Christmas is a special season filled with tradition, celebration and family. More than ever, we all need the joy of the season. Despite all the changes this year, there are still plenty of ways to interact with family and friends…even from a distance. Of course, military families (such as those staying in Barksdale AFB housing) have had to deal with similar situations for years! In this post, we’ll discuss gift-giving ideas for long-distance success. We’ll also briefly delve into a discussion about shipping items to service members.
Mailing gifts to family this year? Check out our solutions below
Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash
- One of the easiest solutions to sending a gift to someone in another city is to buy some e-gift cards! Many stores offer e-gift cards that can be emailed to someone or physical cards you can send with a Christmas letter. Personalize the gift a little more by selecting stores that are special for each person.
- Don’t want to deal with the hassle of repackaging a gift you’ve ordered online? Have the company mail the present directly to its recipient. Use the “Ship To” section of your online order for to specify the address of the person you’re buying it for.
- The earlier you finish your shopping, the better chance you’ll have of getting it to its destination on time. This year especially, the post office is backed up with lots of packages. Shop now and get it done!
- Many families have dealt with financial blows in 2020. One gift idea is to donate to a charity instead of buying physical presents for each other. Each family member can select a non-profit and monies designated for gifts would go to the charity.
- Want to save some money on gifts this year? Encourage everyone to give only handmade gifts…and let the creativity fly! Our fully furnished Barksdale AFB housing features an equipped kitchen area where you can make your famous fruitcake or chocolate covered pretzels for exchanging. We’ve got the mixer with beaters, measuring spoons and cookie sheet you need for baking up a storm this December.
- Some people may prefer an “experience” gift instead of clothing or a physical item. Give them an intangible gift they will love…ideas include an online class (such as cooking or language learning) or a subscription to Audible for reading.
- Shop small and support a local Shreveport business while gift giving. You’ll also be able to give your extended family a “taste” of what life in Louisiana is like during your stay in the city at our short term rentals. Check out this page for local businesses in the Shreveport area.
- Don’t know what Aunt Wanda really would like? Have everyone fill out an online wish list using Amazon‘s built-in system. Or, check out the Gift Hero platform for using with any website.
- Draw names so you only have to give to one person instead of to everybody. This is particularly beneficial if you have a large family or friend group.
- Give the gift of yourself by having nice military family photos taken. Then, get some nice prints or canvas wraps ordered and send these to loved ones back home.
Barksdale AFB housing is your headquarters for Christmas magic
If you’re shipping items back home via the USPS, get a small scale and check out Pirate Ship for reduced shipping rates. You can print your labels with the HP or Epson printer located in each rental!
But what if you have friends serving overseas and want to send a gift to their APO or FPO address? Check out the USPS guides here and order your free Military Kit to get boxes for sending items in.
Whatever you decide to do for gift giving this year, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. When you rent from Shreveport Bossier Corporate Housing, you’re renting direct from the owner, Debi. It’s like you become part of our family for a time! We’ve worked hard to decorate and furnish your living spaces with the amenities needed for comfortable living. Our Barksdale AFB housing solutions are just what you need to rest and relax. Give Debi a call today!
