Make a Soldier's Day: Handmade Craft Projects You Can Send Overseas

Most military personnel are at least a little homesick. They love their job but, at the same time, they love feeling like they’re home. Handmade gifts can help in that respect. If you want to help out our troops, but you don’t really know what to do for them, you can try sending them something with a personal touch.

Scarves 

Soldiers are sometimes stationed in places where it’s really cold. They don’t always have access to warm clothes aside from what the military gives them. A nice, knitted scarf not only shows that you care, but it also has a practical benefit.

Bandanas 

On the other end of the continuum is the soldier who is stationed in a hot climate, like Afghanistan or some desert climate. A bandana can soak up the sweat and provide a shield from the sun. Male military personnel have short haircuts by requirement. This also means that they are more prone to sunburn on the top of their heads if they don’t have protection (e.g. a hat). And, while they do have hats issued by the military, sometimes, a soldier wants something a little more lightweight.

Ties 

Sending this seems like an odd gift for a soldier, but they don’t work all the time. During their days off, it’s nice to be able to dress up and go into town, if they have that option.

Paracord Bracelets 

Paracord bracelets are not only stylish (well, stylish for military personnel), but functional as well. What is a paracord bracelet? It’s a bracelet made out of the same nylon cord that’s been used in parachutes since at least World War II.

The cord can be used to fashion climbing tools, a gill net, a fishing line, a snare trap, and even a makeshift tourniquet. Oddly enough, the military doesn’t provide this as standard equipment. But, you can, and soldiers love them.

A Special Ornament 

A lot of soldiers are, unfortunately, without a family to celebrate the holidays. Either, they’re single, or they don’t have a great relationship with their parents or other family members. This doesn’t have to be a lonely time for them though.

You can send a soldier a Christmas ornament and let them know that someone out there in this world is thinking of them. This is more than female soldiers in the civil war got, but today’s soldiers also face different challenges than some soldiers of that era.

For example, during the Civil War, women were generally not allowed to join the military and serve on the front lines. Women could be nurses, but they wouldn’t see a lot of combat.

However, some women did manage to fake their identity, pose as males, and fight on the front lines.

Today, women serve openly in the military, but the dynamics of family structure are a bit different today. In the old days, family was very important and it was rare for a soldier to not have a family to come home to or to write to.

Today, some soldiers aren’t married or don’t have a family that sends them letters or gifts. You can be that family and become a force for good and a source of hope.

Helen Moser is a retired service member who also loves to craft. She combined her desire to help our overseas military with her love of creating things to help support our troops. Look for her great craft ideas and tips on many blogs and websites.