The men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy live unique lives. Much of their duty carries them far away, all over the world, and they can sometimes spend months away from their homes. While their lives are rich with adventure, there are also a lot of sacrifices that they must make to be sailors.

With the holidays approaching, you might be thinking about what to get the sailor in your life. Whether it is a shipmate, relative or a friend, Navy gifts are great to give for the holidays, but personalized Navy gifts are the best way to show your appreciation for the sailor or veteran in your life. These gifts are not only thoughtful, but they also show that you put extra time and effort into finding the perfect gift.

The venerated veterans at USAMM put their heads togethers and created this list of ideas for personalized Navy gifts for the holidays. What kind of items make great personalized Navy gifts? The list can include anything from a custom Navy hat or t-shirt to a personalized Navy coffee mug or water bottle. But let’s get to our list.

Personalized Navy Gifts They Can Wear

Sailors take pride in the ships they have served on and items that reflect their service are great personalized Navy gifts. USAMM’s custom hat builder allows you to customize a hat with just about every active and decommissioned ship in the Navy’s arsenal. The hat builder also has Naval aircraft.

USAMM also has a wide assortment of Navy t-shirts, many that can be customized, with just a few clicks of a mouse.

Personalized Navy Gifts for the Home and Auto

Some of these gifts could include a customizable Navy ship class wrapped canvas which can adorn any room, but make great gifts for an office or service appreciation/memory wall. These gifts are lightweight and portable and perfect for the PCS-conscience service member.

USAMM also offers fully blank canvasses that can make great personalized Navy gifts. Ribbon or medal racks and other images can be placed on them to make the gift more memorable, and definitely more personal.

If you prefer something a little bit more durable, we recommend a U.S. Navy custom laser engraved wood plaque. These can also be customized and make great personalized Navy gifts for home and office alike. They show ship and Navy pride.

If the sailor in your life is reaching the end of an assignment, retirement or is separating from the Navy, consider a custom alder plaque that has custom laser-engraved text and your choice of a service branch or campaign coin. Additionally, you can add a thin ribbon rack, badges, metal rank or insignia by following a simple process.

Sticky racks or ship stickers also make great personalized Navy gifts. Just build the sailor’s ribbon rack in the EZ Rack Builder and USAMM will do the rest. With our quick shipping, your sailor or veteran can proudly display his or her ribbon rack in no time. These are great to stick on cars, trucks or motorcycles, but they can also be applied to recreational vehicles (trailers) and off-road vehicles. They also look great on tool boxes if your sailor or veteran is handy, and on just about anything where a person might like to show their Navy pride.

Personalized Navy Gifts (cards)

It seems impersonal to some to give gift cards, but these are actually some of the best personalized Navy gifts to give because the receiver can purchase anything that they want from their favorite military retailer. USAMM gift cards can not only be used by a sailor to purchase customized wearables or home décor, but they can also be used to purchase uniform ribbon or medal racks.

Personalized Navy Gifts for Use

Work hard, play hard is an old adage and anyone who has served in the U.S. Navy is certainly familiar with that adage. When out at sea, duty days are long and cruises can last a long time.

That said, USAMM has a bunch of personalized Navy gifts that sailors and veterans can use in on and off duty time. Some of these are strictly off duty, but all of these personalized Navy gifts are sure to bring a smile to the face of your sailor or Navy veteran.

Custom flasks are great personalized Navy gifts and can be customized using USAMM’s USwag tool. Use these at special events or if you’d like a little nip by a warm fire while camping. Speaking of the great outdoors, you can also customize water bottles, mugs, and bottle openers to make tailgating, hiking and camping that much better.

Golfers can enjoy personalized Navy gifts like golf balls because after all what makes better personalized Navy gifts than customized balls that the sailor or veteran can proudly show off.

Customized dog tags can be used by the recipient as a unique luggage tag (they can also be used on gun cases and kit bags), to hang from their rearview car mirror, to wear and as a keychain. Honestly, the uses are many and with some creativity, these make great gifts.

There are also great stocking stuff type items like key chains and coasters that can be fully customized and make awesome personalized Navy gifts.

Personalized Navy Gifts in Conclusion

In summary, finding the perfect personalized Navy gifts to celebrate someone’s military service is a great way to show your appreciation and admiration. From military themed gifts like mugs and t-shirts, to home décor items, there are plenty of ways to create meaningful gifts that honor their service.

