There are many reasons and occasions to give a gift to a firefighter. The best firefighter gifts to suit each situation will depend on the occasion and your relationship to the firefighter.
Here are the types of firefighter gifts we cover below:
- Personal Firefighter Gifts: These are gifts you would give a fire fighter that you know personally for a birthday or Christmas gift.
- Fire Department Gifts: Here are decorative and useful items that will be appreciated by any and all who hang around the station.
- Firefighter Thank-You Gifts: If you have been helped by a firefighter, this is a list of appropriate gifts you can drop off at the fire station to express your gratitude.
- Keepsake & Promotional Gifts: Here are some creative and customized gifts that a fire chief or city council might give to the entire crew of volunteer and/or professional firefighters for holidays or other special occasions, or to help promote the fire department to the general public.
- Firefighter Retirement Gifts: These gift ideas are ideal to celebrate career achievements, longtime service, or the retirement of a lifelong firefighter.
34 Best Firefighter Gifts
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Personal Firefighter Gifts
These are more personal gifts you would give a firefighter in your family or someone you know personally. Ideal for birthday and Christmas gifts.
Custom Engraved Wood Fire Department Sign
This beauty is handcrafted in Oregon from solid wood. Gorgeous engraved text (all of which can be customized) in a timeless yet contemporary design, this fire fighter plaque is sure to please.
Available in two sizes, each can include an optional hanging personalized name board plaque.
Vintage Personalized Firefighter Sign
This wooden Fireman sign is made in the USA and silkscreened with a fun vintage fire fighter design. Perfect for the “distinguished and heroic” fireman, you can add a customized hanging nameboard in matching antique style to personalized this gift idea.
Personalized Vintage Volunteer Firefighter Sign
Here’s one for the hardworking community volunteer firefighter.
Emphasizing “pride, teamwork, and excellence,” this plaque is a wonderful personalized gift idea for the fire fighting volunteer with a servant’s heart who is always ready to lay it all on the line.
Custom Engraved Leather Wallet
Genuine leather wallet, made in the USA and custom engraved with the classic fire department shield and optional custom message on the inside of the wallet.
The “Maltese Cross” shield includes personalization of a name across the bottom. Add a personal note etched on the inside of the wallet and you have created a durable, beautiful, handcrafted, and personalized fireman gift that will last a lifetime.
Best Firefighter Ever Tumbler
Our popular laser etched tumblers include free personalization of name and “Best Ever” phrase (as shown above, or anything else you like).
This is the perfect gift for the whole fire department, as you get bulk discounts when ordering multiples, even if each one is personalized with an individual’s name! Pretty cool.
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Firefighter Hero Dad Art Print
Creative burlap art print poster that reads, “Some people don’t believe in heroes but they haven’t met my Dad.” Includes personalization of the badge with fire department initials and badge number.
The creator also offers a selection of optional frame add-ons that are truly lovely and add a classy finishing touch to the gift.
Maltese Cross Beer Cap Firefighter Gift
Birch wood fire department shield that COLLECTS ALL THE CAPS. Beer caps, that is. Of course this will probably have to go in your home bar or man cave, but you can still show off your exquisite taste in craft brew while honoring the FD badge.
Thin Red Line Bottle Opener
This rustic wooden bottle cap opener can be mounted to a wall and includes personalization of the firefighter’s name and number! They also boast an American flag with the “thin red line” on the cap-catcher section.
His & Hers Firefighter Heart Necklace Set
Laser engraved with the Maltese Cross, this is a beautiful and meaningful firefighter gift idea for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, and more. Your firefighter will proudly wear it every day – and so will you, if you get a matching one for yourself!
Custom Metal Firefighter Axe
A gorgeous firefighter axe, which includes custom etching in gorgeous detail. It’s huge, handcrafted, and will blow away the recipient with how thoughtful and unique it is. This makes for a truly meaningful and long-treasured personalized gift.
