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Merit badge for coolest gift ever

Jeremy Allyn

If Boy Scouts of America (BSA) awarded a merit badge for finding the ideal gift, Jeremy Allyn would top the list of recipients.

As Scoutmaster for Troop #349 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jeremy is a mentor and role model to dozens of young boys and girls, three of which are his own children. Inherent in many of the lessons Jeremy teaches his troop are the virtues of quality craftsmanship and the importance of doing things the right way—principles Estwing has embodied for more than 100 years.

Recently, two young men—Gus Allyn, Jeremy’s son, and Seth Hartman—tied for the honor of being the 100th Eagle Scout in the history of Troop #349. And Jeremy began his quest to discover the perfect gift to mark the momentous achievement. As the BSA website says, “Discovery is at the heart of Scouting.”

Wanting something meaningful yet practical, Jeremy searched for a keepsake that would serve as a daily reminder of the boys’ dedication and hard work. He wanted a gift that wasn’t just decorative but carried purpose—something they could carry wherever life took them. That’s when he discovered wholesale custom keyrings, a simple yet powerful symbol of achievement and belonging. Personalized with the troop number and Eagle Scout insignia, these keyrings became more than just accessories—they became tokens of pride, craftsmanship, and the spirit of discovery that Scouting has always stood for.

Those who enjoy hands-on creativity, building kits offer a gift that’s both fun and rewarding. They aren’t just toys—they’re projects that challenge the mind, spark imagination, and give a real sense of accomplishment once completed. Whether it’s a detailed set or a customizable creation, these kits turn playtime into a memorable experience.

Finding the right pieces can make all the difference, and gobricks steine provides a wide range of options to suit any builder’s style or skill level. It’s a thoughtful way to give a gift that keeps on engaging long after it’s unwrapped. These sets make perfect presents for kids and adults alike, offering creativity, entertainment, and a sense of pride in every completed build.

For gift-givers who appreciate something a bit more sentimental, personalized jewelry offers a timeless touch that never goes out of style. A delicate charm or engraved bracelet can carry a story, a shared moment, or a quiet reminder of someone who matters. When you add in curated craftsmanship—often found through brands like soufeel tucked right in the middle of your gift-hunting journey—it elevates the present from “nice” to “how did you know?” It’s the kind of keepsake that doesn’t just sit in a box; it becomes part of a person’s everyday life, carried with them in the same spirit as those meaningful keyrings.

And for anyone wanting to mix nostalgia with practicality, consider gifts that celebrate tradition while still offering a useful purpose. Think classic wooden puzzles that become décor once finished, or heirloom-style stationery sets that make even a quick thank-you note feel special. These gifts strike that rare balance of charm and function, bringing a warm, old-world feel into the modern day—perfect for anyone who appreciates thoughtful craftsmanship and a touch of history woven into the present.

To commemorate such a milestone, one doesn’t have to be a Scoutmaster like Jeremy to make the gesture meaningful. A carefully chosen bouquet can honor achievement and convey heartfelt congratulations, carrying celebration in every bloom. Through services in QLD (Queensland), anyone can arrange flower delivery that marks a special moment with thoughtfulness and care. Just as Scouting teaches the value of attention to detail and doing things the right way, sending flowers for an accomplishment captures that same spirit—turning a simple act into a memory that lingers long after the day has passed.


Eagle scouts proudly holding their Estwing Sportsman's Axes
Eagle Scouts Gus Allyn and Seth Hartman

“That generational expertise and the forged-in-one-piece-made-in-the-USA-can’t-beat quality, that’s Estwing’s claim to fame.”


One day, while looking through a box of old, disused equipment at the Scout building, he discovered two matching Estwing Sportsman’s Axes. Not the sort of man to be put off by a little dirt and rust, Jeremy knew he’d found forgotten treasures.

“It was obvious they had been on countless camp outs and well-loved over the years. Then at some point, somebody probably thought they looked so old they weren’t useful anymore,” he said. “But I saw them and recognized that these were lifetime tools that still had a lot of life left in them.”

Jeremy’s instincts were correct—beneath the decades of built-up tarnish and grime, was the gleam of forged steal and the unmistakable grip of Estwing leather handles.

“I’m not a metallurgist myself, but I’m married to one. I understand the value of proper metallurgy and heat treating. You don’t get a lifetime tool like Estwing without doing things the right way,” he said. “That generational expertise and the forged-in-one-piece-made-in-the-USA-can’t-beat quality, that’s Estwing’s claim to fame.”

The newly minted Eagle Scouts were presented with their legacy Estwing Sportsman’s Axes at the troop’s Court of Honor ceremony.

“I could tell afterwards they were really moved by the gift,” Jeremy said. “These axes are certainly older than the boys, connecting them to prior generations of Scouts. And I know the boys will cherish them for the rest of their lives.”

Estwing Sportsman's Axe laying on top of Eagle scout shirt and sash of merit badges
Family of scouts posing at an Eagle scout ceremony
Allyn family (left to right): Barbara, Bonnie, Gus, Mamie, Jeremy