25+ Best Military Gifts for your Soldier
Whether it’s graduations, deployments, homecoming, promotions, etc., if there is a soldier in your life then you’ll probably be in the market for a military-themed gift this year. Unfortunately, you can’t just go into any random store and find a military-specific gift. So today, I’m rounding up my favorite ideas.
Below are my top gifts divided into three categories: military-themed tokens (classic military gifts), religious gifts, and OF COURSE practical gifts. You can click on the gift title to get follow the link. Take a peek below and please, if you have a gift suggestion not named here, comment in the talk box below! Your ideas are always appreciated!
Many of these items are affiliate links and none of them are sponsored. All opinions are totally my own, but have been influenced by the Army families I know based on their suggestions and my own military gift searches!
Practical Gifts:
It’s hard to buy military equipment for your soldier. They always have military-issue standards, and on top of that, personal preferences. If you know your soldier’s size and have access to a Post Exchange store (located on post) then you might be able to pick up duplicates of what he/she uses everyday: more flag patches, an extra patrol cap, etc). I do NOT recommend purchasing these items in military surplus stores off-post, as they often buy back used gear and some of it is either outdated or never was standard issue and is not permissible for duty use. However, you can still buy your soldier practical, useable gifts without purchasing them in a Clothing and Sales store.
Here is a small round-up of some of my very favorites!
No doubt, he will need this. If not for his gym time, then for toting clothes back and forth between his quarters and work. With PT and personal gym time, he will have more than enough reason to need a bag to bring things to a fro. You can get any particular gym bag, but just make sure you get one with plenty of room for boots.
They always need more of these. Always. You don’t have to buy them with velcro (called hook pile tape or hook fastener) but those are often more coveted, for the sake of versatility. If you’re a military dependent, you can also buy them on the Post Exchange online for a better price (but you have to be a military dependent).
If your soldier has a pure gold wedding ring, one of these will definitely be useful to preserve it from damage during training/field time! But even if your soldier has a tough metal, like tungsten or carbine, a rubber ring is helpful during physical tasks during which their ring is uncomfortable. Bonus: if they lose this in the field, they won’t be as devastated as they would be if they lost their real wedding band!
These are helpful for securing wall lockers, trunks, duffel bags, and the like. In fact, locks will continue to be an item on his/her various packing lists. Stuffing a few in your soldier’s stocking will be extremely appreciated. Note: Don’t get key locks. Those are often not allowed on many packing lists, though they are sufficient for personal use. I recommend these heavy duty dial locks for big things like lockers and trunks, and I recommend these smaller ones for duffels and gym use.
You’ve probably seen those viral Pinterest pins showing off entire closets of military gear organized with shelves like these. I gave into the idea myself and purchased a few. And now I can honestly say these are an organizing angel for soldiers. I can’t emphasize how amazing this practical gift is. It’s my very, very favorite on the list (and the most used at my house!) Our favorite style is this bronze shelf. Though if I were to purchase yet another, I would buy this one. Shoe cubbies are also super helpful, but not for shoes. They make great storage racks for single items like head gear, belts, or other easy-to-lost items. The best shoe cubbies are the kinds that have pull out drawers, but over-the-door organizers work too. Also, these small pouch caddies are crucial for patches, dog tags, etc. Your soldier will probably want a duplicate of this for his/her dress uniform, and possibly one for the wall locker at work.
This is a seemingly insignificant length of soft-velcro backing. But in reality, it’s a coveted possession among military lockers. This can hang from it’s grommets off your soldier’s locker door, or just on a metal hanger. Your soldier is able to hang stick all loose and extra patches on it, as well as store small items like dog tags. If you purchase this for his or her locker, you may end up needing to purchase a second for home. Honestly, you would be surprised at just how much soldiers love to keep their stuff organized!! Bonus: here is a pocket-size version if your soldier does a lot of traveling or if they don’t use a locker.
Every soldier needs at least two. No matter what your soldier’s branch or MOS is, he or she will have a ton. of. gear. Anyone who goes through Basic Training will be able to fill one of these. And if you add in any extras, favorites, or specialty items…well, you may end up needing three or four. We have two of these in our basement, filled to the brim with gear. And those are far from being our only “gear” bins…but they are the favorite brand. A cheaper option is this brute box–same concept but a bit less sturdy and half the price.
Again, regardless of branch or MOS, your soldier will appreciate a hydration source. These aren’t only for the gym and PT, though it will help with that too. The no-leak cap is essential for an on-the-go schedule. (Hint: I’ve also purchased cap guards like these to make the giant mouth piece easier to drink out of). These bottle do sweat icy water, so if that’s an issue with getting paperwork wet, this Hydro Flask is another great option. It doesn’t carry as much as as the Nalgene bottle, but it’s a good option if your soldier wants to keep water cold for more than 12 hours. (Seriously, I think mine can go a full 24 hours cold!)
