Every year children head to retailers to try to find the ideal gift to give their dads on Father’s Day. For some, it is a struggle because they care so much about their dads that they want to find something perfect. For others, it comes easier because their dads might be easy to shop for; a bottle of bourbon and some cigars, and he’s happy.
This year, the venerated veterans of USAMM have done it again. We put our heads together and came up with a list of great gifts for military dads. Why should you listen to us? Well, we had dads and some of us are dads. Not to mention, as veterans, we all served, so we are three for three.
Our gifts for military dads list is presented in no particular order and we hope it makes it easier to shop for pappy, poppa, daddy, dad, dada, pop, the old man, viejo; or the guy affectionately known as father.
1. Shadow Boxes or Display Cases
Most military personnel and veterans are pretty humble and likely have their military medals and badges tucked away in a box somewhere. Shadow boxes and display cases make great gifts for military dads because they allow the service member or veteran to organize and display their military awards and decorations.
Even if your dad insists that he won’t mount the shadow boxes on the wall, these military gifts are a great choice because they enable the recipient to organize their military awards and mementos into an appropriate storage container that can become a part of a family’s heirlooms. Military service is something to be proud of and shadow boxes or display cases are really nice gifts for military dads.
Do they already have a shadow box or a display case? Then read on.
2. Service Pride Clothing
Whether your gift recipient served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force or Coast Guard, there are tons of wearable military gifts that make awesome gifts for military dads and allow them to show their service pride. USAMM happens to have everything from hats to hoodies to golf shirts.
The key here is to ensure you are buying the right size. Hats can be easy if you look for one-size-fits-most, adjustable hats. Shirts and hoodies can be a little trickier, but there are ample ways to learn a person’s size without them knowing what you are up to. Find something that they are wearing and check the tag. For example, maybe they have a favorite spring time hoodie that they keep near the front door. Sneak over, check the tag and get the size.
USAMM recently released, new for 2023, a truckload of new t-shirt designs that are guaranteed to appeal to any dad. They make hip gifts for military dads.
3. Gift Cards
USAMM veterans hate to admit it given the stigma gift cards have, but we love gift cards. What makes these super gifts for military dads is that a dad can turn around and buy whatever they want. We all agreed, we would rather get something we like, than receive something we would prefer to return (like socks).
If you are on the prowl for some gifts for military dads, and all else has failed, and you can’t find a gift that you’re 100 percent jazzed up about, consider a gift card that will allow your military loved one to pick whatever military gifts they want.
If they are still on active, Guard or reserve duty, they can possibly purchase themselves a much needed uniform item, like a new ribbon rack, or maybe they can use it to get themselves some service pride stickers for their car or truck.
4. Gifts for the Home Office
With millions of Americans working from home these days a lot of investment has gone into improving home offices. If you have a veteran in your life with a home office, there are a lot of gifts for military dads that can make their home offices have a nice touch of military culture. And this isn’t just for veterans. Many active, reserve and National Guard personnel have home offices to keep up with their unit workload, so they would certainly enjoy these gifts for military dads as well.
Lamps, paperweights, posters, and drinkware can all bring a nice service pride touch into any home office, as can custom plaques.
5. Battle Mug
The military culture loves its coffee and there is no better way to drink a steaming hot cup of joe than in a Battle Mug. The Battle Mug is machined from a 10.5 pound solid bar of 6061 T6 billet aluminum into a 2 pound sculpted American made work of art. These are totally awesome gifts for military dads and a USAMM veteran favorite.
The Battle Mug’s Picatinny rails allow optional handles, one of which can be fitted with an optional lid, and other tactical gear to be attached. Battle Mug features a M1913 Picatinny 3-rail interface system which allows the operator to mount a standard issue M4 carry handle, tactical light, laser device, holographic sight, or any tactical device imaginable for your operations. Why not? This is one of those sturdy gifts for military dads that can be used for the rest of their lives and handed down as a family memento.
The best part about the Battle Mug is that it is something that can be used for cold and hot beverages alike, so they’re great at the barbeque and even better around the campfire. And when your dad’s military buddies see it, they will definitely want one and he will be the envy of his military pals. Oh yeah, and they are customizable.
The most important thing is that you actually remembered to get that special military person in your life a gift and no matter what you purchase, it is sure to make them happy. And if none of this sounds good to you, remember, the gift of time is the greatest thing we can give each other, so don’t sweat it. We're sure your military dad would love it.