Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army (Best Choices) - CustomPatchFactory.Com
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Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army (Custom Choices And Memorable Ideas)

Choosing the ideal gift for someone going into the army can be a meaningful and practical experience. Whether the gift is for emotional support or a tool that will assist them in their journey, it’s important to select something thoughtful.


In this guide, we will look at sentimental and practical things that might offer a little comfort and remind them of home during training and deployments. There are many options available, so read on to learn about gift ideas for someone going into the army.

Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army (Custom Choices And Memorable Ideas)

Key Takeaways

  • Practical gifts like military gear, high-quality footwear, and watches are useful for someone entering the army, while personalized items can help boost morale.
  • Comfort gifts like pillows or emotional support items can offer relief on long training days - mental well-being is important for anyone throughout their service.
  • Gifts can celebrate milestones like basic training graduation or promotions, and you can do this with things like mementos or personalized accessories.
  • We supply high-quality custom patches that make great gifts for military personnel and can be used in a variety of circumstances with consistent results.

Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army

When exploring gift ideas for someone going into the military, the best choices are often things that are practical yet meaningful. Think about what they will need when they head into basic training or deployment. Popular options include:

  • Tactical gear: Things like a sturdy backpack or durable footwear can be helpful and will usually be appreciated.
  • A high-quality watch: The best choice would be to buy one that displays military time, as this will be very useful in their deployment.
  • Personalized gifts: This could be anything from an engraved multi-tool to a customized photo patch with a cherished family picture. Anything that will remind them of home whenever they need it.
  • Keepsakes: Photo frames or handwritten letters can also be great for offering emotional support while the recipient is away.

Other thoughtful ideas include hydration packs, fitness trackers, or a military-themed care package. You know the recipient best, so think about what they would appreciate.

a soldier standing in front of the american flag for gift ideas for someone going into the army

Custom And Personalized Gifts For Someone Going Into The Military

Personalizing a gift can make it more meaningful, particularly for someone starting out on their military journey. Something like custom dog tags with engravings of special messages or dates can be both practical and sentimental. Other engraved pieces can have the same effect as well.

A personalized keepsake box could contain small items like letters or photos of loved ones, providing a comforting reminder of home. Engraved watches or custom keychains could be personalized with the recipient’s name, rank, or a meaningful quote to make a great gift. Or you could create a personalized plaque that celebrates their enlistment or completion of basic training.

If you do choose to make a customized patch with us, remember that they are required to adhere to military patch placement regulations on uniforms, so design your patch to be used on personal gear instead. Personalization of any gift makes it more unique and meaningful if done tastefully.

What Deployment Gifts Are Suitable For Boyfriends Or Husbands?

There is a common misconception that most Americans who choose to join the armed forces do so because they have no other options. But the reality is more complicated, and studies show that the U.S. military is not a refuge for the less fortunate.

If your boyfriend or husband is going on deployment, this suggests that he is doing so because it is what he wants to do. Thoughtful gifts can provide emotional support and comfort, so think about the following ideas:

  • Deployment countdown calendar
  • Custom watch with engraved coordinates of home
  • Heartfelt photo album
  • A collection of love notes
  • A personalized duffle bag or custom dog tags
  • Handwritten journal or a small keepsake box filled with mementos.


These gifts can do many things, such as reminding the recipient of their loved ones, offering emotional strength during long periods away, and helping them feel connected to home. With both sentimental value and practical usability, they make excellent gifts during deployments.

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What Are The Best Gifts For Sons Starting Basic Military Training?

If you have a son who is about to start basic military training, a practical gift that aids his day-to-day life is likely to be most helpful. Here are a few simple suggestions:

  • High-quality socks
  • Durable military-grade boots
  • Reliable hydration gear

These are all essential items that they will need throughout training.

Beyond this, you could look into personalized gifts like a good luck card or writing an encouraging letter to help provide motivation during tough moments. A custom-made plaque or a framed photo of the family can serve as a sentimental reminder of home, and practical items like engraved multi-tools or compact survival kits are useful during training.


You could design your own custom military patch for them to add to their personal gear. Explore cool military patches for some meaningful design inspiration. Or a durable journal could add a personal touch that reminds them they have support back home.

Comfort Gifts For Long Days At Base

When soldiers spend long days at the base, comfort gifts can help give them a little boost and remain in a positive mindset. Here are a few suggestions that you might consider getting for your loved one going into the military:

  • Personalized pillows or blankets: These are simple solutions to offer a little extra comfort when they’re away from home.
  • Foldable chairs: These, or something like a compact hammock, are portable and very useful for relaxing during breaks.
  • Noise-canceling headphones: These will allow them to enjoy some music or podcasts in their free time, removed from their surroundings.
  • Durable water bottle: You might even be able to get one personalized, and these can be practical yet comforting.

Focus on gifts that make base life a little more comfortable and double up as reminders of the loved ones who support them back home. Again, you know the recipient best, so choose something that will resonate with their personality.

a smiling soldier standing outdoors for gift ideas for someone going into the army

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Unique Gift Ideas For Special Military Occasions

The military presents lots of opportunities to give unique, personalized gifts, including Christmas, reenlistments, and promotions. Take a look at a few ideas for inspiration to give your loved one a gift on a special occasion:

  • Custom military challenge coins: You could choose these or engraved plaques; either will make a memorable gift to celebrate a significant milestone.
  • Personalized ornaments: These are particularly appropriate for Christmas, providing a festive decoration with a military theme that offers a touch of home during holiday celebrations.
  • Personalized military patches: We can create custom military patches on demand for any occasion, offering a memorable way to celebrate achievements and service.
  • Framed photographs: These can be a cherished gift, or you could create custom dog tags with special engravings to mark a specific occasion.