Whether you’re looking for a tribute to your own service or a unique way to recognize someone else’s, you are sure to find the perfect present that shows how proud you are of all they have achieved. So don’t waste any more time! Go ahead and shop now for the perfect Navy inspired gift.

Military retirement is a major milestone, and a military retirement shadow box is a perfect way to commemorate the occasion. It's a great way to display the retiree's medals, awards, and other memorabilia, and it can also be a beautiful and unique gift for the holidays.

If you have a loved one who is a member of the military, and they happen to be retiring during the holiday season, there are a lot of military retirement shadow box ideas that you should consider for the holidays. A retiring loved one would relish a military retirement shadow box for the holidays. These make unforgettable gifts that can be the centerpiece of any room at home or at an office.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or some other religious holiday, a military retirement shadow box is a great gift for the patriot in your life who has devoted his or her life to military service.

Here are some ideas on what kind of military retirement shadow box you can give them as a holiday gift.

A Large Military Retirement Shadow Box

Let’s face it, if you’ve spent 20 or more years in the military, you are likely going to have some considerable trinkets that you value. A large military retirement shadow box is the perfect way to store and display those items.

If your service member is getting ready to retire from active duty, consider buying a larger shadow box as a military retirement shadow box gift to accommodate the many medals, ribbons, badges, patches, coins and other items they have received over the course of 20 plus years.

As a member of the Guard and reserve, you can also opt for a larger military retirement shadow box for your loved one because like an active-duty member, they will have plenty of uniform and personal mementos that will need a place to be displayed proudly.

A Medium Military Retirement Shadow Box

If you have someone who possibly had their military career cut short, but they are military retirees, the best military retirement shadow box might be a medium shadow box or even a small shadow box since they might not have enough memorabilia from their career to fill something larger.

Beyond preserving your military medals and ribbons, there are a multitude of military shadow box ideas that you can use to not only preserve a loved one’s military memories, but also display them with pride.

Military Retirement Shadow Box with Flags

You can include a flag that has a special meaning to the veteran in your life in this military retirement shadow box. Normally at the time of retirement, the veteran is presented a U.S. flag for his or her service to the nation. But if this doesn’t happen for some reason, you can request a U.S. flag be flown over a special building the day your veteran retires from the ranks. If your service member belongs to a unit that flies, maybe they can take a special flag on an aerial mission or other units can take a flag on deployment and present that to them.

American, state (for National Guard personnel), unit, service and other types of flags are all great items to showcase. Flags can be meaningful symbols to display and they can definitely be included when you are thinking about military retirement shadow box ideas.

Military Retirement Shadow Box with Mementos

While coins, patches, ribbons, medals, badges, rank insignia, and other uniform items are all important inclusions for a military retirement shadow box, it is important to include items that were important to the retiring veteran. This type of shadow box goes beyond the traditional medals and uniform items by including things of sentimental value from the veteran’s your military service.

For example, there might be a P-38 or P-51 can opener placed in the shadow box from their time as a grunt. Maybe they’re particularly attached to an old silver lighter that has their unit crest on it, or maybe they’re very fond of their dog tags, an MRE spoon, an enemy round or shrapnel they pulled from their hooch wall, or some other item that is important to them. Out of all the military shadow box ideas mentioned, this one will likely be the most personal military retirement shadow box you can give as a holiday gift because it will house important items from their time in the ranks.

To sum it up, when you are considering military retirement shadow box ideas, ensure those military shadow box ideas conform to the tastes of the retiring service member. Unlike the military with its regulations and conformity, a military retirement shadow box is a deeply personal thing and you should include whatever the retiree is most proud of.

Don’t forget, military retirement is a major milestone, and a military retirement shadow box is a perfect way to commemorate the occasion and the holidays. It's a great way to display the retiree's medals, awards, and other memorabilia, and it can also be a beautiful and unique gift for the holidays.

We don’t recommend personalizing the military retirement shadow box shadow box with a holiday message. However, the military retirement shadow box can be personalized to include a message like "Happy Retirement!" or include the retiree's name, rank, dates of service and branch of service.

You can always wrap or present the gift with a holiday theme, no different than any other holiday gift, but given it is a military retirement shadow box, the box itself should be about the person’s military service and not the holiday itself.