There is no greater paper source than these. The Rite in the Rain paper is 100% waterproof, no matter what writing utensil you use. (It’s not one of those finicky papers that require a special pen. Though if you want to buy an all-weather proof pen or weather proof pencil, you can). But seriously, there is nothing that this paper can’t handle. Side-note story: I washed a notepad that was still in my husband’s uniform and all the ink stayed in place, totally legible. The stay-power of these pages is amazing! Closing side-note story: at military stores, this paper is often found sitting under a small trickle of water all day while customers shop–just so show off how tough this stuff is! It’s not even card stock. Just sturdy paper with amazing stay-power. This is the most commonly carried pocket-book size, but if you’re looking for something bigger, this is my favorite size.
You might not think “professional portfolio” when you think of gift-giving to a soldier. But these can be extremely useful in organizing letter-writing material. While there are only a handful of times in your soldier’s career that they will be stuck writing letters with no other form of contact (most specifically Basic Training and Ranger School), but still, those times do exist. And I personally like having a binder I can fill with stamps, envelopes, and clean paper and know that it will make it that much easier for my soldier to contact me. This is the Rite in the Rain organizer, though it’s pretty expensive. I like this smaller size portfolio and we have found it takes up less space in the bag, but this full-size organizer gave my soldier a lot more space to store things like my return letters.
This is probably hands-down the most coveted item on a field training exercise. It takes the pain out of sleeping on the ground, and gives soldiers a chance at dry sleep among the puddles so commonly found in the field. This stores super tiny (the size of a grapefruit) and is extremely lightweight. I wouldn’t recommend this for every branch/MOS since many never spend long periods of time in the field. But if your soldier spends 3+ days in the field every month or so, this will be a great addition to his or her life!! Also important to note, while this is an authorized item, sometimes leadership will decide to not let anyone set them up for a particular training exercise. Also note: your soldier can’t take these to schools like Basic Training, Ranger School, or OCS. This would be a gift to be used during the regular work year. I might be making these sound rare-in-use, but when they are used, they are seriously a huge hit! Note: your soldier can use his/her poncho as a tarp covering, or you can purchase one as an add-on gift!
Military-Themed Tokens:
I’m calling these tokens, but not because they are cheap. These are just gifts that are military-themed through and through. They are less about practicality and more about recognizing your soldier’s occasion/commemorating his/her service.
I’m putting this one first because I can’t think of a better gift. Your soldier can fly it outside quarters, or hang it indoors. It’s a little practical too but more than that, it’s symbolic and guaranteed to please. I can’t think of a single serviceman who wouldn’t want an American Flag.
Like I said above, your soldier may want to display his/her flag indoors. While one could pin it on the wall (I’ve seen that a lot!) one could also fold it and keep inside as a keepsake (especially if it’s your soldier’s first flag). Be sure to check the size flag the case is meant to hold. The flag I linked is a standard flying flag (3×5) and most display cases are meant to display memorial flags ( ). This particular case holds a 3×5 though, and is compatible with the flag I linked above!
An American flag isn’t the only thing your soldier can display in a beautiful case. You can purchase an awards display case that holds patches, pins, and even certificates. I’ve seen a photo pinned in these military shadowboxes too, and think that’s a neat concept, especially when it’s a first-ofifical military photo, or a picture of a family hero.
Military coins are awarded by the chain of command to deserving soldiers. Your soldier might have a collection of them already and deserves a place to display them! The item I linked above is a shelf rack, but there are also wall racks that look a lot like the awards display cases. Some of those are lockable, which is a great feature. But shelf racks are more commonly used and tend to be less expensive than wall racks.
Maybe a cup/mug is too obvious of a gift. But I had to include it because 1) obvious isn’t always bad 2) I’m a huge coffee drinker 3) soldiers report into work very early in the morning. This thermos is a step up from your regular coffee-mug-gift because it has a sleek design and more professional appearance than many of its ceramic counterparts.
This isn’t meant to be practical, but it is! This beautiful chest would look great on a work or personal desk. It’d be a great place to keep unused uniform pins, especially any sentimental ones like Blood Wings.
I’m normal not much of a pen-gifted. But this box is the selling point for me. Again, this is a token-type gift, not really a practical one. But if you’re looking for something that says “professional” and “military” I think a bullet pen fits the bill.
Beautiful and practical! It’s not breakable, which is helpful since things get broken in the constant moving. And it’s a little less traditional of a design than the typical round bulb (though this one is beautiful), but that’s what makes this so unique. Plus the star-shape checks the boxes for patriotic AND festive.
Not everyone is into decor, but this is a nice commemorative piece. It might not necessarily color-coordinate with your soldier’s couch, it’s still a nice decorative item. Plus, it’s hearty enough for moving around every couple of years!
Beyond these ideas, when in doubt, go with anything from Things Remembered! They have an entire section of their store dedicated to military professional gifts. If you’re looking for something military and token-ish, and you don’t see it listed here, check out Things Remembered for sure!
Religious Gifts:
If you’re anything like me, then you might like giving your soldier a religous-themed gift. Military accomplishments, and especially military graduations can often feel like a spiritual event. Below are some of my favorite religious gifts.
