ceremony gift ideas for him
Promotions, reenlistments, awards, change of command, pinning, retirement and all the other ceremonies we may or may not understand but may need gifts for. Here’s a gift guide to help you out!
Gift Giving
It goes without saying we are proud of our husbands for the work they put in. We see the behind-the-scenes. We see the struggles. We see what sometimes goes unnoticed.
We want to show our appreciation and love, but don’t always know how. Or at least that’s how I feel sometimes.
My general opinion on this is the more personal the better. Be creative with your gifts and make it memorable for him.
And before you make a decision, think about his love language. (Don’t know your love languages for each other? Check out Gary Chapman, read his book for military couples, and take the quiz) If he receives love most by quality time, consider planning an event with friends and family versus buying a material gift.
If you have kids, get them involved! Your entire family has sacrificed so much and it’s important to let the kids help celebrate Dad for his accomplishments.
And sister, be encouraged. If your family isn’t into gift giving at every ceremony, that is okay! I am not here to bring shame or guilt into your life. If you don’t do ceremony gifts, great! Give the hubs a big pat on the back and cook his favorite meal that night.
Gift Ideas
Organize a Party - like I mentioned above, if your husband isn’t into material gifts, think about planning a party for him with friends and family to celebrate
Night at a Hotel - this is a great way to celebrate together without all the chaos of a big event. If your husband enjoys quiet recognition, think about a short getaway together. Bonus points if you make a kid-free night!
Things Remembered - this site is full of great gift ideas, so give yourself plenty of browsing time! What I love most about this company is how they offer engraving and personalization. It’s a great way to add a little extra to any gift.
Watch - I have yet to meet a military guy that doesn’t need a watch. If he needs one to wear with his dress uniforms, consider getting him a nice one with an engraving on the back. If he is more into physical activities, buy him a smart watch to run with.
Cornhole Boards - this is a great backyard game to have on hand when friends come over or for your family to enjoy throughout the warmer months. Consider getting him personalized cornhole boards with his military branch, favorite sports team, college alum, etc. If you can’t find someone local to build them for you, check out makers on Etsy.
Noise Cancelling Headphones - if your husband is into practical gifts, these are great. Most military guys will need or want noise cancelling headphones at some point. Whether they travel a lot or need them on a deployment, they make a great gift that will get lots of use.
Engraved Decanter and Glasses - not everyone is into wine or hard liquor, but a nicer decanter with new glasses makes for a great gift for someone who appreciates good booze. If this isn’t your scene or your husband only drinks beer, grab him his favorite six pack as a gift.
Donation to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum - if your husband is a pilot or has a passion for flight, consider this unconventional gift idea. There is an option to have his name or callsign engraved on the Wall of Honor. How cool!
Coin Rack or Shadow Box - we recommend finding a local woodworker to craft something specific for your husband’s personal coin collection. If you don’t know anyone local, check Etsy. There are many different styles of shadow boxes and coin racks, but the great thing about them is how personalized you can get them.
Montblanc Pen - this is a more expensive gift option, but if your husband is entering into a higher leadership position, these pens are amazing.
Uncommon Goods - if your husband is hard to shop for, but you want to get him something unique, this site is for you! There are a lot of neat gifts here.
Express Gratitude
Sometimes we find ourselves, as military wives, in a flurry of busyness leading up to big events. We want everyone in the family to have coordinating outfits for the ceremony. We want to make sure the pictures look great, especially if we plan on posting them on social media. We might be working with out-of-town family to make sure all the moving pieces come together nicely.
It’s no surprise we, as military wives, juggle countless spinning plates, but let’s not forget the real reason the ceremony is happening.
Your husband is being recognized for the amazing military man he is. His leadership understands this doesn’t happen without you, without support from his family.
Your husband is where he is today, receiving acknowledgment for his work partly because you have been behind the scenes working hard. It’s been a team effort and you get to give yourself a pat on the back, too.
If you plan the party, dress the kids, buy the gift, do all the things, and never tell your husband you are proud of him, you’re doing it wrong.
Tell him you are grateful.
Tell him you are proud.
Tell him you love him.
Tell him you notice his hard work.
That’s what this ceremony is really about.