Christmas Gift Ideas

[xjswife]

Well, I see the Family Forum has been kind of quiet lately, and since I've had this on my mind for a while, I thought I might start a new thread.

I’ve been floating around some Christmas gift ideas for my husband (at BUD/S in Phase II currently) and was hoping for some additional input.

I have already ordered him a personalized copy of the newest book about SEALs, The Operator’s Choice. He already has the others commonly listed at this site.

I was hoping to also buy him a small knife. I remember when I first started lurking on this site, about three years ago, there was a poster named GiGi whose boyfriend was a SEAL and she had suggested a few smaller knives, but that was back in 2003. Any SEALs or other knowledgeable men out there who have suggestions of a smaller knife he might like? My father is a hunter and he has a few catalogues, but I am lost as to what my guy would need. I do know it has to be durable. If anything, he is hard on the things he owns. From his Jeep to his credit cards, nothing stays in good shape.

The second idea I had was to purchase a SEALs themed t-shirt or hoodie. This is perhaps the gift that most worries me, because I don’t want to get him something that makes it seem as though he already is a SEAL, but I also don’t want to downplay what he accomplished so far. After all, when I see him, he will have completed Phase II. I know of one company, Forged Clothing, that is operated by a former SEAL and some profits go towards varying military-related non-profits, I believe. The designs aren’t really his style, though, so I was wondering if anyone knew of similar companies or other, plainer t-shirts that might be more up his alley.

Also, perhaps I’m entirely missing the mark. Any other ideas? (And don’t worry – we got the whole sexy gift idea covered. No need to remind me of the value in those types of gifts. ;) )

[phillyproud]

Each class during Hell Week comes up with a logo or banner of some sort, it is usually available to the classmates through BullShirts in Coronado. You may be able to get that placed on a T-shirt of hoodie! Good luck!

[grandpa273]

I checked with Bullshirt a few days ago and they have not received the artwork for the Class 273 Hell Week shirt. They did say to check back in a week or so. Here is their Web Site.

www.navysealmerchandise.com (http://www.navysealmerchandise.com)

[ma929tt]

Well as far as knives go I would highly recommend getting something that is good quality. I use my knife a lot for work, hunting, and I generally have it on me all the time. I have went through many, many knives over the years because I bought cheap ones. Well, I finally took a friends advice and bought a Benchmade Knife ($200 at a small mom and pop bait shop in the middle of nowhere, Wyoming). Benchmade knives will literally last forever, unless you lose it. Like me. So then I bough a slightly cheaper ($140) knife from another good quality company, CRKT. And I have had that one for 2 years, and it is still in awesome condition, gets used almost daily at work for all kinds of things: prying, cutting, screwdriver (I mean the actual blade, it is a jack knife), etc.

Anyways, that was long-winded (I like my knives) so here are the websites, but I wouldn't buy from them. Stores usually sell them cheaper, ebay the cheapest (watch for knock-offs).
http://www.crkt.com/index.html
http://www.benchmade.com/index.asp

Matt

[xjswife]

Thanks, Grandpa and Philly! I completely forgot about his class logo. I e-mailed BullShirt and they said it likely wouldn't be ready until after Christmas. I did find another shirt I wanted there, though. I think I will talk to our local print shop in town and get him a hooded sweatshirt that simply says "273" in large numbers. That's more along his style, anyhow.

And thank you for the info on the knives. It sounds like you are as hard on your tools (and as creative with them) as my hubby is. My dad and I are going to go through the links and then to a local store he uses for his hunting gear.

Thanks again, everyone!

--Kate

[mom272]

Well, we gave our son a digital camera for his birthday this month, so I'm going to buy more memory for it for Christmas. He can email us pictures now. He hasn't actually done that, but he could, ha ha. Perhaps in the future when he is deployed somewhere he can take pictures of the things he sees.

The little market in the small town we live in sells T-shirts with an American flag and the name of our town, so I was thinking of buying him one to remind him of home.

I was thinking of a Navy SEAL G.I. Joe action figure as a joke.

He already has all the knives he could use.

Hope you get some good ideas...we could use some more.

[soccermom]

I've had zero luck buying him SEAL stuff over the years. He does still have his class t-shirt, though. The only caution I would have with that (not to be a downer here) but if your hubby gets injured or ill and is rolled back in Phase II or III, he'll graduate with a different class. Not likely, but still...

