Need some ideas-

April 18, 2009 · 50 Comments

I received this note from a reader and thought we could put our heads together to help her think of something wonderful!

“I’m currently living in Germany where I’m stationed with my husband who is deployed with the 527th MP CO. They’re returning this summer after a long 15 months away. My 3 year old and I can hardly wait to have “daddy” back home. I’m working on a “Welcome Home’ gift for all 44 soldiers. Many of who are single and will return to their dorm rooms. If you could help me in coming up with an EASY and CHEAP idea to give to the soldiers I’d greatly appreciate it. Remember I’m in Germany and I don’t access to many materials like I would if we were in the states. If you’re able to help me out in any way I’d be VERY thankful!!”

“I think the number one thing they’ve missed is comfort! But my husband is looking forward to going to the fridge to grab whatever he wants. They’ve been limited to food since the area they are deployed is without a Shopette or PX. So all the snacks he has had I’ve sent in care packages.

We actually are getting the keys to the single soldiers barracks so we can go decorate the hallways and clean their rooms. I was hoping to come up with something that we could make ahead of time since we’re not sure when they will be getting back. I just need HELP and FAST!! “

Please leave a comment if you have some ideas!

Updating...

50 Responses to “Need some ideas-”

#1 Kim April 18, 2009, 7:17 am

As a former military member, and current military spouse, Beer would be my first idea, but since you are thinking more along the lines of wholesome good for you stuff, I’d say cookies! Lots of cookies! Good luck, and please let your husband know he is appreciated and that we are glad he is on his way home!
#2 micha b April 18, 2009, 7:30 am

I know it’s small, but how about something like a homebaked plate of goodies waiting on their bed? Chocolate chip cookies and brownies would be pretty safe and they would probably appreciate the homemade goodness more than anything. It would only take a couple batches to cover all the guys, you could even freeze the dough in little balls so it’d be ready to bake with 15 minutes notice.
Other than food, I have no ideas what guys like :S
#3 Katie April 18, 2009, 8:00 am

Along the food line, you could dip mini pretzels in chocolate. If you find a picture of the whole company, you could have that printed for each of them.
#4 Marmoset April 18, 2009, 8:01 am

Cupcakes, biscuits and anything sweet and homemade. I take homemade biscuits into work that are so simple to make but they make a huge impact especially with the recent graduates who’re away from their friends and families.
#5 Tracie April 18, 2009, 8:24 am

Hi!! I’m an Army wife and we wanted to do the same thing when the soldiers were coming home from deployment. We got all the kids together from the families and made signs to hang up with the soldiers’ names on them. Plus we made up hygiene kits for them. The first thing my hubby wanted to do was take a shower. There was about 5 of us that went in together to buy the supplies.

I know that whatever you come up with the soldiers will greatly appreciate!!!!

Congrats on having your hubby come home and please tell him Thank You for his service!!!!
#6 Jamin April 18, 2009, 8:29 am

I love all the cookie ideas! Maybe you could make each of them a special plate to go along with the cookies. I have seen really cute glass plates where people take fabric and decoupage it onto the backside with the fabric facing up. (So it shows through the plate.) You could also make something up on the computer with their unit number, deployment dates, where they were, etc. and put that on the bottom center part of the plate before you put the fabric on. It would make a nice keepsake for them especially if you could find some red, white and blue patriotic fabric to use!

If I were doing this many cookies or treats I would have to ask others to help! Maybe you could see if your local grade school or church wants to get in on the action. Have the kids bring a dozen cookies each It would also be cute to have the kids make welcome home hero cards for each of them!

Here is a link to how to do the plate idea.

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/gl_other/article/0,,diy_13839_2270153,00.html

God bless you for doing this and God bless the men and women who protect our country!

Jamin
#7 Christian April 18, 2009, 8:32 am

Please accept my sincerest thanks for you and your husband, you have both been working hard the last 15 months! His service to our country is so needed, now more than ever, and is appreciated! Your service to him is needed, now more than ever and is appreciated!!

