Gift for a Military Wife {Free Template}

While we remember our fallen Soldiers on this Memorial Day, it reminds us not only of the sacrifices they make, but of the sacrifices their family makes as well. This seems like a great time to share a gift idea for that deserving Military wife in your life {even if you’re not Military, I encourage you to keep reading as you may still find this post useful for other gift ideas}. And if you are that Military wife, this is a great gift to give yourself too! Trust me, I would know!
I bought myself one of these lockets when my husband was deployed on his second tour in Iraq. Though I am no longer an Army wife {hubby finished up his 6 years in the army and is now pursuing a career in the civilian world… though he is still in the Reserves because he could never give it up completely!}, I have been in their shoes. And they are some big honkin’ clown-sized shoes to fill. While we always show our appreciation and support for our Servicemen, we sometimes forget to do the same for the family standing behind them. So let’s get to it and show them some love!

While I bought my locket at a store in the mall, you can find them at a much better price online. I really wanted to give one to a friend when her husband recently deployed, but the price was a little steep. So I searched online and found the same locket at Floatingcharmlockets.com for half the price. It depends on the locket and charms you chose, but I spent just fifteen pennies over $25 {including shipping}! You can find tons of cute little charms {not just Military related} to fill a number of different lockets. I wore mine every day while my husband was in the Army, and now I’m picking out some new charms so I can change it up! This is the necklace {Floating Charm Necklace} and five charms {Birthstone Crystal, Army Wife, Ribbon Yellow, USA Flag, and Cross} her locket {as pictured above} is filled with . Now, onto the gift box!

You will need:

• Box template {free download at Schlosserdesigns.blogspot.com}
• Necklace, ribbon, and dog tag-gift tag templates {download below}
• Hole punch
• Thread
• Glue
• Scissors {I cheated and used my Silhouette Cameo}

Print and cut out your cute little pizza box inspired template, which can be found at Schlosserdesigns.blogspot.com. Assemble it as directed. Print and cut your necklace, ribbon {or just use actual ribbon if you’ve got it!}, and dog tag-gift tag templates. I used plain paper for the ribbon and cardstock for the rest. Just add your recipients name along with your name and they’re ready to go. I’ve also included blank templates for you to customize yourself. *I’m not a template creating person so it’s not the greatest design in the world, but it works! I think. Let me know if you have problems with it!*

Download Template PDF

Fold the necklace tag in the two places where the arrows indicate on the template. Pinch the top of each side together and punch a hole through both sides. Place your necklace inside, and glue the top half of the sides together to keep it in place. Assemble the ribbon by grabbing each end and pulling one end under the other, while keeping the right side facing you. Use a dab of glue to hold it in place. Punch a hole in the dog tag-gift tag. Put your necklace in the box and close it up {I also glued mine shut}. Wrap your box with thread a bunch of times leaving long starting and end strings. Put your gift tag {dog tag} on one of the string ends and use the other string end to secure it with a knot. Cut the strings shorter and glue on your ribbon. Voila! A pretty little gift for the deserving Military wife. It’s meaningful and affordable… two of my favorite things!   A big thank you to all the men and women serving right now and of course to their families as well! Do you know someone who is serving?? < 

 *This was not an advertisement and I was in no way compensated for this post.*

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