What should we send the wife of a Soldier in Iraq for Christmas?

[elehhhhna]

Hubby & I met her once--the guy reports to my hub at work and is a sweetheart. He's a sniper in N. Iraq and they have a baby. I'm thinking $$$ (the financial pressure on these families is severe). Anybody have a better suggestion? Would it be tacky to send $ to someone we barely know? What should we write in the card? Should we do it anonymously? I don't want to embarrass her...

[Coyul]

1. I dont think it would be tacky at all

Money is probably what she needs most.

[AllegroRondo]

2. Prepaid phone cards are always nice

[Dora]

4. MCI cards at Costco are $20ish for a bazillion minutes

or maybe it's not quite a bazillion, but it's some ungodly huge number of minutes.

[itzamirakul]

3. $$$ is best.

I think she would love you for it! Can you imagine how difficult it must be for her right now, financially and otherwise? Some money and a loving, caring card will endear you to her heart. And...how wonderful of you and your husband to do this!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

5. I agree....

You said her husband works for you. If you give her a little money, it makes it look like you care about what happens to your employee's family. No only will it make you feel great and give your kharma a boost, it'll let her know that you guys are good people. I say do it and send a note saying that you just wanted to let her know that you're there for her, then compliment her husband in some way. Oh, and send a nice little toy (A rubber duckie family bath toy?:evilgrin:) for the baby.
Duckie

[eternalburn]

6. Suggestions....

A grocery gift certificate.

Pay her phone bill for one month (this can be done anonymously).

Baby supplies left by Santa.

Pampering products for her (Moms need love too).

or

maybe just someone to talk to that isn't in her normal circle :)

[RobinA]

7. Money Would Be Tacky

You don't know her well enough to give money. I like the phone card idea. Some Valium would be nice, too. That's what I would want.

[Sgent]

8. Money would probably be best....

Does the unit he is with have a support group? I know in our area most of the units wives have gotten together and meet a couple of times a month. If this is the case, you might try giving one of the group members a call (if you can find them) for a more personal suggestion.

[BamaGirl]

9. Gift cards, conversation ;)

When my husband was gone, money was really not issue. Intelligent adult conversation on the other hand ;) My greatest frustration/disappoinment while my husband was gone was that no one from his civilian job ever checked to see how we were doing. (He came home in July.) Contact is a great gift, and something we overlook in our modern culture unfortunately.