My pappy was one of those folks that was hard to buy for. If he needed anything or wanted anything, he was finally able buy it.
A couple of years ago, I ordered a vanity tag for him. It was YMS55, which was his WW II ship. It was a yard minesweeper that served in the Med. I was able to really please him on his birthday. He was extremely proud of that tag and explaining it's meaning to a number of folks. I just wish I had gotten the WW II veteran plate too.
He passed last summer at age 88 and I sure do miss him.