Missionary Ideas

All you need is a post-it pad and pen, and you’ve got another Valentine’s Day treat that is inxepensive and simple. This idea can be used all year round with different paper designs and shapes, but it’s particularly perfect for February: a sticky-note heart attack is just what the love doctor ordered! Fill each sheet of the pad with a sweet message, leaving the top for the following instruction: “As you pull off each sheet, stick it to the wall!”

Create Your Own Decorations

There is no right way to “heart attack” someone for Valentine’s Day. These hanging hearts are simple and fun: all you need is pink and red paper and several lengths of string. Or apply the hearts horizontally on one longer piece of string for quick and easy decoration in the missionary’s apartment. Other items you can mail include heart-shaped confetti, Valentine candies, paper plates and napkins, doilies, and hand-written notes.

A nativity set is a wonderful Christmas gift for any missionary. It works as a decoration, but reminds the viewer that Christ is the center of Christmas — something very important to remember, even though we may ship lots of fun or silly things to our missionary during the Christmas season. There are many simple nativity sets, without breakable parts. My sister and I found an inexpensive set at Walmart (not the classiest place, but undoubtedly useful), pictured here. The figurines look like ceramic, but they are of a sturdier material, and are fastened to the wooden frame of the stable. This is perfect, because not only will my brother not have to set up lots of pieces, but nothing will be damaged during shipping — at least not the figurines. I have wrapped this already, but am going to ask that it be wrapped in bubble-wrap before it goes in the shipping box. I’m sure you could even find smaller sets if you looked around a little bit.

There are so many inexpensive decorations you can ship to your missionary this time of year. My sister and I found these window stickers — kind of silly, I know, but still festive and fun!

Colored or White -- You Choose!

I picked up a set of Christmas lights at Walmart for $2.00, and the extension cord was less than a dollar. This is a very inexpensive idea, which will spread a lot of cheer! I included the ruler in the photo that I took, so that viewers can get an idea of size. There were several different color options, and each box is lightweight. You could send more than one, if you like.

Who doesn't love the look of Fall?

This is a fun and simple craft that is sure to add autumn festivity to your missionary’s day. I found this craft, and detailed instructions, on the following website:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4610766_silk-leaves-that-seem-fall.html

Basically, the effect is achieved by sewing silk leaves together with thread, and then dangling them from the top of a window. Step inside any craft store, and you will easily find the ingredients you need. Include tape, or better yet, hooks (like the Command brand) so your missionary can hang these beautiful decorations.

This idea comes from the following website:

papergardenboutique.typepad.com

We all know that sending real fireworks in the mail is illegal. And if you didn’t, now you do. However, don’t let that stop you from mailing these festive Fourth of July treats! Start with Lifesavers, Mentos, or other round candies that can take the heat. After that, all you need is construction paper, wire and glue to create some completely legal (and delicious) firecrackers!

Light up the Night!

This awesome image comes from the following Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kierkier/2504206136/ There are many ways to tell your missionary that you’re thinking of them, but what’s better than a ceiling full of stars? Glow-in-the-Dark Stars are inexpensive and easy to ship, and are very fun to fall asleep under! Mail with a note of love, or even with scriptures about God’s beautiful creations. I don’t know a missionary who wouldn’t love this!