With a loved one about to graduate from basic training, you’re likely filled with pride at your cadet’s accomplishment. If you’re hoping to make the moment that much more special, surprise them with a thoughtful gift to show just how much you care!
Figuring out the right military gift for graduation can be a challenge. After all, the Army has a unique culture and your cadet will have just spent several months enmeshed in it. You might be at a loss, wondering what they could use going forward into their military career. Fortunately, our guide is full of military graduation gift ideas specifically curated for your newly christened soldier!
1.) Multi-tool
For most soldiers, receiving a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) order every two to four years is common. The toll taken by so many frequent moves can be reduced by keeping as few possessions as possible. And what’s more portable and versatile than a multi-tool? These all-in-one gadgets typically function as a screwdriver, pair of scissors, pliers, and more. And are compact enough to fit readily in your pocket.
Multi-tools like the Swiss Army Knife Classic SD or Leatherman Wave are built around a folding set of pliers plus other tools. Today’s Swiss Army knives still resemble inventor Karl Elsener’s original design. The Leatherman is a well-respected multi-tool in the military, boasting blades, tools, and springs attached to both handles. Their 25-Year Guarantee promises their tools will endure the wear and tear of service members’ rugged day-to-day life.
2.) Pocket Knife
If you’d opt for a classic pocket knife, consider purchasing an Army graduation gift from US manufacturer Benchmade. You can browse their most popular models and are sure to find a favorite. You can also use their Knife Finder quiz to find a gift perfectly suited to your loved one’s lifestyle.
If you know exactly what type of gift your loved one likes, pick from various colors and blade styles by designing a custom knife. For a personal touch, engrave your selection with their initials or the date of their graduation.
3.) US Army Photo Frame
Like high school or college graduations, this marks only the beginning. There comes a period of calm before the next wave of action. Before you know it, your graduate will be off to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and be busy as a bee again. Commemorate their official entry into the Army with a custom picture frame with a meaningful family photo inside, so they can take a piece of home with them wherever they’re stationed.
Photo frames also make spectacular Army graduation presents for boyfriends or girlfriends–framing a romantic memory will keep your partner feeling loved, no matter what distance spans between you two. You can also create a custom photo frame from scratch that matches their style and engrave it with the date of their graduation.
4.) Boots
From 12-mile ruck marches during Basic Combat Training (BCT) to field training exercises (FTX) and physical training (PT), military training will leave your cadet’s pair of Army-issued boots more than broken-in. If you haven’t already thought about giving them a footwear upgrade as an Army graduation gift, now’s the time.
That said, most boots are either comfortable but not durable, or durable but uncomfortable, so weigh your options wisely. For a purchase you can feel good about, the Rocky S2Vs will be your go-to. Designed specifically for tactical operations, they are made of flash- and water-resistant leather. Their durable triple stitching and Vibram soles will see your soldier through even the toughest terrains.
5.) High-Quality Socks
Like their boots, a cadet’s socks are sure to take a beating during basic training. It’s likely all of their remaining pairs will have holes burned into them. That’s why a quality bundle will be just what they need to replenish their collection. For the winter, a warm pair of wool socks will do the trick, while a moisture-wicking version will fare better in summer.
Thorlos and Darn Tough are both American companies and offer an extensive array of well-made socks to choose from. Another brand, Bombas, is on a mission to give back and donates one pair of socks for each pair purchased. Whatever brand you choose, stock up so they’ll have several pairs to keep in rotation. These make great standalone graduation gifts or the perfect complement to their new boots.
6.) Sunglasses
A proper pair of sunglasses is a practical investment. Particularly those who regularly spend time outdoors, making them especially apt gifts for Army graduates. Whether they’re out in the field or down at the range, a soldier should be shielding their eyes with a pair that offers full UV protection. A rating of UV400 or higher means they’ll block 99.9% of UV rays.
Beyond that, there are many factors to consider when filtering your options. A pair with polarized lenses will shield out the sun without a glare. Consider looking for a version with interchangeable lenses, as well. This snazzy feature allows you to switch out the lenses for various lighting conditions.
As for style, wraparounds ensure maximal sun protection and lend a sleek look. They also sit securely on the face and are less likely to fall off during periods of high activity. The obvious company to purchase from in this category is the legendary brand Oakley. A partner of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be able to get a great deal through the military at Oakley Standard Issue.
