Army Sgt. Nicole Poindexter, human resources noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), Allied Forces North Battalion, discusses next actions with Staff Sgt. Jose Wellington, also with HHC, visible in her sunglasses, as...
By this point in the holiday season, I would hope that most people would have gifts for their loved ones wrapped under the tree or out in the mail already. But let's be real -- there will always be procrastinators, and that's why we always have the last-minute holiday rush.
If you're not sure what to get a friend or family member who's in the military, here are some great suggestions that are relatively inexpensive and really useful.
DOS
-- A pocket knife.
A pocket knife is essential for everyday military life, whether you're opening boxes, cutting ropes, using it as a utensil or MacGyver-ing your way out of a sticky situation.
-- A nice sports watch.
Pick one that's waterproof, shockproof and durable. G-Shock, Timex, Citizen Eco Drive, Seiko, Bertucci and Momentum are all known to have good military-style watches for less than $100.
-- Good tactical-style sunglasses.
Service members working in the field are required to have ballistic lenses that protect their eyes from small projectiles and fragments. Each service branch has an authorized protective eyewear list (APEL) where you can find approved brands and styles, including those from Oakley, Smith Optics, ESS and Wiley X.
-- A waterproof, shockproof smartphone case.
As we all know, phones can easily be broken, especially if you have to work and train out in the elements. So a case that protects your cherished phone is essential. There are a number of durable models of cases out there that protect phones from dirt, dust, and water and can survive drops of several feet.
-- Wireless head/earphones.
At some point, we've all had our headphones or earbuds knocked off our heads after snagging the annoying wires that attach them to our phones or iPods. But the world of wireless headphones is changing that. Bluetooth-connected headphones are the future (especially now that the iPhone 7 doesn't even have a headphone jack). Plus, wireless is just easier to deal with when working out.
-- Gift cards.
The gift card never goes out of style. Who doesn't like getting $50 toward their favorite restaurant or store?
FOR THE DEPLOYING SERVICE MEMBER
-- A lightweight personal cooking stove.
These are basically thermoses with propane tanks, stands and (sometimes) auto-igniters. They boil water quickly, which is useful whether you're making coffee, prepping an MRE or just need some warm water to shave with. The propane tanks that go with them are usually inexpensive and last for several months. Some good brands to consider include JetBoil and MSR WindBurner, and they're usually under $100.
-- A video streaming subscription.
Video streaming services can be an entertainment-providing lifesaver for service members on a ship or in a remote location who don't have much to do during their down time. Even though services like Amazon Prime, Hulu and Netflix are pretty inexpensive, having that monthly payment covered for the next year is always a nice gift.
-- Other lightweight entertainment.
Playing cards, dominos or magazines that pertain to a service member's interests (like working out or sports) are always a welcome choice.
-- A USB-cable-powered fan.
A lot of service members get deployed to warm climates, so keeping cool is important. USB-powered fans are a great, affordable choice for a gift. They can be plugged into a laptop, portable charger or other device to charge, rather than relying on a wall plug, and many of them are also battery-powered.
The service member who tipped me off to this gift said there was a pretty big line of people who wanted to take his fan when he was finished with it!
-- Food.
Believe it or not, some of the best care packages you can send include Ramen noodles, dehydrated meals (like those you would buy for a camping trip) and beef jerky (only the GOOD beef jerky, I've been informed). And though your service member might have a sweet tooth, don't send chocolate -- it'll likely melt (although Tootsie Rolls will survive, so they're a good substitute).
-- Individual packets of hot sauces.
It sounds silly, but according to several service members I talked to, they packets of hot sauce a lifesaver when it comes to spicing up MREs. You can buy them in bulk on Amazon or just about anywhere online for between $5 and $20.
-- Toiletries.
For service members deployed to warm climates, you can never send enough foot powder, deodorant and baby powder to help with unwanted odors and chafing. Battery-operated electric razors are also useful, as are body washes and fingernail and toenail clippers. The basics are always useful.
-- Photos.
Service members miss their family and friends when they're away, so sending them some newer photos is always a great idea. Also, get them laminated if you can. They'll hold up better!
DON'TS
Many service members would be happy with the items mentioned above. Something they wouldn't be thrilled to get, though? Service branch-affiliated gear.
While you might feel cool wearing something that says "Navy" or "Marine," service members from every branch already have tons of that garb that they have to wear all the time. So getting them yet another piece of clothing, accessory or blanket that reminds them of what they do day in and day out will likely be a let-down.
Similarly, if they're deployed to the Middle East (or anywhere else where there's a lot of sand), don't get them anything beige. Between the location and their uniform, they see enough of that color. Try something a little more vibrant!
Hopefully, these choices give you a little better idea of what you can buy for your favorite service members. Now stop procrastinating and get it done!
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