when my son in law was first being deployed 6 years ago before he left we took a picture of him holding/hugging each of the girls individually then took each picture, printed it on fabric and used it to make each girl a rice bag...that way each night they would warm their bag and climb into bed getting a warm (daddy hug) each night...6 years later, those 3 girls still cherish their rice bags, still take them with them where ever they go...sleep overs, trips, if they are not home to sleep the rice bags are with them. he is still in the Military, but state side at the moment...those (pillows) have meant more to them than anything they own, and Scott has one (made it removeable, like a throw pillow cover-just in case he couldn't take the rice somewhere) with him and all 3 girls on it. it travels the world with him.
i keep one in a ziplock in the freezer, instant cold pack plus the one to heat...every house should have a couple rice bags! :)