What do you buy for the institution that’s turning 178 years old this month? More importantly, what do you buy for the USNA alumni, midshipmen, and family that celebrate this invaluable institution? October 10th marks the U.S. Naval Academy’s official birthday, as it was founded in Annapolis on October 10, 1845. For almost two centuries, the Academy has educated some of the best and brightest our nation’s military has had the privilege of training. Here, we honor that tradition of excellence with some well-curated birthday gifts to celebrate its storied history and unwavering dedication to our nation.
Plus, proceeds from every purchase you make through Navyonline.com are used to fund extracurricular activities in cultural arts, theater, music, club sports, and more for the midshipmen, so your gifts work twice their magic! Here’s what we have in store:
There’s no better way to recognize a birthday of this magnitude than with a special commemorative item that will last generations.
Related: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About U.S. Naval Academy History.
Keepsake Box: This handsome USNA crest keepsake box is a classic way to immortalize the Naval Academy’s birthday. Made in the U.S. of solid native pine that’s finished with a natural stain, it measures 8.5” x 10” x 16” and has beautiful craftsmanship, from its USNA crest to its durable tongue and groove corners to its brass-finish metal hinges; it’s a box befitting the important USNA treasures you can store inside.
Blanket: This heirloom quality Go Navy Spirit Blanket will be a treasured keepsake for years and generations to come. Crafted with light-weight luxe jersey and finished with a post wash for extra softness, it’s 80” x 62” of Navy love, featuring the charging Bill the Goat patchworked with N* and Go Navy Beat Army. It’s perfect for football games, snuggling up on the couch or laying out for picnics.
Photo Frame: This gorgeous gold embossed photo frame makes an endearing and enduring gift for your Navy fan. Handcrafted in the U.S., it is made to order and arrives gift-boxed with gold Naval Academy lettering and navy museum-quality matting. The frame is a solid hardwood with high-gloss cherry lacquer finish and gold inner lip, and it can be hung or placed on a desk. It fits a 5” x 7” photo of graduation, a favorite Navy team, or another cherished Academy memory, and measures 9.7” x 11.7” overall. In this day of photos that live on your phone, it’s a nice way to make a memory last forever.
With 178 years of history under its belt, it seems appropriate to give a gift as practical as it is timeless. Here are some of our favorites.
Wine Glass: Raise a toast to almost two centuries of history-making with an elegant red stemmed wine glass or white stemmed wine glass with an etched USNA crest. They make impressive and thoughtful gifts for your favorite USNA wine aficionados. You can also give a stemless wine glass if they prefer a more modern silhouette.
Charm: Many people love to tell their story through their jewelry, and this dangle bead charm with an N* would suit their style well. It’s sterling silver with 18K gold plating for the perfect Navy and gold combination. You could also add a charm with the USNA anchor or choose from non-dangling N* beads in gold and blue. No matter what you select, they’ll be charmed I’m sure!
Cufflinks: These pieces instantly elevate any suit. With ¾” diameter USNA crest cufflinks in silver or in gold, your giftee can celebrate the Naval Academy with every special dinner, event, or meeting they attend. A true keepsake that can be passed down, these cufflinks are a shining example of USNA pride.
They can show their school spirit with Naval Academy clothing made to look good and made to last.
Pullover: Your favorite Navy fan can suit up for fall with this custom Zen ¼ zip pullover that has some stretch for a flattering fit. It’s a great way to show their Navy spirit at the next sporting event, cultural activity, or when they’re just hanging out around town. Available in silver, navy, and gray, it can be customized with an N*, anchor, crest, or Bill the Goat. It can also have the “Class of [Year]” emblazoned on the front. Made with a soft heather jersey, this pullover features a sanded finish and has moisture management and a covered zipper. Women’s sizes come in navy, silver, and pink. Look here for more customizable women’s and men’s apparel.
Sweatshirt: Women will appreciate the cut of this classic heritage crew sweatshirt, printed with the year of USNA’s founding, and a perfect complement to jeans, khakis, or athletic pants. Available in navy, gray, and blue heather, it’s crafted with ultra-soft tri-blend fleece and features set-in sleeves, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a v-notch neck detail. This men’s ¼ zip twill sweatshirt in midnight navy is equally sharp and celebrates Navy’s birthday too. Go Navy!
Are you feeling the excitement? Pick up some Navy merchandise for the October birthday and celebrate all year long. Better yet, plan a trip here to celebrate through NavalAcademyTourism. It’s not every day you can recognize the Naval Academy for all of the achievements its faculty, staff, and midshipmen have made over the years. The Naval Academy Business Services Division supports the Brigade of Midshipmen by donating proceeds from our 20 business units that allow our midshipmen to be successful, well-rounded future leaders. We support a variety of extracurricular activities such as cultural arts, theater, music, club sports, and a variety of other activities.
We offer up a hearty thank you and a very Happy Birthday to this inimitable institution! May all its wishes come true this year. We’ll start with “Go Navy Beat Army!”