I would suggest anything you can find in REI. If you don't want to give a gift certificate, then you could probably enter the store blindfolded and just start grabbing things and it'll work out fine. I've also had success with anything excercise equipment oriented.

A knife is a good idea but you probably need a young guy SEAL input on what is the current rage. I'm way out of the loop on that.

A camera is great. My husband hates them and I have zero pictures from his many deployments. I assume he did go, though. Another caution is that sending pics from deployment has been a problem in the past, to say the very very very least. 99% has been fine but....don't post them anywhere on the web even to a secure sight that you think only family and friends can use. Think reporters, vice terrorists.

Finally, I like the GI Joe joke. Of course the ONLY cool one to get is the Rudy Boesch one! That's the only joke one I've seen given out over the years. Plus, his wife just died a couple of weeks ago so it's a fitting tribute. She's been a stalwart in the community and it's a big loss to NSW. RIP Marge.

[1stud]

If you are going the knife route, make sure it is a good steel. I am in love with Spyderco and their line of folders. A good knife is an indescribable asset. However...the *user* has to like it and be comfortable, making a knife as a gift a little tricky

[dive doc]

I have to say that i like what Soccermom said about her hubby still having his HellWeek t-shirt. It just strikes me as something very personal, that was earned on a level only the guys he went through it with, and stood shoulder to shoulder with, for 5 days and nights of hell understand!!!

I think a couple of t-shirts and a hoody with the 273 Hellweek diagram/pic/emblem is a helluva present. This was his Hellweek, so no matter what class he graduates from/with, (fingers crossed) this will be the only Hellweek he has to endure. Plus ... for the most part ... they rock!!!

I think the knife idea is a great one. A lot of good suggestions above.

DD

[xjswife]

Thank you all for the great ideas and suggestions! (And Soccermom -- I am still laughing, i.e. "I assume he did go, though.")

Hubs won't be getting a camera. In addition to the two digi cams he has already broken or lost, we've also had to replace four cell phones, one handheld GPS and three MP3 players. The man is not made for anything that has small buttons. Although, I admit I did laugh the time he came home very excited to show me his new cell phone to replace the one he ran over, only to realize he had forgot it on top of the Jeep (was getting a signal for GPS) and drove off. :rolleyes:

I found a website to design a few hoodies for him. I'm using Zazzle.com in case anyone is interested. If you want to borrow my design, shoot me a PM. One features 273 in big letters on the back with "The only easy day was yesterday" and the dates of his Hell Week. The other has the class number again, this time with "It pays to be a winner." The sweatshirts are expensive (around $45) but this site had the best font options.

Hoping to go knife shopping after I see him for Thanksgiving. The plan is to lure him to a store and see what he is drawn to. Hopefully he won't catch me taking notes. I'm also thinking of framing his Hydro Chart. Might seem silly, but he has the worst handwriting in the world and I know how long he suffered over that thing.

Thanks again for all of the ideas! The Rudy figure is definitely happening, too. Great suggestion. (And to everyone else who is looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday -- Hooyah! It's just around the corner!)

--Kate

[soccermom]

I thought of something else, but it costs more than a t-shirt. We have this fabulous painting of rock portage that he loves. We also have one of Moki's paintings. Anything by Moki would be awesome.

[hamburger]

7.62 design makes a great BUD/S shirt that has a boat crew holding an IBS with the words "Cold Wet Tired and Miserable" on it, he might like that.

[Schatje]

It’s very important to know the individual personally…to know all the likes and dislikes. I would like to suggest something I would like. I hope it contributes to all the ideas you have so far. I personally hate having to give gifts on holidays or scheduled occasions. I prefer to surprise my girl (or people I care about) with a gift or an act out of the blue (just thought I would mention that). My girl makes a big deal out of Christmas and all the other holidays out there that make it somewhat mandatory to buy a hallmark card etc. I don’t know about the rest of you guys, but the toughest thing I ever did in life was grocery shopping (or any kind of shopping). I can’t stand it…I’ll get to the point though.

I like to BBQ (even in the snow). These two websites are great for ordering an outstanding cut of meat.

http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?Dsp=261&AID=5230&ITMSUF=YGZ&SRC=AE1926&ITMSUF=XRJ&referrer=Quigo

This next website is where I prefer to get MEAT.

http://www.stockyards.com/category.aspx?categoryID=545

The Chicago cut bone in rib-eye is my personal favorite.

