High School Graduation Gift Ideas

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Jerseymom

5-Year Member
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Apr 19, 2014
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Any ideas for a high school graduate who is attending USAFA? What are the most useful gifts for a new Cadet? (Even if they can't be utilized or appreciated until Parent's Weekend or A Day?!)
Thanks for suggestions!
 
Well, it depends on what kind of gifts you are looking for, and the budget.
Practically speaking, when I was there, external monitors and printers were pretty common computer accessories. Nice watches are generally appreciated. Some people would favor stuff like ski passes or equipment.
 
ideas

If he or she snowboards or skis, a season ski pass mentioned above is nice. (When our son was a C4C, he used it about 20 times freshman year, so it paid off....No guarantee your cadet will be able to ski as much, but just 5 times pays for itself.) Also agree with Raimus that a watch is a good idea. A G-Shock or similar is a good choice. Other options sunglasses (Oakley's or Rayban's)(non reflective.)
 
Are Cadets allowed to have their cell phones after parents' weekend? I LOVE the gift ideas. Hate to be a "Mom," but what ski resort do Cadets frequent? Thanks for the help.
 
I just asked for money. As lame as that sounds, I explained to people that I wasn't entirely sure if whatever gift they gave would be within regulations, and I'd rather pick out my own monitors/printers/etc.

It doesn't have to be a huge gift; $10, $20...it all helps and it makes it easier on the cadet-to-be than trying to figure out how to transport gifts to their new home at the Academy. :smile:

(I'm coming from Alaska, so shipping stuff is expensive! :eek:)
 
Jerseymom said:
Are Cadets allowed to have their cell phones after parents' weekend? I LOVE the gift ideas. Hate to be a "Mom," but what ski resort do Cadets frequent? Thanks for the help.
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I know for me personally, the Patriot plus pass was great. If I remember correctly, it is unlimited skiing at Copper, Winter Park, 3 days at Monarch, and 6 days at Steamboat. Steamboat is some of the best skiing in Colorado, so over two 3 day weekends, you can use all of those days.
 
Jerseymom said:
Are Cadets allowed to have their cell phones after parents' weekend? I LOVE the gift ideas. Hate to be a "Mom," but what ski resort do Cadets frequent? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

Keystone and A-basin are good too. There are passes for military members that you won't be able to get if you aren't DoD, so maybe get them a nice card saying you'll pay for the pass later on.

I usually get the Liberty Season Pass for Keystone and A-Basin and it's about $200.
 
I am a cadet right now and I can say that a ski pass would be a great idea. Most cadets these days go to either Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper... A Computer Monitor is a great idea as well because 99% of cadets here use one.
 
Convert college savings to starting a Roth IRA....nothing like 50 year delayed gratification for a teenager! Probably throw in the ski deal
 
Luminox makes great watches that glow in the dark without having to press any buttons. They make several different Air Force specific watches, some more expensive than others:

http://www.luminox.com/watches/air/?watch=A.9278

Luminox watches are all over the internet including eBay. The plastic housings are way more more economical than the metal ones.
 
I just thought I would share our wording for a note that we will be putting in with some of our daughter's graduation announcements (ONLY those going to family and close friends who we know will insist on gifts, this is NOT a solicitation that will be included with every announcement)... I figured it might come in handy as a starting point for others facing the same quandary.

We consider your presence in our lives a gift and your well wishes for _________ are deeply appreciated. She will be leaving for the US Air Force Academy on ________ and is unable to take personal items with her, thus, we graciously ask that you refrain from giving gifts. As an alternative, we will be sharing her address as soon as it is available and would appreciate any positive words of encouragement that you can send (snail mail) to her as often as you can. These letters and notes are invaluable since initially, during a time which is incredibly challenging both physically and emotionally, her access to phone and email are very limited. Should you insist on giving a gift we humbly request it be in the form of a nonspecific gift card that she can use as privileges are expanded. Again, thank you, for being an amazingly supportive part of our lives as __________ embarks on this incredible adventure!

 
Amazon gift cards are a good fall back as well. I am an Amazon Prime member and when my DS gets a card he just attaches it to my account (to get the free two day shipping). It has his name attached to the gift card so I know it's his and I don't use it when I make purchases.

He's bought a monitor, books, card and board games, and other things he's needed while at Prep.
 
I agree with boozebin, Amazon gift cards are a great idea. If you don't have an amazon prime membership, get one. This comes with free 2 day shipping on many items. It paid for itself many times over in terms of shipping costs for me.

Here is the list of the most popular items I have heard freshmen ask for or are sent after A-day
1) Computer monitor (USAFA guidelines)
2) Printer
3) Printer ink
4) Ski gear (snowboards, skis, jackets, pants, gloves etc.) and passes
5) Cell phone/Smart phone
6) Gift cards (amazon, food, etc.)
7) Humidifier (dependent upon the squadron - after A-day they can find out if they can have one)
8) Watch (USAFA guidelines)
9) Food !!!!! (snacks for room after A-day - lots of choices on amazon with free shipping by amazon prime)
10) Sleeping bag, pillow & sleeping mat that is easy to roll up and store (they don't have to mess up the bed once it is perfectly made to standards)
11) Living picture frame (the one with the saved photos that flip through them. It would be one of the 2 personal items they are allowed to have after A-day)
12) Sunglasses (non-reflective USAFA guidelines for after A-day) As for the sunglasses, I wouldn't advise getting expensive ones for after A-day. Many are lost or broken during the first year.
13) Storage bins (specific to storage area dimensions in their room)

Even if he were to get all these items for graduation. He would not be allowed to have them till A-day. So lots of gift cards he can use to either order on-line or shop with at a local store (sponsor may take him or her to a store if requested - walmart, bestbuy are a couple of the large chains nearby)
 
Oh one more thing......new under ware for after BCT. Apparently, it gets pretty grungy during BCT. Though this request seems to come more frequently from the girls than the boys.
 
How do the cadets get out the mountain if they don't have a car? Also as a freshmen are you able to get to the hill often?
 
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