The gift-giving season is upon us, and we've got the ultimate military gift guide for you. Whether you're gifting to someone who just recently joined the military, has been serving for a while, is a veteran, or someone who has not yet joined the military but is planning on doing so soon -- we've got a gift that's perfect for them.
Challenge Coin Display
Throughout the duration of their time in the military, service members will receive challenge coins for their accomplishments made. A service member's challenge coin collection can quickly grow, making a display a great gift for them to display their accomplishments. Etsy has many different challenge coin displays to choose from.
Durable Coffee Tumbler
We know you've heard the joke that the military runs on coffee, but it really is no joke. Early mornings paired with long nights make coffee a very real part of any service members diet.
Give the gift of energy to your service member that they will be sure to use every day. You'll want to make sure you get them a durable coffee mug that can withstand being dropped or any other elements. Here are a few of our recommendations for a coffee tumbler that is as tough as your service member.
Coffee
Get your service member the ultimate coffee bundle gift by adding a bag or two of coffee with their tumbler.
There are a lot of Veteran companies roasting up coffee beans that not only provide your service member with a great cup of joe, but also support some great causes at the same time. Below are some veteran-owned coffee companies you should consider.
Black Rifle Coffee Company
Located out of Utah, Black Rifle Coffee is a Army veteran-owned company. They love to make coffee for people who love America. With every purchase made, Black Rifle gives back to veterans, law enforcement, and first responders.
Fire Department Coffee
Fire Department Coffee is a Navy veteran and first responder owned business out of Illinois, that is run by active and retired firefighters. Ten percent of net proceeds are donated to help provide essential resources and assistance to first responders who have been injured on the job, mentally or physically, or who are facing other serious health challenges.
Alpha Coffee
Alpha Coffee is a veteran and military-spouse co-owned company located out of Utah. Feeling really generous? You can even purchase coffee to be donated to deployed troops.
A Watch
There's nothing more important than time in the military, especially being on time. Watches can get beat up pretty quickly in the field, the gift of a durable watch is just what they need. Keep in mind if your service member has a MOS where they will be in a classified area, they will not be able to wear a watch that has a GPS in it. Some popular watch brands are:
Military Wooden Sign
With your service member moving around a lot, making somewhere feel like home can be tough. Help them decorate with a piece you know that they will love. Whether it's a collection of signs of where they've served, already been, or a patriotic canvas set it's sure to make a statement on their wall and remind them that you are always thinking about what they have done for their country. There are many great wooden sign options on Etsy for you to look through.
Multitool
A multitool is a great practical gift for any service member who at any given time may need to use a screwdriver, scissors, pliers, etc. Since multitools are used for almost anything and often frequently they can break or be misplaced. So if your service member already has one, having a backup multitool is never a bad idea.
There are many multitools online or you can visit a local outdoor shop in your town. The most commonly used multitool in the military will be a Leatherman, however, any multitool will get the job done.
Sunglasses
Out in the field, down at the range, or on the drive to work sunglasses make a great practical gift. Eye protection is taken very seriously in the military, so it's no harm to invest in a pair of sunglasses that are the best.
When looking for sunglasses, we recommend sunglasses that have interchangeable lenses, this way they can be used when on the range as well as off. Your service member will appreciate being able to look good on and off the range with their new shades.
We recommend going with Oakley for sunglasses, as they are a partner with the U.S. Armed Forces.
Durable Water Bottle
Hydration is key to a healthy body but particularly for service members, keeping their body in optimal condition will mean they can serve more effectively. Make it easier for them to want to stay hydrated with a nice water bottle, one present they will definitely use and not return. Below are some durable choices for water bottles.
Combat Boots
One benefit to being in the military is never having to worry about what you're going to wear, or what shoes go best with your outfit. For the most part, your service member will wear the same pair of combat boots every single day, until they've worn through the soles. Consider getting them a second pair of combat boots that they can alternate, or at least have ready once they've worn through the ones they have now.
You'll want to make sure you ask what type of boot your service member wears as each branch has different regulations for what boots their service members are allowed to wear.
Pair of Socks
There's nothing worse than a pair of blistered feet in the military. Though there are many things that can cause blisters, having a good pair of socks is one quick and easy way to help ensure their feet stay blister free. Below are our recommendations for tactical socks perfect for your service member.
Fox River
Durable Phone Case
Though recruits may not be able to use their phones during basic training, they will get full use of them afterward. Get them a case that will protect their phone from all of the outdoor adventures they may take in the future.
Clothing
Often times clothes are a go-to item for gifts, but with companies like Grunt Style and Nine Line Apparel, you can't go wrong. Both clothing lines carry some of the most patriotic apparel out there, which your service member is sure to enjoy and won't be returning.
Silicone Ring
The perfect solution to "I don't want to wear my ring to work so that it won't get ruined."
Not only are silicone rings a great alternative to the traditional wedding rings, but they also give you the ability to change up rings when you feel like it, for an affordable price. There are also a few companies that make military inspired silicone rings, perfect for your service member.
Read the original article on Sandboxx.
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