Xmas ideas?

USAFAbabe

5-Year Member
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Dec 7, 2011
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I am currently dating a freshman at the AFA and have been trying to think of gifts to get him. Now I know lots of things that I'd like to get him (I'm usually pretty good at this), but fear that with him at a service academy, they might go to waste and he may need something else more. So I was just wondering if anyone out there knows what a doolie could use that would also be a cute gift for his girlfriend to give him? (he told me he wanted something practical like more ABU shirts but that doesn't seem right for me to give...)
Thank you so much! :smile:
 
What are his hobbies? You obviously know is tastes better than we do!

Generically, I would say a nice but durable watch would be a good thing, if he doesn't have one already.
 
How about a nice wallet? Manly, practical, and personal enough that he'd want to receive it from his lady.
 
My understanding is Doolies are only allowed one photo displayed in their rooms. How about a nice digital photo frame full of pictures to remind him that there are people who love and care about him for those times when things are tough?

But you also don't want to just provide him something that he'll constantly look at and get homesick over. Make the majority of the pictures about things he is working so hard for and having to go through those tough times for. Things like pictures of airplanes, patriotic photos, his squad mates, his favorite sports teams, his favorite activities. etc. And slip in a few of you and his family, again to remind him of those back home who have his back...
 
Something functional is always appreciated. I got a wallet (made of stingray skin) at 16 years old. I still carry it (although I did lose it for awhile, in a box, during a move).

For the nautical types... a knife, or multi-tool has practical applications.

As I went off to my first unit, a CG cutter, I got a nice, black rimmed, polarized pair of sunglass. Polarized glasses are essential for being out on the water, however, I believe there are some restrictions in that department for pilots.

Two general options.... something they can look at or something they can use. A great book can go a long way (it did for me on my ship one year for Christmas as my parents sent me a box of a few Ted Bell books). Digital picture frames are also good, just need to make sure the cord isn't an issue with where they can display it.


Really, if it's thought out and something that will last, it will be good. Academy life is unenjoyable enough that the smallest things mean something. Not a uniform item!
 
Something functional is always appreciated. I got a wallet (made of stingray skin) at 16 years old. I still carry it (although I did lose it for awhile, in a box, during a move).

For the nautical types... a knife, or multi-tool has practical applications.

As I went off to my first unit, a CG cutter, I got a nice, black rimmed, polarized pair of sunglass. Polarized glasses are essential for being out on the water, however, I believe there are some restrictions in that department for pilots.

Two general options.... something they can look at or something they can use. A great book can go a long way (it did for me on my ship one year for Christmas as my parents sent me a box of a few Ted Bell books). Digital picture frames are also good, just need to make sure the cord isn't an issue with where they can display it.


Really, if it's thought out and something that will last, it will be good. Academy life is unenjoyable enough that the smallest things mean something. Not a uniform item!

Obviously it depends on the airframe, but many gauges are polarized. They can't be read with polarized lenses on.

However, if he takes advantage of CO's great skiing, they'd be perfect.
 
Gifts for doolies

My DS is a doolie; his girlfriend is getting him a new wallet and some cologne (don't know how that will go over at USAFA). He has joined the ski club so Santa is bringing him goggles, snowboarding pants, and snowboard/ski accessories. Find out what clubs and extracurriculars he participates in and you should have plenty of choices. Merry Christmas!
 
Thank you for all the advise everyone! This has given me some really great ideas :smile: Merry Christmas!
 
My understanding is Doolies are only allowed one photo displayed in their rooms. How about a nice digital photo frame full of pictures to remind him that there are people who love and care about him for those times when things are tough?

But you also don't want to just provide him something that he'll constantly look at and get homesick over. Make the majority of the pictures about things he is working so hard for and having to go through those tough times for. Things like pictures of airplanes, patriotic photos, his squad mates, his favorite sports teams, his favorite activities. etc. And slip in a few of you and his family, again to remind him of those back home who have his back...

Wow, good point bullet, your post just made a lot ideas from for this Christmas and for other sort of gift.
 
LITS do they still publish books on paper, I thought they were all on Kindle now!:shake:
 
I still enjoy seeing my progress in a book by the bent pages I've made.

My fiancee got me "Smiley versus Karla" an omnibus book with the George Smiley trilogy. It's got yellow old pages. Makes me feel good. Old book!
 
Or you can hold off for March 20, when the next Ted Bell installment comes out, PHANTOM.


A character in the book is named after me. I don't know if it's a good guy or a bad guy yet!
 
I agree LITS, there is something about turning the page with the feel of the paper in between your fingers.
 
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