Firefighter Fire Hydrant Pocket Knife
This fun hydrant-shaped pocket knife also functions as a multi-tool. It features a strap/seatbelt/rope cutter and glass breaker to keep you fully prepared for emergencies. Toss in the fun design and 3″ stainless steel blade, this is a great firefighter stocking stuffer gift idea.
Fire Extinguisher Mini Bar
Yes, this might appear to be a fire extinguisher – a completely normal sight in a fireman’s home, we’re sure! But it’s much more than that…
This Fire Extinguisher Mini-Bar tucks away a bottle of the good stuff along with two glasses and other accessories. If you’re looking for the ideal gift for a firefighter who likes to unwind with a glass of whiskey at the end of a long day of, you know, saving people’s lives… this is just the ticket. Plenty of “wow” factor, plus we’re sure he’s going to put it to good use.
Fire Department Gifts
Next, we have a few gift ideas for around the station. These fire department gift ideas can be enjoyed by one and all, adding fun, decor, and/or functionality to the fire station. These are useful gift ideas for firefighters giving gifts to one another or for you to provide something special for the whole crew.
Fire Hydrant Bird Feeder
Anyone who loves nature will appreciate a fun fire-fighter-themed bird house. This one is a fire hydrant, and you can also get a fire truck, firefighter’s helmet, and more from Spoontiques.
Personalized Bird Feeder
This aromatic cedar wood bird feeder is custom engraved with the fire fighter shield and your choice of text. Personalize it with your station name or use as a memorial for a beloved crew member. Personalization options are limitless, so just ask and we will make it happen!
Chemex Pour Over Coffee Maker
For the true coffee connoisseurs, they will tell you that the only way to truly enjoy great coffee is by the pour over method. This allows the hot water, poured from above, to soak up every micron of flavor from the grounds, dripping down through the filter and into the awaiting vessel below.
Every firehouse needs a quality coffee maker. To get the perfect pour, the crew will also want a temperature-control gooseneck kettle, a digital scale, and a burr grinder.
Old-School Nintendo
When firefighters are at the station waiting for the alarm to sound, there is lots to do…. until there isn’t.
Once the truck is spotless and all stocked up, once the food has been consumed, once cleaning and maintenance duties are done, once you have completed your exercise routine… there’s pretty much nothing left to do except watch TV or play video games.
Every station has an Xbox or Playstation or whatever, so you could always spring for some new games for the contemporary systems, but if you want your gift to really stand out as a memorable one, go with the old-school “original” Nintendo. Retro style.
Don’t forget to nab some extra controllers.
Customized Coaster Set
Protect the furniture at home or at the station with a lovely and personalized coaster set. Custom engraved with the initials of your choice in relief, this is a wonderful and oft-used gift idea for a firefighter.
Firefighter Thank-You Gifts
Many fire stations and firefighters are not permitted to receive gifts. You may want to call ahead and find out if the fire station has restrictions on purchased or monetary gifts.
If there are restrictions, here are some creative firefighter gifts that are usually allowable, or can at least slide in under the radar.
Keep in mind that most fire stations have multiple teams. Find out their schedule and make sure you drop off your gift to the right crew. If it is not the same crew (and especially if your gift is edible!) there is a high probability that they will never see the gift.
A Thank-You Note
You can always send a thank-you note. This is, in fact, one of the most appreciated gifts a fireman, firewoman, or firefighting crew can receive from the general public.
Get a card and write some comments by hand. Mention the day and location of the event and the names of the firefighters involved (if known). Express your appreciation and gratitude, and know that the crew will truly value your note of thanks.
A Donation
There is almost always a way to donate to the fire station, or to a cause that they support. Call and ask about the best way to donate, and they will gladly tell you.
A Letter to Your Elected Politicians
Every fire department faces budget and staffing issues that can be traced back to politics. There’s a tug and pull between the elected officials and emergency services that almost never gets fully squared away.
Write to your local officials who oversee the department and let them know the firefighting crew is doing a great job, and that you will vote for the politician who supports emergency services.
Include a copy of this letter in your thank-you note to the fire station crew.
A Letter to the Newspaper Editor
Same as above, but sent to the newspaper so that your comments can be seen publicly. This, too, has an impact on politicians, and the fire crew will appreciate the public commendation.