That said, if you are presenting a military retirement shadow box at Christmas you can include a miniature Christmas wreath, tree decorations that mark the event, and a photo of the retiree in their uniform with their family. You could also add a personalized message somehow such as "Merry Christmas to the best military spouse/parent/grandparent in the world!"

USAMM can help. Just visit our EZ Shadow Box Builder and leave it to us to assemble a gift they will never forget.

As a military family, you understand how hard it can be to show your love and appreciation for the servicemen and women in the Armed Forces. From long deployments overseas to frequent moves across states or countries—not every traditional gift will suit their needs or provide them with the sense of home they crave.

Whether you’re looking for an ideal present for deployment ceremonies or surprise gifts during homecomings, custom military mugs are great solutions. However, not all logos or artwork are equal and certainly the same goes for the quality of mugs. To ensure that yours stands out from the crowd while still maintaining its sentimental value, here are some tips on finding craftsmanship-level custom military mugs worthy of gifting to your beloved serviceperson.

Why Custom Military Mugs Make Great Gifts

Custom military mugs are more than just a vessel for holding coffee, tea or a favorite beverage. They serve as a symbol of pride and honor for those who have served or are currently serving in the military. That’s why custom military mugs make great gifts for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard personnel and military enthusiasts alike.

Whether as a commemorative gift for a special occasion or merely as a way to show appreciation, custom military mugs make an excellent gesture. The design of these mugs often features emblems and insignias of various military branches, making them not only practical but also visually appealing.

Plus, the durability of these custom military mugs ensures that they will last for years to come, serving as a reminder of the recipient’s dedicated service to their country. Overall, a custom military mug is a gift that is both practical and meaningful.

Different Designs of Custom Military Mugs

Custom military mugs are a great way to show support for our brave servicemen and women because they serve as a wonderful keepsake for veterans and their loved ones. When it comes to designing your own custom military mugs, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of designs, including camouflage patterns, military emblems, and personalized messages.

Whether you want to create a commemorative mug to honor a loved one’s service or simply want to show your appreciation for the military, a custom mug is a perfect way to do so. So why settle for a plain mug when you can have one that’s unique and honors those who have defended our country?

How to Make a Custom Military Mug

If you’re on the hunt for a thoughtful and personalized gift, look no further than the trusty mug. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or colleague, a custom military mug is a gift that is both practical and sentimental.

To create the perfect personalized gift mug, start by choosing a design that suits the recipient’s style and personality. You can opt to include their name, a favorite quote, or even a photo. Next, select a quality mug in a color that complements the design. Make sure to use high-quality vinyl or paint to ensure the design stays put through many uses and washes. With a little creativity and effort, your personalized gift mug is sure to become a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Where to Find Quality Military Mugs at Affordable Prices

Custom military mugs are a great way to show your support and appreciation for our brave men and women in uniform. But finding quality mugs at affordable prices can be a challenge. Fortunately, USAMM has options available to help you find the perfect mug to fit your budget.

For example, the Battle Mug or Combat Cup are great choices, customizable, and comes in your choice of two different materials.

Ideas for Showcasing Your Military Mug Gift

When it comes to displaying your military mug gift, there are numerous creative ways to showcase it. One option is to place it on a shelf or desktop with other military keepsakes. Of course, you can also use it to drink your favorite beverage. Others have used custom military mugs as planters and to hold pencils and pens atop a desk.

Tips on Caring for Your Custom Military Mug

It’s important to care for your custom military mug properly. One tip to keep in mind is to always hand wash your mug with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive materials or bleach as they can scratch the surface or damage the design. Another tip is to dry your mug thoroughly before storing it to prevent any moisture buildup that can lead to mold and mildew growth. With proper care, your custom military mug can last you a long time and be a cherished item in your collection.

Overall, custom military mugs make an ideal gift for the special person in your life who loves military history or has served in the armed forces. It’s a heartfelt reminder of their service and sacrifice that can be enjoyed by the recipient for years to come.

With the multitude of design options available, you are sure to find one that reflects their personality and warmly expresses your appreciation. Plus, with easy personalization options, you can create unique items without breaking your budget and add a special touch they won’t forget. You should also look at USAMM's USwag Builder where you can personalize just about everything, including mugs.

When purchasing a custom mug, make sure it is of good quality, like the Battle Mug, so it will last long-term. Also, remember to take proper care of them. Now that you have all the information needed about these unique gifts go ahead and surprise a special service member in your life with an unforgettable memento they can cherish and admire always.

