I need suggestions... :)

I have an uncle who has been in jail for years! This is the first time that I'll be give him a gift. I want it to be useful, aside from clothes and shoes, what else can I give?

Thank you in advance.

How many years? I imagine his surrounding neighborhoods have changed quite a bit. Maybe a list of helpful local businesses that you like going to e.g. shops where he can buy basics and necessities like Kmart - or even a map showing where everything is like a Hagstrom map.

I want to make sure I know what I'm talking about before I make any suggestions; are you sending him a gift in jail, or has he been released? Is he living in his own place or a half-way house setting?

I work in a prison and one of the things people say they look forward to the most upon release is eating at their favorite restaurant. I talked to one gentleman on his way out the gate and he told me he was on his way to the Olive Garden. I think a restaurant gift card would be good. I don't know how close you live to him or your budget, but taking him out to dinner would be a nice, personal gift. I'm sure he has missed being with family a great deal.

Originally Posted by libby74

I want to make sure I know what I'm talking about before I make any suggestions; are you sending him a gift in jail, or has he been released? Is he living in his own place or a half-way house setting?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately, he is in jail for five years now, I thought about sending him a photo of the whole family, but that would make him more lonely. What do you think?

My nephew-in-law was in the county jail and the restrictions were absolutely ridiculous. He could have paper, envelopes, and stamps but no writing implements, a picture no bigger than a 5x7, no newspapers or magazines, no personal items, no books--even something as simple as a crossword puzzle book. He could have a deck of cards. No cash, but money orders could be left to be put into his account for use at the commissary.
Your best bet would be to either call the jail where your uncle is located or find their website (look under that county's offices) to find out what the restrictions are.
I was also able to take tennis to my nephew-in-law because he was on a work detail. The item he treasured most was a pic of his kids that I took to him. Even then, I couldn't take it and hand it to him; there were specific drop off times that items could be taken to the jail, inspected by the officers, and if they passed inspection, then they were given to the prisoners.
I had no idea there were so many rules and regulations involved. Be sure to check first.

Originally Posted by MysteryCat

Unfortunately, he is in jail for five years now, I thought about sending him a photo of the whole family, but that would make him more lonely. What do you think?

Click to expand...

I think it would be nice.