I would also recommend purchasing a bottle of Fullers Vintage Ale.

http://www.fullers-ales.com/vintage_ale.php

I never tasted/enjoyed anything better (One bottle costs around 8 bucks – worth it)

Cigars are also a nice gift for a guy.

http://cigarking.com/

You can order online or if the two locations posted on the site are near you, you can visit one, and ask a guy for assistance.

I don’t know if these are good ideas…the meat is packed in dried ice. I think it’s good for about 3 days in a box, so it might not be a good idea to put it under the tree. I can only speak for myself…but these gifts would make my day.

[crosspacific]

Sweatshirts are a great idea. After a long day of buds I know they pile on as many layers as possible. But, I would NOT get a BUD/S student anything that had anything about SEALS written on it. It goes along with the SEAL ethos of being silent professional. I know that my guy would never (at least in public) wear something that flaunts what he does. And if a student wore something like that and they had not even completed BUD/S, I'm sure they would get hell for it.

A GPS is another good idea. They travel so much it really comes in handy.

[xjswife]

Thanks for the heads up!

I found out AFTER I designed two different sweatshirts that Class 273 has already ordered their Hell Week shirts/hoodies. (Grandpa273 and others might be interested in this: They decided not to use Bullshirt and have ordered their stuff through an East Coast company. I think hubby said the Class Leader took all the orders and they paid in a lump sum.)

Anyhoo, over Thanksgiving, hubby told me he had ordered a sweatshirt for himself and for me. Sooooo, I think I will now give the hoodies to his father and brother. They have the class number and a quote on the back. (One says, "The only easy day was yesterday," the other says, "It pays to be a winner.)

There is nothing overtly SEALS about the shirts, other than I've included the dates of their Hell Week.

Crosspacific -- do you think this seems like too much? I know one of hubby's favorite clothing items before was a sweatshirt he got during his DEP program when he was training with other Special Ops candidates in the Northeast. It doesn't explicitly say SEALS, but if someone who was familiar with the program saw it, they would recognize the initials and logo. He had a t-shirt that he earned for being at the top of his class, too, and he wore that often.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions and advice!

Kate

[autumn]

Ahh.. my husband wants a motorcycle. (HA!) Riiigght!
But, Id have to say, you cant beat SD weather for a good ride. ;)

[xjswife]

Hahaha. I told Hubby he could have a motorcycle if he sold his Jeep and/or Unimog axles. The look he gave me could best be described as one that encouraged me to never suggest such an atrocity again.

How are things going for you, Autumn?? I saw a post earlier that said you're on your third baby, is that right? Congrats!! Better find a motorcycle with a sidecar, hehe.

[kimintx89]

Hello Ladies...My son wants a motorcycle also.....Told him he would have to buy it himsef....LOL....

[rsctt83]

Relax Christmas shopping expert has arrived to save the day, just kidding. If they gave out awards for selecting the highest number of presents returned on a yearly basis I would win hands down.

My Christmas list, none of which I actually expect to recieve {should be applicable to outdoor minded and SOF people as well} is as follows:

MP3 player that runs on AAA batteries {hard to charge an Ipod when you are out in the middle of no where}.

My own Play Station 3 player that I don't have fight the rugrats to get hold of controller to play

Small DVD player {that runs on replaceable batteries as well as plug into wall}

Really cool pair of Oakley wrap around glasses

Gift certificate for Fitness Quest 10 {Tierrasanta not to far away from NSW} sports message

Gift certificate for Chipolte {spelling} mexican food

Hey Xjswife how are things going? Email me and let me know how Mr. I wish I had a Motorcycle is doing

[dive doc]

DD wipes the drool from his chin ... after all that ... theres only one other thing I want in my stocking this Xmas!!! :D

HooYah!!!

[Shar36]

Add to rsctt's Christmas Wish List...

A brand spanking new LAPTOP!!!!! One that is his and only his...he won't have to share with anybody!!!

~Shar

[autumn]

Hahaha. I told Hubby he could have a motorcycle if he sold his Jeep and/or Unimog axles. The look he gave me could best be described as one that encouraged me to never suggest such an atrocity again.

