I am not LDS, but an LDS couple I know is going on a mission. Is it appropriate for me to give them a gift? If so, what should I give them?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 9
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Its totally appropriate. They'll appreciate your consideration. As far as what to get them, give it some thought. They'll be away from home, probably for a couple of years, so maybe something light that travels well. Also, be sure they have your address so they can keep in contact while they're away.
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That’s really cool of you to want to do. There’s plenty of stuff that would be appropriate, but if I may make a rather unique suggestion: the husband will be wearing a *lot* of ties, during his mission, so get a picture of their family (maybe their grandkids?) and get him this: http://tinyurl.com/48kze4 . That’s what my wife gets me, every Father’s Day, and I *love* it! (Just a thought!) ;-)
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Your phone number and address
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It is a great idea to give them a gift. I would suggest a hardcover, blank journal for them to record their misssion experience in. LDS are taught by their prophets to be a "record keeping" people. What better gift to give a missionary than a journal to fill with their experiences?
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What a great question. A roll of stamps from the post office would probably be welcome.
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i'd think a few disposable cameras, or a memory card if they have a digital, address (or email) great way for them to keep in touch and send pics and keep you updated. of some journal/scrapbook stuff so they can keep a fun record of their mission and they have something to share with you when they come back
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Depends on how strict your interpretation of 'partaking' of other's activities is. Some folks wouldn't feel comfortable. As a good neighbor, I might well offer my support, prayers, and a small, practical item. The journal is a great idea. A couple nice pens with comfortable grips, and a pocket protector? Send them some quality breath mints if you keep in touch? (as a Christian missionary, I was told to be careful not to give ANY offense, and always have a mint if I would be praying with someone!)
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I would suggest a gift card for Deseret Book (http://deseretbook.com/gift_cards). There are a number of books that they are going to need to have (if they don't already have them) for their mission. If they do already have the books, then they can also use the gift card to purchase music or other things that they my like to take with them. As an alternative to this, Visa also has prepaid gift cards that you can get. These have the advantage over other gift cards in that they can be uses just about anywhere rather than just at the store from which they were purchased. (Personally, I usually prefer receive gift cards as presents because then I can get what I want. I appreciate the thought that goes into getting presents, but it can be a hassle if the present is not going to be something that I will use.)
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If you're close to them a gift may certainly be appropriate. As has been indicated, gift cards are always handy though some care needs to be taken if it's foreign service as most cards wouldn't be good outside the US. Even things like Visa and MasterCard, which are taken for granted in the US, are less accepted internationally than the marketing would have you believe. For something more personal, media for a camera, stationery and journals, or a book highlighting the state or country in which they'll serve are safe bets. If they are to be speaking a different language, it is common that one of the couple is less familiar with the language (or doesn't speak it at all) and a book explaining the culture or a book of common phrases in the local language can be nice (the Church has some good reference material but they aren't the type of things designed to slip easily into a purse or briefcase for quick reference). Typical missionary attire is Sunday dress, but accessories like ties and scarves can add some color and individuality. That's a few ideas.
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