Ideas for graduation gifts for Basic Cadets

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sportsmom10

ProudFalcomMom2016
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I know I've seen this thread in previous years, but does anyone have any ideas what to get an incoming Basic Cadet for graduation!! Thanks for any ideas, the only thing I can come up with is a nice watch, even though my DS does not wear one at this time, I'm thinking he may in a few months when his phone is not so handy.:smile:
 
You can never go wrong with a nice watch and believe me, he'll need one!
 
But do not let the cadet leave it in their backpack /storage for BCT - mine had a watch and ring taken. Best to send it or give to them after BCT. If they want a watch for BCT get a simple waterproof one at walmart. They probalby wont need it for BCT anyway since they will be woke up and marshalled everywhere.
 
No watches allowed during BCT, so I agree with Texasrocks, send it up later. Same with nice sunglasses--they won't be allowed to wear them so I would do the same--send later. You like to believe everything will stay safely in storage, but unfortunately not always. :frown:

Last year, we got our son things to use later on--a nice camera for pictures of all that gorgeous scenery (we took it up Parents Weekend) and a carry-on bag that he took back after Christmas break. There is so little they are allowed to have during BCT that we just recommended to family that they give him money for graduation. Sort of boring, and I don't typically like to give just money, but in this case it made sense.


___________________
Proud mom of a C3C!
 
Our DS asked for a good electric shaver for graduation -- has saved him lots of time shaving. Not sure if he used it in Jacks Valley though, but he might have til the charge ran out.

Money to put towards printer or monitor would be good too.

No watch til after BCT - and even then, a basic one is just fine.

Once the school year starts they can use Subway gift cards at Arnold Hall.
 
You could set up and begin funding a Roth IRA. Be careful not to fund more than he might earn in 2012.
 
Thanks for the great ideas!! Maybe I'll wait until Christmas for a nice watch, I like the idea of the printer and Subway gifts cards and the electric shaver. I appreciate the insight. As for the Roth IRA, I was probably going to have him put some of his graduation money into one. Thanks again:thumb:
 
Our DS appreciated money, so he could have some fun with his high school friends before departing for I Day. We also gave him a new cell phone. His previous phone was an older model, and although he'll have to give up the new one during BCT, he still wanted it. I guess he'll look forward to getting it back, just like all the other privileges.

I also found a small gift: a black leather wallet with the Air Force crest embossed on the front. (I found it on amazon.com if anyone wants to look.) Again, it will go in a lock box during BCT, but his old wallet was worn out. We'll give this gift to him the day before we depart for I Day.
 
How about a nice military style back pack that he/she can use to take what little they are allowed (Boots , Shoes, socks..) and still have his or her hands free.
It could also be used to pack during their travels home for the holidays..
Any thoughts on that?
 
CrazyHorse said:
How about a nice military style back pack that he/she can use to take what little they are allowed (Boots , Shoes, socks..) and still have his or her hands free.
It could also be used to pack during their travels home for the holidays..
Any thoughts on that?
Click to expand...

Cadets will be issued a backpack. Also, they will be required to carry that backpack in their left hand, not on their shoulders.

My personal advice for graduation gifts is money. No matter how impersonal that may seem, your cadet will appreciate it when they have access to some cash for skiing/snowboarding trips or whatever else they want to do on the rare free weekends that they have.


Stealth_81
 
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