Whether he’s serving in the military, is a veteran, enjoys military history, or is just a fan of the US military, it’s surprisingly easy to find super-cool, always-in-fashion, military-themed gifts for men. Is it stylish? Well, in the rough-and-ready, Alpha Male sense it is. And who hasn’t got one of those lurking under the skin? Whether it’s camo casuals or chunky combat boots, there’s hardly ever a time when fashion hasn’t followed the brave. But you don’t have to stick to clothing items to find super-cool military-style gifts.
Need some inspiration to create the “wow” moment you’re hoping to elicit? These ideas should get your creative juices flowing!
1. Because Everyone Loves the Marines!
Looking for a signature item he’ll be proud to wear every day? Marine corps jewelry could be just the thing. From waterproof watches to dog tags and silver rings, you’re sure to find rugged items that reflect your hero’s personality and style. As for the emblems and motifs, there’s no mistaking them – it’s a great way for him to show his pride in his country and its amazing fighting men and women.
From an American perspective, we’re looking at a range of timepieces including functional, navy seal style diving watches and gold or stainless steel commemorative watches, eagle motifs, unit apparel, hatpins, and a wide range of other accessories. But, no matter where you are in the world, you can adapt this idea to match your allegiances and military heroes and, from the flamboyant to the understated, there’s something to match every style profile too.
2. Commemorate History’s Greatest Military Moments
There’s no shortage of gifts for military history enthusiasts. From macho T-shirts to victory pins, and from detailed scale-models to prints or posters commemorating famous battles, finding affordable gifts for a history fan should be a simple task.
If you’re looking for a gift for an avid collector, you can browse online or hunt through antiques stores in search of authentic memorabilia like medals and other collectables. You’ll be amazed by the wide range of historic items and replicas you can find for sale and you might even find something for yourself in the process. Do you fancy your jacket with original World War 2 brass buttons? They’re surprisingly easy to find.
Whether it’s just a bit of fun or a real piece of history, a military history buff is sure to love his gift – and you’ll have an interesting time hunting down exactly the right one.
3. Let Him Refight Famous Battles With Great War Games
Armchair warriors can test their military skills using great games that simulate famous battles throughout history. Let your bro, dad, or buddy play the general, re-deploying troops to see if he can change the tide of battle and do better than the commanders of yesteryear. As long as he likes tech, gaming, and military history, you’re onto a winner with a gift that caters to three of his top interests at once.
To find the right game for your friend or family member, you will need to know what hardware he likes to use when gaming. Then try to identify the era that interests him most. For example, World War 2 simulations have become a genre of their own and so have American Civil War reenactment games. Once you know the gaming platform and the era, it’s time to start reading game reviews to see what the gaming community is saying. Do your homework, and you’re onto a winner that will be good for many hours of enjoyment!
4. Hunt Down Some Military-Style Kit
If you’ve got the budget, nobody will refuse a genuine leather military-style bomber jacket. But those with tighter budgets still have a fighting chance of finding a great gift. Any army-crazy outdoorsman will be thrilled to receive some genuine military surplus kit. Think about looking for survival kits, first aid kits, or military multi-purpose tools.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find genuine army surplus items. Believe it or not, in some countries, you can even buy an army tank! However, we’d recommend that you choose something a little more modest. While it might be great in rush-hour traffic, finding parking might not be all that easy and local traffic police may be less than charmed.
Without getting overly ambitious, you can still cater to manly tastes with high-quality, authentic gear that speaks to his inner action man.
5. Give Him a Military History Bestseller
Yes, it’s not exactly a curveball idea, but it’s worth keeping in mind all the same. Regardless of the military era he’s most interested in, there are incredibly well-researched books that will give him new insights into the periods he’s most interested in. From the war in Iraq all the way back to medieval crusaders, there’s a book for every man with an interest in the art of war. Shop around and read reviews to find a trending book for your favorite armchair warrior.
If it’s the US army that inspires your friend, current top picks include Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, American Sniper by Chris Kyle and Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. From a UK perspective, Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor, The Somme by Lyn MacDonald, and Enigma: The Battle for the Code by Hugh Montefiore are all bestsellers worthy of attention.
It’s a “Man-Thing”
So why the focus on military style? While no gift idea works for absolutely all men, military themes would certainly work for a majority of them. If you’re looking for a stylish gift for a man who previously served and is extra-proud of his military background, you can be even surer that he’ll welcome a gift that matches this facet of his personality.
From gamers to outdoorsmen, to history buffs, there’s a wide range of options out there. Feeling inspired? Then it’s time to go shopping! You’re in for an interesting experience. You might even discover that you’re more interested in all things military than you previously realized.