<p>With very mixed feelings, friends of ours are giving a going away party for their son who graduated college this winter and is now enlisting. What would be an appropriate gift in this circumstance? Money?</p>
<p>My D1 was originally going to enlist, but did not. I gave her a duffel bag with:</p>
<p>1 change of clothes
Personal Hygiene kit
2 combination locks
Two plain towels
Stationary and stamps
White calf length socks with no logos or color on them
Shower shoes (Plain not fancy)
Personal address book
Bible
Phone card</p>
<p>And I put money into her bank account.</p>
<p>I left off the list the GIRL stuff I put in there like hair bands and necessary products.</p>
<p>[Know</a> What To Bring To Boot Camp | Military.com](<a href=“http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/boot-camp-checklist.html]Know”>What to Bring to Boot Camp)</p>
<p>I would talk to the parents, actually and see if money is appropriate, or if their son has other needs. They can’t take much with them, and the Army will pretty much provide them with everything they need for Basic.</p>
<p>A paid-for ticket/reservation to a location that the guy would like to visit for relaxation or adventure, before he goes in. If there is a group of folks who all know each other this can be a group purchase.</p>
<p>They are not allowed much so gift cards, money, etc. is the best way to go.</p>
<p>At least they recognize that it’s not their decision and are supporting him. My S went into the Navy after HS and his father and I had similar reservations. But you love them and support them.</p>
<p>They really can’t bring much with them-there is a list and you have to send back anything not on it. I would add money to the bank account, which they will have access to. They can’t even leave the base for the first few weeks so even money won’t get spent for awhile, and gift cards would only be good IF the person is near a town with that store or restaurant.</p>
<p>Or give a gift he can use BEFORE leaving, like a dinner out or tickets to a local attraction he likes to visit.</p>
<p>If you know where he is going, check out the base website to see what is on base. D’s ex-boyfriend is a Marine and they have several fast food places on base. We gave him gift cards for some of his favorites.</p>
<p>Is he enlisting or is he going into an officer’s training program? Those with college degrees normally enter the officer corps, I believe. It may make a difference when gifting. …gift cards to a nearby eatery, a NetFlix plan, iTunes, workout gear, money, books, audio books. They have time on their hands when restricted to base, so I’m thinking of anything that will ‘entertain’ them. Smart phone apps geared toward runners, accessories so he can have music while working out. Depending on the program, he may not be able to have electronics.</p>
<p>We had friends who gave their nephew a getaway to the beach after completion of his flight training. Whatever his plan, it’s normally very intense and they need a break!</p>
<p>I’m grateful there are still young people (and their families) who make this choice–our country needs them!. </p>
<p>–wishing him Godspeed</p>
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<p>I think that is a great idea especially if there is not sufficient time (or interest by the young man) in a getaway before entering the service.</p>
<p>These are all great ideas that would not have occurred to me. Thanks for the suggestions.</p>
<p>Maybe a gift card to a big box athletic store (like Dick’s Sporting Goods,Sports Authority, etc) to buy some really good running shoes/socks. There will be a LOT of running in his future. Good shoes are clutch. I know fr. experience. S1 is a U.S. Navy Spec.Ops officer. Restaurant gift cards are good too. The food at the mess on base gets old. After awhile a change of venue is much appreciated.</p>