Gift Ideas for Candidate?

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Momof2cadets

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Does anyone have ideas for something that would be particularly useful to a candidate in the class of 2012? We have a close friend whose daughter has been given an appointment. I can think of several things particularly useful for someone getting ready to being USMA, having been through that twice, but didn't know if there were ideas unique to USCGA. Thanks...
 
I really can't think of anything "unique" to CGA that she will need. I can think of some things that would be nice to have, besides a lot of underwear and nice socks.

A good, comfortable pair of running shoes (more crosstrainers for what they'll be doing). I don't know if they issue those anymore, they did for awhile, but that was after I was a swab.

Beyond running shoes, a good watch would be nice. For once they get in the fleet, a good multi-purpose folding tool, like a Leatherman would be nice. I like Swiss Army Knives, but my experience was that they are not good for ships. A good book would be nice, or a framed picture for their knick knack shelf.

When it's appropriate, an XM radio would be nice, or a Bose Wave Radio alarm clock (still have mine, still works great).

For sea services flashlighs are nice, knives are nice (must be FOLDING!), watches are nice.

You do not need to get them a sextant or dividers or Weems rulers...that will be provided.

They will be entering a proud service, if you can find something historic, that would be great. My parents bough me (after I was already a cadet), the old PO Box from the Academy (before the one I was using, PO Box 7055). It was a bank, but I really liked that kind of gift. Old books on the Academy from the 1940s would be nice, or old Coast Guard pictures, or Revenue Cutter Service artifacts or US Life Saving Service or US Lighthouse Service or Steamboat Inspection Service....these are ALL cool things that I cannot find anywhere, but would make excellent, although possibly expensive gifts.

Want a website to visit?

http://www.lighthouseantiques.net/uniforms/uniforms.html


Look through that website...has some GREAT stuff.
 
Wow! Great site! There are some definite possiblities there -- I also love the connection the artifacts provide. It is facsinating to look and imagine...

My husband had wondered about a surefire flashlight (with filters)-- he really found his invaluable in Iraq. I see that you listed a flashlight as a good tool.

Thanks for taking the time to share.
 
I got a SureFire for my 21st birthday, booby-trapped my room for the sure head shaving that would come. Luckily that beating did not come, possibly because of a Birthday Break-up compliments of my then girlfriend. The head shavers would have received a good beat down...with a SureFire in the face and a good punch from the other hand.


Make sure a SureFire isn't TOO powerful, don't want everyone to lose their night vision on the bridge in the middle of the night, but a filter will help with that, and I agree, that would be a fine gift!
 
gifts

According to the 2008 Parent and Cadet Handbooks....which we just got emailed to us...

Crosstrainers will be issued. Swabs have to report with a digital watch in addition to their clothing.

The Parents Association website recomends gift cards. But I would also be interested in knowing what current cadets really "wanted" and when the best time to deliver those things are.

Thanks for your input.


LineInTheSand said:
I really can't think of anything "unique" to CGA that she will need. I can think of some things that would be nice to have, besides a lot of underwear and nice socks.

A good, comfortable pair of running shoes (more crosstrainers for what they'll be doing). I don't know if they issue those anymore, they did for awhile, but that was after I was a swab.

Beyond running shoes, a good watch would be nice. For once they get in the fleet, a good multi-purpose folding tool, like a Leatherman would be nice. I like Swiss Army Knives, but my experience was that they are not good for ships. A good book would be nice, or a framed picture for their knick knack shelf.

When it's appropriate, an XM radio would be nice, or a Bose Wave Radio alarm clock (still have mine, still works great).

For sea services flashlighs are nice, knives are nice (must be FOLDING!), watches are nice.

You do not need to get them a sextant or dividers or Weems rulers...that will be provided.

They will be entering a proud service, if you can find something historic, that would be great. My parents bough me (after I was already a cadet), the old PO Box from the Academy (before the one I was using, PO Box 7055). It was a bank, but I really liked that kind of gift. Old books on the Academy from the 1940s would be nice, or old Coast Guard pictures, or Revenue Cutter Service artifacts or US Life Saving Service or US Lighthouse Service or Steamboat Inspection Service....these are ALL cool things that I cannot find anywhere, but would make excellent, although possibly expensive gifts.

Want a website to visit?

http://www.lighthouseantiques.net/uniforms/uniforms.html


Look through that website...has some GREAT stuff.
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