Veterans are individuals who have served their country by joining a military service. These men and women swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Some have been sent into harm’s way during the nation’s conflicts, sacrificing in different ways to advance national or international interests. They are normally involved in historically significant events and their participation in these events and their contributions to history cannot be overstated. Ask yourself, what would the world look like today if not for the American veterans who fought in World War II?  

From the earliest days of our country's history, through the wars that have defined our role in the world today, veterans have played an essential role in shaping our country and ensuring our freedom by serving as a deterrent to those who do not value a democratic republic.

Why are veterans important? This blog post will answer that question and explore why veterans are important to our nation, delving into some of the key reasons that these dedicated individuals deserve our utmost respect and admiration.

Why are veterans important: Sacrifice

First and foremost, veterans are important to our nation because of the sacrifices they have made on behalf of their country. They have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and liberties, and they have done so at great personal cost.

Whether it's serving in combat zones, enduring long deployments away from their families, or facing physical and mental challenges as a result of their service, veterans have made significant sacrifices to ensure that we can enjoy the benefits of living in a free and democratic society.

Why are veterans important: Skills

Beyond their sacrifices, veterans also bring a wealth of skills and experiences to the table that are invaluable to our nation. Many veterans have received specialized training and education through their military service, making them highly skilled and qualified to contribute to a wide range of industries and professions.

For example, veterans make up a significant portion of our country's law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders, bringing honed skills and knowledge to these critical roles. Additionally, many veterans have leadership experience from their time in the military, which can be instrumental in shaping our country's policies and decision-making processes.

After saving the world in World War II, American veterans went to work and helped rebuild the United States. Industry flourished as did the economy and it was mostly because of the skilled labor provided by veterans.

Why are veterans important: Flexibility

Veterans are known for their flexibility, which often surprises many people. There is a common misconception that the military is a rigid, uncreative environment. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While military service has standards, regulations and a climate of good order and discipline, it is also an environment that requires flexibility.

Anyone who has ever served knows that most operations do not go as planned, therefore, veterans have learned to be creative and flexible in solving problems and creating solutions. In some cases, like in the war in Iraq, soldiers were getting killed or wounded because they were deploying with soft canvassed doors on their HUMVEEs which made them vulnerable to explosive blasts and even small arms fire.

Given the lack of protection, soldiers scavenged iron and other metals wherever they could find it and welded it onto the HUMVEEs for protection. They adapted and improvised. This led to the Defense Department "uparmoring" HUMVEEs. Veterans are masterful at doing more, with less.

Why are veterans important: Role Models

Another key reason that veterans are important to our nation is that they serve as role models and inspiration for future generations. When young people see the dedication and sacrifice that veterans have made for their country, it can instill a sense of patriotism and pride in their own country. Additionally, veterans can provide mentorship and guidance to young people who may be considering a career in the military or other public service professions. By sharing their experiences and insights, veterans can help inspire the next generation of leaders and public servants.

Why are veterans important: Service

Perhaps one of the most significant contributions that veterans make to our nation is their ongoing commitment to service and community. Even after their military service is complete, many veterans continue to serve their communities through volunteer work, advocacy, and other forms of public service. This commitment is a testament to the values that veterans hold dear, including duty, honor, and selfless service. By continuing to contribute to their communities, veterans demonstrate that these values are not just limited to their time in the military, but rather are a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the world.

In addition to these broader contributions, veterans are also important to our nation on a personal level. For many individuals who have served in the military, their time in the armed forces represents a formative period of their lives, one that shapes their identity and influences their outlook on the world.

As such, it is essential that we recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans, not just for their benefit but for our own as well. By acknowledging the bravery and dedication of our veterans, we can foster a stronger sense of national identity and pride in our country.

Why are veterans important: Conclusion

In conclusion, veterans are an indelible and essential part of our nation’s character and identity. From their sacrifices on the battlefield to their ongoing commitment to service and community, veterans embody the best of what it means to be an American.

As such, it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to recognize and honor their contributions, not just today but every day. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of our veterans lives on, inspiring future generations to carry on their legacy of selfless service and dedication to our nation.

Military dog tags have long been a symbol of American military culture and they had a very serious purpose long before they became something fashionable to wear. Today, they still have a very important role, but with the advent of DNA technology and sciences, the role of military dog tags in identifying wounded and dead service members on the battlefield is starting to lean more on science than on the dog tag.

