Nephew going into military - grad gift???
 

My nephew is going into the military shortly after graduation. My sister died just 2 years ago and his step-dad (also in the military) adopted him. So he has family, but we're his only "blood" family - I first thought of giving him a watch for a gift so he could look at it and think of us and how we care -- but then I was wondering if he can even use a non-military watch.... I guess I don't know how it all works. I don't want to just give money, I'd rather give him something special. But is that practical with his situation? Any ideas?

I think that a watch (perhaps engraved on the back) would be very meaningful to him. I don't know anything about military regulations though, so I'd be interested to hear what some quilters with family members in the military have to say. Wish him well!

He's allowed a watch. He might have to leave it with his civies when he first goes in but he will wear it in the end. I think it's a wonderful idea.

Navy wife since 1964

A watch is a great idea. It will mean so much more than money will.

I did finally get the idea to email the base he's going to - and they replied saying that a watch is a good idea! They actually will need one since their time is so regimented. It can't be fancy, but at least he'll think of us.

It will depend on the branch of military. That being said, a special watch can be used outside of uniform time regardless of branch - so still would be a very special gift once he is done with boot camp.

Oh great I see you got info back on the watch idea. I think what you are doing is wonderful and hope you will be able to give him support through out the years.

The watch is a good idea since there is already approval. For a future thought, xmas is coming. When my son was in the army in Afghanistan just 2 years ago, he practically begged for a extra long (he's 6'4") twin size quilt with no green in it. That's all they see and colors of their favorite teams brings them warm memories in their off hours. I used college fabric for some of it - he loves OU. Sent him a pillowcase to match. His buddies asked him to get some for them. He says it's either killer hot or freezing cold where he was and the quilt was a blessing for those freezing days too. Interestingly enough his other requests were for non reflective metal screening to replace the nylon type their hut came with (the bugs there ate that) and insulation type tape. He said that where they were the sleeping buildingings were made of plywood and where the joints met, the sand came through. I sent him the tape and screen. Odd requests but they really appreciated it. Once he gets stationed he will have his own specific requests for his location I'm sure. Oh yes, he also asked for drink mix they could add to bottled water. They were shipping them pallets of bottled water but the pop drinking kid i raised wanted some taste. Power bars were another thing they asked for but even on sale they were $.75 each and he was sharing with his tent and misc friends. I shouldn't complain, he learned the lesson about sharing at least LOL. I had to set limits on those and he had to learn that only so many would come each week and he needed to be selective about sharing or go without. Your nephew is a lucky guy.

My boss's nephew is graduating from HS this year, and is entering the Army in August. They asked me to make a quilt for him from a panel of Army blocks, and one of Superman blocks. I designed a two sided quilt using 3 squares of each design,and I incorporated 16" blocks to offset the others. But I like to give boys graduating from HS a compass. And I put a note in with it, saying "so you'll always know where you are, and where home is". And I got him a survival bracelet with the official Amy emblem made into it. Good luck with your decision.

No matter what you give, he will always know it was from you. Any gift given MUST be accompanied by a prayer. God Bless...