Pie/Cake/Cookies
A lovely baked treat is a great way to express your thankfulness to the firefighters. Make sure you make or bring enough for the whole crew. Although many stations do not allow gifts, food can almost always get through. The crew will love it.
Coffee
Bring in a big ol’ bag of delicious coffee for the fire crew to share. Preferably this would be some fancy local roast, and plenty of it.
Steaks
Firefighters love to grill. Bring some quality steaks, a bag of potatoes, and some charcoal. They’ll love you forever.
Pizza
Call ahead for requests, then pick it up and drop it off to them personally. Pizza is a great gift because even if the crew gets called out on a fire, it still tastes amazing as leftovers.
Keepsake & Promotional Gifts
Each of these keepsake and promotional gifts include free custom laser engraving and bulk quantity discounts. Use them to promote the department’s good work, celebrate special station-wide achievements, or provide beautiful year-end, holiday, or commemorative gifts for your fire crew.
Bottle Openers
Here is one of our most popular wine gifts – our custom engraved wine opener multi-tool, which boasts durable stainless steel construction, three handy wine (and beer) opening devices, plus laser etching of your department details or names.
Can Coolers
Promote station unity and keep those drinks nice and cold at the same time with these customized can coolers! FOr under a hundred bucks you can have enough for the entire crew.
For the premium version, with metal double-walled cooling function and individually custom engraved, try these vacuum insulated can coolers and personalize one for each member of your team.
Keychains
Everyone has keys, and everyone likes a nifty personalized fob to add to their keychain. Whether you label the fire engine’s sets of keys, secure equipment storage, or give as a special personalized gift, these keychains promote team spirit.
Soft Touch Pens with Stylus
These custom soft-touch pens with stylus are great to have on hand. Not only are they great to write with when you need to take down a note, but you can give them out to any and all comers so that they always have a pleasant memory of their visit to your station!
Wood Slice Coasters
Yes, firefighters are particular about their stuff. You have to be when your life – or the life of someone else – may depend on the reliability and functionality of your equipment. So firemen like to have things a certain way.
It’s can be the same around the firehouse. Furniture needs to stay nice, and what better way to keep the coffee tables looking great than with some high quality coasters. Bonus points for being earthy, rustic, and personalized!
Custom Magnets
Magnets are perfect for giving away to promote your fire station within the community. Take it up a notch with these gorgeous custom engraved wooden magnets, which can be laser etched to feature names, logos, and more!
Firefighter Retirement Gifts
Professional Portrait Painting
This is a true heirloom gift that will endure for generations. Commission a professional artist to paint their portrait, and present it in a gorgeous frame to honor their lifetime of service and bravery.
A Tree in Their Name
Firefighters, unfortunately, see plenty of things burn down and go to waste. So what better gift than planting a tree in their name!
Trees for a Change is dedicated the restoring our country’s national forests in areas that have been devastated by wildfire. When you purchase a tree to honor your firefighter, the recipient will get a certificate with their name along with photos and GPS coordinates to where their tree has been planted.
Thin Red Line Personalized Service Print
This lovely fire fighter print uses pigment ink to print on rustic burlap. The design features the USA flag with the center line highlighted – the “Thin Red Line.” Includes personalization of name and date in your choice of format and also print size.
Retirement Bottle Opener
Off with your top, you’re retired! This wooden wall-mounted bottle opener is the perfect gift for the retiring fireman. The fun etching reads, “Retired since [year]” and includes the fire fighter’s name etched below it. You’ll always be ready to open a cold one when your firemen buddies come around!
You may also enjoy: Retirement Party Ideas- How to Plan a Great Party
more firefighter Gift ideas
At Northwest Gifts, we offer TONS of firefighter gifts that are truly unique. You can personalize, laser engrave, or custom print many of these gifts with the name or department info of your choice. We also have plaques and promotional stuff with bulk discount rates and creatively custom ideas for retirement or birthday gifts.
Browse more ideas at the Northwest Gifts Firefighter Gift Guide.
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