Keep It Clean
A very handy tool for either purse or pocket, tide to go is a perfect little gift for your missionary. Small and lightweight, it is easy and inexpensive to ship, and can be used in any climate or country. Whether he’s headed out or on the go, it’s nice to know that quick cleaning power is just a few seconds away. A Tide-to-Go or similar detergent pen will definitely prove convenient and useful, and will help keep your missionary’s appearance neat and clean.
Patterns Can Break Up Any Routine!
Tights serve a double purpose in the winter months: they offer extra protection from cold climates, and add a little fun to a winter wardrobe, with whimsical designs and cute patterns. You can purchase patterned tights at a myriad of department stores, or browse the aisles at Target to see what you come up with. Don’t get too wild with the patterns, but your sister missionary will appreciate something new and fun!
Decorate the Fridge!
Framed photos are a wonderful present for missionaries, but if you worry about desk space, magnetic frames are a convenient alternative. There are many inexpensive varieties (Walmart sells 20 for $15), and they are not difficult to find. Best of all, they are lightweight and easy to ship. Be sure to send along some cute photos, too.
An Indoor Garden
Sending your sister missionary a mini-garden is easier than you might expect. You’ll want to start by picking out some colorful flower pots and purchasing a small amount of potting mix. If you can only find soil in large packages, don’t worry: this product is usually inexpensive, and you can scoop the amount you’d like into a ziplock bag for mailing. Make sure the pots are secured with bubble wrap if breakable, and include several packets of flower seeds. Be careful to choose smaller flora, especially for the more petite pots!
Go From Funky to Fresh
One of the products my husband loved on his mission was axe body wash. You can find this in almost any store nowadays, in a variety of scents. I also included a black loofah with much assurance that it was not a woman’s product. The masculine loofah may take some searching, but it’s worth it! Whatever you do, don’t send pink!
Stick With Softer Shades
Nail polish is the perfect gift for sister missionaries: it’s inexpensive to buy and ship, and it adds a little “pretty” to the day. Don’t get too crazy with the colors, as most missions have guidelines that keep makeup and accessories conservative. Instead, find simple, feminine colors — she’ll love the change in routine!
Build a Letter Out of Puzzle Pieces
With constant letter-writing, sometimes you’ll want to jazz up the regular routine. A puzzle-letter is a fun way to keep things interesting, and there are several ways to proceed. If you have a large family, you may prefer to order a set of blank puzzles from a place like Oriental Trading Company (24 for under $10), and let each family member make their own. Little kids will love coloring a picture for their brother or sister. You can also create puzzles out of cardstock or paper, or even a large posterboard. If you choose to make a big puzzle out of posterboard, be sure to do all writing and coloring on the back (the side that is NOT shiny), so that the ink and colors do not smear. Then, simply cut the page into pieces, put them in a small box or manila envelope, and send them on their way!
Paper Snowflakes
You remember these, right? Snowflakes are a great way to send love during winter months such as January, when holidays are over and it’s just plain cold! When my husband (“sort-of-boyfriend” at the time) Reed was in Brazil, I sent him a manila envelope with about a dozen snowflakes that I’d made for him, each with a cute message of love or a scripture written on it.
If sending to an older brother or sister, have the young kids especially get involved — with glitter or markers, maybe — and your missionary will love it, whether he’s in Brazil or Romania!
Make Mailing Letters Simple!
You can can make life a little easier for you missionary by sending him or her a sheet of address labels. Missionaries are really cramped for time on their Preparation Day, so why not save them the hastle? My husband’s return address was 5-6 lines long, and when I sent him a sheet of return address labels, he used one on his next letter with a note on the envelope that said “Very, VERY helpful. Thank you.” You might even think about sending a sheet of labels with your address — it’ll only make sending letters home more appealling!
Here is just one site where you can order these labels:
http://stamps-n-labels.com/address_labels.html
You can also homemake them with label paper and a printer!
The Antidote for a Humid Climate
Baby Powder was a lifesaver when I volunteered in the Dominican Republic a few summers ago. In a humid climate, baby powder is one way to feel clean and refreshed, instead of sticky and sweaty. I don’t know if it ever caught on with the boys in our group, but by the end of the summer, every girl had her own bottle, and the boys just mooched from us. If your missionary is dealing with high humidity, baby powder is manna from Heaven.
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