Author Topic: Seeking ideas for a small gift to give those who participate in my retirement  (Read 3038 times)

infromsea

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All,

My military retirement ceremony is coming up (didn't really want to do one but..... it's for the family...).

So, I'd like to give a small gift/token to those who play a role in the ceremony, something small but still has meaning.

Challenge coins are traditional/easy answer, I'm racking my brain cells for something else but also don't want some cheap chotzkei they'll toss in six months.

I was thinking about books but that could come off funky if I gift the "wrong" book.

I was thinking about custom built wooden boxes but I've run out of time to build them...

Would gift cards be cheezy? I'm a minimalist kind of guy and I don't like buying junk just to buy it and, once again, don't want it to be something they'd toss soon. On the flip side, I know they won't be staring at it and fondly remembering in 20 years either....

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Miss Piggy

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What about a coin with an inspiration quote on it?

mre

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Who would these be going to?  Only military colleagues, family of varying ages?

infromsea

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Who would these be going to?  Only military colleagues, family of varying ages?

There will be military, family, and friends will be in attendance. I only plan to provide a small token to those who participate in the ceremony.

What about a coin with an inspiration quote on it?

I'm leaning this way, we call them challenge coins, I may go with a wooden one with a note inscribed.

Goldielocks

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Narcissus bulbs wrapped in a fabric pouch, with a hand written note attached.

Something alive, that grows, to symbolize a new beginning and a remembrance?  IDK.  the bulbs make nice thank-you for coming gifts for dinner parties....
« Last Edit: November 19, 2017, 08:32:12 PM by Goldielocks »

ysette9

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I like the idea of something that can be planted. At our daughter’s birthday party our party favors were little envelopes with the seeds of her namesake flower. When my sister graduated from junior college all graduates were given a small oak seedling that my parents subsequently planted and saw flourish in the back yard.

Or chocolate. Everyone loves chocolate. :)

Greenback Reproduction Specialist

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How about a hand-written note of heartfelt appreciation for their role in your life / career?  Would you need to do something more?  (You could attach a small 'charm'-like thing with an inspirational saying if more is felt necessary?) 

I find too few people ever receive such open gratitude.

Yes and maybe even a framed photo with you and the person at the event, along with the written note.

Thinking back on personal experience with family members in the service, this would have meant a lot to me.

Fitzy1

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Pocket watches.

It's what I gave to my groomsmen, I sprung for the extra charge to have their initials engraved to give it a personal touch.