Military Family Gift Advice

Updated on July 31, 2012
A.L. asks from Austin, TX
5 answers

So, my brother, after years as an enlisted man, has been accepted for a promotion to Officer School! I know this is a very big deal, and I'm wondering what sort of gift would be appropriate?

Also, in relation to this move, I'm wondering what sorts of gifts are appropriate for the family? They all have birthdays between now and then, and Christmas, too! They are going to have to move when my brother graduates, and though there is no firm location yet, it is being hinted that they are likely to end up overseas. They have two small children, one of whom has an approaching birthday, and am I correct in suspecting that packing, space, and weight are all considerations?

For gifts after they've moved, I figure local favorites - Dr. Pepper, salsa, that sort of thing, but what about now? Already, they are trying to cull down the stuff they have accumulated (they do know that their next station is likely to be two years). From a military-family standpoint, what do I NOT give my niece for her birthday? (She will be turning 6.) She likes to read, so I thought books would be nice; her mother has asked for PLEASE no more crafting stuff!

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So What Happened?

I love the ideas so far, of an MP3 player or an e-reader, but perhaps I should also have mentioned, when she was born, I bought her a charm bracelet, and have been adding to it for every birthday, and plan to until she turns 18. So, I've already bought her MAIN gift, what I am looking for now, is something fun she can play with (and less expensive than a charm for her bracelet, hopefully), that can be for her from my daughters.

I'll keep the other ideas in my back pocket for Christmas, though!

More Answers

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

I would wait until he graduates OCS and gets his follow-on assignment.

I can tell you from living overseas that while getting "stuff from home" is great - sodas DO NOT mail well. When my mom shipped stuff to me - like food she had canned - it was put inside a ziploc bag and wrapped in bubble wrap. Even overseas they will get soda at the commissary.

When I send care packages to our troops - I always put in cookies and brownies. I also include a piece of WHITE bread (not wheat or oatmeal, etc.) WHITE bread to help keep them soft.

What is your brothers MOS? if you knew that - then it would help in picking out a gift for him.

As for the family? Family pictures are great to have when you are overseas. If they don't have skype and a webcam - then that would be GREAT!!! that was all up-and-coming technology when I was overseas.

I wouldn't give the family a gift when he graduates unless you are going to be there and then take them out for a nice dinner!!

Please thank your brother for his service and sacrifices!!!

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

Hold off until you know where he is going. As others have mentioned he will have access to the Commissary for food and things so sodas do not need to be mailed.

Pictures of family and maybe a letter from everyone would be nice in a flat box.

Weight limits exists for officers as well they just get a bit more than the enlisted.

Congrats to your brother for being accepted into OTS. Thank your brother for his service.

The other S.
Retired Military Wife

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S.H.

answers from Huntsville on

Hmmm what if instead of a physical gift, you take her to some place fun? The zoo, kids museum, etc? Something fun for her to do with you & your girls before they move! :)

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Yes space and weight will be an issue.

Niece: What about a Kindle? Its lightweight and portable.
Family: Webcam if they don't already have one
GC to Target
GC to somewhere nice to eat

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B.

answers from Augusta on

A scrapbook of pictures of everyone in the family or a digital frame with pictures of everyone in the family ( grandparents, aunts , uncles, cousins, etc all the people they won't see much if they move cross country or over seas.
An e-reader is a nice idea but we are talking about a 6 yr old. if you get her one go with one that's not a big name one , one that does not cost a lot. My sister in law lost her on the plane to Japan, when she and her family were stationed there. So if it's not expensive it's easier to replace.

um an MP3 player that also plays movies. so if they have a long drive or flight she can watch movies or play music.

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