10 Thoughtful Gifts to Honor the Veteran in Your Life

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

The holidays are just around the corner, and finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be a challenge. Do you have a veteran in your life you’re shopping for this year? Choosing a gift that’s both thoughtful and honors their service can be especially meaningful. Here are 10 great ideas to consider for the veterans in your life.

1. A U.S. service money clip

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to honor a loved one’s service. This money clip is an affordable way to gift a veteran something small but meaningful that they’ll use every day. It comes in remembrance of different branches of the service, whether that’s the U.S. Army or U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps or U.S. Coast Guard.

Veteran money clip, $12.99, armysurplusworld.com.

2. A donation to a charity in their honor

Consider making a donation to a military or veteran-focused charity on their behalf. They’ll appreciate the gesture and the impact it makes. Some types of charities to consider include:

Wounded Warrior Project: Supports the well-being of wounded and injured veterans and their families
Fisher House Foundation: Provides housing for families of veterans receiving medical care
Homes for Our Troops: Builds and donates specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans
DAV (Disabled American Veterans): Offers services like transportation to medical appointments, benefits assistance and advocacy
Operation Homefront: Provides emergency financial assistance, housing and family support to military families
Team Rubicon: A veteran-led humanitarian organization that mobilizes veterans first, responders and civilians to conduct disaster relief and community rebuilding efforts

3. A golf towel

The perfect gift for the golf-loving veteran in your life. Packing a golf towel is essential when out on the course. It can help to wipe away sweat, clean golf balls and help a golfer maintain a dry grip. This towel does all that and is inscribed with “veteran.”

Veteran golf towel, $14.99, amazon.com

4. A personalized Yeti

Pick out the perfect coffee mug, cooler or water bottle and personalize it for someone special. You can include everything from the person’s name, ranking, unit and branch insignia.

Customizable Yeti, starting around $36, yeti.com

5. Patriotic socks for a good cause

These socks feature an array of service-inspired designs, are made in America and are a great gift that gives back. For every pair purchased, the company sends a pair of socks to an active member of the military.

Soldier Socks, starting at $18, klineveteransfund.org/shop.

6. A memorable frame

Does your loved one have medals, a discharge certificate or a flag they are storing in a box? “Help them bring those memories out of storage and into the light where they can be proudly displayed.” Purchase a frame or display case to store their memories in. Militaryframes.com makes military certificate frames, honorable discharge frames and medal display cases. All their military gifts are made in the USA and feature the patriotic seals of the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Space Force and Air National Guard.

Military frames, starting around $38, militaryframes.com

7. A funny t-shirt

Do you know a senior veteran with a sense of humor? This t-shirt can be a fun way to honor their service without being too sappy. It comes in Military Green and Midnight Navy and is 100% cotton. It will take the right personality to appreciate this, but if it’s a fit, they’ll love it.

Grumpy Old Veteran T-shirt, $29.99, gruntstyle.com

8. A warm hoodie with pride

This is a great gift for the veteran who just likes to curl up at home in a cozy sweatshirt. Emblazoned with their service branch, it makes a thoughtful gift. These hoodies are available in Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard designs. And the company was founded by a veteran with the mission of connecting other vets to enable them to spark up common conversation.

Veteran hoodie, starting around $45.95, vetfriends.com

9. An honor and bravery whiskey glass

This whiskey glass is a great way to treat your favorite veteran to a beautiful gift that honors their service. It’s laser engraved with an American eagle and the words “Bravery,” “Service,” “Honor” and “Sacrifice.” “They’ll look just as great filled with their favorite drink as they will displayed on a shelf.

Honor & Bravery Whiskey Glasses, $19.99, groovyguygifts.com.

10. A military keychain

Honor the vet in your life with a monogrammed keychain made with authentic military fabric. Choose fabric to represent their branch and personalize it with their name and rank. It’s an inexpensive way to show you care and a gift they will be able to use.

Military Keychain, $10.99, etsy.co m

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