Definitely do the home baked goodies. And how about some travel sized shampoo, deodorant, etc. If there are any women in his company, put some fresh flowers in their rooms. I am guessing they haven’t seen a walmart in a while and might need a few things to get them through until the first shopping trip. Have your kids, other kids, and all the grown ups you know make some handmade, handwritten thank you cards. Often times the base chapel or the club is willing to host a big family style dinner, something manly with all the trimmings. (steak, potatoes…) A schedule of upcoming events on base and fun things around the area, they probably haven’t had fun in a while either!

Thank you both, again. And way to go on the thoughtfulness of this project, good luck!
#8 April April 18, 2009, 9:06 am

Scouts! Enlist the help of scouts in your area: boys or girls. I am quite sure they have ample opportunities for community service, but what a fun project for them. If you have kids who want to help (like your 3 yr old) having a troop set up to help make homemade cards would be fun (take photos of them making the cares, too, so the soldiers see, also, the love that went i to the cards).

Cookies and plates sound like great projects for scouts, too.

So, I don’t have great, unique ideas for the PRODUCTS (sounds like there are several others that sound great, including that events calendar idea!), but having the resources to help accomplish your goals is also helpful, I hope.

I have a Girl Scout troop and we’d love to help, if you’d like. And I know a number of troops are looking for community projects to wrap up their scout year. If you’d like some cards or have other ideas for a small Girl Scout troop to help with (we have 6 girls aged 11 and 12 in my troop), let me know: aprilallyear2001@yahoo.com

Good luck!
#9 Sarah April 18, 2009, 10:00 am

I’m for the cookie idea because you can make a ton of them fast if you make cake mix cookies. I used to make 7 dozen a week for the red cross with twin 3 yr olds, no sweat! Here’s the recipe

* 1 package cake mix, any flavor
* 2 eggs
* 1/3 cup oil

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove 3 tablespoons from the cake mix and set aside.

Add eggs and oil to cake mix and combine until smooth. If mix is too wet, add more dry mix. Drop in one inch balls on ungreased cookie sheet or baking pan.

Bake for approximately 7 minutes or until slightly browned, being careful not to overcook.

I tried making chocolate chip cookies in Germany and could never get just the right ingredients. Not sure why. But it’d be easy to find these ingredients I think. You acn look up online for variants to the recipe. We love the pecan sandies made with a butter pecan mix and we liked sunshine lemon cookies, made with a lemon cake mix. Good luck!!
#10 debbie April 18, 2009, 10:25 am

When my son returned from Afghanistan he too wanted long showers. He also wanted quiet family time. For Christmas, while he was gone, I had family members and friends write notes to him and include pictures in a small journal. He said it made him a little sad at first but after that he was so glad to have it. Maybe you could get some people to write short notes of gratitude or children to draw pictures on some of the pages.
#11 Baba April 18, 2009, 10:32 am

Ask a local bake shop to get involved in welcoming these soldiers back by donating baked goods to have waiting by their bunks! I’m sure they would love to help! Just a phone call may do it!
#12 Jennifer April 18, 2009, 10:44 am

I agree with Kim, Beer would be the most appreciated…
Both of my parents are retired Marines, and being a Marine Brat, my dad would always hit up the snacks when he got home, but he’s not exactly into sweets.

My dad LOVED Cashews, and chocolate covered peanuts!
I say grab a few tubs of Cashews (if you can find them…) or some German chocolate covered peanuts, yum.

My mom always loved receiving soft cuddly blankets when she got home, she said that the soft washed away the harshness of sleeping in a hole away from home.

Cheese cake was also a major hit with my folks, I used to make it for them when I had the chance. They also loved puzzles, something to keep their mind off combat and that lot, find some magic trick toys and little play things. No matter how old, a puzzle is always appreciated.
#13 Stacey April 18, 2009, 10:47 am

Ok well I didn’t read the replies above, but you could something like: Figure out what types of food/candy/snack/drink type of thing and you can put them in a small basket for each guy. You can even have baked goods. (you can even have people donate baked goods. You can even go to businesses and ask for donations.

