Military Retirement Gift Ideas
What can you give to a person who has spent a major part of his life serving the country? Any gift will seem inconsequential in front of the sacrifices he must have made to do his duty with honor and dedication. So, the gifts, which are often presented to the retiree by his coworkers, a few days before he actually retires, usually over a lunch or dinner hosted in his honor, must thus be chosen after a lot of thought and consideration. The gifts should be useful and unique. And every time the retiree looks at them, they should remind him of the adventurous, happy, tough and exciting times he spend in the military!
Retirement Gift Ideas for Military
Shadow Box
There is no apt gift for a military retiree than a shadow box, which contains his medals and ribbons, photograph, his uniform, flag of the country, insignias of the ranks held by the retiree, any warfare insignia, squadron coin or patch from each base he was stationed at and all other things that he would be proud of and will like to remember forever. Military retirement shadow boxes are usually square or rectangular in shape. They have a wooden base and provide the backdrop of a velvety fabric, on which all these memorabilia can be stuck. These military boxes can be purchased at the base exchanges itself and can be customized according to the requirements.
Framed Collage
One of the most thoughtful gifts for men is to make a collage of some of his memorable photographs and get it framed like an art piece. Photographs that hold some significance such as which have him receiving a medal or standing in front of a conquered enemy base/war equipment, or even the ones in which he is having some fun and sharing drinks with his co-workers, collect all these and make a beautiful collage out of them. The retiree can hang it in his bedroom or living room and reminiscence the times he had during his service!
Pocket Watch
Personalized pocket watches which come either plated in gold or silver, and which can be customized to include a personal message for the retiree, make for memorable gifts. So, have the retiree's name and years of service engraved in the front and a deep, emotional and thoughtful message at the back. The retiree will have a gift to cherish for his entire life!
Clothes with Squadron Logo
You can gift the retiree an ensemble of clothes and accessories which have his squadron's logo printed on them. Jacket, t-shirts, caps, bracelets, belts and chains, you can include all the stuff which the retiree wears, have the logos engraved on them and gift it to him so that whenever he wears them he is reminded of his regiment!
Personalized Photo Frame
Personalized gifts are a great way to tell the retiree that he is special and valued immensely by his co-workers. A personalized photo frame, which has the retirees years of service, including his date of joining and date of retirement, his family photograph featuring his wife and kids (take help from his wife for this), and a poem written in his honor, commemorating his service is one of the best military retirement gifts.
Chess Sets
Military chess sets in themes such as army, air force, navy and marines, can be gifted to the retiree as a mark of his service for the country. These chess sets are made up of resin and painted very neatly. The chessmen look almost real and in their own way, bring back the memories of past battles. This is one gift that every military retiree will appreciate!
Besides the ones mentioned above, some other gift ideas are - personalized wine bottles and glasses, personalized crystal trays, personalized furniture pieces, any gift related to the hobby or work which the retiree will pursue post retirement, etc. Remember, whatever gift is chosen in the end, it should be such that not only the retiree and his family, but even his future generations, treasure it forever!
