Christmas Gifts

Middie727

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Jul 12, 2009
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Now that Thanksgiving is almost over, the holidays are just around the corner and I have no idea what to get for my DS. I've asked him several times for suggestions, but he really can't think of anything either. Since he is only a plebe, I would appreciate any help from more experienced parents.
 
When our Mid was a Plebe he bought lots of stuff at the Navy Exchange. We gave him money for clothes IE sweat pants, sweat shirts, t shirts. He alo bought a 1g external hard drive for his lap top computer so he could watch movies. Good luck!
 
If he doesn't already have one a really good digital camera so he can take pictures during his third class sea year is a really good gift.
 
Some practical gift ideas are good steel-toed boots, a knife and flashlight (our DS likes Pelican brand with 3 W power). The knife should be good quality, Buck for example. Same for the boots. All are necessary for Deck, I'm sure Engine has similar needs. :smile:
 
Does anyone have a recommendation for a digital camera for Christmas? Are there any specifications to pay attention to since it will be used at sea?
 
Camera ideas

For DS's graduation, I was able to get an Olympus digital waterproof, shockproof and freezer proof camera for under $200 at Costco. I saw in their magazine today, that they have another similar camera available. DS loves it! Took GREAT underwater pictures on summer vacation.
 
the Olympus Stylus series cameras are great. i had a different camera and it was bulky and broke out at sea my first go-round. the stylus is nearly indestructable, and is a low enough profile that it easily and comfortably fits in a pocket.

as was said earlier, a good knife is a great gift. i got a Spyderco and it's been a trooper for the last 4 years, used it EVERY DAY out at sea. another idea would be something like a nice Gerber or Leatherman multitool.

other than that, it's really up in the air. those are gifts that i can promise you will be used a lot during their time here and will be greatly appreciated.
:)
 
Spyderco

Any comments about which blade shape(curved or straight) or model is preferred by engine mids?
 
Our DD is an engine mid and chose the spyder co. knife with a curved blade for her work knife. (The Colorado State Parents Association has a nice deal on these knives for KP mids.) That doesn't stop her from also having a very nice straight bladed knife just because . . . . . Seems like KP mids really like their knives.
 
i'm engine and i also have the curved blade, which is a pretty popular model among mids. a good straight blade is always worth while but i've found the curved blade to be useful in the engine room
 
I collect knifes as a hobby and I would suggest looking into benchmade knifes. They are AMERICAN made and are great quality. I have one that i use as my daily carry and it has only needed to be sharpened twice in three years!
 
i'm engine and i also have the curved blade, which is a pretty popular model among mids. a good straight blade is always worth while but i've found the curved blade to be useful in the engine room

Is2day4him,

What kind of curved blade are you talking about?

Thanks,

luv2fly
 
i own the Harpy C08
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=3
there is a discount if you go through the Colorado Parents Association. however, i can't give you a link to that because i don't know it.
i've used this knife almost on a daily basis at school and most definitely on a daily basis out at sea, and it's still very very sharp and i've never sharpened it.
i would greatly recommend this knife as an owner (and one that beat the tar out of this particular knife) as a blade that won't let you down.
 
You can access the Colorado Parents Association site from the USMMA parents page. Here is a link. Click on the Spyder Co. knife picture in the lower left. These are seriously good, professional quality knives.

http://www.usmmaparents.com/
 
as far as knives, id like to recommend Kershaw Knives, http://www.kershawknives.com/products.php?brand=kershaw. i have the Leek Composite Blade and absolutely love it. the Speedsafe spring assisted opening is a really cool feature and lightning fast, makes one handed opening a breeze. i definitely use this knife on a daily basis, and it holds an edge extremely well despite the abuse i put it through, which is substantial:wink:. in fact, the torsion bar, which is the opening mechanism, actually wore out on mine (not a function of defect or cheapness, more a function of me playing with it near constantly:biggrin:) i emailed the company to see if i could pay to send it back for repairs, and recieved an email from an actual person within 10 minutes saying that there was no need, that they'd ship me the parts to fix it and the tools to do it with! now THATS customer service. theyre also made in the USA, and just overall a great product. highly recommended:smile:
 
just one thing to keep in mind though (and this is not intended to sway which knife you purchase at all) but some countries that mids travel to do not allow spring assisted knives, so if you do get one of those just make sure you take it out of your pocket before going ashore!
 
just one thing to keep in mind though (and this is not intended to sway which knife you purchase at all) but some countries that mids travel to do not allow spring assisted knives, so if you do get one of those just make sure you take it out of your pocket before going ashore!

didnt know that! thanks, hate to have to part with that thing. i feel naked without it now:biggrin:
 
dalaxmom

I would suggest a camera for his sea year. also an external hard drive for sea year. Not sure if your Mid is an engineer or deck major but if he is an engineer, then really inexpensive jeans, long sleeve blue work shirts and work gloves. They go thru several pair of work gloves. Good Luck!
 
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