Originally, the dog tags were used as identification tags to help medical personnel identify and treat wounded soldiers, and they were also used to identify those who were killed, but despite the reliance on science, over time, the dog tags have become a symbol of honor and remembrance for those who have served.

Today, dog tags have become a bit of a fashion staple in some circles and custom military dog tags have become a popular choice for gifts among veterans and their families. Here are some reasons why custom military dog tags make an excellent and thoughtful gift for your loved one.

Personalization is key

One of the most significant reasons custom military dog tags are a great gift is the personalization that can be incorporated on them. Personalization can include name, rank, and dates of service, among other things. Also, they can be customizable in a wide range of colors and designs.

Remember though, try to keep the custom military dog tags sanitized of any personal information. Years ago, the U.S. military used to put the social security numbers of service members on dog tags. If you are creating custom military dog tags remember to create something that does not make you vulnerable to identity theft.

It is a perfect way to remember a loved one

Custom military dog tags are a touching way to remember a loved one who served and who has passed away. You can engrave whatever you like on the custom military dog tags including their name, rank, and the dates they served, as well as nicknames, call signs, or locations where they served (or where they died—if they died in action or while serving).

These custom military dog tags keep the memory of them alive and presents a great way to pay tribute to their service. You can wear them daily, hang them from a car mirror, or keep them some place special so they are in your thoughts regularly.

It brings a sense of pride

Custom military dog tags are also a great way to show a loved one how proud you are of their service. The unique customization of the dog tag is an easy way to honor their service while at the same time creating a long-lasting and visible symbol of the pride you have in them.

There are dog tags that have service specific insignia on them and those can be customized and be presented as gifts when someone enlists, graduates basic training, or they can be given for the holidays or on a birthday.

Custom military dog tags can also commemorate a military milestone such as retirement, or getting promoted. Customizing a dog tag with those special details is an excellent way to show your appreciation to the veteran for their service and dedication.

For veterans, military dog tags can serve as a connection to their time in the military. The tags can provide a sense of pride and belonging. For family members of veterans, military dog tags can serve as a reminder of their loved one’s service.

It provides a sense of camaraderie

Custom military dog tags are popular among the veteran communities as well. Sharing a dog tag with similar details can bring a sense of camaraderie with fellow veterans. Thus, it can create a symbolic brotherhood or sisterhood that helps to evoke the sense of unity and loyalty.

Dog tags for teambuilding

Custom military dog tags are also a great way to build team cohesion. They can be ordered in bulk for a special outing or occasion at your job, or they can be ordered for a group or a team to mark a special event.

Some corporate teams have purchased them and worn them on special days to recognize and say thanks to veteran employees on Veterans Day, and other companies have worn them to remember a fallen service member connected to one of their employees.

Some teams, like paintball enthusiasts, can also purchase them just to have fun and bring more cohesion to their ranks.

Built to last, affordable and flexible

Military dog tags are made from corrosion-resistant metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. This makes them durable and long-lasting. They can be worn for years without showing signs of wear and tear.

Custom military dog tags are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be used as a keychain, necklace, or bracelet. They can also be attached to a bag or backpack.

Custom military dog tags are an affordable gift option. They are typically less expensive than other personalized gifts such as jewelry or engraved watches. This makes them a great option for those on a budget.

Custom military dog tags make great gifts for veterans and their families because of their personalization, durability, versatility, connection to military service, and affordability. They are a thoughtful and sentimental gift that can be cherished for years to come. Whether purchasing for a veteran, active member of the military, or family member, a custom military dog tag is sure to be a gift that will be treasured

Custom military dog tags help keep memories alive, celebrate milestones, evoke pride, and create a sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s Father's Day, Veterans Day, military retirement or any other occasion, custom military dog tags make an excellent way to show support, honor, and appreciation for someone who's put their lives in service for our great nation. 

Military challenge coins are an iconic symbol in the military. Historically, these coins are given as a token of appreciation, recognition, and pride for service members who have gone above and beyond their duty. Normally, a senior leader presents it to someone lesser ranking as recognition for a job well done, but in recent years that protocol isn’t always the one followed. But one thing is true, military challenge coins hold great value to those who receive them and they are passed down through generations as a prized possession.

The use of military challenge coins has been around for a long time. These special coins are created to honor various achievements and events within the military force. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and they are considered a significant token of respect and admiration within military ranks.

