Gift for Missionary Friend

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Where is she going? Will she be in major heat, cold, doing lots of walking? Maybe some cushy shoe inserts or something that will be useful to her, nice water filter system, mosquito net.... Maybe a religious bookmark she can put in her scriptures. That is a sweet gesture and takes up virtually no space.

How about a small flip book of photos or an extra memory card for her camera. A nice bookbag or refillable water bottle would be great too. I would maybe check a camping website for great ideas too.

Is she bringing any kind of media player? (music, video, etc.) You could get her music (a mix that you make?) or favorite movies. Or, depending on your budget, you could think about getting her a cheap mp3 player, just check on where they're going to be and what kind of plug they'd need for charging (assuming they will have semi-regular access to power.) Media players are tiny - can be carried on the plane with them, in your friend's purse - and can store hours and hours of music, audio books, whatever.

I have a friend who is a missionary in Japan and my brother was in the Peace Corps in Tanzania. Care packages from home are the best! Maybe you could give her a certificate promising a small care package every so often. Just be sure you are willing and able to fulfill the promise. Recycled magazines, homemade cookies, Girl Scout cookies, pictures from home, little things they may not be able to find in their new home like a favorite toiletry, books by a favorite author, a favorite holiday treat, new socks. For both my brother and my friend getting an unexpected package from home can brighten a whole week. Just be sure you don't send anything with too much value. Things will disappear from packages when they go through customs. Also be sure not to send liquids, glass, or things that will melt (if you are sending to a hot climate). The post office can give you information on what can and can't be sent.

Can a donation to her mission be considered a gift or have you already done that? Just a thought.

I was a missionary, and I would second (or third) the ideas of cash and pictures. They were God-sends for us!

How about a night out you and her? Something she can remember.
Or a promise to send something later? Like regular letters, prayer support, monthly support or find out if they can use or need a magazine subscription. Depending on where they are going they may appreciate the promise of a care package later (even essentials like soap that may not be available in their country).