Choosing something truly meaningful for a service member is no easy task. Gadgets become outdated, clothes wear out, alcohol is gone in an evening. A display case for awards, however, is a gift that will last for decades. It is not just an object — it is recognition of everything a person has been through. Every medal, every coin, every chevron is a fragment of a story worth preserving and showing.
We are the Zaytcev Wood workshop. Since 2019, we have been crafting wooden display cases for medals, challenge coins, flags and other decorations. Our founder, Oleg, is a service member himself, so we understand the value of every award. Hundreds of orders have passed through our hands — from anniversary gifts to arranging full combat collections for brigade commanders.
This article offers specific gift ideas, practical tips on arranging ceremonial flags, and a separate section for collectors of numismatics and phaleristics.
What to give a service member: 7 ideas with heart
We have gathered the most popular gift options based on real orders. Each of them is not just a product, but a way to say «I value what you have done».
1. Wall-mounted display case for Armed Forces of Ukraine medals
A classic and the most popular gift. A wooden wall-mounted display case for medals is the first thing guests see when they enter the home. A velvet base, a glass lid, individual mounts for each medal. Formats range from the compact A6 (for 1 award, from 900 UAH) to Grand display cases (for full collections with dozens of decorations).
Who it suits: any service member with awards. If you do not know the exact number of medals, choose the A4 format (holds up to 12 awards) — it is the golden mean.
2. Display case for challenge coins
Challenge coins are a culture of their own in the military. They are given by commanders, fellow soldiers, and international partners. Over their years of service, many soldiers accumulate 10–50+ coins. A tabletop or wall-mounted display case for coins with individual slots is a gift that any collector will appreciate. There are versions with mounts on shell casings — a stylish solution with a military aesthetic.
3. Display case with engraving
Personalization makes a gift special. The frame of the display case can be engraved with a name, call sign, unit name, dates of service, or a motivational inscription. We offer A5 display cases with engraving, A4 with engraving, and A3 with engraving.
Ideal as a gift for a man on an anniversary — because engraving turns a display case into a personalized item with a story.
4. Combined «all-in-one» display case
The most popular format among our customers is the combined display case, where medals, coins, an award knife, and a photo are placed side by side. For this, the A3 format and Grand display cases are suitable. The Grand 530x390 with flag and photo version is one of the most sought-after corporate gifts.
5. Display album 3-in-1
3-in-1 albums are a book-style construction that combines a display case for awards, an album for photographs, and a place for documents. Available in landscape and portrait orientation. A compact format — convenient to store, easy to pass on to descendants.
A gift for a veteran or for demobilization — so that the entire history of service is in one place.
6. Display case for an award knife
An award knife or weapon is a special decoration. Display cases for an award knife have reinforced mounts and additional protection. There are also display cases for award weapons for larger items. And the combined version for a unit flag and a knife is already a true wall installation.
7. Board for chevrons
Chevrons are a chronicle of service. Every unit, every rotation. Wall-mounted boards for chevrons are available from 60×40 cm to 100×80 cm. For those who prefer a more compact format, there is the Patch Book.
How to choose a display case for awards: a step-by-step guide
If you are choosing a gift and do not know where to start, here is a simple algorithm:
- Count the awards. 1–5 medals → A6 or A5. 10 → A4. 19+ → A3 or Grand.
- Determine what else besides medals. Coins, a flag, a knife, a photo? Combinations require a larger format or a combined display case.
- Choose the options. Engraving? A glass lid? A place for the award booklet?
- Get in touch with us. We will help with the layout — free of charge. Send a photo of the awards in a messenger, and we will suggest the optimal option.
Ceremonial flag: what it is and how to display it
A ceremonial flag is not an ordinary banner. It is the official symbol of a unit, presented during solemn ceremonies. For the families of fallen Heroes, a ceremonial flag holds special meaning — it symbolizes valor and remembrance.
Triangular flag folding: a military tradition
In many armies around the world, there is a tradition of folding the flag into a triangle. In Ukraine, this practice is also becoming more widespread — especially during ceremonies honoring the memory of fallen soldiers.
How it is done: the flag is carefully folded in a special way — each fold has a meaning. In the end, a triangle remains, symbolizing a trinity: Faith, Honor, and Homeland. This triangle is passed to the family of the fallen as a sacred relic.