If you have the space in your back yard, you can get people to donate food and you can have a HUGE BBQ for the guys.

I just think it’s awesome you want to do something for all 44 guys! Good luck and keep us updated with what you do!
#14 Jamie Bangerter April 18, 2009, 10:51 am

I Love the Phrase “Land of the Free Because of the Brave”
#15 Kelly April 18, 2009, 11:41 am

I’m a military wife, just recently finished our 3 year tour in Germany. Before I respond with any ideas, I’d like to comment on the idea listed above of giving them beer. I think alcohol is not a wise gift and is too often supported and promoted by the military. I know Germany is a beer drinker’s dream, but men and women returning from a deployment shouldn’t be encouraged to turn to it. A sister unit to the one my husband is currently in just had a suicide and I know suicide rates are up significantly in the military. Please don’t provide beer, especially when you cannot know the mental state of the individuals receiving it or those who may be trying to resist that route. Not a wise idea in my opinion at all.

With that said, I think if you’re looking for cheap, baked goods would be the best. Cookies, banana bread, muffins, pies, etc. Most of the PX/BX’s over there sell the cheap, solid colored gift bags. You could decorate those a bit and fill with some baked items, maybe some fruit, apples, oranges, etc. Perhaps some some of those small bags of coffee could be included, ritter sport bars, etc. Not sure what the dorm rooms are like. Some dorms have 1-4 rooms sharing a kitchen, some more, some don’t have kitchens, etc. If there are shared kitchens, you could put food in there, baked goods, sodas in the fridge, fruit, milk, cereal, etc.

I also think trying to get people to write thank you notes is a great idea, very encouraging. Maybe post an APO address and have folks from the states send notes as well. You can stick some in the bags or put in their rooms.

If there is a base theater, talk to the manager and see if they would donate free tickets for the returning troops. Do the same for the bowling alley on post. Most bases/posts I know of have a theater and bowling alley. If they refuse, write to the local base paper and shame them. I smile at that, but I’m serious. Also see if any of the base food establisments will give anything or coupons to put in the bags. Usually there are some places, Burger King, Cinnabon, Anthony’s Pizza, Popeyes?

Just some thoughts. ~Kelly~
#16 water works April 18, 2009, 12:33 pm

When my husband would return from sea, the first thing he wanted was pizza or his favorite fast food meal. I don’t know what Germany has to offer in that area, but if there’s a popular fast food type place, ask for one meal’s worth of gift certificates/ vouchers. If you have family/ friends in the states, maybe they can get better response for you. Military sentiment is high (in our area at least) and companies are willing to donate for the troops. Definitely go with homebaked goods…think bar cookies or rice krispie treats – anything that can be made in large batches. A few bottles of beer, cokes or local favorite drinks are a good idea. Maybe Cindy could redo her valentine heart banners to say something like…H O M E !….T H A N K S…use ribbon or double sided tape to hang them on the doors. Guys are real craft appreciative most of the time, so stick to food and simple notes of thanks and welcome.
#17 water works April 18, 2009, 12:35 pm

I meant “guys aren’t real craft appreciative.” Oops
#18 Micaela April 18, 2009, 1:30 pm

Hi, Brightest Blessings to you and your courageous family. There is a website http://www.wishuponahero.com, where you join for free. You then post your wishes. People ask for the smallest to the greatest of wants. I joined awhile ago, although I’ve never “wished” for anything for myself. People donate all kinds of things. You might be able to get some materials/goods for decorating/baking. Let me know.
How about dollar store items? Even that will run up a hugh bill for 44 people. How about your hometown gradeschools here in the US? Having them raise the goods and ship them over? always newsworthy. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck
#19 meninheira April 18, 2009, 1:32 pm

I think it is not possible but if you could receive their whith a sofa, where they take a very cold beer while watching football…

I like the idea of a little gift waiting in his bed. Perhaps families could send some small detail or a special word that would go along with the package of goodies.

