I used to get books, videos, local papers, sometimes just a surprise treat that I probably COULD have bought there but wouldn't necessarily have bought for myself (bath stuff or candy, for example), sometimes things to decorate my room and my desk (Mom knew I wouldn't think to brighten the place up, so she helped!), clothing...can't even remember what all. I almost didn't care WHAT she sent, though...just getting a package from home made me feel less isolated.
I'm afraid I'm not as good as I should be about this. However, my mom and her M-I-L and one of the aunts-in-law send stuff all the time. I email. and email. and email.....