The history of challenge coins is fascinating and some accounts have military challenge coins dating back to ancient times. In this blog post, we will dive into the origins and evolution of military challenge coins and their significance in the military ranks. We will help answer the question, what is a military challenge coin?

What is a military challenge coin’s history through World War II?

Challenge coins have been around for centuries and were used as a means of showing respect, honor, or wealth. According to some military historians, Roman soldiers would carry coins on their person for good luck and to show proof that they were part of a particular legion. The Roman soldiers were sometimes rewarded for their bravery with coins.

Much later in the historical timeline, during World War I, American pilots carried coins in their pockets to prove their identity if they were shot down behind enemy lines and captured by resistance forces. This tradition continued through World War II and became more widespread and commonplace.

Producing the coin, when challenged, according to folklore, evolved into what is today known as the “coin check.” This is when a member of a unit challenges his or her comrades to produce their coins. The person who doesn’t have their coin has to buy a round of drinks or perform another task agreed upon by the group.

What is a military challenge coin’s history through Vietnam?

In the 1960s, the popularity of military challenge coins grew as it became a way for commanders to boost morale and recognize their troops. It was also a way to identify other service members and to establish a connection with them. Each unit or branch has its own unique coin design, and it has become a tradition to exchange coins when two units meet. This has led to a culture of friendly competition and camaraderie among service members.

What is a military challenge coin’s purpose today?

In recent years, challenge coins have become a popular collector’s item and are highly sought after. They are not only traded and collected by military members but also given as gifts to family members and friends to show appreciation for their support. They have become a way to honor and remember fallen service members and to demonstrate pride in one's service.

The evolution of military challenge coins has been an interesting and impactful one. From ancient Roman times to modern-day military, challenge coins have played a significant role in recognizing and honoring service members. They have become a timeless symbol of dedication to duty and loyalty and continue to hold great significance in the military ranks.

Military challenge coins have a lot of significance, and they are regarded as one of the most powerful traditions in the military community. These coins are more than just commemorative pieces. They represent recognition, gratitude, and respect.

What is a military challenge coin presented for?

Military challenge coins can be presented for a multitude of reasons. During the Global War on Terrorism, many service members received coins while on deployments. If, for example, a commanding general visited a combat outpost, the general would likely “coin” the troops living and fighting from the COP. It is an informal and less bureaucratic way to recognize the troops for the work they are doing and many times coins from a commanding general tend to have the CG’s name, rank and flag on one side, and the commander’s unit insignia on the other.

Coins can also be presented at promotions, reenlistments, for performance on a project that doesn’t rate recognition of a formal medal, and at special events, like a service birthday ball. There are many reasons and this list is not all inclusive.

What is a military challenge coin handshake?

A military challenge coin isn’t ever just handed to a recipient. When awarded, the coin is presented to the recipient by the presenter in a handshake. The coin is placed in the palm of the presenter’s hand, and the presenter extends his hand and shakes the hand of the recipient. The coin is then in between both the palm of the presenter and the recipient. As the handshake ends, the presenter grips the coin and pulls his or her hand away, keeping the coin in his or her palm.

What is a military challenge coin’s purpose once presented?

Service members who are presented a coin in a unit they are currently serving in are highly encouraged to carry the coin at all times. Many service personnel put the coin in their wallets or money carriers.

If a unit member is ever challenged, hence the term military challenge coin, as previously mentioned, they must produce the coin or face unique consequences.

What is a military challenge coin’s design?

Military challenge coins are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Some coins are specific to a particular military branch, while others commemorate a particular unit or operation. For example, coins can be designed for specific groups and occupational specialties.

While most coins back in the day used to be just round, these days they come in all shapes and size and some are almost as big as a Texas belt buckle.

The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about what gifts to give your military friends, family members who serve, and/or fellow unit members. One popular and meaningful option is a military challenge coin.

While these coins are ordinarily presented by senior military personnel to recognize the work of a uniformed service member or civilian, they can also be given as personal mementos to mark something special between the gift giver and the recipient. Challenge coins hold a special place in the heart of many service members, and they are often cherished for years.

The history of military challenge coins is a bit murky, like many things in the military. There really isn’t an identifiable historical moment when military challenge coins first got used. There are tales from World War I and also tales that come from the Vietnam War, but nothing is really concrete. For those who came up in the ranks during the Cold War, military challenge coins weren’t really a thing, at least not like they are now where it seems like every team, at every level, has a coin.