Keeping a folded flag in a cupboard or on a shelf risks damaging the fabric and ruining its shape. To preserve the triangle, we craft a special Grand display case for a flag folded into a triangle. Made of tempered glass and natural wood, the display case protects the flag from dust, moisture, and ultraviolet light.
Display cases for an unfolded ceremonial flag
If the flag is kept unfolded, there are separate display cases for a ceremonial flag. The fabric is carefully stretched or draped under glass. For large flags, Grand Maxi display cases are suitable — they accommodate flags of standard military size.
How to care for a ceremonial flag
- Do not iron — high temperature can damage the fabric and the paint.
- Do not store in direct sunlight — UV rays fade the colors. A display case with glass partially protects against this.
- Avoid damp rooms — moisture causes mold to appear on the fabric.
- Do not touch with bare hands — oils from the skin destroy the fibers over time. Use cotton gloves when folding.
Display cases for numismatists: coins, medals, and collectible badges
A separate area of our work is display cases for collectors. If you collect coins, challenge coins, orders, medals, collectible tokens, or badges, we have a solution.
Why ordinary albums do not work
Classic numismatic albums with plastic pockets have significant drawbacks:
- Plastic yellows over time and releases substances that oxidize metal.
- The collection is not visible — you have to flip through pages.
- Heavy items (challenge coins, orders) deform the pockets.
A wooden display case with individual compartments is on a fundamentally different level. Each item rests in an individual slot on a velvet base, protected by glass from dust and touch. The display case looks like a museum exhibit — and so does your collection along with it.
What can be displayed in a collector's display case
- Challenge coins — special display cases with individual slots for various diameters.
- Orders and medals — boards for orders with mounts for pins, suspension bars, and ribbons. For a single order, there is an A6 format board.
- Collectible badges and tokens — arranged the same way as coins, with individually selected compartment sizes.
- Award weapons — cases with a wooden base for knives and daggers.
A gift for a collector: what to choose
If you are looking for a gift for a collector of coins, phaleristics, or militaria, here are our recommendations:
- Beginner (up to 5 items): an A5 display case — compact, affordable, with the option of individual engraving.
- Experienced collector (10–30 items): an A3 display case or A3 with a shelf for coins.
- Serious collection (30+ items): a Grand display case with an individual layout tailored to your collection.
Corporate gifts: display cases for awards as a business solution
A separate category of our customers is organizations, volunteer foundations, and government institutions that order corporate gifts. An award display case with the organization's logo engraved on it is a premium-class gift that makes an impression.
We have experience fulfilling batch orders: from 5 to 50+ identical display cases with corporate engraving. Get in touch with us to discuss the terms.
Made-to-order display case production: how it works
All our display cases are exclusive handmade wooden display cases. Here is what the process looks like:
- Consultation — you send a photo of the awards or describe what needs to be displayed. We suggest the optimal format and layout.
- Layout approval — for complex orders, we prepare a visualization of the arrangement of the elements.
- Production — we work with natural wood (oak, ash, beech), tempered glass, and quality velvet.
- Quality control — we inspect each product before shipping.
- Delivery — Nova Poshta throughout Ukraine. Secure packaging for safe transportation.
Why people choose Zaytcev Wood
- Experience since 2019 — hundreds of completed orders for the military, collectors, and government institutions.
- The founder is a service member — we understand the value of every award from the inside.
- An individual approach — each display case is made for a specific set of awards.
- Natural materials — wood, glass, velvet. No plastic or substitutes.
- Premium quality — our display cases look like museum exhibits and serve for decades.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a display case for awards cost?
Prices start from 900 UAH for the A6 format. The cost depends on the size, the number of awards, and additional options (engraving, a place for a flag, a knife, etc.). We calculate the exact cost after a consultation.
Can I order a display case without knowing the exact number of awards?
Yes. We often make display cases «with room to spare» — with additional empty slots for future awards. This is especially relevant for those who continue their service.
How long does it take to make a display case?
The standard turnaround is 5 business days, depending on complexity. Batch corporate orders may require more time.
Are your display cases suitable for civilian awards?
Yes. Our display cases are suitable for any awards — military, sporting, state, or corporate. As well as for collections of coins, tokens, and collectible badges.
How to order?
The easiest way is to message us on a messenger (Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp) or call. Send a photo of what needs to be displayed, and we will suggest an option within the hour.
