Great question, Anon. Latter-day Saint missionaries live by a fairly strict set of rules, so they can stay focused on the task at hand: teaching our Heavenly Father’s children. Thus, there’s generally no television (so a DVD would be out), no unapproved music (different mission presidents interpret this more or less strictly, but popular music is definitely out), nor unapproved reading materials (which generally excludes anything besides the scriptures, a handful of Church publications, and letters from home, though reasonable exceptions are often made). Do you happen to know where your friend is going? If he’s serving in another country, American treats are *always* appreciated. Cookies, candy, perhaps even popcorn are some great ideas, though please don’t send the popcorn pre-popped; my then-girlfriend tried that and it was *way* stale by the time it arrived. (Also, some countries have never even heard of a microwave, so keep that in mind, too!) ;-) One great, cheap treat where’s it’s otherwise not available is Kool-Aid. When I served my mission in Spain, a dozen years ago, Kool-Aid was such a commodity that the missionaries used it as currency amongst ourselves. (Not that this flavor has been available since shortly thereafter, but at the time, Kickin’ Kiwi Lime was the highest denomination.) ;-) Regardless of where he’s going, a new tie is always a *great* gift. Male LDS missionaries don’t have much in the way of choice of fashion—white shirt, tie, and generally a suit, though local accommodations are sometimes made. In my mission, for example, it got up to well over 100ËšF, so shirt sleeves were the norm, in the summer. On the other hand, my brother-in-law served in Fiji, and the missionaries there wore white shirts, ties, and a native skirt; that‘s just what men wear, over there. But I digress…. Getting back to the ties: obviously don’t go with something obscene or too off the wall. Remember that he’s going to be representing the Savior, so a “hot babe” or even a “dead fish” tie would probably not be the best choice. Some missionaries are comfortable going as far as cartoon characters, but even that’s pretty borderline and probably wouldn’t be recommended, if even tolerated by his particular mission president. Use your best judgment to find something that balances conservative and really cool. There’s a lot of ’em out there, if you look. ;-) Anyway, hope that helps some. If you have any more questions, you know where to ask! :-)

If he/she is going outside of the U.S.: I loved getting toothpaste, deodorant, popcorn, gum, breath mints. You have to be careful what you send since some countries are very picky about what you send in to their country. If he/she is staying in the U.S.: cookies, treats, money (or a gift card), tie, stamps, pens. Also, my mom would always include a treat specifically for my companion. And she would purposely make sure it was something that she knew that I liked, like a giant oversized chocolate bar, just to tweak me. It was nice of her to think of my companions like that. Really, the thing I enjoyed the most was a nice letter telling me about what is going on in the life of the person writing it. Don't be embarrassed to include details that you think are boring. Nice, long letters are the best. It's nice to know someone is thinking of us and cares enough to write. Most missionaries can receive e-mails now, so that makes it even easier. Otter covered most of the rules in his answer. One he didn't mention is that it is against the rules to contact him/her in anyway other than mail or e-mail. No phone calls, no visits, etc. I also think it is against the rules to e-mail photos (I don't even think you can if you tried).

The Philippines are amazing! He'll be chomping down on lumpia and chupao and other local favorites. The Otter made a good list (as always). Candy, peanut butter, ties. Photos are always welcome, but be sure it's missionary safe ;) American deodorant is hard to obtain, but I don't know how comfortable you are with that. ALWAYS include a letter.