How are things going for you, Autumn?? I saw a post earlier that said you're on your third baby, is that right? Congrats!! Better find a motorcycle with a sidecar, hehe.

Haha, I told mine he could have a motorcycle after he bought me the huge diamond he promised. I must say..that did the trick. No more motorcycle pictures placed insidiously around the house. ;)

I'm good, thanks! I am at the end of my 22nd week. We are having a 3rd boy! Can you believe it? Im just ready to have a beer already.

[xjswife]

Three boys!! That oughta be a lot of fun! As the only sister to three brothers, I can assure that if you decide to go another round and try for a girl she will be an absolute princess! I hope I softened my brothers up a bit -- I know they certainly toughened me up. Hehe.

At any rate -- congrats to you once again. Only a few more months til you meet the newest member of your family. How exciting!

[autumn]

Oh, nonononono. There will be no more. My goodness. Id like a girl, but I enjoy my sanity more. ;)

[breezybree20022]

Oh, nonononono. There will be no more. My goodness. Id like a girl, but I enjoy my sanity more. ;)

Sanity???? Whats that...... with my five rugrats I think that is not even a remote question mark.... especially since my oldest went to her first school dance ...with... a boy.... and well the grandpa and her uncles were hilarious in the third degree to the boy. I think my father even told the boy that he wouldn't mind going to prison should she even shed a tear in the boys presence. Yea.... Shakes my head .... brings back memories of my dating life back when....
Course it didn't help that the boy showed up in goth wear and with 666 written on his knuckles as well as on his forehead....... did I mention we live in the south LOL. ( dad about popped a gasket)
Anyhoo..... Kids are fun until they try the rebellion route..... and then we the parents think ...is it illegal to wrap my house in electrified barb wire>>>
To top it off the child was home late for curfew >>>> shakes head.....oh well kids are fun >.Smiles
My sanity stopped being a question mark after the first two....... now I happily say I should have taken up golfing or paid the cable bill LOL
Smiles
Bree

[breezybree20022]

Add to rsctt's Christmas Wish List...

A brand spanking new LAPTOP!!!!! One that is his and only his...he won't have to share with anybody!!!

~Shar

The kids Christmas lists can give the national dificit a run for its money... I have an xbox 360 and a playstation 2 or 3 on it I think as well as a lot of trucks ,, dolls.... games..... make up ..jewlery and yes even an inflatable wrestling ring on it.
( Somehow I think no on the wrestling ring as I envision the boys trying to kill one another in it....... and many many many ER visits when they realize they are not like the wrestlers on TV and can not fly over the railings without stitches and the like involved. ) And somehow I envision the girls trying to kill their brothers too when one or all of them bug the oldest once a month..... and she is somewhat scary then even to me LOL
Bree

[kimintx89]

Breezy you make me laugh......Brings back soooo many memories....The ER, The Dr, The Dad and uncles.....The scary Daughter....Yea I have two of those.....But I survived...My Kids are all grown up...I only have four.....I have one in the Marines and one in Training for the SEALS....One Daughter is married with a 3 year old and the other is in college...

[breezybree20022]

Breezy you make me laugh......Brings back soooo many memories....The ER, The Dr, The Dad and uncles.....The scary Daughter....Yea I have two of those.....But I survived...My Kids are all grown up...I only have four.....I have one in the Marines and one in Training for the SEALS....One Daughter is married with a 3 year old and the other is in college...

Yeah, The daughter locked her brother in the bathroom for fifteen minutes today......LOL....... Yeah my kids give the old eighties cartoon BeBe's kids a run for their money.
Shakes head....sanity is in short short supply LOL
Bree
Smiles at Kim .....

[rsctt83]

hi Bree and happy holidays ....

[kimintx89]

Hi Bree....It was always my boys I was worried about...I thought they would kill each other and they tried a couple times....They sort of like each other now...They are just complete opposites....They miss each other but can't be around each other for very long....Have a great day.... :-)

[breezybree20022]

hi Bree and happy holidays ....

