Another idea is to buy him a portable DVD player, with a variety of his favorite movies.
  
  

Memories

• There is no better way to keep his spirits high than by sending him pictures and videos from home. Make him a slide show of the months he's been gone, and set it to music. Some computers have programs for this, or you can order one on photo gift websites such a Shutterfly.com and have it shipped directly to him. You can also create video montages with messages from friends and family, funny things his children do, and personal messages from you. You could do a "day in the life" video, and record everything you do for one day, so he can imagine what you're up to while he's gone. Also, be sure to record special events, such as his son's baseball game or his daughter's ballet recital. That way he won't feel quite as left out while he's away.
  
  

Edibles

• Spontaneous, thinking-of-you gifts are a great way to bring a smile to his face. Depending on the shipping times and circumstances, perishables such as cookies or brownies may be out of the question, but if you own a vacuum sealer, such as a FoodSaver, you can seal baked goods and other special foods in vacuum-sealed bags to keep them fresh longer. You can also send him care packages with his favorite snacks and candy.