If he is religious, then you could start shopping for a pocket-sized Bible with a robust cover.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1432102427/
That's 4"x6" with a zippered outer cover.
If he isn't religious, then a pocket-sized book of philosophy, such as Taoism might provide a distraction if he finds free time.
Fill 3 or 4 index cards with the addresses and phone numbers of everyone so he can write letters.
The rules change, but I'd leave his smart phone at home.
If he does take it with, make sure it's in a decent case.
He doesn't need anything to go to Boot Camp.
He could show up with a $20 bill paper clipped to his driver's license and he will be all set.
The Corps will provide him with everything else he needs.
Technically, he doesn't even need that $20. It's for "just in case" something goes wrong with transportation and he ends up needing to buy an unscheduled meal.
The Corps has been moving recruits around the country for a long time and is pretty good at it.
But every now and then a bus or a plane leaves you stranded for 4 long hours while alternative transportation is arranged for.
In most cases the Corps will provide food, but every now and then well, shit happens.
The time for gadgets and motivational t-shirts comes after he graduates.
> My mom is giving me the same cross she had on her tags when she was in the Air Force that I can take with me
Nope.
Don't do it.
I encourage you to not bring any form of a family heirloom with you to Boot Camp.
There is a chance, no matter how protective you are that that heirloom will be lost or destroyed during a seabag drag or Drill Instructor explosion.
It's allowed. If you really wanted to bring it, they will let you store it in your "Money Valuables Bag" in your footlocker.
But I wouldn't. I wouldn't bring it to MCT either.
> Her and my family want to write little notes to me in the bible, which I would love just to have something to look at when things are really tough.
This is fine.
Something like this might be ideal:
https://www.amazon.com/KJV-Mini-Pocket-Zippered-Black/dp/1432102427/
A tiny Bible or any kind of a spiritual / motivational book is also authorized.
No need to hide it.
Bonus suggestion: write the mailing addresses for your immediate relatives on 3x5 index cards and stuff them in the back of the Bible to make letter-writing easier.