If you’re looking for a more personal gift for your missionary, check out Lily Gene on Etsy.  She does these cute prints of special places, and can even add little details like a postage ink-stamp of a particularly important date.  It’s all totally customizable!   With all the options she offers, there are several fun things you could do.  Either send the missionary a map of the country or state where he’s serving (what a great idea for a farewell or homecoming gift!), or send a print of his home state / country.  Lily Gene also has a “someone in _____ loves you” custom postcard and other ideas.  Lily Gene was featured in this month’s InStyle, so check out the shop before things get backed up! I can’t stop thinking about what a cute idea this is, not only for missionaries, but anyone!

I know I just posted about a Christmas tree kit, but you have to admit, this is pretty awesome. Plus, boys (of all ages) are obsessed with legos. This would make a winning gift!

Order it here.

This idea comes from Nissen at PinchingYourPennies, and looks like a fun present for anyone abroad. I investigated a little, reading the reviews and such, and it seems like it really is as good as it sounds. No need for scissors or glue, either. The only downside is the extra shipping time (for the product to be shipped to YOU, then having to ship it to your missionary). But it’s so cute, I’d be willing to work around that schedule!

Find it on amazon here: Christmas Tree in a Box

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.