Starting over after Prison (need gift ideas)

[Mashara]

So I don't even know where to begin here. An old roommate's son was just released from prison. I think he's in a halfway house for a month or two until her home in another state can be okayed for him. It's a mess with the two different states.

Anyway, she's trying to think of something to send that he can use in the next couple months. He has food and goodwill clothes covered by the halfway house. Some other guy lets him borrow a cell phone so he can call his mom.

My only ideas have been a wallet and $20 (to feel more normal when he gets his state ID), a book with job ideas for ex-felons, and a cheap prepaid cell phone. Can anyone suggest other helpful gifts?

[Deleted]

I like the prepaid cell ph idea

[ssmjlm]

A prepaid cell will be a huge help.

Maybe gc's to some fast food places, just so he can eat out.

[Deleted]

Dec 3, 2012 12:18:28 GMT -5 ssmjlm said:

A prepaid cell will be a huge help.

Maybe gc's to some fast food places, just so he can eat out.

All of this.

[mbcdefg]

How about brand new packages of socks and underwear, toiletries, snacks, books, pen and paper and pre-stamped envelopes, religious stuff if he's religious (rosary, pocket Bible, prayer cards, etc.), reusable water bottle, a nice shirt and a tie, slippers and a bathrobe, small throw blanket, candy?

[limey]

Love the pre-paid phone idea.

I also like the shirt and tie, for interviews.

Maybe just a Target (or similar) GC so he can buy misc stuff.

[hellonurse]

Dec 3, 2012 12:24:49 GMT -5 limey said:

Love the pre-paid phone idea.

I also like the shirt and tie, for interviews.

Maybe just a Target (or similar) GC so he can buy misc stuff.

I agree with this.

[rosetyler]

New clothes, rather than used. Even basics, like socks and t-shirts.

I love the wallet idea.

I worked with a charity that helped female prisoners transition out, and it's hard. The things they appreciated the most were just having their own, nice things. And things that helped them feel like things were normal again. What about a nice shaving set?

The phone is great, too - to have some privacy and the ability to call places when he wants and needs to.

[SusanBAnthony]

What about a suitcase for when he moved home? Dress shoes if he needs those, for interviews. Books, or something like that to pass the time- I am just thinking light fiction.

[protozoa]

Something to carry around, like a messenger bag or similar?

[takeonyou]

Bil really appreciated pens/pencils so he could write us and draw, calling cards (he wasn't allowed a cell, but the prepaid is a great idea), pictures of family and friends in an album or frame, a nice belt, wallet, personal hygiene products (the stuff there isn't good quality), stamps, paper, gloves/hat/scarf, jacket, actually any clothes that were his style, playing cards, music, a messenger bag/backpack, slippers or a robe.

[Deleted]

I agree with an mp3 player. I would also do a movie theater gift certificate, large bookstore gift certificate (if I had been locked away for a while, a Barnes & Noble is probably one of the first placed I'd want to shop), and some restaurant gift certificates.

[Mashara]

Thank you so much for all the ideas! Some of these are really viable, but she's shot down a few few various reasons. Now she can send some things now and then a small box for Christmas.

Go:
Prepaid cell
Wallet
GC to Wal-Mart (for socks, underwear, toiletries, snacks)
Gloves and hat
Backpack/bag
Drawing pencils and paper
Pre-stamped envelopes
Maybe an alarm clock with a radio

No Go:
MP3 player (he doesn't have access to a computer so no easy way to charge it or add music)
Religious stuff
Book GC (doesn't read much)
Suitcase (she'll be picking him up and can bring one then)
Shaving set (doesn't need to shave)
Dress clothes (won't be interviewing until after the move)
Movie or restaurant GC (no idea what's there)

[mae141]

My brother wanted candy and McDonald's when he got out. But I do think all the other ideas are good as well.