The Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Missionaries

For an LDS missionary and their family, Christmas can be a both joyous and difficult time. A gift from home can do wonders to boost a missionary’s spirit.

We took to Facebook and asked you what you thought the best gifts to give missionaries at Christmas are. According to your answers and a few ideas of our own, here are the best LDS missionary Christmas gifts!

1. Personal Touches

Hands down, keeping it personal is key! No matter what was suggested, our readers noted how much missionaries appreciate little things that remind them of home. Whether it was updated pictures of the family or a collection of letters from friends and ward members, hearing from loved ones is as good as it gets.

We suggest turning to social media to gather heartwarming notes! Post a status on your missionary’s Facebook page asking for a quick hello or letter. Copy and paste the statuses into an e-mail for your missionary or, better yet, print them out and send them in the mail.

2. Custom Mission Jewelry

Get your missionary a gift that will remind them of service in the mission field for years to come. These surgical-grade stainless steel rings will stand the test of time and can even be personalized on the inside. View all the missions available here!

3. Taste of Home

It’s no surprise that food gifts made it high on our list of the best missionary gifts for Christmas. Not only are they sure to bring a smile, but your missionary won’t have to worry about carrying them around transfer after transfer.

Send your missionary their favorite candies and non-perishable food items. This is a great idea for missionaries serving in foreign countries who do not have access to beloved cereals, spreads, and more.

4. Approved Technology

With tablets and smartphones becoming standard missionary tools, accessories like durable charging cables, portable power banks, or screen protectors are thoughtful and practical. Check mission-specific guidelines to ensure tech gifts are permitted.

5. Essential Supplies

Missionaries are always in need of some basic necessities. Most are easy to ship, cost-effective, and will be used consistently. Some of our readers suggested:

• Quality socks (especially moisture-wicking or compression types)
• Durable water bottles
• Toiletries like deodorant, shampoo, and razors
• Small first-aid kits or stain-removal pens
• Multi-tools or compact sewing kits
• Soaps and other bathroom supplies
• Sticky notes, pens, and pencils
• A Teflon pan with a non-stick spatula
• Gift cards or cash
• Shoe polish kits
• Sewing kits

Another reader mentioned laundry supplies: “I think that an iron and a white cotton cloth is perfect, so that they can keep creases on their pants, what you do you put the white cotton cloth over the pants that you are going to crease, that way your pants don’t get shiny as you iron them.”

 6. Missionary Bags 

Missionaries have a lot to carry! Scriptures, electronics, pass-along cards, pens, water bottles, biking gear, and more—and they all need someplace to go. More importantly, everything inside has to be safe.

An upgrade to a water-resistant, durable backpack or shoulder bag designed for missionaries is a great gift. Look for options with organized compartments for books and devices.

7. Seasonal Clothing

One of the most practical LDS missionary Christmas gifts is seasonal clothing. Help your missionary stay comfortable and looking sharp with weather-appropriate gear. Thermal underlayers, rain ponchos, or lightweight jackets are especially useful for those in colder or wetter climates.

8. Holiday Cheer

Missionaries don’t have much time to think about decorations, so send a bit of festive cheer! These posters are a great and affordable way to ensure your missionary has a Christmas tree.

Made of sturdy paper and featuring a large, bright design, your missionaries can place their gifts underneath it without any stress or fuss. Paired with some mini LED string lights, reusable window clings, or paper snowflakes, your missionary’s space will be full of holiday cheer.

9. Study and Teaching Aids

Missionaries spend a lot of time studying and teaching. Updated study aids like scripture markers, highlighters, or journals can enhance their efforts.

Consider sending a digital subscription to gospel study apps or online language-learning tools if they’re serving in a foreign language. You could also send one of these convenient gift packs:

• Elder Missionary Gift Pack
• Sister Missionary Gift Pack

10. Missionary Support

Perhaps nothing means more to a missionary than when they are supported in hastening the work. Christmas is a perfect opportunity to give a Book of Mormon as a gift, to have friends in your home while the missionaries are there, and to share the gift of the gospel.

There are many ways to do so that suit your situation and comfort level. For your missionaries out in the field, send them stories of how you’ve been trying to share the gospel.

Was there anything on this list that we missed? Tell us about your favorite LDS missionary Christmas gifts in the comments below!

Aleah Ingram

Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.