As a military wife, I've been fortunate to have avoided deployments. And while some days I wouldn't mind if my husband took a short trip across the ocean, I imagine it really stinks for the kids. My daughter gives my husband the cold shoulder after a long day at work, so I'm thinking 6 months to a year (even longer, sometimes) would be pretty rough for everyone.

Well, military moms Nikki and Tricia have a wonderful way to keep dad (or mom) as present as possible with their cool Daddy Dolls. You send them a picture of dad and they make a cuddly stuffed doll pillow so that your youngster can enjoy his company even when he's physically a world away. For an extra fee, they will add a cute little pocket and voice recorder (not attached), so your child can hear daddy's voice at the press of a button.

If you don't have a deployed family member, you can sponsor a child by donating to a fund set up by these great moms that allows children (chosen by military chaplains) to get a doll of their own.

So, why not collect a dollar from everyone at your barbeque today and use that cash to sponsor a child. What a great way to say "thank you" to the troops who make it possible for us to enjoy our FREE day off. -Kristen

[via 5minutesformom]