Gift Ideas for a Marine

December 19, 2022, 07:34 AM

My kids gave me a basic Leatherman for Christmas sometime in the late 90's. And I swear, my first thought was, "Man! What I wouldn't have given for this thing 30 years ago when I was in the Marines."

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"It's hard to imagine a more stupid or dangerous way of making decisions, than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong."
Thomas Sowell

December 19, 2022, 12:07 PM

LS1 GTO

quote:
Originally posted by Jester814:
I mean, obviously, edible crayons:

https://www.amazon.com/Dulces-...id=1671444056&sr=8-3

As a retired sailor, i approve.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

"If dogs don't go to Heaven, I want to go where they go" Will Rogers

The definition of the words we used, carry a meaning of their own...

December 19, 2022, 12:11 PM

LS1 GTO

On a more serious side, a handwritten letter, monthly, goes a long way.

Engraved Mont Blanc pen if within budget.

December 19, 2022, 12:35 PM

ArtieS

"I vowed to myself to fight against evil more completely and more wholeheartedly than I ever did before. . . . That’s the only way to pay back part of that vast debt, to live up to and try to fulfill that tremendous obligation."

Alfred Hornik, Sunday, December 2, 1945 to his family, on his continuing duty to others for surviving WW II.

December 19, 2022, 01:03 PM

frankinaug

Portable hard drive for movies and music
Good noise canceling headphones
Good civilian clothes and shoes
Garment steamer

December 19, 2022, 01:34 PM

corsair

A good pen or, pen set is a nice gift. Others have pointed out watches and multi-tools; while he's not assigned combat arms, those are nice field items to have.

Since he's with the MSG detachments, he'll be flying commercial and mingling with civilians much more than fleet Marines. A good carry-on backpack, perhaps one that doesn't scream TACTICOOL is nice, this and this work. Electronics are becoming a big part of our lives, charging devices and power banks would be thoughtful. Apple Air Tags are handy for tracking luggage and/or items. A tablet of any kind is also nice.

Small accessory totes and pouches are very handy. From organizing all your cables/charging items, important docs, just-in-case-items, medical stuff, tools, administrative stuff, etc...those small organizers I've found to be a godsend.

December 19, 2022, 01:48 PM

jprebb

Thanks for the suggestions, guys! I ended up going with the edible crayons and a Leatherman Super Tool 300 EOD. https://www.leatherman.com/super-tool-300-eod-31.html

Corsair has me thinking I'll be adding a few more items.

Thanks again!
JP

December 19, 2022, 02:13 PM

corsair

Civilian clothing will be important for him, being able to dress both smart casual and business casual will be common during his time with MSG. Polos, button-down woven and dress-shirts, chinos, sport coats, ties, dress shoes...he'll need them. Same also with more casual sport/outdoor wear.

December 19, 2022, 03:08 PM

akcopnfbks

quote:
Originally posted by jljones:
My boy is active duty now. It’s gotten no better.

Same. Oldest boy is AF counter intel at Bragg/No-Hope Pope, and daughter is flying Seahawks for the Navy. The lack of good gear has not changed (unless you're in certain high-speed/low-drag units....which has always been the case lol).

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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than omnipotent moral busybodies" ~ C.S. Lewis