Sorry for my terrible english, hugs from spain
#20 Nicky April 18, 2009, 2:22 pm

I think a handmade card from a child would be appreciated. Also, what about a home-cooked buffet dinner? I’ve participated in something like this on an Air Force base where people from the squadron put together a home cooked Thanksgiving meal for the military member in the dorms.
#21 Papermoonies April 18, 2009, 2:29 pm

I guess the first thing you need to do is make a list of your realistic resources on and off base.
with in your personal circle of friends encourage them to help you with the labor part.
I dont know the political climate in Germany or how people view Americans there but perhaps you could visit a local church and get some help that way. with goods or donation of time from people.
A local bakery might want to provide some assistance but not sure. Perhaps the local market would supply you with the items needed to bake the goods instead.
You might want to include one beer for each batch of cookies for each fella. Dont make a dozen for each fella, just like 6. Then think of a few appreciation messages and make individual thank you notes to also include with cookies and the beer. Germans like beer so you should be able to get the beer.
you might be able to get someone to donate the paper plates for the cookies and someone to donate some paper for the card creations.
Try a local paper company, if there is one.
where in Germany are you
I could do some personal research for you if you provide me with more information.
you may contact me via my web site.
#22 Mary April 18, 2009, 2:39 pm

I love that “Home of the Free Because of the Brave” saying listed above…. too bad someone with an embroidery machine couldn’t embroider that on the cuff of a flannel pillowcase……
#23 cindylouh April 18, 2009, 3:12 pm

She has a printer-I could make it so she could print it on fabric and sew a cuff on the pillowcase. That would be alot of work for her though! I love that saying too! What other printables could I make for her with the saying, “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.” Treat bag toppers, a garland, food picks………..ideas?

Cindy
http://www.skiptomylou.org
#24 Erica April 18, 2009, 3:44 pm

You could make shrinky-dink stars with that saying on it. Then they can put a ball chain and attach it to their equipment. They are light and easy to make. Or maybe even a t-shirt supplier could donate some shirts and you could do an iron on? I am trying to think outside the box?! For those with kiddos – pictures and letters would do wonders. Thanks for your sacrifice so that my family can be free. Good Luck and God bless!
#25 Kimberly April 18, 2009, 5:07 pm

I was a military wife also (my husband retired recently! YEA!!!), and all of the above are great ideas. I especially like the backyard BBQ idea. Good music, maybe a game on TV (someone you know may have taped the superbowl??) and good food! Sounds great to me! You could incorporate the “goody bags” of cookies and homebaked treats as “party favors”, given out as they leave.
#26 Teresa April 18, 2009, 5:33 pm

Oh thanks so much for your service!!!
I don’t remember where, but last week I saw some really cute paper covers for Hershey’s bars
#27 Genette April 18, 2009, 9:48 pm

Everytime that my husband and his unit were deployed to the hot areas they loved coming home and eating chocolate – because that was the one treat you could not really send because it would be melted before they got it!!!! What bout making them an Easter basket (since they all missed Easter) from 1 quart strawberry baskets, you know the plastic green ones, and filling them with homemade chocolates!

What you are doing is great – good luck!!
#28 sigrid soto April 19, 2009, 12:15 am

Hi how about new socks,underwear ,pajamas,white undershirts,slippers,soap,shavers
#29 Mel April 19, 2009, 1:03 am

Like many comments, I too think that homemade goodies would be best. Can’t get any better than homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Perhaps some ear plugs so they can get some good sleep?
#30 jennred782 April 19, 2009, 1:43 am

I know when my uncle was stationed in Iraq during Desert Storm my Girl Scout Troop sent cookies and letters. My uncle wrote us that the cookies where gone instantly. So cookies would be great. Also have the kids make signs or letters for the guys/girls. There is nothing sweeter than something drawn by a child for anyone. Good luck and I think what you are doing is great.
#31 Andrea Shef April 19, 2009, 9:20 am

Cake Mix Cookies are easy!

A ‘snack pack’ would be great! Chips, dip, pretzels, candy… stuff like that.

A journal

Toothpaste, deo, soap, shampoo… etc..

