Missionary Ideas

I recently attempted to purchase some clothes for my cousin, who’s serving in Korea. After striking out at several stores, I had to return home empty handed. I thought I’d start posting clothing pieces I come across. This lovely top is from Downeast Outfitters, a definite go-to store for cute modest wardrobes. Be sure to check the specific standards for each mission before committing to anything!

It seems like it’s always harder to think of presents to ship to missionaries serving in warmer climates. My sister and I searched hard to find things for our brother (who is leaving for Honduras today). One of our ideas was a lightweight, battery-operated fan. I know that when I lived in the Dominican Republic, it was so nice to have a little breeze when trying to fall asleep — the rooms were usually sweltering. When I asked my husband if a fan would have been nice in Brazil, where he served his mission he said he would have loved it, and added that the smaller hand-fans work out very nicely, too. This is a picture of the fan we bought for my brother. I included the batteries in the photo to show the size of the fan (they are D batteries), but my sister and I decided not to send them — way too heavy! You be the judge.

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!

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.

Unique Trays Make for Cute Popsicles!

You may not be able to send her favorite ice cream, but here’s one way to mail a refreshing treat to warmer countries.  You remember homemade popsicles, right? Fill an ice tray with juice, freeze with toothpicks inside, and enjoy.  This cool treat is ideal for hot afternoons in the mission field, and festive ice trays (you can buy them cheap at IKEA) make it even more fun.  Include crystal light powder (or another dry drink mix) in the package, as well as a bit of wax paper or seran wrap (if you pour the juice in and then poke the toothpicks through the paper, the popsicles won’t be crooked when you try to eat them!). Your missionary will love this chilly (and simple!) treat.

Simple Sun Protection

Sunscreen may not be the first product that comes to mind during the Christmas season in the Northern hemisphere, but remember, south of the border it’s hotter than ever!

My mother-in-law sent my husband Reed this very suncreen: Coppertone Sport SPF 30.  In Brazil, he needed sunscreen everyday, and he said that the spray-on kind was the best because it could be applied quickly, on the way out the door to an appointment. Be careful that you don’t buy an aerosol spray bottle, though, because they are not safe to ship to all places. A manual-pump sray bottle works just fine, and will keep your missionary protected. Also, consider sending an SPF sport lip balm.  Any missionary serving in the sun will appreciate it!