<p>My nephew is just starting at Virginia Military Institute. Now, they are really strict about what kids can have (no electrical items -- not even an electric razor) but I'd like to send him a "care package". I'll include the typical "fresh baked cookies" but what else would a VMI student like to receive???</p>
<p>Shoe polish, gum, prepaid calling cards, some W&L girls' phone numbers since they are next door (kidding :)).</p>
<p>Check the service academy threads to see if there are good suggestions. When my H (just a fiance at the time) was a cadet and I was at a different school, I sent him brownies a lot.</p>
<p>Family photos! Especially the cat, dog, gerbil, etc. Always a hit. Even the mundane, here's pop reading the paper.</p>
<p>My S was a cadet at a private military university in VT. The kids really appreciate any and every little treat from home, but do ask your family what he is allowed. My S had to fit all personal treats into a shoe box. Gum, candy, rice krispie treats, nuts, power bars and baked goods were always a big hit. I always included pics of the dogs and a magazine or paperback. Military academies are a tough route, especially the first year. I'm sure he will LOVE hearing from you and appreciate anything you send.</p>
<p>Someone mentioned lint roller on another forum which is an item my own d requested. I bet a cadet would really need a few of those.</p>
<p>Ditto to the lint roller - esp. for those white summer uniforms. </p>
<p>Since he's in such a small town, why not things that he can't get in the area? Fresh cookies, baked goods, if he's into it, treats like Ghiradelli's chocolates. As he probably has to make a run out to Wal-mart for a lot of things, why not ice packs, heating pads, etc if the physical training is tough? </p>
<p>Now, if you really want to be nice, call up Cocoa Mill chocolates and have them deliver a basket for him. (Relatively inexpensive and excellent quality.)</p>
<p>Great tips so far...</p>
<p>I think the electric heating pad would be nice BUT they aren't allowed to have electrical things other than an alarm clock and a desk lamp (not even an electric razor or hair dryer). </p>
<p>Ari: I will try the chocolate idea </p>
<p>Magazine/paper back book idea is great, I'm just clueless about what type he'd like (it's my nephew - not my own kid)</p>
<p>They can't leave the campus, so they can't go to Walmart or other places. I don't know what the cell phone rule is.</p>
<p>Gold Bond body powder; Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap; Desitin ointment (yes, the same stuff our moms used on us to stop diaper rash.) This list would be like a trip to a spa for anyone being subjected to lots of intense outdoor PT in the heat, whether athletes, cadets, or soldiers.</p>
<p>Icy Hot is great stuff for sore muscles. </p>
<p>I saw the Rats last Sunday at when I attended church services in Lexington. The church members gave them a good breakfast and a chance to relax.</p>
<p>ESPN Magazine?</p>
<p>"treats like Ghiradelli's chocolates."</p>
<p>Actually Lexington has an incredibly good homemade chocolate store - the one thing he doesn't need! He should bring you chocolates. ;) <a href="http://www.cocoamill.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.cocoamill.com/</a></p>
<p>Homemade brownies or cookies if they are allowed though are always welcome I think.</p>
<p>Quarters, if they have to pay for laundry with coins...</p>
<p>Actually, they can't easily leave campus so he'll appreciate being sent chocolates.</p>
<p>I went to the website and it said that to send small amounts of food-- especially if perishable.</p>
<p>Mathmom, did you miss my suggestion of Cocoa Mill? ;)</p>
<p>You can get some hot pads that are thrown in the microwave - does he have microwave access?</p>
<p>Try Cascades Spa if you're thinking that route. Website is cascadesdayspa.com.</p>