Signs made by kids for the door

Fun idea!
#32 FionaChan April 19, 2009, 10:15 am

all those foods and cards, whatever you chose, in a cute goodie bag is cuteeeeee. handmade one of course.

everyone loves goodie bags lol. sorry not really helping here but then most great ideas were posted and i don’t really have any.
#33 SMT April 19, 2009, 1:41 pm

As a military wife and having been through several deployments, I just wanted to cast my vote for the BBQ idea, like maybe the first Sunday after they get back. Sundays can be very lonely for people who don’t have families to return to. They’ve spent the last 15 months being told what to do, when, and where to be. They are so used to being scheduled that when they get back and have free time they have a hard time figuring out what to do with themselves. If you left them all some sort of printed invitation in their rooms, it would give them something to do at a specific date and time and in a comfortable setting. Plus those guys have been on REALLY crappy chow hall food and MREs for a LONG time. If you pulled your money, you could grill up some German Bratwurst pretty inexpensively. It wouldn’t take much, they appreciate anything done for them out of kindness.
#34 Kristi April 19, 2009, 10:56 pm

As a former (soon to be again) military spouse with 3 deployments under my belt… here is what we did for welcome home for the last 2 deployments.

First off get your FRG involved. Have them donate cookies and supplies. Or is there an FRG fund for this? We had a couple of fundraisers during the deployment to raise money for the welcome home party and the welcome home single soldier kits.

This is what we did:

Get a big laundry basket and fill it with toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrushes, toilet paper, razors, kleenex etc, even a new fluffy towel). We also added junk food, sodas, and homemade cookies. For female soldiers (since we only had two last deployment) we added some really nicely scented Bath and Body work toiletries. We assembled these baskets during the kids sign painting party. Also remembering to make some signs for the single soldiers.

Some ladies from the FRG went to the barracks to clean it up, place the gift baskets and make up the beds for the single soldiers. Also hanging up welcome home signs for them.

We also got a “hugging group” from a local church to come to the welcome home. They are basically just some loving folks who come to welcome home ceremonies specifically for the single soldiers. I would think that since you are in Germany, family members won’t really be able to make the flight for the welcome home. So getting a group of people whether they be other spouses from post or what have you together to welcome home the singles soldiers would be great!

Mostly I would say don’t take it all on yourself, get the FRG and rear d involved, neighbors and friends. Whomever you can rally to help you. You’ll have plenty to do before hubby comes home!

Congratulations that you’ll be welcoming your soldier home soon!

And forgive me if I repeated anything. I know I probably did. But I didn’t get to read everyones responses.
#35 Elizabeth April 20, 2009, 12:04 am

What if you gave them Kinder eggs as part of the gift? Is it too childish for the soldiers? I can’t help it, I love those German snacks.
#36 Clare April 20, 2009, 7:26 am

Do you have thrift stores or rummage sales in Germany? It would be neat to add some thrifted (and cleaned) pillows, or other decor to make a room somewhat home-y. Maybe pairing some baked goods with a carton of milk with a new or thrifted mug would be really special. I also really like the idea of getting children involved to make thank you cards. And ask for any donations you can get of soaps, homemade bread, etc. You may get more support than you would expect. Please let us know what you do do!!
#37 Crys April 20, 2009, 8:01 am

I grew up as an army brat and My family stationed in Germany for the first 7 years of my life. At that time my parents constantly talked about how they wanted soda pop. It may be easier to get there now, but back then it wasn’t. So that would be my suggestion. Also I remember eating out there being fairly inexpensive. So gift cards for little local restaurants would provide a good meal or two and some restaurants may be willing to throw in some free coupons for the returning soldiers.
#38 christine c. April 20, 2009, 8:27 am

Wow a big hug and thank you to all of YOU AND YOUR HUSBANDS!!! We appreciate all you do! I would try to jot an e-mail to Target and Walmart, they are very very generous with donations… they may just send you needed items or gift cards for when they arrive home! I agree with Kristi, don’t try to take this all on yourself! The most important thing will be that they feel someone is glad to see them and have them back…. These guys need lots of hugs!
#39 Martha April 20, 2009, 8:31 am

I agree with the folks suggesting baked goods and snacks. Here’s a nice recipe that makes a ton of seasoned crackers with a spicy kick. Everyone I know love these and they are cheap and easy to make.

