Stuck on what to buy the veteran dad in your life this year?
You are not alone. Military dads are some of the toughest guys in the world to buy for. Ask them what they want and you get the same reply year after year…
“Nothing. Don’t waste your money.”
Here’s the problem:
Gift guides recommend the same predictable things. Socks. Gadgets. Another coffee mug. Consumers expected to spend an average of $627.93 on gifts for friends and family last holiday season—and most of that gets shoved in a drawer.
A seasoned dad doesn’t want anymore things. He wants something to commemorate what he did.
Let’s jump in!
What’s inside this guide:
- Why Service Gifts Hit Different
- 6x Meaningful Presents For Dads Who Served
- How To Pick The Perfect Gift
- Quick Answers To Common Questions
Why Service Gifts Hit Different
There are approximately 15.7 million veterans residing in the United States. Each one has a story to tell.
And here’s the thing…
The things you don’t talk about at the dinner table. Friendships. Tough times. Moments of pride. They haunt a man when he takes off the uniform for the last time.
A gift that connects to that chapter of his life says something simple:
“You served. And that still matters.”
6x Meaningful Presents For Dads Who Served
Here are SIX gifts that are DEFINITELY above average. Choose one that you think suits your dad or mix and match two for extra WOW factor.
1. Shellback Challenge Coins
If your dad served in the Navy, this one is a home run.
In order to explain: Sailors celebrate crossing the equator with a traditional ceremony called “Crossing the Line.” Prior to crossing, they are referred to as pollywogs. After crossing, they become Shellbacks.
And that’s why Shellback challenge coins make such an awesome gift. Personalize Navy challenge coins with his ship’s name, crossing date and a traditional King Neptune design — and turn that crazy day at sea into a keepsake he can treasure.
Pretty cool, right?
The actual ceremony is a disgusting, noisy and slightly absurd ordeal. Ask any Shellback though, and he’ll boast that it’s one of his favorite memories onboard.
And there’s more than one kind of Shellback:
- Golden Shellback: crossed the equator at the International Date Line
- Emerald Shellback: crossed the equator at the Prime Meridian
If your father has one of these cool titles, display it on his currency. He WILL appreciate it.
2. A Custom Shadow Box
A shadow box is a deep frame that is constructed to contain mementos. Consider it a little museum of his service.
You can fill it with:
- Medals and ribbons
- Rank insignia
- An old photo in uniform
- His dog tags
The trick is preparation. Enlist the help of siblings in rummaging through the garage or attic. Most fathers have a box of these lying around somewhere.
Now it gets the spot on the wall it deserves.
3. A Coin Display Case
Already own a bunch of coins? Plenty of veterans do.
His problem is most of them are sitting in a drawer or rattling around in his cup holder. A wooden display case with a glass top gives his medals someplace worthwhile to live. Etch a plate with his name, branch of service and years served.
Casual. Elegant. And he’ll flaunt it in front of every visitor who enters.
4. A Recorded Story Session
This gift is practically free, but it could be worth the most of anything on this list.
Grab a chair with your father and record him telling stories. You can use your phone or a cheap microphone. Even record him via video chat if he lives far away. Ask simple questions like:
- What was your first day like?
- Who was your best friend in the unit?
- What’s the funniest thing that happened?
Bonus: The Library of Congress has a project called the Veterans History Project where they are recording and preserving first person accounts from veterans. You can submit his interview there for future generations.
His grandkids will thank you one day.
5. A Reunion Trip
Many units/ships have reunions annually. Paying for his trip (or going with him) is a gift he will never forget.
Search online his ship or what squadron he was in. Reserve the travel, make the arrangements and give it to him all on a card for the big day.
Meeting old shipmates after 20, 30 or 40 years? Nah, he can’t just BUY that for himself.
6. Personalized Gear That Shows His Pride
Sometimes simple works best. A few ideas that dads actually use:
- A hat with his ship, unit or branch
- An engraved pocket knife or multi-tool
- A leather wallet stamped with his rank
- A framed print of his old ship or base
“Proud Army Dad” gear from the mall just isn’t going to have the same impact if it’s not personalized for him.
How To Pick The Perfect Gift
Still undecided? Ask yourself these 3x questions:
- What branch did he serve in? Navy dads are proud of anything nautical. Army and Marine dads might like gear that represents their unit.
- Does he like to talk about his service? Some dads want to talk. Others are more private — he might appreciate a display case instead of a story session.
- What generation did he serve in? Approximately 31% of today’s veterans are from the Vietnam era and nearly 29% of veterans today are age 75 or older. With those dads, you can’t put a story session or reunion off until “next year.”
Match the gift to the man. That’s the whole trick.
Bringing It All Home
The greatest Father’s Day gift you can give your dad who served isn’t the priciest. It’s the one that matters most because you understand where he has been.
To quickly recap:
- Shellback challenge coins for Navy dads who crossed the line
- Shadow boxes to show off medals and memories
- Display cases for his coin collection
- Recorded stories that last forever
- Reunion trips with old friends
- Personalized gear with real meaning
Pick one, add a handwritten note and watch his face when he opens it.
That’s a gift he’ll keep for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Shellback challenge coins?
Shellback coins are personalized coins earned by sailors crossing the equator for the first time. Coins typically depict King Neptune and the ship’s name and date of crossing.
Who can earn the Shellback title?
It can be earned by anyone aboard a ship at the time of a Crossing the Line ceremony. This includes sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and sometimes even civilians.
What if Dad says he doesn’t want a gift?
All seasoned dads will tell you that. Do something personal like story session or shadow box him. You can’t turn down a gift that pays tribute to his service.
