Buying for someone who is into military history is harder than it looks. They usually own the books, the films and the obvious mug. What they rarely own is the real thing, and genuine kit has the advantage of being useful as well as interesting.
Here are ideas sorted by who you are buying for.
For the veteran
The best gift for someone who served is usually something from their own regiment or corps.
- A stable belt in their regiment's colours. Every regiment and corps has its own stripes, and veterans still wear them with jeans. Look for their regiment by name, for example the REME stable belt, or pick up stable belt material in the right colours with a regimental buckle.
- Their beret and badge, ready for Remembrance. If theirs has gone missing over the years, a new one in the right colour is a thoughtful gift.
- Medal mounting. If their medals live loose in a box, a proper mounting bar is a practical present they will use every November.
For the cadet or young enthusiast
- A bomber jacket. The MA1 bomber is warm, hard-wearing and goes with everything. There is a children's MA1 too.
- Proper mess kit. A 58 pattern water bottle mug or a set of military billy cans gets used on every camp and expedition.
For the collector
Collectors like variety and a bit of a hunt. An assorted badge lot is a good way in, because nobody knows exactly what will come out of it. For something more unusual, an officer's swagger stick from an overseas force is the kind of piece that starts a conversation.
Stocking fillers
Small, cheap and genuinely military:
- Cap badges and collar badges
- Sets of regimental buttons
- Medal ribbon and ribbon bars
- Rank slides from their old unit
Getting the size right
Clothing is where gifts go wrong. Military sizes are often in centimetres, and garments are measured differently from the high street. Before you buy a jacket or a beret, check the measurements in the listing against something the person already owns and likes. If you are unsure, a belt, a badge or a mug cannot be the wrong size.
Order early
December post is slower every year. Order in November and you are not relying on the last posting days.
Shop the kit
Gift ideas in stock now.
Genuine British Army REME Royal Electrical and Mechanical 
British Army Yorkshire Regiment Style Insignia Ceremonial 
MA1 Bomber Jacket US Military Style Pilots Jacket Assorted
Osprey 58 Pattern Mug British Tri Service Issue Cup Water 
British Made Obsolete Dubai Swagger Stick / Cane NEW
British Hat Badges Regimental for Cap / Beret Dress Hat As
Browse more: Stable Belt Material · Bomber & Flight Jackets · Cap & Beret Badges