Hey Missy - if you look in a thread I started called Anyone with deployed loved ones? there are some ideas there - espcially in katienoonans post. Also, two very good sites I found are Half My Heart and
Ideas for Deployed Loved Ones

Things I used to send to dad..
PICTURES
McDonald trinkets
dad just said he was so excited to get a package and did not care WHAT was in it (doesn't remember what I sent either)