Need inexpensive gift recs for family member going to basic training soon...

WhipSmartBanky

WhipSmartBanky

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I've got a nephew who's going into the Army at the end of the month, and I want to get him a little something. I know you're not allowed to take much to basic training, but is there anyone here who's been through that and might have some recommendations on something useful?
 
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[quote name='WhipSmartBanky']I've got a nephew who's going into the Army at the end of the month, and I want to get him a little something. I know you're not allowed to take much to basic training, but is there anyone here who's been through that and might have some recommendations on something useful?[/quote]

Does he have a decent watch? Because really besides that you don't keep much on you. A good timer on his watch will help in his physical training. An electric razor is a nice thing to have as well. But really the best thing you can do is send him a lot of mail while he is in basic. Basic is extremely lonely and a short letter can really make your day.

I probably should add that I went to Air Force basic but I'm sure the inputs I made hold true for the Army as well.
 
I'm not quite sure about the Army, but I know when I went through Marine Corps basic training, we couldn't have shit for personal belongings (I think you could have a bible though, but no razors).

I'll definitely agree with JL that mail once he's in boot is the best. Especially if you send a letter with a candy bar or something (just keep it small).

I'd also recommend a night at the strip club a few days before he leaves (or when he returns on leave), but maybe that's just because I'm a pervert.
 
Yeah, I don't think he can have anything really. I think they only allow a small bible and pictures of a certainn size.. Once he gets out of basic it's a little different. You might want to wait until then.

"Q. What am I allowed to send to a soldier in basic training?

A. Encouraging letters are very important. You may also send photographs and phone cards. Please do not send food."

BRING THESE DOCUMENTS WITH YOU TO BASIC TRAINING!!!!!!

Certified copies of your children's birth certificates.
Certified copy of divorce decree ( if your present spouse has a previous divorce bring a copy of that decree also).
Your social security card.
Banking account information to establish Direct Deposit of military pay.
Marriage certificates.
Driver's License.
Running shoes (Must be proper running shoes, color is insignificant).
Personal hygiene kit.
2 plain towels.
Stationary and stamps.
Sports Bra (minimum of 2) FEMALES ONLY.
Regular Bra (minimum of 4) FEMALES ONLY.
White calf length socks with no logos or color on them.
Hair restraints of hair color. FEMALES ONLY.
White Slip. FEMALES ONLY.
Shower shoes (Plain not fancy).
Civilian clothes (no more than 2 sets).
Personal address book.
Female hygiene items.

ITEMS NOT TO BRING WITH YOU TO BASIC TRAINING!!!!!!

Tobacco items.
Knives
Pornographic material.
Lighters
Products containing alcohol.
Medication not prescribed by military medical personnel.
Magazines or newspapers.
Large bulky items.
Jewelry other than wedding band.
Food stuffs.

You might want to get him a new pair of running shoes. Make sure he has time to break them in before he leaves.
 
[quote name='danh920']my little brother always needs calling cards and I know they're allowed[/quote]

calling cards yes a very good suggestion
 
YEah, I thought that was standard issue too.

I hear that a lot of people send sunglasses for soldiers in Iraq. But even sunglasses are standard issue. Actually, I read something written by a Ranger specifically asking people not to send sunglasses because they aren't specially designed for ballistics. The sunglasses they're giving out in Iraq aresupposed to be slick too. I read ana rticle by a reporter that said everyone wants one and tries to grab three or four for back home.
 
[quote name='Admiral Ackbar']YEah, I thought that was standard issue too.

I hear that a lot of people send sunglasses for soldiers in Iraq. But even sunglasses are standard issue. Actually, I read something written by a Ranger specifically asking people not to send sunglasses because they aren't specially designed for ballistics. The sunglasses they're giving out in Iraq aresupposed to be slick too. I read ana rticle by a reporter that said everyone wants one and tries to grab three or four for back home.[/quote]

I bought some pirated oakleys for like $3 there. I didn't see combat so any old pair would work. The best thing there is to send lemonade or hi c poweders to mix with water. You get so sick of plain water there
 
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