How to Send Birthday Gifts to Loved Ones While Deployed

Deployed service members often face the challenge of sending birthday gifts to their loved ones, but with the right resources and planning, it can be done seamlessly. Here’s a guide on how to make gift-giving easier for those who are far from home.

Accessing Tax-Free Shopping: The AAFES (Army Air Force Exchange Service)

Service members and their families have access to AAFES, an exchange that offers a wide range of products including clothing, electronics, and more. AAFES is a semiformal military-operated store that provides items at fair prices, without the usual commercial markups. If you're nostalgic, you may remember buying wedding rings or other significant items from AAFES back in the day. Today, you can shop online and enjoy the convenience of tax-free and free delivery options.

Online Shopping Options for Deployed Soldiers: Amazon, Target, and More

For those who prefer online shopping, there are several major retailers that cater to the military population. Websites like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy offer a vast selection of products. You can browse and select the perfect gift, set the recipient's preferred address for delivery either within the United States or to another military base. It’s as simple as clicking the “shopping cart” icon and proceeding through the checkout process. This method is not only convenient but also ensures that the gift is delivered on time, no matter the destination.

Planning Ahead: Practical Tips for Deployed Service Members

Deployed service members, especially those serving on submarines, must be mindful of their unit’s mission and plan well in advance. Regardless, it’s absolutely doable with a bit of strategic thinking. Some key tips include:

Start Early: Begin your shopping process as soon as you know the recipient's address and the delivery date. Monitor Delivery Times: Check the estimated delivery times to ensure the gift arrives before the special day. Check Base Exchange Policies: Sometimes, base exchanges have specific delivery deadlines, so make sure to follow these guidelines. Utilize Multiple Resources: Combine AAFES, online retailers, and even local post exchanges to ensure you have the best options available.

Tips for Last-Minute Shopping

While planning ahead is ideal, sometimes the need arises to get a gift last minute. The Age of Amazon is your friend in these situations. As long as you plan well, you can get the gift on the birthday day, provided you’re prepared. Amazon and other service-oriented platforms can deliver unique or specialty items that you might not find at local stores like Walmart or Costco.

If you’re stationed in a region with limited shopping options, don’t forget to explore nearby markets or bazaars. For example, when the author was deployed, there was a bazaar every weekend offering craft goods from nearby countries at a fraction of the cost of similar items from home. Local post exchanges might also have what you need, and while they might not offer delivery, they often have pickup options.

Whether you choose to shop at AAFES, online retailers, or local exchange stores, the key is to start early, plan well, and make the process as smooth as possible. Enjoy the joy of gifting from afar!