Gift Ideas for Missionaries. Overseas Workers, And Other ExPatriots

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Because of shipping times, if you want to send your favorite (or a random!) missionary who is overseas a package for Christmas, you better get the package ready soon.  Don't know what to send? This is an adapted list of things friends of mine who are missionaries would LOVE to receive in a package from home.  Some things are inexpensive and can't be bought overseas, but might be heavy and cost more to ship.  But there are some things that are smaller and light weight that would be less expensive to mail.

Electronic Gifts:
Amazon Gift cards -- most missionaries have a Kindle.  Or they could download a new album.  You can send a gift card in as little as $1, so don't think you have to spend a lot.  If several people sent a small amount, they could get a new book.

Paypal or Money -- send them some cash -- they may live in a place that sounds exotic to us, but they don't always have the resources to do something fun in their host country.  You could even say "Take the kids to McDonalds for dinner" or "treat yourselves to a date night" or just tell them to do something fun.


For Spiritual Growth:

An Amazon gift card can be sent via e-mail (and is often much more secure than mailing a gift depending on the country.)  This would allow them to chose a book that would help them minister.

For fun:
Magazines (even one you subscribe to when you are finished with it! esp. sports, Parenting, age appropriate magazines for their children)
Games -- even card games such as The Great Dalmuti or Quiddler
Anything related to a favorite sports team

To Eat:  (Check before sending these items to make sure they aren't available in their country)
bacon bits
Reese's Cups
Ranch Dressing mix (think how much you would use if you couldn't buy Ranch dressing!)
Chili powder
Packet Mixes (Kool Aid, gravy mix, chili  or taco seasoning, onion soup mix, Shake and Bake)
Pop-Tarts
Twizzlers
Oreos
Stuffing Mix
Mio,  Tang, and  A&W On the Go Drink Packets

For Health:
Ask what vitamins and over the counter medicines they may need

Office / School Supplies
college ruled spiral notebooks
XL stretchable bookcovers
pocket folders

Clothes:
adult socks (you could even send fun pairs!)
kids socks
Ask what they might be in need of.

For the home:
Ziploc bags.   Seriously.  All sizes. You can't go wrong with Ziploc bags, and you can even use them as packing around other items.
Seasonal items:  Candy Canes, Jelly Beans, Easter Egg decorating supplies, even Christmas Cards for them to send
wash cloths

For the kids:

items with their names on it (most missionary kids have a name that is unique either in the host or sending country)  Maybe a notebook or  name stickers
character Band-Aids
lightweight simple age appropriate craft kits such as Melissa and Doug or Alex Toys
Activity or coloring books that teach use of American money, States, American History etc.
Stickers

Getting to know you:
Enclose a photo of your family
Enclose a personal note or favorite easy to make recipe
A picture your child drew, or a note from your child, especially if s/he is the same age as one of the missionary's children.

It is amazingly expensive to mail items overseas.  Don't think you have to send something for the entire family, one small item can be amazingly encouraging to let them know they are remembered.  When I visited with a missionary family, it was a whole family event to open a package, even if it was a birthday gift for one of the people.  Another missionary group I visited always ate lunch together and everyone read their letters to the group, and often shared treats from packages.  Your boxes, letters, and notes are very enjoyed and appreciated!