Here in our home state of Utah, missionaries are a common sight due to the strong presence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you live here, you’ve likely grown quite accustomed to the young men or women in the community, wearing those little black name tags that read “Elder” or “Sister.”
We applaud these missionaries for devoting their time and resources to serving humanity and God, and we recognize that this faith tradition extends well beyond the LDS church. We know that there are missionaries of all faith traditions making significant sacrifices. This may involve serving far from home, working long days, and going without many of life’s little comforts. A mission may bring less-than-ideal living conditions and frequent rejection from the people around you.
Most missionaries enjoy their time of service; however, there will likely be hard times. Whether a missionary is dealing with a difficult companion, a rough area, a bout of homesickness, or something else, there will be times when they struggle and could use a pick-me-up.
Below you’ll find great gift ideas that will brighten any missionary’s day. These gift ideas for care packages will work for Christmas, birthdays, halfway marks, or any other day of the year.
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Before You Send
Know The Rules
Before sending anything to a missionary, become familiar with the rules and shipping regulations for the missionary’s area. Some countries may not allow particular food or other items. Also, sending cash is generally not a good idea.
Be aware of customs fees; you wouldn’t want your missionary to spend a bunch of money to accept your package. You can contact the mission office for the area your missionary is serving to find out any specific rules.
Keep It Simple
When it comes to gifts for missionaries, remember small and simple is best. Your missionary will still know you love them and are thinking of them despite the size of the care package.
Missionaries have limited space. Most LDS missionaries must be able to fit all of their possessions into two large suitcases when it comes time to transfer to a new area. They may have to leave it behind if they have large items that won’t fit into their luggage.
Make It Double
Not all missionaries have loved ones willing or able to send care packages, so when sending something to your missionary, make sure to send something for those they work with. In the case of LDS missionaries, they likely work in a companionship or a trio.
If they live in an apartment with another set of missionaries, consider sending a little something for those missionaries, too.
Sweet Gift Ideas
Practically Perfect
Since missionaries often have limited funds, they will appreciate being sent practical, everyday items they need and will actually use. You may want to ask the missionary what they specifically need. Here are just a few ideas:
- Bathroom Supplies: Sending things such as a favorite soap or body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, and other personal items will make it so your missionary doesn’t have to stretch their money quite so far this month.
- Clothing Items: With all the walking and biking missionaries do, their clothing and shoes will wear out before their mission ends. Help them out by sending clothing items they need.
- Supplies: There are several things missionaries use regularly, including a planner or calendar, notebooks, journals, pens, and scripture highlighters. Send your missionaries some of these items to replenish their supply.
For People Being Taught
Teaching missionaries spend much of their mission helping others understand the gospel and how to strengthen their relationship with God. You can send gifts that help strengthen relationships between your missionary and those they are teaching.
- Pictures Of Christ: A simple visual can help those who are seeking to center their lives on Christ.
- Rubber CTR Rings: CTR stands for “Choose The Right,” and this message is available on low-cost, flexible rings. Having a small token to remind friends to strive to make good choices is a great way to help them draw closer to Christ.
- Treats: Treats from home aren’t just good for the missionary. Share your love with sweet treats that your missionary can pay forward to the people they are teaching.
Fill Their Bellies And Their Hearts
Missionaries are often short on time to cook their own meals, so they tend to be hungry a lot. In some cases, they may be fed by families in the community, but even then, the food may be different than Mom’s cooking back at home. Food gifts are a favorite among missionaries, not only filling their stomachs but reminding them of home.
- Gift Cards/Meal Delivery: Ask your missionary where they eat or buy groceries, and buy them gift cards to these places. You could also have a meal delivered to them if you know a window of time when they will be home.
- Cookies: Nothing will brighten a missionary’s day and make them feel the love of home quite like fresh-baked cookies.You may consider baking and sending the cookies yourself, but shipping cookies can be tricky. You need to know how to bake and package them properly so they stay fresh for as long as possible.To save yourself the hassle, buy cookies online. A missionary cookie delivery that is engineered for freshness can rejuvenate any tired, homesick missionary and energize them for the days ahead.
- Favorite Treats: Whether your missionary is serving stateside or abroad, sending them their favorite treat (be it salty chips and beef jerky, nuts, or candy bars), can help them feel remembered and loved. This packs an especially big punch when you send something they cannot get where they are serving (like a box of mac and cheese or peanut butter for missionaries serving overseas).
Notes Of Encouragement
Gifts and packages are great; however, never overlook the power of a simple piece of mail.
- Personal Letter: A letter from home is often precisely what a missionary needs to boost their spirits and keep them moving forward.Consider including important events happening in your life, but do so in a way that won’t make them feel like they are missing out. Keep things positive; don’t gossip.Share spiritual experiences and insights, along with your testimony. Ask your missionary about their mission’s culture, friends, companions, and experiences. Avoid criticism or talking about the number of baptisms they’ve had. Also, avoid sharing problems happening at home. If you were dating the missionary you are writing to, avoid any romantic correspondence.
- Collection Of Letters: Surprise your missionary with not just one but a whole stack of letters.You could rally their high school or college friends or have the primary or mutual organizations from your ward write letters to your missionary and their companion at one of their activities. Or, have extended family members write notes at the next family get-together.
- Photos: Consider including pictures from home with your letter, as these become so precious to missionaries.
- Letter Supplies: Having envelopes, stamps, paper, pens, etc., will make it easier for missionaries to write letters. Remember to be patient, though; missionaries are often quite busy and don’t have much time to write.
The age-old saying, “It’s the thought that counts,” fits missionaries perfectly. What matters most is not what you send but the idea that you are thinking of your missionary. Keep things sweet and simple. And, above all else, pray for your missionary every day.