When a member of the Armed Forces leaves military service, it marks a huge transition, one filled with pride, reflection, and the next chapter of civilian life. Finding a gift that does justice to that moment isn’t easy. You want something meaningful, humorous, respectful, and personal.
Enter: the personalised caricature.
I recently came across the incredible work of Steph’s Sketches, and I can say with confidence that her custom caricatures are one of the best gifts you can give someone leaving the British military, whether they’re in the Army, RAF, Navy or Royal Marines.
Here’s why:
1. A Personalised Tribute to Their Service
Steph’s caricatures are fully customisable, meaning they can include rank, regiment, medals, uniforms, bases, deployment references, even military vehicles. It’s a brilliant way to capture and celebrate a career in service.
2. It’s a Light-Hearted, Humorous Keepsake
Military life is full of camaraderie and inside jokes and caricatures are the perfect way to reflect that. Whether it’s a nod to a funny nickname, an iconic moment, or a favourite routine, Steph includes the humour without ever losing the respect.
3. Ideal for Retirement or Leaving Ceremonies
If you’re planning a leaving do, dining out event, or regimental presentation, a custom caricature makes a fantastic centrepiece. It’s personal, eye-catching, and guaranteed to spark laughter and emotion in equal measure.
4. Completely Custom — No Generic Templates
Unlike off-the-shelf military gifts, each caricature from Steph’s Sketches is drawn from scratch. It’s tailored to the individual, their career, and their personality, which makes it feel that much more meaningful.
5. Captures the ‘Military to Civilian’ Transition
Many caricatures include a cheeky nod to the next step whether that’s a new career, travelling, golf, a motorbike, or just enjoying some long-overdue relaxation. It helps mark the moment and honour what’s ahead.
6. Works Brilliantly as a Group Gift
If a whole unit, regiment, or section wants to chip in, this is a fantastic shared gift idea. Everyone can offer ideas for details to include, making the final artwork a truly collaborative keepsake.
7. Great for Display at Home or in the Mess
Military caricatures from Steph’s Sketches look fantastic framed and displayed, whether in a home office, hallway, or regimental mess. They’re professional, polished, and built to last.
8. Perfect for Every Branch of the Armed Forces
Steph has created caricatures for all sorts of service personnel, from junior soldiers to officers, mechanics to medics. No matter the role, she brings their military story to life with creativity and respect.
9. A Gift That Stands Out
Let’s face it, many traditional military leaving gifts are lovely but a bit predictable. A custom caricature is bold, visual, and full of personality, it’s something people remember and talk about long after the event.
10. Made in the UK, by an Artist Who Cares
Steph is based in the UK and understands the value of military culture and tradition. Her attention to detail, communication with clients, and passion for personal storytelling shine through in every commission.