1 ½ cups canola oil
1 envelope Ranch Dressing Mix
2 heaping tablespoons crushed red peppers
3 ½ packs Saltine crackers
Combine canola oil, dressing mix, and red pepper in a large container or Ziploc bag. Add crackers and roll container/bag until mixed well.
#40 karen April 20, 2009, 2:09 pm

as far as resources go… have you tried getting any nat’l usa companies to send you something? Like Nabisco to send a couple cases of oreos or something? Either directly OR if there is a Walmart there would they donate? Or if a food service company provides any food shipped from USA could you solicit donations thru them. Or soap donations? You have a very worthy cause, I should think it would be hard for someone to say no! Good luck & thanks!
#41 Venus April 20, 2009, 6:02 pm

Congrats on getting your soldier back! I am anticipating that in a few months too! We’re also going to go in and clean and decorate the barracks for the single soldiers. We’ll be hanging banners made by families and local schoolchildren. They’re also making cards and letters of appreciation. Every soldier will receive a goody bag filled with baked goods, snack food, trial size soaps and shampoos, etc. The goody bags will have a topper stating “Welcome Home” and a list of the ladies that donated items. I’ve been collecting paperbacks and games to put in the dayroom. Some of the soldiers won’t be taking leave to visit distant relatives so they can take a book or use the games as they wish. Hope some of these ideas help.

Venus
#42 stephanie April 20, 2009, 7:01 pm

Is it totally crazy that WE could make a little something to send to her to give to them – like fabric postcards or something special? Just to say thank you to them? Looks like there are a lot of supporters here, we could make 1 or 2 each to cover the 44? Thank you to all who have served our country and are currently serving!!!
#43 cindylouh April 20, 2009, 7:33 pm

I am up for it if anyone else is?
#44 Lala April 20, 2009, 8:33 pm

OMG… I met my husband in GERMANY while he was stationed with the 527th in Baumholder!!! We lived on post once we were married! (Back in the 80s!) He just retired last year after 25 years…

Glad you’re counting down the days until they come home!

COOKIES… LOTS and LOTS of cookies!!! Maybe nicely bagged and waiting for each soldier in their barrack rooms! Maybe a nice poem attached to each “goodie gift” too… )

WELCOME home to your soldiers!

lala )
#45 Donna April 20, 2009, 9:43 pm

We have actually done this before. We assembled one small basket for their bathrooms, small items such as shampoo, soap, you know..personal items for their bathrooms. And one small basket of snacks per room, things like popcorn, jerky, cookies, cereal, poptarts..things they can snack on until they can get settled and to the store. You may even be able to talk to the local Comm and see about a donation (our Comm gives up to $100) or even your PX for donations of tolietries. When all else fails, make homemade goodies. Set up a table and have greeters for the soldiers when they arrive and pass out homemade cookies, coffee, juice. Since you are in Germany, a lot of soldiers won’t have family to meet them-be their family
#46 The American Homemaker April 29, 2009, 4:28 pm

I just happened on this post and I have to say I love all these ideas! My hubby will be deployed next year. It’s his second deployment, but it’s a second marriage for both of us, so I wasn’t there last time. His exwife left him while he was in Iraq, so I want to make sure that everything is super great (as great as it can be) this time.
#47 Corrine Maske November 20, 2009, 10:54 pm

Well, with all the suggestions and supporters in this list how about couple of bucks and a package of cookie mix. A hand written note or two from all of us who are interested will take some of the financial burden off this projeck. I am in for that.

Thanks to you and your husband. I and my husband were both in the Army, then 3 of our 6 children and now two of our grand-sons. Appreciation of any kind is never lost.

How can I get the address to send my donation to this loving project?

Truely Thankful for all of our Military men and women and their families.

Corrine
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