Christmas Gifts for military bound stepson

[pes]

Hi, all. I mostly lurk on this board, but I thought maybe you could help me out with some Christmas gift ideas (I know, its very early to think about Christmas, but DH and I are stumped!), My dear stepson has joined the military and is due to start basic training early in January. Do you have any thoughts on what would make good Christmas gifts for him? We have zero experience on being a military family. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks for all your help.

Patrice

[Robyn1007]

An iPod if he doesn't have one. My friend who just came back from Iraq used his extensively. Make sure to get him a good case to protect it. I'll see what else I can think of.

[pes]

Thanks, that a good suggestion. Would a cell phone that we paid for be a good idea? Sorry to be so clueless about this, but we really want to get him things he can use.

Patrice

[sage]

You might check to see what he can have at basic training.

When my friends grandson went off to basic (marines)---he was very limited in what he could take with him. Like a duffel bag and his wallet basically...

I was suprised to find out they had to buy their own uniforms---don't know if that is the same for all branches.

Of course after basic, it was much less restricted.

I'll ask her what types of things that her grandson asked for during basic and/or the training that followed basic.

I know she made him a quilt. I would think an Ipod would be good too--even if he can't take it to basic---he could have it later. Phone cards maybe?

Depending on where he might get stationed---the coolmax shirts (just make sure they meet the military color requirements) are appreciated.

I'll post back with other ideas.

[Robyn1007]

Thanks, that a good suggestion. Would a cell phone that we paid for be a good idea? Sorry to be so clueless about this, but we really want to get him things he can use.

Patrice

Maybe but it wouldn't help him if he went overseas, which, unfortunately is probably likely. Phone cards for basic training would be good too.

[tbb113]

You might want to contact your local Blue Star Moms (http://www.bluestarmoms.org/) and see if they can give you any ideas.

[Chefzhat]

He'll be limited to what he can have in basic training. If he gets shipped out he'll have a lot more freedom. Ipods are great. So are phone cards. Once he is stationed somewhere you can really send great packages - beef jerky, DVDs, magazines, books, writing supplies, postage stamps, granola bars, sports drinks, etc.

You better give him lots of love for Christmas! He can take that anywhere. What branch is he entering? I have a Marine in the family, and am a Soldier's Angel to another one. Semper Fi.

[pes]

He is entering the Army in January. Thanks for all the suggestions! THe phone cards are really a great idea, because we were trying to think of a way he could stay in touch. He will most likely end up overseas - he is 20 years old, and has never really been away from home before. We want to make Christmas memorable for him and give him some great gifts ( and plenty of TLC, too) that are actually useful. This board has so many helpful people on it - I knew you would give me some good ideas.

Thanks,

Patrice