<p>Now that we can send boodle to our cadets at West Point, I started to look for some new ideas on interesting (and even some healthy) options. I thought that we could keep a running list here of any favorite web sites that will deliver to any of the academies. So as I was thinking about this, someone at work received a gift from a vendor. These were the most amazing brownies I have ever tasted in my life. So, since my cadet lists brownies as the favorite food, I immediately ordered a case. I certainly hope it will be shared with others in her company. If any of you are interested, they have a few items on sale right now. And if you have any great food ideas, let us know. </p>
<p>This is a great link with good ideas. Additionally, there are a few companies who have relationships with WP. Therefore I suspect the other academies have preferred "boodle" providers. </p>
<p>I'm looking for something "different" though. I thought that if all the kids are getting similar packages, it could get a bit boring - hard to believe, I know. And I have to admit that those brownies were so marvelous that I was inspired to look for different ideas. Now I'm just asking if anybody has ordered from anywhere "different" and heard from the kids that it was really great. There are actually so many companies that come up in a google search. I would like to avoid the very expensive baskets with not enough good stuff included. </p>
<p>Thanks, navy. I expect that you're absolutely right. And both grandmas are sending her favorites, too. (Neither of them make any cookies for me. :( ) </p>
<p>I guess I'm just looking for something different, fast, and/or easy. For example, if there's a bad day or bad result on an exam and I can order quickly, I'd like to know about some resources that can cheer her up - especially on those days that I won't have the time to bake and ship.</p>
<p>At present, plebe candidates @ USMMA cannot eat in their rooms. They have to squirrel away any food items. I can't speak for all the plebes; however, my son specifically asked that we not send chocolate (and he really LOVES chocolate).</p>
<p>He requested food items that are easy to store away and won't melt. Plus, he claims to be so hungry all the time that he wants to eat something with some nutritional value. </p>
<p>His list included: wheat thins, goldfish, triscuits, beef jerky, power bars, and some candies like starburst. He also wanted powder drink mixes.</p>
<p>Thanks Momoftwins for the brownie site. Think I'll order some for myself first to try out! :)
I've been searching for unique little somethings to send as well but have found nothing interesting so far. Wish I could help. For now, it seems my kid just has certain requests & I have been doing small boxes of just his favorites which include many of the items Prayerfulmom has sent. Nothing I've found online really has exactly what I want in it. They usually have the chocolate that would melt, or they contain items that I know my son wouldn't like. And haven't sent any homebaked goodies yet and feel guilty..... Mine said m&ms traveled well and didn't melt. That was our little experiment, being chocolate lovers. Maybe we should start our own Academy Boodle Box company! LOL</p>
<p>The CGA parents association and some sub-chapters have food and goodie services. One is called Ensign Edibles which is run by the CT chapter in which you can order a goodie bag sent to your cadet. There is also a cake service which will deliver a birthday or any occasion cake to the dorms. I wouldn't be surprised if the other service academy parents didn't have something similar to this.</p>
<p>Thanks. You're right, WP has a couple companies that do the same. There is one called loveacadet (gotta love the name) and a couple others that are local. </p>
<p>Jamzmom, like you, I'm trying to find something that makes the kids sit back and say "whoa, that's fabulous." The brownies were the first thing I found like that and I just bet there are more. And I admit, I ordered some for myself.</p>
<h1>1 & #2 gift boxes looked pretty good for a quick treat to send. It says the boxes can be done in the school colors. Haven't ordered from this company but thought their prices and items offered were not half bad. :)</h1>
<p>Ladies: Your care package suggestions are sending me into insulin shock.</p>
<p>Time to temper that sugar with some protein. Based on a survey of one, the favorite snack item of our fighting troops is jerky, be it beef, turkey or whatever. It is easily portable, replaces the body's lost sodium, gives the jaw muscles an aerobic workout and has an unrefrigerated shelf-life of about 10 years. </p>
<p>For too long, jerky has been a predominantly guy thing, like cigars. When someone says, "What a jerk!" , doesn't everyone immediately think a man's involved.</p>
<p>So it's only appropriate that women cadets/plebes liberate jerky for all peoplekind and allow poorly behaved people of all genders to be called jerks. </p>
<p>Here's a link to a jerky vendor which gives military discounts and free shipping:</p>
<p>momoftwins: Popcorn is great stuff - if you have space for those tins.</p>
<p>My son says his 3 man room is so cramped for space that he has to leave the room to change his mind.</p>
<p>Don't give up on the jerky. Here's a plan to excite the ladies. Tell them you're sending them some beefcake. Then, when the beef jerky arrives, tell them there must have been a mixup in the order.</p>
<p>Ok. I'm a fair-minded guy. To settle the debate, I asked my wife her opinion. She rolled her eyes when I mentioned sending beef jerky to women cadets/plebes. She agrees with you that the ladies won't go for the jerky. </p>
<p>I'm almost ready to concede. However, let me chew on it for a while.</p>
<p>Uh...You could possibly be right Aspen. Mine received a box today that I'd sent last week and I think he emailed the second he got it. With all the things I'd stuffed into that box!!, he says, "Thanks Mom for the beef jerkey. You've no idea. Its soooo good". I read it again. Then blinked. Okeedookee. Guess I'll be sending him some "BIG JOHN" brand next time though. It just sounds so, I dunno, MANLY next to Slim Jim LOL</p>
<p>aspen- you are too funny! our boy is from good 'old long island....no beef jerky in these parts! Think I'll go back to the brownie site...not fo him, but for his parents!</p>
<p>I spoke with my daughter this evening. She is not at all interested in beef jerky, nor are her roommates. Although this was an amusing idea, if I send the jerky, I can just imagine your son finding out about it and asking if it was meant for him.</p>
<p>navy2010,</p>
<p>Those brownies were really, really good. Someone in my office said that she saw them on the foodnetwork recently. What better endorsement can there be? The food network and me...</p>