7.) Army Certificate Frame
Your cadet’s Army certificate is more than just a piece of paper, it’s the culmination of all the grueling work they put in during training. Show them how proud you are by giving them a certificate frame that will safeguard the mark of their achievement for years to come.
Sure to impress, a gold engraved certificate frame will hang handsomely on any wall and convey to them just how special the moment is. For a more personalized touch, you can customize a frame with different hardwood moulding options, museum-quality mat colors, and personal engravings.
8.) Watch
Being on time is paramount in military life. Having a dependable watch to rely on will make a soldier’s life run more smoothly amid the hustle and bustle of Army life, so timepieces are ideal graduation military gifts! With so many styles to choose from, it’s best to consider their unique lifestyle and type of job. As with every other gift on this list, durability and comfort are key features to look for. They’ll want something comfortable with a soft and adjustable band that can also take a bit of beating while they’re in the field. Also bear in mind that if your soldier’s military occupation specialty (MOS) puts them in a classified location, they will not be allowed to wear a watch with GPS capabilities.
If you’re looking to splurge on your Army grad, some famous American watch brands include Weiss, Vortic, and RGM. A more affordable option, the Minuteman A11 is a field watch designed after the classic U.S. Military WWII A11 and is sure to serve your soldier well both on and off duty. Even better, 10% of the selling price from each Minuteman A11 goes to a military/veterans charity. Or for a multipurpose pick, consider a fitness tracker that doubles as a pedometer and timepiece. The more features, the better—a tracker with a step counter, alarm, and stopwatch in one will lessen the clutter in your graduate’s fast-paced life.
9.) Army Medal Shadow Box
Whether your cadet has already begun growing their collection of medals or is still working on receiving their first, our Army Medal Shadow Box will be just the military graduation gift for them. This is an investment piece they can carry with them as their accolades amass throughout their career. Any memorabilia from an infantry blue cord to a Silver Star will find its rightful home behind these handcrafted military shadow boxes.
10.) Sneakers
Speaking of PT, it doesn’t end after boot camp! The Army puts a lot of emphasis on physical fitness and your trail runner’s sneakers will continue putting in time even after graduation, making a reliable pair of trail running shoes the perfect basic training graduation gift.
Unlike boots, sneakers did not become standard-issue in the military until 2017. Before then, when the military issued uniforms to new recruits, sneakers were not supplied and cadets were instead given a clothing allowance with which they could purchase their own. In a win for the Buy American movement, a defense provision was passed in January 2017. This required the military to provide American athletic shoe brands to soldiers. In a contract that totaled almost $80 million, New Balance, Propper Footwear, and San Antonio Shoemakers were appointed the military’s primary sneaker suppliers.
Other premier USA-made sneaker brands to browse include Carson Footwear, SoftStar, and SOM. Bigger names like New Balance and Reebok offer select styles that are made in the USA, as well, but be careful to check labels before purchasing to ensure you’re buying from their made-in-USA lines.
11.) Workout Gear
Some fresh workout gear is the perfect graduation gift to accompany a new pair of sneakers and will motivate your graduate to keep training. You can pick up cooling and moisture-wicking t-shirts and compression shorts from a popular American activewear brand like OPE Running. Their apparel is sustainably made, ethically manufactured, and comes in lightweight, recycled nylon fabrics.
Backed by a lifetime warranty, BOA running shorts and apparel are also made in the USA. Committed to investing in American manufacturing, workers and jobs, Runyon produces outdoor fitness wear, including running shirts, tank tops, hats, and more. Other popular USA brands include Hylete, an official partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Race Ready, a brand created by long-distance runners.
12.) Still Not Sure What to Get? Let Them Choose!
Whether you’re left scratching your head because your cadet already has everything on this list, or you just want to ensure they end up with exactly the gift they want, an eGift card to diplomaframe.com is a safe bet. The convenience of a gift card allows your graduate to pick exactly what they want while still letting them know you care. Online framing options allow them to visualize their certificate frame before buying it, so they’re guaranteed to love the finished product! eGift Cards can also be emailed or printed out in minutes, making them great last-minute U.S. Army graduation gifts.
