Last year my husband was in basic training and couldn't make it to my birthday.
Before he left he made a "hug-a-daddy" out of an old shirt and pair of shorts stuffed with pillows. I came in to see this wonderful surprise on my table (courtesy of my indescribably wonderful mother-in-law)
She gave her son life. And a balloon head.
This is a little soldier my husband bought to play with my daughter for him while he was away. See the swinging fun he's having?