Military Birthday Gifts

• The armed forces of many countries around the world require mandatory service, but the branches of the United States military serve and protect our country and citizens voluntarily. Military birthday gifts can commemorate that time-honored tradition for the special person in your life. Gifts ideas for the home and outdoors are available in a wide price range. Items can be found in department stores, military bases, on line and in specialty gift shops.

Gifts to Wear

• A practical military-themed gift is one that the recipient can wear. Choose from an array of t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats featuring each military branch logo. Leather jackets and leather vests are available, as well as baseball-style jackets with colored sleeves. Sunglasses featuring a U.S. flag, military branch insignia or a camouflage design make great gifts because they can be used daily. The classic necktie highlighting a military branch is often an excellent choice to wear to the office. Military-themed jewelry is available, and can include gift watches, rings or personalized dog tags.

Gifts for the Home Interior

• Several military gifts are available for the home. Select a traditional clock for the mantle or wall that chimes and plays reveille on the hour. Some clocks feature the Army, Air Force, Marines or Navy mascots. Cuddle up with soft blankets for the sofa or bed in various colors and styles, all featuring military imagery ranging from the U.S. flag to branch insignias. Other home gift ideas include figurines, keepsake boxes, cigar humidors and framed prints of military colleges and bases. Coffee mugs and dishes for the kitchen come printed with military insignias as well.

Gifts for the Home Exterior

• For the outside of the home, choose a memorial garden stone or a house address plaque. The United States flag makes a timeless gift, and is available for the home or garden. Other flag styles represent military branch insignias, Vietnam Veterans or POW/MIA. Many styles of military signs or plaques are available to hang in the home, office or workshop.

Other Types of Gifts

• Other creative military items make good birthday gifts as well. Challenge coins that commemorate a special event, rank, service medal or unit, are small enough to carry with you or keep in your pocket. Pets can show military pride with dog and cat collars and leashes, available in different widths and featuring the military branch insignia. Military versions of Monopoly and poker chips are available for the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. For the traveler, messenger bags, backpacks and duffels with military insignias make an excellent gift.