Military promotions are a big deal, and military retirement is an even bigger deal. But let’s be perfectly honest: no service member needs or wants any more plaques, framed certificates, or memorabilia that are going to collect dust.
While there is zero obligation for gifts to celebrate military milestones, they are often a fun way to commemorate the occasion – and there’s even a bit of science behind gifts creating lasting memories. When we feel joy, surprise, or gratitude, areas like the amygdala and hippocampus (which hold the keys to emotion and memory) become active, helping lock in the experience so we remember it more vividly over time.
No pressure, right?
When compiling this article, we polled military members to gather their ideas of the “best gift.” While the responses ranged from relaxing vacations to new pairs of sneakers, they all shared one common trait: practicality.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift now or sometime in the future, here is a modern list of gifts to celebrate military promotions or retirements.
Does your favorite service member enjoy a cold soda every now and again? How about celebrating their milestone with custom bottles? In flavors like Root Beer and Cream Soda, customers can add their favorite photos and custom text to make the glass bottles extra special.
Big transitions can be overwhelming, but new technology is here to help. A reMarkable writing tablet is a digital paper tablet designed for reading, writing, and sketching with a paper-like feel. It allows users to take notes, annotate PDFs, and organize documents without the distractions of typical tablets.
Personalized Champagne Bottles
Celebrations call for bubbles, and what better way to do it than with a personalized bottle of your recipient’s favorite champagne? Available in both mini bottles and full-size bottles from the world’s top wineries like Chandon, Moët, and Cristal, this iscelebratory sip is a no-brainer.
A premium kitchen tool crafted from sustainably sourced teak wood, Teakhaus cutting boards are renowned for their durability, moisture resistance, and knife-friendly surface. Timeless design and durability make it a meaningful and practical gift for any service member.
Celebrating a history buff? Letterjoy is a subscription service that delivers weekly reproductions of authentic historical letters from figures like George Washington, Clara Barton, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, printed on fine stationery and accompanied by expert commentary.
“The Small And The Mighty” by Sharon McMahon
Another win for history enthusiasts is Sharon McMahon’s debut novel, which spotlights 12 lesser-known Americans – such as Clara Brown, a formerly enslaved woman who became a prosperous business owner and humanitarian in the 1870s – whose courage and resilience significantly influenced U.S. history.
An OluKai gift card is a great gift for military members because the brand offers durable, comfortable footwear ideal for both everyday wear and travel. Plus, OluKai offers a military discount, making the gift card go even further for active-duty or retired service members.
Upgraded Skincare
For the service member hoping to spend more time on their skincare – upgrade their tools. Whether you give a facial treatment package at a local spa or want to wow them with something for at-home – think ZIIP HALO, GESKE 5-In-1 Facial Brush, or OmniLux LED Mask – an investment in skin is never wasted.
Cooking enthusiasts will love a subscription (or gift card) to ButcherBox – a subscription-based meat delivery service that provides high-quality, humanely raised meats directly to your doorstep. The brand offers a variety of options, including 100% grass-fed beef, organic free-range chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught seafood, which is especially great for families stationed in areas with limited access to premium grocery options.
Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle Blanket
This is the blanket to end all blanket debates…trust us. Cozy Earth’s viral blanket feels like a hug and makes an excellent gift for military members. Thanks to its luxurious softness and substantial weight, it provides a comforting embrace that promotes relaxation after long or stressful days.
Look no further for the perfect gift for a cocktail connoisseur or coffee aficionado than personalized stirrers to elevate their favorite sips. Whether it’s something simple like their name or a funnier option, these will make even the most serious service members smile.
There’s a reason this tote has stood the test of time and remains a favorite. The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote makes a great gift because it’s durable, customizable (think monograms and short phrases), timeless in style, versatile for everyday use, available in various sizes and colors, and made in the USA. What’s not to love?
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We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter.