Today I was pleased to get a question from an old friend. She told me that a friend of hers was deploying soon and she was looking for some ideas for what she could give him as a going-away gift. Well, apparently, it’s just not wives who think about how to deal with the time leading up to deployment! The time period leading up to a deployment is a tricky one. What really can you give a loved one that will be of value while he or she is overseas? Here is the advice I offered my friend, which can be applicable for anyone wishing to bid a service member a memorable farewell.
I really struggled with the going away gesture myself. I think what is most important is letting your loved one know you are supportive while they are away – send a postcard, email or care package once in a while to let them know you are thinking of them.
- No two deployments are the same: Be sure you have an idea of what their deployment will be like. Will they be on a base, or in the field most of the time? If this is not his first deployment, he will probably be able to offer a lot of details. This is important because if he will not have access to a computer at anytime, an iTunes gift card won’t do much good.
- Think logically: You don’t want to give him anything too nice because it will just get cruddy. And you don’t want to get him something too big because he has to lug it over there. Be sensitive to these facts and if you’re in doubt whether or not a gift is appropriate, just tell him. He will just think you’re especially thoughtful for asking.
- Gift suggestions:
- Phone card (can’t get enough of these)
- iTunes card
- Twin air mattress (he can use in the field or put on a cot for added comfort)
- Travel pillow (the flight over there is nasty)
- A few paperback books and magazines if he’s a reader.
- PSP (per my husband, this is the #1 deployment extravagance)
- Small photo album.
- Digital photo key chain (I found a great one for my husband at Brookstone)
- If he’s religious, a St. Christopher medal or charm
- Noise canceling headphones (there are more affordable alternatives than Bose offers nowadays)
- If you are still stuck but wanted to be creative, you could give him a coupon like, “This entitles you to 5 care packages packed with goodies from yours truly!
I really struggled with the going away gesture myself. I think what is most important is letting your loved one know you are supportive while they are away – send a postcard, email or care package once in a while to let them know you are thinking of them.