St. Michael the Archangel Statue
As God’s leading military general in the battle against angels and demons, St. Michael is a patron of paratroopers and warriors. There is a smaller (and much less expensive) resin version here. Statues are a great statement reminder of any soldier’s fight against evil. Other military-related saints are St. George (patron of Cavalry and Armor), St. Joan of Arc (patron of soldiers), St. Martin of Tours (patron of Infantry) and St. Sebastian (patron of athletes and soldiers).
St. Michael the Archangel Military Pewter Medal
This medal can be worn of course, but also is a beautiful keepsake. Other branches of service besides the US Army are available. And there are St. Michael medals that don’t have a military emblem on them, as well as some that come with prayer cards. You can also find medals of St. George, St. Joan of Arc, St. Marin of Tours and St. Sebastian too (see above).
“It is not the weakest man who drops to his knees, but rather the strongest.” Another beautiful reminder of where a soldier finds his or her strength. This statue serves as yet another reminder to pray too. I’m also just a really big fan of statues haha. #grandmalife
This one is kind of a classic soldier bundle: prayer book and rosary. In fact, the design of the rosary is based on the one used in World War I. I highly recommend this prayer book, as it has short and simple prayers!
And of course no religious gift list would be complete without a Holy Bible! I don’t know how much of a caption is needed. Haha How does one introduce the bible? Basically, anyone who is shopping for one would know why it’d be a great thing for their soldier to have!! I highly recommend.
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Hopefully there was something here that peaked your interest! If you’ve shopped everywhere and still haven’t found the perfect gift, consider asking your soldier what they would like. Ask what supplies they are looking into for their next training or school. You’d be surprised at how expensive packing lists can be! And when in doubt… buy them a roll of 100 mph tape or 550 paracord. They’ll never turn those down!
Thanks for reading!
**Read next: Military Wife Must-Haves**
7 Comments
Melissa
My Godson went through basic last year, I could’ve used this list then! I had been looking for a HS graduation/ he joined the Army gift and never did find anything I liked that was appropriate. These are way better than a gift card!
Jennifer
Thank you for taking a look at this list! Gifting is tricky, especially for graduations!
Denise Michelle Algee
Oh I forgot! When my friend when in in 2000 and my sister in 2002 I was allowed to send care packages, including cookies and such (as long as there was enough to share!). Are we still allowed to do that?
Denise Michelle Algee
Hi! My son is going to Basic this summer. What items should I pack for him so that he won’t have to spend all his money at the little stores they have on base or simply go without? Also I know they fit you for running shoes but if he has his own can he just bring those? Thanks!
Jennifer
Hi! Congratulations on first and foremost in your son’s service! Our country is grateful. And thank you for your support of him!
I know what you mean about wanting to get ahead with packing. Unfortunately there isn’t much we are allowed to help with. In fact, they don’t want the soldiers to bring more than the clothes on their back, maybe a spare outfit that fits in a bag for the flight (if he is even flying). They help the soldiers buy absolutely everything while they are there. There are designated stores for soldiers that the drill sergeants will take them to, with packing lists, and make sure they get everything the first week of training.
If it makes you feel better, they usually give the soldiers advanced payment on a card that they take with them to these stores so that they can get everything at once, and often during the course they take them back to the store once or twice to refit.
As far as packages go, care packages and stuff are usually at the discretion of the drill sergeants. I was under the understanding that right now that is not something that they will distribute. However, there are exceptions (I mailed my husband his cell phone when he was in basic).
A good rule of thumb is to wait until your son can tell you in a letter if anyone else has been allowed to get packages that cycle. And remember, the drill sergeants will open everything first, to check for contraband. So if you do mail something, make sure you clearly mark the outside like “candy” or “letters from home” and they might let him open it himself but with supervision.
I hope any of this helps. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Molly
Hi! My boyfriend is going to basic training at fort benning in April. I was looking at getting him a portfolio like the ones mentioned above. Will they let him into basic with this though??
Thanks for the suggestions and posts. It has been a comfort reading them!
Molly
Jennifer
Hi Molly! Thank you for stopping by, and congratulations on your soldier’s service!
It can definitely vary depending on the drill sergeants, but normally, it’s really hard for soldiers to bring anything into the Basic Training camp. They are usually advised to bring a small airplane-complying bag with a change of clothing, cellphone/charger, wallet, and the paperwork their recruiter gave them. Anything else is pretty much not allowed inside the training area (I think bibles are an exception). If you really wanted to purchase something like a portfolio ahead of time, you could try sending it in with him. Most likely, they will make him keep it inside his bag though and he won’t get it til after he graduates (but at least they won’t throw it away!)
The good news is, when he arrives to Ft Benning, he will get a charge card with some of his first paycheck loaded onto it with the chance to stock up at the mini-supply shop. They have plenty of writing supplies and stamps, as well as portfolios. My husband bought his there for Basic at Benning!
Thanks again for reading and I wish you and your soldier all the best! Don’t hesitate to reach out again if you have any more questions or thoughts to share!