Hey Scott.... Smiles.... happy holidays to you too darlin, and Kim..... well yeah the boys are bad but when you have more than one prepubecent female living in your home ...... shakes head .... it makes me think taking on a few teams of SEAL men would be a walk in the park than walking through the minefield that is my daughters mind.....shakes head....
The boys just try to kill eachother..... no subtlely at all.... the girls well.... they are a bit more sneaky and scary with the things they come up with. ... I truly believe that the wars would end if we dropped all five of my monsters off to whatever country ws being mentally challenges........ heck they would white flag before the hour was up.... BeBe's kids are BAD!!!!!
grins...... but I love their evil little butts......
Example of the evilness.......... My ex had the kids for visitation and well angered my daughter by smacking her hard, she waited smiling until the next morning..... and then made him chocolate chip pancakes and coffee for breakfast and served it to him in bed........ a little while later he called me because he was ill....... turns out that she had made his coffee and pancakes with chocolate exlax........ Shakes head...... and that was all because he slapped her because she told him a real man and father would help her mom support her by paying child support........... Did I mention I love my babies//// grins.... she apologized later so all is well LOL
Bree

[kimintx89]

Oh Bree you make me laugh....I must say your daughter has some very large gonads....My daughter called CPS on my Ex because he smacked her...Did I mention he is a Police Officer....Wow....Everything turned allright though....They decided that she probably needed that spanking....LOL....And yes if you put my Daughters on the ground in a war they would all raise a White Flag within the hour....They are very mean....Nothing like the wrath of a Woman Scorned....Very true statement in my house....Have a very Merry Christmas.... :-)

[breezybree20022]

The holidays were interesting to say the least. But at least all survived..... now I just have to worry about surviving the rest of their childhood LOL
My mom used to say Parenthood was just future therapy bills in progress.... now I know what she meant and completely agree.... it is sooooooo disturbing to hear my older son talk to his friends about whose mom is hotter and whose mom is more stacked.... and the younger one eating doodle bugs is just grossing me out....
Of course the girls are just as bad....... I heard just today my oldest daugher ( who was on here with me and her friends remarking on several of my male friends pics........ lets just say if I never hear those phrases come out my lil angels mouth again I will be completely ok with it LOL) My oldest boy has a crush on Shar......... should I tell him he is a little young for her LOL...
The baby..... the four yr old and six yr old have a case of serious hero worship for Amir ( my eldest daughter thought his pic was..... in her words smexy or hot for an old guy is what she said... rolls my eys...)
By the time their hormones get back under control I may need some serious couch time in Dr. Phils office LOL
Oh well........... at least their crushes are in good taste LOL
Bree

[Shar36]

My oldest boy has a crush on Shar......... should I tell him he is a little young for her LOL...
Bree

:eek: O...M...G!!! Considering that I don't even know how old your oldest is, I think I'm safe in saying that I am FAR TOO OLD for him. Sheesh, I'm old enough to be his Grandmother! You can tell him that I am touched by his crush though. I seem to recall a convo you and I had where you found out that I'm 47. You were shocked at that yourself; imagine how shocked your oldest son would be.

~Shar

[breezybree20022]

:eek: O...M...G!!! Considering that I don't even know how old your oldest is, I think I'm safe in saying that I am FAR TOO OLD for him. Sheesh, I'm old enough to be his Grandmother! You can tell him that I am touched by his crush though. I seem to recall a convo you and I had where you found out that I'm 47. You were shocked at that yourself; imagine how shocked your oldest son would be.

~Shar

LoL I told him and he said .....mom age is just a number........ and she is wayyyyyyy to hot to be my grams.... LOL........ then his friends said that they would spend more time at grams house if she looked like you LOL
I almost fell over ......... course I told my daughter Cheyenne the same about Amir and Scott and she was like its all good I will make them young again LOL........ I just gave up then and said it was good they had crushes on good pppl LOL
Laughs
Bree

[Shar36]

LoL I told him and he said .....mom age is just a number........ and she is wayyyyyyy to hot to be my grams.... LOL........ then his friends said that they would spend more time at grams house if she looked like you LOL
I almost fell over ......... course I told my daughter Cheyenne the same about Amir and Scott and she was like its all good I will make them young again LOL........ I just gave up then and said it was good they had crushes on good pppl LOL
Laughs
Bree

Alright, I can't argue that age is just a number as I say that all the time and that is truly how I feel. However, you may want to let him know that at my age the only thing HOT about me are my flashes. Also, let him know that I'm sure our taste is music is vastly different. I'm currently listening to 'Ol Blue Eyes...Nothing But The Best! Let's see if he knows who that is...HA!!!

~Shar