What to Buy A Midshipman for the Holiday? Christmas Gift Guide for Midshipmen 2019
Dec 12, 2019
What to Get a Midshipman?
If you’re still struggling to find a holiday gift for your midshipman, take a quick look at my list of gift ideas before you click “buy” on something that you’re unsure about.
Now, no two mids are the same, and you definitely know them best, so I encourage you to go with your best judgment. I wanted to create this list because I get a lot of questions about gift ideas for midshipmen.
I compiled a list of items that, while they might not be too extravagant or exciting, I personally have enjoyed and found continually practical and useful in my daily life at the Naval Academy and in the fleet!
If your mid "rates" anything mentioned should always be considered.
Gift Ideas for you Mid
I have listed multiple big gift and stocking stuffer ideas that I have shared with people who have sent me a private note, so I thought I would make a blog post for everyone who might have the same question.
You can get these all on Amazon which is how I do most of my Christmas shopping!
Note: I am an Amazon affiliate, which means I earn a commission if you buy from these links, but it is at no extra cost to you.
So hopefully you find something in this list that helps you in finding something for your mid to put under the tree for them.
Grant's Gift Ideas for Midshipmen
1. Kindle
For anyone who knows me, you know I am an avid reader, and having a thin and lightweight e-reader is really helpful and enjoyable. This kindle, which I have in addition to my iPad, has a glare-free screen, which gives it a real paper appearance even in direct sunlight. I have read many books on my kindle at the Academy, at my home now, and even on deployment. I think this is a very solid choice for any Mid who enjoys reading. Link for kindle: https://amzn.to/2YEKX2M
2. Wireless Workout Headphones
Every mid can use some good wireless headphones for a workout. If you watch my videos of my podcast, you know I like, and use, Beats headphones. I think these are great for all kinds of workouts and casual daily use. They are durable, cool, and not too easy to lose. If you want to upgrade you can go all out with the Powerbeats Pro - Totally Wireless Earphones.
Buy them here. Link: https://amzn.to/2Efm8kE
With as much shaving as male mids have to do, treating them to a luxury like a high-end electric razor is a welcome sight in their stocking or under the tree. Not the most exciting gift, but extremely practical, useful, and helpful in the day to day life.
Buy the Electric Razor here Link: https://amzn.to/2LPETz7
Grant's Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Stocking Stuffer #1 - Tile
If your Mid can at times lose things, I have found having a TILE in/attached to keys, backpack, wallet is a lifesaver. Tile is a tiny Bluetooth-enabled tracker and companion app that allows you to locate your items, fast. Especially when time is of the essence (always at the academy). They will call and thank you the first time this saves them!
- Ring your things: Use your smartphone to make your Tile Pro ring when it’s nearby but out of sight
- Find your phone: Can't find your phone: Simply double press the Tile button on your Tile Pro to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent
- Activate Community Find: If your Tile Pro is faraway, let other Tile community members help. The Tile app running on their phones can send location updates to your app
- Battery life: Replaceable CR2032 battery is guaranteed for one year from activation. You can easily replace it yourself
Buy a tile here! Link: https://amzn.to/2PHJNzc
Stocking Stuffer #2 Hydro Flask Water Bottle - Stainless Steel & Vacuum Insulated - Wide Mouth with Leak Proof Flex Cap - 32 oz
One of the most popular insulated water bottles on the market, a Hydro Flask is simply just a great water bottle. It’s unrivaled insulation capabilities keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours and cold drinks cold for an entire day. I kept one in the side pocket of my backpack at all times.
Buy the Hydro Flask Here Link: https://amzn.to/2qN6wBN
Stocking Stuffer #3 - Fast Charger for Your Phone That Doubles as a Portable Charger - Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000, Portable Charger 5000mAh 2-in-1 with Dual USB Wall Charger, Foldable AC Plug and PowerIQ, Battery Pack for iPhone, iPad, Android, Samsung Galaxy, and More
This wall charger not only fast-charges your phone (meaning it will charge up your phone literally twice as fast as the little charging block it came with), it also doubles as a portable battery/charger that is capable of fully charging your phone nearly twice on a single charge! It’s pretty awesome and incredibly handy to have.
With as much as these young hooligans are on their phones nowadays, it’s a must have!
Yes, I too am a young hooligan and I love my fast-charger.
This comes with the PowerCore Fusion 5000, 2ft micro USB cable, travel pouch, welcome guide, and their 18-month worry-free warranty.
Buy the Anker Portable Charger Here Link: https://amzn.to/2YK1XV7
Stocking Stuffer #4 - Warm Socks
Warm Socks - Mens Thick Heat Trapping Insulated Boot Thermal Socks Pack Warm Winter Crew For Cold Weather
I am from California and was not prepared for how cold it can get in Maryland. Some really good warm socks are an appreciated gift over standard-issue black socks. https://amzn.to/35hipim
5. A Good Book
When a guest joins me on my podcast, I ask her or him to recommend their favorite book. It has turned out to be a goldmine for me in finding some really inspirational reads that will always be on my literal or virtual bookshelf.
Check out one that your Mid might like in my recommended book store.
Link to Grant's Amazon bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/shop/academyinsider?listId=1L52UPLV7AOQB
I hope that helps!
You may reach out with any questions.
Grant is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy class of 2017. He is also the founder of Academy Insider LLC. You may reach out to Grant with questions at [email protected].
To learn more about the Naval Academy through the perspective of a midshipman/recent graduate - subscribe to his podcast the Academy Insider Podcast with Grant Vermeer on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Stitcher and Spotify.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Other gift ideas may be found at the Academy Insider Amazon store.
