Gift for nephew going to West Point

Walledbeth

5-Year Member
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Apr 7, 2012
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My nephew is going to West Point July 1st. What would be a good graduation gift for him, besides money, that he could use at Beast or during the school year?
 
A digital frame loaded with a ton of his favorite photos......they are allowed one framed photo. Digital camera (not so much for beast but later). Nice set of headphones....also for after Beast. Mom3Boys suggestions are really about the only gift ideas that are good for Beast....they really are issued everything they need and are not allowed much extra. Gifts for new/cadets plebes are difficult as many of the restrictions on items are company dependent. Money and gift cards for later are probably most appreciated.
 
Advance planning

We did a bit of advance planning on gift for cadet son,and contacted our Congressman's office about three weeks before R-Day. Stashed in a closet at home as a USMA graduation gift is an American flag that flew over the US Capitol on R-Day, complete with a congratulatory letter from the Congressman. It cost,as I recall, about $30.
 
A digital frame loaded with a ton of his favorite photos......they are allowed one framed photo. Digital camera (not so much for beast but later). Nice set of headphones....also for after Beast. Mom3Boys suggestions are really about the only gift ideas that are good for Beast....they really are issued everything they need and are not allowed much extra. Gifts for new/cadets plebes are difficult as many of the restrictions on items are company dependent. Money and gift cards for later are probably most appreciated.

Great idea for the academic year, but last year R-day packing list specifically prohibited digital photo frames. Don't know about this year.

Your CBT or AY squad/platoon/company may or may not allow it, but you don't want a ding on SAMI over this. Or special attention.

We made collages of photo's, and put several in the frame one behind the other. DS could swap the pages if he got bored, though I suspect it was never touched. Poor man's analog frame.

Many have said it, and it's true.... they really don't need much beyond the minimum on the list. And most cadets are focused on CBT, so gifts back home don't tend to register.

Some things DS received that were used and well appreciated:
- Soldier's bible
- Leatherman Wave with MOLLE sheath, engraved with his name
- Desk fan per packing list

Stuff he would not have taken:
- Nice pen/pencils (lost/borrowed too easily)
- anything not mandatory on the list except the desk fan & underarmor
 
How about a nice Army 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 during R-Day. It could also be used to pack during their travel home for the holidays..

p.s. I also posted this on another thread but wanted to get the West Point :thumb: or :thumbdown:
 
Something with a lot of sentimental value. Such as the dog tag my buddy gave me with the Bible verse Psalm 91:14-15. It reads, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them." Even though it isn't a pricy gift, it means the world to me because whenever I read the necklace it reminds me of everyone that I love. I wear it everywhere and when times get tough it motivates me. I'm even taking it to Summer Leadership Seminar in a couple days. Anyway, something like that should mean the most to your nephew.
 
How about a nice Army 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 during R-Day. It could also be used to pack during their travel home for the holidays..

p.s. I also posted this on another thread but wanted to get the West Point :thumb: or :thumbdown:

Maybe a recent plebe will comment, but most I know did not want anything that would make them look like a military wannabe. Which is a bit silly, as they are just that, but they really did not want to attract attention.

They will also be issued multiple packs. Though it's apparently considered poor form to use the USMA issue for off duty usage. Just like wearing low quarters with civvy clothes.

We found a neat convertible pack/carryon at REI that DS was going to use a grad present for. But then he downsized his kit a bit, and decided to go with a very simple gym bag.

Since then he has just traveled with the same gym bag along with his backpack for leave. They are not home enough to warrant more.
 
Maybe a recent plebe will comment, but most I know did not want anything that would make them look like a military wannabe. Which is a bit silly, as they are just that, but they really did not want to attract attention.

Understood.. Thank you.. Appreciate the feedback
 
A lot of people keep saying that you should not deviate from the packing list- and I'm not trying to say they're wrong... but I brough a lot of stuff and I was glad I did. You can basically bring anything personal hygiene wise, just FYI! and if I were you I would buy him a bright headlamp with a RED LIGHT capability. I know it sounds weird but the ones they issue are very dull and the light is concentrated in a dot basically smaller than a soccer ball. We did a lot at night, and whoever brought a red light flashlight of their own was allowed to use it.

As for the bags on R-Day, a lot of prepsters used the green duffel bag and no one picked on them that I noticed. You won't have your civilian bag with you for long, so it's not a big deal. The only thing that I would STRONGLY urge you to think about it getting something with backpack straps like a hiking backpack or something easy to carry on your back because while you go through the issue line (there's no cadre at this point to haze you at this point in the day) you have to carry the duffel they give you to get all your new issued items as well as your bag from home.
 
We bought our son a Leatherman and had his name engraved on it. He said it was an invaluable tool for him during Beast last summer. Another thing the cadets like is a lighter. Not so much during beast, but during the AY. They use them to burn the ends of cords to keep them from fraying, and other things. We found a Zippo lighter with an eagle on it, and had a trophy shop engrave it with our son's favorite Latin quote. He loved it!
 
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