Mine had his 18th birthday while at basic on Parris, I send a package every two weeks. His First & Drill Sergeants would hover over him while opening his packages, I would wrap them in rhinestone ribbon or pink and purple ribbon.
For his birthday I sent two large flat rate boxes full of 48 pink and purple cupcakes, my little pony plates and napkins and paper cups... I sent other stuff i will not mention here but he would tell his sergeants Sir.... Thats not my mail Sir....
His NCO' s all wanted to meet me at graduation.... Money well Spent....
I still send him a package every two weeks.... Hes in Japan right now and he can point his mail out when he walks into his Company's office after being in the field for a few weeks....