• Have a special photo printed and framed for an army service member and specialize it by engraving a message.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  When choosing a gift for someone in the army, consider purchasing a personalized keepsake. Engravable gifts are suitable for active duty, reserve, retiring or retired army service members. It's important to show military service members your support and appreciation for their commitment and hard work. Take the time to personalize your army gifts with special words to express how much you honor your loved one, neighbor or friend.
  
  

Traditional and Unique Gifts

• Purchase a traditional or unique army gift and have it customized especially for your soldier. Engrave the recipient's dates of service on a traditional money clip. Stainless steel hip flasks are unique gifts, especially when they include kind words such as "We love you soldier." Silver-plated golf sets are great gifts for golf-loving army service members, but don't forget to have the recipient's name or initials engraved on it. Another traditional gift idea is to purchase a sterling silver-plated army key ring, and add a short message. Military keepsake boxes, personalized coins, and army keepsake watches are additional gift ideas for you to select from.
  
  

Supportive Gifts

• Support your army service member by customizing a gift that says "Thank you." The length of your personalized inscription will vary according to the gift that you choose to purchase. It is common to include anywhere from two to 24 lines of characters per gift. If you have a lengthy message already picked out to have engraved on your gift, consider purchasing a plaque or picture frame with space. Include messages like "We appreciate your service and dedication" or "Thank you for servicing our country" on a trophy. Personalize a medallion to say "You are my hero." You have the option to purchase a gift specially made for army service members, or military service members in general to show your appreciation.
  
  

Holiday Gifts

• Include a special gift message on your holiday gift to give the recipient something special to remember. An example of a message to have painted on an army-printed Christmas ornament includes "Merry Christmas" and the individual's name. Have a cake baked with the flag on it, and include a message for Veteran's Day. Have your army member's rank and name engraved on a military sword, and place jingle bells or a holiday ribbon on the handle.