What to Bring as a Thank You Gift

Hi L.
depending upon how much time you have? you could put together a nice little gift basket, something the whole family can enjoy. things like organic cookies, maybe some fruit and or coffee beans/teas for the adults, good quality chocolate. maybe line it with a cloth napkin or two (using navy colors),,, cost plus has fun things to add to it..
I just like to do personal well thought out gifts. even basket themes are fun like a pasta basket with diff pasta and sauce and even one of those mini bottles of wine (not saying in this case) or sometimes I do a chocolate basket with all kinds of chocolates.. it's fun to come up with ideas..

good luck!

As a Coast Guard wife I know that my husband would most appreciate a genuine thank you note. If you feel the need to do more I suggest something consumable as if they live in military housing most quarters are not large and with two little ones and a third on the way they most likely live in a small two or three bedroom place and iwth frequent moves, too much stuff is a problem. A gift certificate, food, bubbles for the kids or something along those lines will most likely be used and not end up at the local thrift store when it is time to transfer.

A more appropriate response would be to attend the interview, participate fully, and be respectful and curious about the job. Pay attention, and take notes, if possible. The best gift is to make that sailor feel as if he has made a contribution to your son's education. Aside from that, once the visit is over, have your son send a formal "thank you" note expressing his gratitude for the guidance provided. Have him include specific references to experiences he enjoyed and how this visit may have influenced his decisions. One of the best feelings a servicemember can get these days is to provide a proper perspective on service. I take every opportunity I can to inform an interested person about my service in the Marines, especially young women.

The gift basket and food ideas are all fantastic ones. Especially with little ones and one on the way. Maybe a one time gift certificate for a cleaning service or something like that too.

But as a military wife I can tell you the things that are most appreciated? A great big thank you ... for our spouses service and OURS. You see tributes and thank you's to the service members all the time and it's wonderful. I'm taking NOTHING away from that at all. But while I don't wear a uniform ... I serve just the same. It's a tough lifestyle for everyone and a heartfelt THANK YOU for everything we sacrifice will go straight to their hearts.

Whatever you choose will be appreciated if it's well thought out and personal.

A gift certificate to Red Robin.

Mcdonalds cupons that can be stuck inside a food or beach basket.

A gift certificate to a public pool along with some fins like another mom said.

An ice cream shop certificate, or , make a gift basket with sprinkles, different sauces, cherries, different cones (sugar and waffles),a can of whip cream spray, frozen strawberries, and the ingredients and recipies to make homemade ice cream ( the kind without a machine) I know you can make one recipe with rock salt, cream, sugar, and a jar, there are other recipies online.

A basket with fun cookie cutter shapes for kids (the nice big kind)and two or three rolls of Pillsbury ready to roll out sugar cookie dough, some sprinkles, a can of frosting.

A Disney video called Ratatoulle and the cookbook for kids that goes along with it called "what's cooking? A cookbook for kids" from Dsiney Press.

A book called "Family Traditions, celebrations for Hoildays and Everyday" by Readers Digest. (they might not have time to read it with three yong kids tho!!)

Dear L.,
Let your son put into words the impact the serviceman had upon him, taking time out to educate him, his appreciation for his service, etc.
Then frame it.
I come from a military family and I can pretty much promise you that it would be a gift his entire family would appreciate.
If you can get a photo of the two of them and have your son's words in a frame.....
.......Priceless.

Dear L.,

If your son is visiting someone's home for a family dinner, given his age, a nice box of candy or flowers for his hostess would be fine. If he's visiting a Navy Seal to possibly discuss a longterm committment in the service of our country, a firm handshake and a follow up thank you letter would be appropriate.

Blessings.....

i agree with the edible gifts. it is something they can enjoy without leaving any unnecessary clutter when they already have a busy life with young children. while knick knacks are well meant, they just sit there. if the children were a little older, i would suggest something like tickets to a children's museum, but they are a little young for that.

$2 gift certificates from Basking Robbins for his whole family. People love that gift!!! Not too much money so the recipient doesn't feel awkward, but enough to say thank you and I appreciate your time. And coming from a kid, this is the perfect gift.

Hi L.

I am a mother of a Marine. What I have found that they really like is a personal thank you note, it reminds them that you appreciate who they are, what they have chosen to do, and the sacrafice that the Navy Seal and his family have made. Of course they like to eat so a gift certificate would also be appreciated.
Kudos to you for raising a son who is interested in the Navy,

Good luck
M.
Proud Mom of 1st Lt. USMC

What a great idea! I think a hand-written thank you note, thanking him for his service, would be appreciated but if you want a gift for the children (an nice added touch!), Gymboree has great balls and bubbles. They're always a hit for young kids. You can buy them at the play centers. Let me know if you need site information.

J. F.
____@____.com
Gymboree

A gift box from Tastefully Simple may be a good idea. Tastefully Simple has good quality gourmet food that is very easy to prepare. The boxes are already elegantly decorated and ready to give.

Hi L.,

How about getting one of those cheap plastic beach purses with holes in it, and use it has a "gift basket". Then fill it with bubbles, buckets and shovels and sunscreen. It can be used for anything and anywhere, but it will look like a "family beach gift".

Hope that "sparks" your creative thinking :O)

~N.

Hi L.,

I agree with the person who said pay attention, take notes, and write a thoughtful thank you letter. Maybe for the family you could ask your son what he thinks would be a nice gift. He might surprise you with a great response!

Good luck!
T.

Hello L.: What a great example you are to bring an Appreaciation gift. Children learn wht they see parents do and this will help them greatly in life. Having been military and my husband and I donating time to others we reallly appreciated things that helped us, for example: gift certificate to the zoo, movie tickets or a dvd with popcorn to watch, gift card to walmart, or even a casserole so they have a meal in the freezer or an easy night. A note of thanks goes a long way as well. Thank You, for being such an example. I hope you enjoy the adventure of parenthood; nana g

Hi L..
My husband was in the Navy for 20 yrs. We have had the priviledge of getting to know some of the SEALs. A little insight might help - (Stereotypically:) Although they realize they are a specialized group, they are 'just' people. People with a -stong- sense of 'God, Country, and the American Way'. The SEAL that'll be meeting with your son will feel it is his honor and duty to do so. Any thank you will be appreciated.
I'd recommend something less serious than the 'usual'. I would suugest something like swimming togs and goggles, perhaps tiny fins, for his tikes. He will most certainly know you think of him as a person. AND, as all categorized enthusiasts do (ie., motorcycle riders, pilots, gamers, seamstresses, etc.), he will absolutely acknowledge the thought. Have fun with it.
If you're concerned about the gravity of your thanks - be sure to have your son write a sincere note to accompany the card. Trust me when I tell you, that'll stand out in the sailor's mind more than anything else.
Good on ya for being so thoughtful!
K.