Given the lack of factual information pertaining to the history of military challenge coins, this post won’t focus on challenge coin history. Instead, it will focus on providing guidance on which coins are the best military challenge coins to give as gifts.

Best Military Challenge Coins to Give as Keepsakes

There are many moments when giving someone a keepsake military challenge coin would be appropriate. Maybe they got promoted, finished a training program (Airborne training, for example), earned a degree or achieved something else professionally. Giving them a coin as a gift is no different than buying them something to mark their achievement. It helps mark the occasion and let them know that you’re proud of them for what they’ve done.

You can give a military service specific coin to a recent basic training or officer candidate school graduate to mark the start of their military journey. It doesn’t matter if they end up spending four years or 24 years in, the coin will serve as a reminder of the start of their journey. The coin is a reminder of what they accomplished and that’s because military challenge coins are a tangible representation of an accomplishment.

These can be the best military challenge coins to give as keepsakes if they are service specific, or maybe show the military occupational series, like Military Police, Engineers, or Infantry. Remember, keepsake military challenge coins are just one of the three types of the best military challenge coins to give. What matters is the event that is being marked and what the coin represents.

Best Military Challenge Coins to Give to Build Camaraderie

Military challenge coins are more than just trinkets; they are an essential part of military tradition and they help build morale and camaraderie when used at the team or unit level. If you are in a position as a military supervisor or even an unofficial leader, giving a challenge coin as a holiday gift means that you care and respect the dedication to duty of your fellow service members. If you ask us, these are the best military challenge coins to give because you are recognizing the hard work and dedication of your troops.

Challenge coins promote esprit de corps and a sense of unity among service members. Receiving one or giving one will certainly help the unit’s climate and help build cohesion in the unit or team. A challenge coin is a nice, “atta boy” to let people know you appreciate the work they do when recommending them for a decoration doesn’t fit the scope of recognition.

These days, military challenge coins are funded at higher levels of command, but great leaders at lower levels will often circle wagons and pool their money to ensure they have military challenge coins on hand to recognize those that go above and beyond routinely. These are the best military challenge coins to give.

Best Military Challenge Coins for Commemorating Unit-Related Activities

Branch-specific coins are the best military challenge coins to give out when recognizing something a service member did that brings credit to their branch of service. For example, if a service member has done some volunteer work in the community, but falls short of the criteria to earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, then a coin might be the best military challenge coins to give them.

Selecting a military challenge coin that represents the recipient's branch of service (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard) shouldn’t be too hard and there are plenty of choices out there especially at USAMM. Just ensure you buy from a reputable company that uses the service’s insignia properly, with permission, and that the attention to detail in creating the coin is evident. A coin was once sold online by a sketchy retailer that had the Coast Guard motto engraved on an Air Force Pararescue coin. You should know what you’re buying.

One of the best military challenge coins you can buy is a custom coin. You can create a custom challenge coin that can include specific details such as the recipient's name, rank, unit insignia, etc. This adds a personal touch and unforgettable gift for anyone in the military and you can add specific military occupations such as pilots, special forces, or transportation. Choose a coin that best represents the recipient’s role in the military and remember you have two sides on a coin to work with.

The Perfect Time to Shop

Give the gift of pride, honor, and recognition this holiday season with a military challenge coin. These coins are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful to those who serve. With a variety of options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect coin to celebrate your loved one's service. But don't wait. The holidays are right around the corner. Shop now and make this year’s gift one they will cherish for a lifetime.

And don’t forget, you can also purchase high-quality coin display cases to accompany the gift of a coin.

As military personnel, service members deserve our utmost gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering dedication to serving our country. Naturally if you have a relative or friend who serves, you will readily agree with that statement. But if you are not connected to the military in any way, you can still do kind things for our service personnel who sacrifice so much while they serve.

With that said, what better way to show our appreciation during the Halloween season than to send them a thoughtful care package with lots of treats and gifts? Whether your loved one is stationed overseas or stateside on active duty, a care package filled with fun and festive Halloween treats and gifts is sure to bring a smile to their face. In this post, we’ll share some creative ideas to help you put together a thoughtful Halloween care package for the service members in your life.

Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members Overseas

Thinking about sending some yummy treats overseas? Might be a good idea to think again. While there is a good likelihood that the food will arrive intact with no problems, there is also a chance that the food will melt or get broken apart while in transit.

