<p>We are celebrating Jake's birthday next week so he can have some fun with stuff before he goes. ( Birthday is in July) Any gift ideas besides money?</p>
<p>The gifts most appreciated and used were the phone cards.</p>
<p>ipod or digital camera!</p>
<p>Oregon Mom, which Accademy is Jake going to? My son will turn 18 on July 8th at the AFA. He asked for an early birthday party at "Chuckee Cheese" before he goes. I can't deny him one more walk down memory lane. He will get to dance in front of the stage along with the mechanical characters.<br>
Our kid's have to grow up fast come I-Day. At least he is not asking to go to a "Dancing Establishment" with misplaced firehouse poles.<br>
I'm sure he is too big for the ball pit. That's ok too, I REALLY don't want to go in after him when he gets stuck in a net. :)</p>
<p>Whoah wierd, my birthday is july 8 to and i'll be in annapolis. I'll be 19 though</p>
<p>OM, we gave our son a really nice digital camera for his 18th last month. He won't be able to have it during plebe summer but will after PPW. It's already proven to be a great gift.</p>
<p>Also - there is a "special heavy duty" watch that they are talking about on the USNA CC site - it sounds like a good practical gift.</p>
<p>One of the parents sites had a list of graduation presents that were suggested for incoming plebes - can't remember exactly where it is though. I remember cruising through it - not very exciting stuff, but useful.</p>
<p>Also, another idea would be an inspirational book, maybe something related to the military, history, etc. I've given my son inscribed books to mark special milestones in his life and it is something good to look back on.</p>
<p>momof3boyz,</p>
<p>I absolutely love the Chuck E Cheese idea for a party. I'll bet he and his friends have a blast. I swore I'd die a happy woman if I never had to step foot in one again. But it would be fun to see the older kids in action. And I bet you'll see lots of them in the ball pit.</p>
<p>I hope they remember to wash their hands when they get out of the pit. I can recall seeing a few mishaps with children messing their pants and others getting sick. YUCK!!!!</p>
<p>...and then there's always Laser Tag or Paintball...</p>
<p>Here is another idea I heard from a parent on prospective-net.
Since cadets travel alot a good travel bag is helpful. The one mentioned can be worn as a backpack or has wheels and a handle to pull it along. It is a regulation size for carry on and part of it is a detachable backpack that can be your carryon personal item. There may be several kinds on the market but the one specifically mentioned is from REI, called the Eagle Creek Switchback Max ES. It is expensive but should last several years.</p>
<p>mom of 3:Jakes going to Annapolis. I was thinking of consumable stuff to have fun with before he goes.
If "Jiggles" would let him in, he'd be there, I'm sure.</p>
<p>As it is, I'm getting him his own outside lounge chair w/ cooler so he can relax in the sun and vegetate a little bit. I would get him an ipod but since he can't bring it, there might be a better one next year. Am already getting a new phone for graduation. Those verizon phones just keept breaking!</p>
<p>Will they be able to text message/etc... with the phones after the summer? I will add features if he can use them.</p>