With these unique gifts, you will honor the recipient’s dedication whilst offering a little sentimental value that they can cherish for years to come.

How Do You Send A Christmas Care Package To Soldiers?

When you send a Christmas care package to a soldier, you make a heartfelt statement of support during the holiday season, when they may miss you most. Here are some tips to create a care package for the festive period:

  • Gather some simple, practical items like socks and toiletries snacks that they can use daily.
  • Add a few seasonal touches like festive decorations, handwritten holiday cards, or small gifts like a custom latex balloon or a personalized patch.
  • Think about some homemade holiday treats or non-perishable snacks to add a taste of home.


It is important to check military guidelines and restrictions to be sure of what you can and cannot send before shipping. Make sure the items are packed securely in a sturdy box, and include the necessary customs forms if you are sending the package overseas. These are the kinds of thoughtful gestures that can brighten the recipient’s holiday.

Gifts For Supporting Mental Wellbeing During Service

Research shows that approximately 14% to 16% of the U.S. service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have been affected by PTSD or depression. Problems with mental well-being are widely publicized concerns with military service, so it is natural to want to support your loved one’s mental health during service.

Thoughtful gifts can offer much-needed relaxation. Here are a few ideas for things you could gift that might be helpful:

  • Personalized journals: These encourage self-reflection and can help with processing varied experiences.
  • Military meditation guides: Whether books or apps, these can be great for stress management and maintaining mental health in the long term.
  • Portable relaxation aids: Things like stress balls, essential oils, or quiet fidget toys can provide moments of calm during intense periods.
  • Pocket-sized motivational quotes: These could be mindfulness books or even personal messages, and they can help boost morale or offer emotional support during challenging times.


Gifts like these can help you feel like you are offering some kind of support during trying times for your soldier.

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Gifts To Celebrate Military Achievements

Celebrating military achievements with meaningful gifts can add an even deeper level of meaning to those big milestones. There are certain traditions for these occasions, or you could think outside the box for something more unique.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Challenge coins or plaques: These are traditional gifts to mark promotions, enlistments, or awards.
  • Framed certificates: You could choose these, or personalized dog tags with engravings, to commemorate significant milestones in unique ways.
  • Custom military patches: You can personalize these with unit numbers or rank as a thoughtful recognition of their dedication and service. You could also include some guidance and tools to sew on military patches by hand.


These gifts will be enduring symbols of the recipient’s accomplishments. They serve as a tangible reminder of the hard work and commitment they’ve shown throughout their military journey. Military achievements are important milestones, so make sure they don’t go unrecognized.

What Are Some Gifts To Boost Morale During Basic Training

During basic training, soldiers may experience dips in their morale. A thoughtful gift could be something that helps them stay motivated and focused on maintaining a positive mindset. Here are some things that we have seen gifted to military personnel during basic training:

  • Personalized letters or cards: With sentimental messages from loved ones, these can provide emotional encouragement on tough days.
  • Motivational books: Stories and advice from successful military leaders can inspire resilience and mental strength.
  • Photo album or keychain: Keep it small and incorporate cherished family pictures to remind the recipient of their loved ones for a comforting keepsake in challenging times.
  • Custom patches: You can work with us to create custom morale patches with meaningful symbols or messages that serve to motivate and inspire whenever they are needed.


By giving thoughtful, personal gifts, you can help a soldier push through the challenges and intensity of basic training. You might be exactly what they need to get a renewed determination and emotional resilience.

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What Are Some Handcrafted Military Gifts Made In America?

Handcrafted military gifts made in America offer a special sense of pride and craftsmanship. Popular gifts that fit this description include leather travel bags, Dopp kits, and wallets, all of which combine quality with practicality.

Here are a few suggestions for gift ideas for someone going into the military:

  • Custom wooden flag boxes: These serve as lasting keepsakes for the recipient’s service.
  • Military-themed decor: Handcrafted items like wooden American flags or personalized name signs can be meaningful gifts that honor the recipient’s commitment.
  • Custom patches: We make our items in America, or you could learn how to make custom embroidered patches yourself for a truly unique and meaningful gift.


These items are made with care and attention to detail, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship and patriotic spirit that goes into them. Handcrafted gifts always feel more meaningful, showing appreciation for a soldier’s service and dedication.

a man in uniform with a woman and child for gift ideas for someone going into the army

What Gift Ideas Are Best For Women Entering The Military?

For women entering the military, thoughtful and practical gifts that are tailored to their needs can be very helpful. Let’s look at some suggestions for inspiration:

  • Durable watches: Choose one with military time functions for a good combination of practicality and thoughtfulness.
  • Fitness gear: Simple items like resistance band or water bottles can be more useful than you might think.
  • Personalized keychains: Have them engraved with their name or rank for a useful and meaningful gift.
  • Custom silicone cellphone holder: This could help keep their mobile phone safe, and also incorporate a meaningful personalized design.


Beyond this, you could look at gifts that are purely practical like high-quality socks, tactical gear, or a personalized duffle bag to show your support. Gifts that acknowledge physical strength and emotional resilience can also be great options, like motivational books or personalized journals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army

What Are Some Good Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Army?

Practical items like durable footwear, tactical gear, personalized dog tags, and emotional keepsakes make great gift ideas for a person who is entering the army.

What Are Custom Gift Ideas For Someone Going Into The Military?

Personalized dog tags, engraved watches or keychains, and custom military patches can all be excellent and unique gift options for a person starting out on their military journey.

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