When someone you care about answers the call to serve as a missionary, you know they’re stepping into something big—something brave, beautiful, and often far from home. Whether they’re headed across the country or halfway around the world, they’re packing up more than just clothes. They’re carrying faith, love, and a deep desire to help others.
And while that mission might feel priceless, the practical side of preparing for it? That’s where we come in.
Finding the right going-away gift for a missionary can be tricky. You want something meaningful, useful, and respectful of their journey—not just another trinket to take up space in their suitcase. Below, you’ll find gifts that serve a purpose, offer comfort, or remind them of the people praying for them back home. These are the little things that can make a big difference when they’re far from familiar ground.
1. Compact Travel Journal
A missionary’s days are often packed with unforgettable encounters, meaningful conversations, and personal spiritual growth. A compact travel journal gives them a place to record all of it—prayers answered, people met, languages learned, and lessons that shift their worldview. Choose one that’s durable enough to survive bumpy travel and small enough to tuck into a bag. Add a personal note on the first page, and you’ve given them not just a notebook—but a companion on their journey.
2. Waterproof Bible Cover or Case
Let’s be real—missionary life doesn’t always involve tidy desks or quiet coffee shop study sessions. From rainy walks to dusty rural churches, their Bible goes wherever they go. A waterproof cover with zipper compartments not only protects their most important book but also keeps things like pens, notebooks, and devotionals all in one spot. It’s functional, durable, and gives them peace of mind that their Bible will survive anything the mission throws their way.
3. Travel-Sized First Aid Kit
This is one of those things they’ll thank you for later. Whether they’re heading to a remote village or navigating big city streets, small scrapes, blisters, or headaches are bound to happen. A compact first aid kit stocked with essentials—like band-aids, tweezers, antiseptic wipes, and even a few motion sickness tablets—won’t take up much space, but it could save them a world of discomfort. It’s thoughtful, practical, and shows you’ve thought about the details they might forget.
4. Multi-Tool Keychain
In the field, missionaries often find themselves in unexpected situations. A door that won’t open, a package that needs opening, a screw that needs tightening—enter the multitool keychain. It clips onto their backpack or keys and offers a surprising amount of utility in a tiny package: screwdrivers, scissors, bottle openers, mini flashlights—you name it. It’s the kind of gift they’ll use more than they ever expected, and it makes a perfect “just in case” piece of gear for their mission bag.
5. Portable Phone Charger
While it’s not the most glamorous gift, it’s definitely one of the most appreciated. A lightweight, portable phone charger ensures they’ll never be caught with a dead battery when they need their GPS, notes, or a message from home. Look for one with fast charging and multiple ports—bonus if it includes solar or USB-C capabilities for overseas travel. In an unpredictable schedule, having this backup power source brings one less thing to worry about.
6. Water Bottle with Filter
Clean water isn’t always guaranteed, especially for missionaries serving in remote or unfamiliar areas. That’s why a filtered water bottle is more than just a thoughtful gift—it’s a safety essential. These bottles remove bacteria, chemicals, and bad taste, giving them peace of mind with every sip. Look for a design that’s lightweight and easy to refill on the go. It’s a practical way to show you’re looking out for their well-being, one drink at a time.
7. Foldable Tote Bag or Daypack
Missionaries tend to carry a lot—books, snacks, gifts for kids, and supplies for community work. A foldable tote or lightweight daypack is the kind of versatile item they’ll use every day. It can be packed flat into a suitcase but quickly becomes a life-saver when extra space is needed on the fly. Whether they’re navigating markets or hiking through villages, having an extra bag makes their day just a little easier.
8. Laminated Scripture Cards
Encouraging Bible verses printed on laminated cards offer comfort, strength, and a quick boost of faith—especially when homesickness or exhaustion creeps in. They’re easy to tuck into a wallet, journal, or pocket, and perfect for sharing with others during ministry. Some sets even come with a key ring to keep them all together. It’s a meaningful reminder that they’re never alone, even on the hardest days.
9. Travel-Friendly Devotional Book
When you’re far from home, spiritual routines can easily get disrupted. A compact devotional book tailored for travel or missions helps keep their heart centered and their purpose clear. Choose one with brief, powerful reflections they can read each morning before a busy day. It’s like a daily check-in with God—quiet, grounding, and deeply nourishing.
10. Compact Flashlight or Headlamp
When you’re walking back from a meeting in a place without streetlights—or simply trying to find something in a dark hostel room—a quality flashlight or headlamp becomes indispensable. Pick one that’s rechargeable or battery-efficient, and you’ve just gifted them confidence in the dark. It’s one of those small things that turns out to be incredibly important.
11. Personal Notes or Letter Kit
When homesickness hits, a handwritten note can do wonders. A letter-writing kit complete with envelopes, stationery, and stamps (if possible) encourages them to stay connected with loved ones. Add a few “Open When…” letters from family or friends—like “Open when you feel discouraged” or “Open when you miss home”—and you’ve created a lifeline of encouragement they can reach for whenever they need it.
12. Lightweight Blanket or Travel Throw
Whether it’s a chilly airplane ride or a cold concrete floor in a new host home, a lightweight blanket brings immediate comfort. Look for one that rolls up tight, dries fast, and feels soft to the touch. It’s a little slice of home they can carry anywhere—and wrap themselves in when the road gets long or the nights feel unfamiliar.
13. Personalized Luggage Tag or Passport Cover
Traveling frequently means keeping things labeled, secure, and easy to find. A custom luggage tag or passport cover not only makes their gear look great but also helps them stay organized. Add their name, initials, or a verse like “Be strong and courageous” to remind them of their purpose every time they check in or go through security.
14. Modest Cross Necklace
Simple, timeless, and meaningful, a cross necklace serves as both a symbol of faith and a personal anchor. It’s a wearable reminder of the mission they’re called to—and the prayers that go with them. Choose a minimalist design that won’t get in the way or attract too much attention, and it becomes an everyday keepsake they’ll treasure.
15. Encouragement Bracelet or Keychain
Sometimes, all it takes is a few words to lift someone’s spirits. A bracelet or keychain inscribed with a verse or message like “You’ve Got This,” “Be Still,” or “God Goes With You” can feel like a warm hug from home. It’s small, subtle, and something they can reach for on the tough days when they need a little reminder of who they are—and who’s walking with them.