Not to mention, most deployment areas have well-stocked post exchanges and service personnel have access to plenty of treats. So instead of risking it with yummies, save yourself the work and the possible heartache by sending festive decorations that are Halloween-themed. Perhaps a string of pumpkin lights, a haunted house banner, or some fake spiderwebs can bring the spirit of Halloween to your service member’s barracks or home. It’s a great way to make their surroundings feel more festive and special.

Some might also enjoy some service-related gifts like hats or t-shirts that they can wear in their off duty time. 

Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members Stateside

Shipping to service members who are in the states is not only faster, but safer. Not to mention, you have a variety of choices in shippers while if you are sending something overseas, normally you can ship only using the U.S. Postal Service. That said, if you want to get some home baked or other special treats to someone you love in uniform, overnight, you can do that pretty easily and without any real threat of things melting (unless you are shipping regular mail that might take a few days).

Show your love and appreciation by baking some homemade treats to include in the care package. A batch of Halloween sugar cookies or some homemade pumpkin bread would be greatly appreciated by your service member. Not only is this a sentimental gesture, but it’s also a cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your care package.

If you opt to send something to your service member who is stateside, no Halloween would be complete without an abundance of candy and other treats. In your care package, include some traditional Halloween candy like candy corn, pumpkin-shaped treats, or some assorted goodies. Chocolate is great, but use caution because if you are shipping standard and the package is going to a southern state, they might get a melted mess upon arrival. Exercise common sense.

You can also add some seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice seeds or caramel apples. Try to include a mix of sweet and savory snacks so that your service member has something to look forward to during work breaks.

And don't forget to think about military gifts that they might enjoy. Customizable products make great gifts in care packages and folks can always use mugs, cups, and other items while deployed or overseas.

Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members Overseas or Stateside

Service members may experience periods of downtime on deployment or work breaks, which can lead to boredom. Including a Halloween-themed activity book like a crossword puzzle, word search, or a coloring book can help keep them entertained. These activity books are easy to pack and can be shared with other service members, providing hours of fun.

Many young adults find coloring books relaxing, but just remember, if you are sending coloring books to Marines, ensure you include lots of crayons (just kidding, we love you Marines).

A lightweight item you can include in any care package is a gift card. Service personnel can always use them to purchase whatever they want, whenever they want. 

Personalizing Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members

Lastly, don't forget to add some personal touches to your care package, such as a handwritten note or photos of you, family, and pets. These personal items can provide a lot of comfort and support to the service members who may be homesick or missing loved ones. They are sure to cherish them and think of you when they see them.

That said, just because it is Halloween, don't hesitate to include necessary items your service member might be longing for like a hydration system or a knife. Maybe they had those items when they deployed and they lost them, or maybe they weren't issued those upon deploying. Whatever the reason, personalizing a care package is a win-win.

Miscellaneous Tips for Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members

It is never too early to ship anything. As we transition to fall, delivery and shipping companies get busy as people get a jump on early holiday sales. Remember, unless you are shipping something over night or to arrive in 48 hours, the package will need transit time. So buy it, bake it, pack it up and send it as soon as you can.

If you prefer to order items from online retailers like USAMM and then have the items shipped directly to the service member, be sure to allow time for order fulfilment and delivery. And check to ensure that the retailer will deliver overseas.

Halloween Care Package Ideas for Service Members in Units

It is much easier to target your service member and send them a Halloween care package, but if you enlist the help of some local organizations, you can likely provide care packages to the entire unit by applying a little organizational skill.

There are plenty of civic, religious, and service organizations that would be more than happy to not only contribute donations and financial support, but also manpower so, do not be afraid to reach out to local organizations and ask for help. Youth organizations are always on the hunt for community service projects as are civic organizations.

Also, if you are not affiliated with a service member, reach out to the many organizations that work to support the military and see how you can help. Reaching out to local military units, recruiters, reserve and National Guard units might also be useful in helping you connect with troops who are deployed.

In summary, a Halloween care package is a thoughtful way to show our appreciation to the military personnel who sacrifice so much for us. Whether you are sending the care package to your spouse, friend, or family member, by including festive decorations, sweets, activity books, homemade treats, and personal touches, you can bring a little bit of home to their military assignment or deployment. So go ahead, put together a care package for your service member today, and make their Halloween special. It will bring out the kid in them.