‘Tis the season for gifting, but what does that look like when your spouse is deployed? Deployments are never easy, and deployments over the holiday season are even more difficult.
It’s safe to say that 2020 has thrown even the most seasoned spouses for a loop, but as the holidays come into full focus, don’t let shopping for a deployed husband or wife send you into a panic.
Here are the best gifts to include for the ultimate holiday care package, broken down into useful categories that make shopping a snap. Plus, don’t miss the holiday shipping deadlines for overseas packages!
EAT
At-the-ready snacks – Looking to send your service member a taste of home without turning on the oven or worrying about food spoiling? Look no further than ReadyWise Cookie Dough Snacks or Apple Crisp – ready-to-eat foods in airtight pouches that are made using a freeze-dry method to retain a snack-friendly crunch and taste just like the home-cooked alternative.
Steve’s PaleoGoods Jerky – Shelf stable for more than twelve months, this grass-fed beef jerky contains no gluten or refined sugar and is made in small batches by a family-owned business out of New Jersey.
Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites – Individually wrapped and easy to take on-the-go, these chewable nut-based bites come in cranberry, plum, and blueberry flavors.
NEED
PHOOZY Tech Wipes – Electronics are dirty no matter where you are. These handy tech wipes kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria and are biodegradable. They’re safe for all screens and can also be used for things like cleaning goggles, charging cables, and light switches.
Gift Cards – It might seem impersonal, but gift cards can help service members decompress from the stressors of deployment life in the form of buying new music, books, or movies. Amazon, iTunes, and Audible are all good options.
Luxury Toiletry Items – Does your spouse have a high-end shampoo they love or a sunscreen that reminds them of a beach day? This is the time to stock up and send it overseas. Just be sure to secure it in a bag prior to wrapping in case of any leakage.
WEAR
BOMBAS – High-quality socks will make any soldier smile and BOMBAS goes the distance with their socks for men and women which come in a variety of styles like ankle and calf. As a B-Corp, the company donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased.
Personalized Wrap Bracelet – Made from leather baseball glove lace, these wrap bracelets can be personalized with quotes, messages of love, or anything unique to your relationship. Colors include tan, black, and Army green.
UST Headlamp – A quality headlamp is a must on deployment. Treat your spouse to this LED headlamp with rechargeable batteries, which provides up to eighteen hours of light on a single charge.
READ
Mixbook Family Photo Album – For a deployed service member missing their family and friends, this is the ultimate in gifting. Using Mixbook’s easy-to-use software, users can create personalized books using pre-made templates that include space for photos and text.
HUMANS – The latest installment from award-winning Humans of New York, HUMANS chronicles stories from around the world providing a portrait of our shared experience in humanity.
Knock Knock Personalized Book – A fill-in-the-blank book that can be customized for nearly any relationship will have the recipient laughing, crying, and smiling as they make their way from beginning to end.
Short on cash this year? A handwritten letter accompanied by photos is always a winning gift when your service member cannot be home for the holidays.