Gift guide for giving great gifts to host on missions.
I am a gift giver and I also like getting gifts. If you are familiar with the five love languages, my top is receiving gifts. Gifts are a part of many cultures, and for good reason in my opinion. But sometimes when preparing for mission we can get so busy we forget to bring something for those that will be hosting us. But host are one of the most important aspects of our mission trips.
As a long-term missionary who has been a part of all types of missions. Short and long-term missions, hosting, and leading. Gifts have always been a wonderful way to show appreciation for those you are serving and the host church or ministry team.
The host are the ones that continue the ministry when we leave. They are also the ones who have sacrificed so we could come.
So for those going on a mission trip or leading a mission trip it’s important to bring them a gift.
They are also a memory that can be kept and a connection to you and you team.
One fantastic gift I’ve received was Artwork. The best gift ever! It’s hanging in my living room. Two beautiful works of art I will pass down to my family.
These pieces mean so much to me because my guest created them, brought them over, and gifted me with them.
But if you’re not an artist, don’t worry, you can still give meaningful gifts to your host.
Here is some practical ways to pic out mission trip gifts.
Consider the culture
What is the culture you are traveling to? Values, hobbies, favorite sports.
I remember my first relief trip, which was to Japan after the Tsunami. They love baseball, so our leaders got baseball hats with our local team, the “Texas Rangers.” They were a hit, and everyone who received one loved it; they were thrilled.
Baseball hats are great for many cultures because you are bringing something from your country to theirs.
It creates a connection; this is the most important part of giving a gift is the connection you create.
If going to a church or ministry for kids one thing I will pick up in the country for a gift is a soccer ball and sports equipment. This is always appreciated and most countries play soccer. A lot of children and youth ministries really need these items but they don’t always have the budget. So if you are going on a mission soon that will have an outreach to kids, remember sports equipment.
Create a connection to both cultures
Think of something in your culture that is unique.
I am from Texas, so we like barbecue, sports, and Mexican food. If I travel overseas, I will take something to my host that is edible, as well as something non-edible. I also take pecan pralines or a famous barbecue sauce.
Ask the leader from the country
If you are going on a mission trip you must have a connection to that country through a person. So simply ask the leader in country. Let them know you want to bring gifts to the host homes, or host sponsors.
Ask if there is anything they might need?
If you are working with local missionaries, it will be a relatively straightforward process.
If you are working with locals from that culture, it might be a little longer. In some cultures, you have to ask three times; only on the third ask will it become a question they will answer. The first three might sound like this: ” Oh, no, don’t worry,” or “No, you don’t have to” then they might give you the answer.
I learned this the hard way when I moved to Eastern Europe. Some cultures it’s a little rude if you only ask once, it means you’re not trying hard enough.
It’s just part of the learning curve in culture. Communication is different in each culture.
Sometimes the host Pastor or leader would have traveled to your country and they have something they liked. You can always ask if there is something specific they would like.
The next tip and possibly one of the most important, go local.
Local crafts or art from home
Get gifts from your local church member or a local artist that you can take with you.
Stories connect, so buy something that can tell the story.
This makes it a meaningful travel gift when you are able to share the story of who made it back home. I remember every gift I have gotten where it was thought out and had a story. Those gifts become more than a gift they become a memory and a connection.
Ask your team if they create anything they might want to donate for host gifts. You could also purchase them as well. So many talented people have been on my mission trips. One woman make hand carved pens, they are beautiful.
Local gift ideas:
- Artist from your church-Artwork or book (might need to be in their language if a book)
- Local sport team gear (jersey, hats, bandana)
- Local artist: small early transportable Art
The next tip is truly American, so if you’re from a different country choose something that is significant for you.
Mission trip T-shirts
If you have a mission trip t-shirt, it can also be a mission trip host gift as well. Some cultures love t-shirts. It can also be a very practical gift to give to those helping you in country.
You will need to take several or know the size. This is tricky but if you have space in the packed luggage you will always find someone that helped to give the t-shirts too.
I would not make this my primary gift but an added bonus gift it’s great and it’s also nice to give one to translators who have served during your trip.
I have used this company Fund the Nations several times for mission trips, Womens conferences and local outreach. (I am not getting a commission for this! I do wish I was, but I’m not. They are just a great company)
Another great way to create lasting connections and giving great gifts to host on missions is give,
Personalized gifts
Monagram gifts, personalized pens, or anything tailored to your host. These are the fancier side of host appreciation gifts. But thanks to Etsy they’re releatively easy to get now.
You can choose from different gifts that are personalized. Or have something specifically monagramed if you know your host.
What to do if your don’t know who will host you.
- Take a gift that can be for the family-artwork, book.
- Take a baseball hat and scarf this covers man and a woman.
- Take something edible, a sweet and savory.
These work no matter who is hosting you or the age of the person.
Here is what I take when going on missions trip:
- Personalized gift I picked out for my host. The last one was a purse (I know she loves purses. I know her personally)
- Food from home (Powdered international creamer and Ranch dressing mix, so many missionaries really enjoy these. Plus I somtimes take pecan pralines)
- Artwork piece (My sister is an artist so I will take something she created)
- Baseball caps from my home team (Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys)
These are just some of the gifts that I take. I hope this helps you as you find that gift to help say thank you to your host.
Recap for mission trip host appreciation gifts:
- Consider the culture
- Create a connection between both culture
- Ask the leader from host country what they would like.
- Artwork or local craft from home.
- Mission trip t-shirt
- Personalized gift
Bonus, take time to pray and ask to get just the right gift for your host. Let us know any suggestions you have about buying gifts for host.
If you are preparing for a mission trip check out this post to get ready.