Graduation Gifts

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army2021

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Seen other threads before, but figured I'd get some fresh perspectives. What did you get your DS/DD for graduation? Anything besides the normal watch, multitool etc that they liked or is recommended? Either for fun or the Academy (USMA here)?
 
We are planning on buying his ASU. They have to turn their ASU back in when they commission. Another idea would be new PT clothes or any other gear that they would have to turn back in.
 
spice3389 said:
We are planning on buying his ASU. They have to turn their ASU back in when they commission. Another idea would be new PT clothes or any other gear that they would have to turn back in.
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Sorry I meant high school graduation to the Academy. Great idea for later on though! Thanks
 
They don't need much before R-Day. Just be careful with edged tools if you will be flying. There will be a $2000 dollar deposit need as part of the second step that is used to upfront costs and purchase a computer.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
tug_boat said:
They don't need much before R-Day. Just be careful with edged tools if you will be flying. There will be a $2000 dollar deposit need as part of the second step that is used to upfront costs and purchase a computer.

Push Hard, Press Forward
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Wait, there a $2k deposit to go to USMA? Any other costs I should be aware of and save for?
 
Your cadet will likely need to purchase army boots. low quarters (dress black shoes) and sneakers. Each year, the exact kind may change so it's always best to wait until you hear from WP. Also you may want to get specific kinds of undergarments (socks, underwear, sports bras) and bathing suit (only for female cadets). Again, it's best to wait until you hear from WP on the specifics.

My parents bought our cadet a watch for graduation which was a great idea since he needed it during beast. My 2 cents is to not get a very expensive one (under $50) as it will get very hard use. We didn't give our cadet a specific graduation gift since we knew that we'd be facing lots of expenses coming up ($2k deposit and other WP related expenses).
 
Another possibly overlooked expense is travel. Airfare/train/cab. Unless you live close to WP, travel expenses add up quickly.
 
For families for whom the $2k deposit is a hardship, it can be deducted in monthly increments from cadet pay. Save travel receipts from the initial trip, and give to new cadet - they turn in their own travel costs for initial report during Beast. [We didn't know this, and lost out] - or at least for my 2014's year, you also had the option to use the Army's travel agency and have them book the new cadet's ticket. Your own travel expenses are not covered, nor are trips home for breaks.
There will be a list of items to bring -- good running shoes, specific kinds of low quarters [black dress shoes] and boots. While it's highly recommended to have them and have your new cadet have them broken in, there are always a number of families that simply can't, and if that's the case,USMA will take a kid in his or underwear on R-Day and provide what's needed. Son had a homeless kid in his class, and a number of others with few to no resources. Glad the Academy provides the great American dream.
As for gifts - the things mentioned; digital photo frame; noise-cancelling headphones if you're feeling extravagant, Casio watch if not.
 
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Do you want to give something practical, meaningful or useful? Seriously. Your DS/DD isn't going into a cave at a SA. So you CAN give gifts that might not immediately be useful but are still wonderful to give.

Practical are some of the things mentioned here: stuff needed during the summer, etc.
Meaningful: A nice watch (can wear it forever even if not during the summer), gold stud (or other) earrings for DD, a framed photo of family, school, home; a family heirloom (e.g., grandmother's brooch, grandfather's gold watch), etc. Something that holds special meaning and can be used for a long time but maybe not during plebe summer/year.
Useful: Gift cards from Amazon or retailers/food establishments that are near (and dear) to the DD/DS's SA.
 
Before Christmas, there was a discussion on a parent social media page about giving "things needed in their first apartment on/near base" as graduation or Christmas gifts spread out over 4 years. Some of the items mentioned were a set of quality cookware, bakeware, small kitchen appliances such as toaster oven, blender, etc.; a set of cutlery, a set of lamps, a set of mixing bowls, a colorful large rug, measuring cups, and spoons, etc. Some parents loved the idea, as the cost of "apartment items" can add up very quickly for a new grad. Others were less than thrilled at the suggestions.
 
An inexpensive but meaningful gift -- as soon as I knew son was accepting his appointment, I ordered a flag through our congressional representative. It was one that was flown over the US Capitol on his R-Day. I ordered it about a month ahead of R-Day for $22 or so. It came nicely boxed with a certificate of the date it had flown (after he had started) and I put it in a closet for four years and gave it to him for USMA graduation as a sign that "I knew he could do it!" . He used it for his commissioning ceremony, and has said he will use it for all promotions afterward.
 
We received a Flag from our Senator's Office after graduation with a note from the Senator's office indicating that it had flown over the Capitol on graduation day. Sounds like R-Day flag is a great idea.
 
mmb5 said:
An inexpensive but meaningful gift -- as soon as I knew son was accepting his appointment, I ordered a flag through our congressional representative. It was one that was flown over the US Capitol on his R-Day. I ordered it about a month ahead of R-Day for $22 or so. It came nicely boxed with a certificate of the date it had flown (after he had started) and I put it in a closet for four years and gave it to him for USMA graduation as a sign that "I knew he could do it!" . He used it for his commissioning ceremony, and has said he will use it for all promotions afterward.
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Love this!
 
sandiego95 said:
Can you tell me how you did this? Did you just call the congressional office?
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You can go on your congressman or either senators websites and under a service tab or something of that nature look for flags. Then you fill out a form requesting a flag flown at a certain size on whichever date you'd like. Hope that made sense
 
sandiego95 said:
Yes, thanks so much.
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No problem. If you can't find it on your MOCs websites, I can link it to you on the ones of my state (Virginia) and you can probably order it through that link even if out of state. Also, I'm pretty sure the US Capitol website has a place to order it on there as well. Best of luck!
 
Also check the "Architect of the Capitol" website with instructions for requesting a flag and forwarding you to your Representative or Senators. It is something we have in a case and would not fly but it does look good with the enclosed card.
 
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