<p>Does anyone have ideas for something that would be particularly useful to a candidate in the class of 2012? We have a close friend whose daughter has been given an appointment. I can think of several things particularly useful for someone getting ready to being USMA, having been through that twice, but didn't know if there were ideas unique to USCGA. Thanks...</p>
<p>Some ideas/suggestions I've found while browsing thru CGA Parents site and from posts on here:</p>
<p>*Box of stationary/note cards and stamps (stamps go up 1cent on 5/12)
*Gift card from the CGA Bookstore (saves them from charging on their white card)
*Inexpensive digital watch (can buy 2) to take the rigors of swab summer
*Picture cube for their room (it's allowed) can personalize with pics of their family, friends and pets</p>
<p>Last year I gave friends & family members who were graduating gas cards. She can use this before she leaves and has all that running around to do...
I'm giving my son the leather-bound History of the Coast Guard book, of course it'll end up on our coffee table after he leaves...but it's the thought,
;-) And there's always the safe bet, $ money.</p>
<p>If it helps,
CGA Bookstore 1-800-444-8308</p>
<p>Last year my daughter got a really nice sweatshirt as a grad gift, from a family friend(she had babysat their kids for yrs) ordered from the college bookstore. She wore it all the time and loved it. Maybe it's me but girls seem easier to buy gifts for than guys...
Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Gift cards work great. If you don't want to specify a New London restaurant, then buying like a Visa gift card from your local bank is a nice idea. They won't be able to go off campus during swab summer, but it is a welcome respite to go out for a meal on the weekend during the school year. The shuttle bus drops the cadets off so transportation is not an issue/problem. The cadets also often go to WalMart for personal supplies so a WalMart card is another idea.</p>
<p>for gift cards i would suggest regal cinemas or walmart</p>
<p>Son would like a camera for graduation. Any recommendations? I am thinking one that takes AA batteries makes the most sense. Desks are not allowed to be cluttered so I am not sure if he would be allowed to recharge a camera with lithium batteries.</p>
<p>Stylus</a> 790 SW</p>
<p>This is an awesome camera. My son attends Kings Point, and loves this camera because of its features and the fact that it's waterproof and shock proof. It takes great photos as well.</p>
<p>I was just concerned whether a swab/4c would be allowed to recharge this type of camera between uses, since desk must be free from clutter.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Also keep in mind, swabs may not have access to a computer/internet to download the photos during swab summer.</p>
<p>Right. We thought we would get him a few SD cards to mail back and forth and we could download for him. While the rechargeable cameras are the most compact we are leaning towards one that takes AAs because of the whole recharging issue.</p>
<p>he'll only be able to use the camera on Eagle. i would mail it to him just before Eagle with a charged battery because it will drain just sitting there. same goes for the cell phone.</p>
<p>I agree with the waterproof one. I belive that Olympus makes it and it is waterproof and shockproof. Its a pretty darn nice camera. And next to impossible to break
JD</p>
<p>The digital camera was the best thing we gave at HS graduation. Although it could not be used until Eagle through 4 years I have received photos of life at the Academy that I would never have seen with out it. We got the Olympus that was waterproof and shockproof. I loved it so much that I bought one for myself. Once they are allowed to use the camera they will be allowed to recharge a battery. It is well worth it as the regular batteries wear out so fast.</p>
<p>GIft cards to Target, Walmart, Panera, Ruby Tuesday's, Olive Garden, ColdStone Creamery are all great places as when they are given a few hours of liberty these ar the places the liberty vans drop off.</p>
<p>Eventually an ipod is a great gift too. If they get one for graduation and they have it ready to go, when they are allowed to use them, they will love you for it.</p>
<p>Good luck to everyone. Four years will fly by before you know it! Graduation is one week from tomorrow!!!</p>
<p>"Once they are allowed to use the camera they will be allowed to recharge a battery." That settles it. Thanks.</p>