Without a doubt, serving in the military is an honourable and respected career. It’s also a demanding job that requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication, from long deployments and being far away from home and family to facing incredibly dangerous and difficult situations. Not only is it a huge commitment to serve our country, but those in the military are also expected to keep up their professional appearance and demeanour no matter what.

So, when it comes to showing our admiration and gratitude to the brave service members that dedicate their lives to saving others, hitting the right notes with gifts can be a bit tricky. You don’t want to give something that won’t be appreciated, but you want to show them how much they mean to you.

What Do You Get Someone in the Military?

While everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences, some items have become ubiquitous symbols of the military, with their sleek designs and intricate details. Even the most experienced service members will be pleasantly surprised when they receive something that reminds them of the importance of their duties.

Military Rings

A truly iconic piece of jewellery that isn’t limited to any gender or rank, custom-engraved military rings have long been a symbol of service and pride. Their charming and timeless appeal are undoubtedly fashion-forward, while their detailed carvings convey a deep and special meaning.

Generally speaking, army rings can either be silver or gold in colour, with a combination of symbols and emblems that indicate rank and branch. The former is usually decorated with black enamel, while the latter features intricate engravings. Both materials are quite durable, with the silver version being more affordable.

In terms of design, the overall look of each army ring can be as unique as the service member who wears it. Many also choose to add extra elements such as a name or motto, dates of service, and unit insignia. This makes the rings even more special and one-of-a-kind, as it shows how much thought and care was put into their creation.

Other, more universal options include the Aussie army’s signature slouch hat, with its famous brim and upturned ends. Its iconic style is sure to make any service person feel appreciated, whether it’s for a family member or a friend.

If you want to get more specific, the Royal Australian Engineers Corps also offers a range of designs, including ones for Engineers and Combat Engineers. These are perfect for displaying an individual’s rank in the Corps, as well as their commitment to serving in the military.

Similarly, the logo of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) can be featured on the front of the military rings with a special inscription on the inside. Not only does this serve as a reminder of their time at the academy, but it also symbolises the bond between service members and the Australian Defence Force.

Cufflinks

Next up is an underrated but still classic item – cufflinks. These are items that have been worn by military personnel, both in active service and on ceremonial occasions, since the 19th century. They’re usually ornate and engraved with various symbols, such as crests, flags or even dates of service.

They might seem like a small gesture, but they’re definitely power housed with symbolism. Their small yet eye-catching design will remind the wearer of their service, while also garnering some admiring glances.

Army Badge Desk Sets

When you think of the military, the image of a soldier walking through a warzone with a badge proudly displayed on their uniform may come to mind. While this totally stereotypical and clichéd look may not seem all that exciting, there are actually a number of ways to bring the same element of pride and recognition into their home or office.

One popular option is a military badge desk set, which includes everything from a flat letter opener and paperclip holder to a full-on library of army badges displayed in an orderly fashion. This keepsake is a great way to remind them of their hard work and dedication, while also providing an eye-catching showpiece for their desk or shelf. They can be monogrammed with their initials or name, just to further personalise the gift.

Miniature Replicas

Regardless of whether they’re an airman, sailor, or soldier, they can’t exactly take their service-issued weapon or tank with them when they get back home. That’s why miniature replicas make for a great gift – they won’t be able to take the real thing, but at least they can keep a scaled-down version of it in their home or office.

These replicas are incredibly lifelike and detailed, with many of them also featuring moving parts. Starting from weapons, to scale model vehicles like tanks, ships, and helicopters, these models are made from hardwearing, durable materials that won’t deteriorate over time. Whether it’s for display or just to have as a conversation starter, these are sure to bring a smile to any service person’s face.

Ceremonial Swords

Anyone who’s ever served in the military will recognise a ceremonial sword as a symbol of courage and respect. These are usually given to those who have served in combat, as a way of honouring their bravery and dedication. They have a rich history too, being used as a way of recognising a soldier’s accomplishments since the 16th century.

As such, using a miniature version of a ceremonial sword for your gift can be a thoughtful way to remind someone of their unyielding spirit and strength. Many of them are ornately designed, with intricate engravings and etchings of various symbols, such as crests and flags.