The 8 most popular military gifts for end of year farewells

It’s that time of the year again when colleagues retire, transfer and deploy. Choosing an appropriate farewell gift can be a tricky task. Fortunately, you have Australia’s widest and most popular range of military farewell gifts at your fingertips. Here are our top eight recommendations for farewell gifts:

WESTERN FRONT FIGURINE
A classic figurine in cold-cast bronze that will take pride of place wherever it is displayed. In 1916 the Australian Imperial Force was sent to the Western Front. Despite the hardships and setbacks endured at Gallipoli against the Ottomans, Australian forces would once again prove themselves in combat, this time against the German enemy. The figure is depicted kneeling, holding the distinctive Lewis Gun - a light machine gun that contributed greatly to the development of greater mobility in infantry tactics during the static trench warfare of the Western Front.  This evocative figurine is a piece of Australian history, which makes it a great choice for a thoughtful farewell gift.

DECANTER SETS
No ending can be sweeter than one enjoyed with a glass of port. When dining with others it is considered proper etiquette to pass the port to left, in a clockwise direction around the table. How this rule originally came about has now been lost to history. It has been said that passing the port with one’s left hand keeps the sword arm free (in case of trouble), or simply because one passes ‘port to port’ (in the naval tradition).

Whichever way you choose pass it, decanting your vintage port is absolutely necessary to unlock the flavours that have remained bottled up for all those years. Our range of decanter sets are the perfect way to enjoy your port. Each set comes with a display case, two glasses and a 750ml decanter with your choice of etched crest.

JARRAH MEDAL CASES
Medals tell the story of a career in service. Keep them safe and secure in a purpose-built medal box made from Australian Jarrah timber. Each box is finished with a felt interior base, but also includes foam inserts to keep your medals and accoutrements snug and secure when travelling. The interior measures 21x10.5 cm, so it will accommodate most medal groups mounted to dress regulations. The Jarrah case is available with Navy, Army or Air Force crests laser engraved on the lid. Every serving member needs one!

NAVY PAST AND PRESENT BOXED SET
The Navy Past and Present medallion is an ideal gift for serving or retired RAN personnel. The large 110mm brass plated medallion features contemporary and historic RAN ships in its design and is a real statement piece. The presentation case features a brief history of the Royal Australian Navy on the inside and a richly enamelled RAN ceremonial crest on the lid.

OPERATION SLIPPER MEDALLION
More than 34,000 Australians participated in Operation Slipper between 2001 and 2014. It was Australia’s longest engagement and involved all parts of the ADF. This solid brass medallion commemorates Operation Slipper and all those who participated. It’s an ideal farewell gift for those who saw service in the Middle East. The medallion includes a blank engravable space on the reverse, where a name or personalised farewell message can be inscribed.

FIGURINE PHOTO FRAMES
Picture frames are a popular gift for departing colleagues. It lets them hold onto and remember great moments captured on camera. Now that the traditional photo frame has been given an awesome twist with the addition of an 18cm military figurine. There are six different figurines to choose from and each comes with a 10x15cm photo frame that can be displayed vertically or horizontally on its Cherrywood base. 

PLAQUES
For many years the most popular way to commemorate an affiliation with a unit is with a wall plaque. Our plaques have been presented all over the world and are favourite gifts for farewells and retirements. With more than 45 Australian military crests and badges available to choose from, a plaque is an elegant and affordable gift to mark the departure of a colleague and their time with your team.

SWORD DESK SETS
Practical and decorative in equal measure. Each desk set can be customised with a different service or unit crest and comes with a pen and service-specific miniature sword that functions as a letter opener. It’s a stylish farewell gift that will take pride of place on any desk.