Sending requested items for after A-Day. Amazon?

[cherylg007]

I am heading to A-Day to see my son. He has started sending me things he will need. Can I send things using Amazon? If so, is it okay if they arrive prior to A-Day or is that bad? He wants a sleeping bag, pillow, agenda, spray cologne, etc.
Or should I just bring him these things when I see him for that short time? Thank you.

 

[BlahuKahuna]

Honestly, if you're going to Acceptance Day, he will probably get them sooner if you're delivering them in person. You can send packages before Acceptance Day, but the Post Office will hold them until after BCT.

The combination of BCT and the other 3 classes of cadets trying to order textbooks online before school starts creates crazy waits in the post office in August-happens at the start and end of every semester.

 

[MomofDS2021]

Thank you - that makes total sense. I'm visiting my other son in Denver prior to A-Day so I'll send some items from Amazon to his house and just bring them down.

 

[Daretodream]

If possible do it on A Day, or if you are going back for PW then do it over that weekend. When you get to A Day they will have just gotten room assignments and not started class so the list may continue to grow. A couple of weeks later at PW they have been to class, know their roommates better and have an idea of what they really need instead of rumors of what they might need.

With that said we did a Walmart trip the night before A Day and picked up some snacks and a few things our DS wanted and knew his squad allowed for 4 degrees. After we had lunch we walked back to the car and carried the things to his room. We did a bigger run at PW and bought a hammock (where he slept most of the year), printer and some school supplies.

 

[parktrack]

DS uses our Amazon account to order things and have them shipped to USAFA. Have also purchased a few things when visiting.

 

[AJC]

Amazon Prime is free for 6 months with a .edu email address

 

[Wishful]

For us, PW was the big shopping trip. The C store was good enough for DD before that...But we also weren't available for an A Day visit

 

[RDG143]

I agree with above responses. We brought a few things to A day. Lots of shopping at PW. Amazon Prime though has been huge for our son's first year. We ordered things and shipped to his PO Box. He would also use it to order stuff he needed. You will be surprised what gets ordered through the year when a car is not available for store runs. He even used the Prime account to watch free movies flying to and from home on breaks. Highly suggest Amazon Prime!

 

[greentrees]

does it still cost $2-$3 to pick up packages that don't go through postal service?
I'd mail stuff to DS in flat rate boxes -- learned how to stuff those things well -- and often Starbursts were my packing peanuts, with a empty ziploc bag included in the box.
DS shipped some of the stuff he ordered on Amazon to his wonderful sponsor's house and would get the packages on Sunday when he visited with them.

 

[Capri120]

does it still cost $2-$3 to pick up packages that don't go through postal service?
I'd mail stuff to DS in flat rate boxes -- learned how to stuff those things well -- and often Starbursts were my packing peanuts, with a empty ziploc bag included in the box.
DS shipped some of the stuff he ordered on Amazon to his wonderful sponsor's house and would get the packages on Sunday when he visited with them.

Costs are based on the shipping service...UPS, FedEx, USPS. with the first two, you may need to use the alternate address versus the PO Box.

 

[tex2021]

bought a hammock (where he slept most of the year)

How is the hammock working out for your DS ? Other parents suggested a sleeping bag as a better option due mainly to available room space.

 

[Daretodream]

He liked it, but I spoke with him last night and he suggested for 4 degrees who sleep on the floor a lot that a sleeping bag or a memory foam mattress which can be put on a bed or the floor. The reason I say PW as opposed to A Day is there is a couple of weeks for the 4 degrees to get to know the rules of the squadron and ask advice of upperclassman and they are assigned a 3 degree classmate as a coach so they have more information. Prior to PW there is a lot of rumor and parent's giving recommendations which often is not right or no longer accurate.