contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer
The season of giving is upon us, and we’ve got the ultimate military gift guide for you. Whether you need Christmas gifts for deployed military members, Christmas gift ideas for someone going into the military, or general military Christmas presents, you’re sure to find inspiration below. Here are the top gifts for soldiers this year.
Artwork makes great military Christmas gifts as it is the perfect way to put military pride on display.
These personalized canvas wall hangings make fantastic gifts for Navy Veterans to hopeful Army recruits and everyone in between. Included is the military branch insignia, name, rank, and service dates. Veteran Nations offers several similar options in different colors and with different backgrounds, all perfect gifts for soldiers in any stage of their career.
Image from veteransnation.com
Beautiful handcrafted canvas hangings include silhouette images of soldiers in tactical gear with a calming orange sunset as a backdrop. Something like these prints will always top the list of Christmas gift ideas for Veterans and soldiers alike, as they combine a bit of sentimentality, inspiration, and military pride without being over the top.
Image from EliteWallArt on Etsy
Another great Christmas idea for veterans is this 19” x 13” framed wood sign featuring the Veterans Creed. The colors are customizable and it’s also available in larger sizes.
Image from The Farmstead Post on Etsy
An inspirational wooden hanging sign like this one, which is specifically for USMC service members and Veterans, is a great gift for any current or former member of the military.
Image from The Farmstead Post on Etsy
It’s never easy to decide what to get a military man for Christmas, and sometimes finding unique military gifts can be a challenge. Enter: this set of six watercolor style prints which are purchased online for download, printing, and framing on your terms. Included are prints of an M48A2 tank, military ambulance, M35 transport, Cobra helicopter, CH46E, and an A-10 Thunderbolt.
Image from Gabe & Vince on Etsy
These cool gifts for military guys and ladies are ideal for service members who spend lots of time on the go, are deployed, or maybe just love to nerd out with quality gear.
A high-performance sling pack loaded with utility features! In this model, pockets galore fit everything from hydration bladders to comms equipment to a laptop. It even has a fleece lined sunglass pocket. This is a great Christmas gift idea for military overseas because it’s easy to ship and oh-so-useful.
Image from 511tactical.com
If you need to know what to get a soldier for Christmas, or any other time of year for that matter, you cannot go wrong with a headlamp. Consider this bright, yet lightweight, headlamp that adjusts in angle, light color, and brightness. Plus, it’s water resistant.
Image from rei.com
A superior travel organizer is always a viable military gift idea. These are a must for any service member on the go. Opt for one with a polyurethane coating for easy cleaning and a heavy-duty material like canvas to withstand wear and tear.
Image from llbean.com
There is nothing more handy than a good-quality, multi use tool. This one from Leatherman is geared towards outdoor survival and emergency preparedness, but there are plenty of other options available for all purposes and budgets.
Image from cabelas.com
A good pair of sunglasses is a must for travel and deployments, and Oakley makes a bunch of standard issue sunglasses which make superb gifts for soldiers. Most are impact resistant and include high-definition optics for a clearer and sharper image.
Image from oakleysi.com
Everyone needs a decent water bottle. Hyrdroflask makes great stainless steel, insulated water bottles that hold up beautifully! Of course, the colors and size options are nearly endless. But may we suggest if it’s Army Christmas presents you’re seeking that you select this 32 oz, wide-mouth bottle with straw lid in olive – which looks just like Army green.
Image from hydroflask.com
Power banks make great gifts for soldiers. They can keep all devices charged on the go and keep everyone covered in case of a power outage. Goal Zero makes several portable power devices from 120W generators to 1A power banks. We love the Flip12 Power Bank, shown below, as a stocking stuffer.
Image from goalzero.com
Sometimes peace and quiet can be the best gift for soldiers, especially when they’re deployed or traveling. Popping in a pair of noise canceling earbuds can be a perfect way to practice self-care in these circumstances. We like the Beats Fit Pro because they are compatible with both Apple and Android products and support spatial audio.
Image from beatsbydre.com
Whether deployed or at home, active duty or retired, for making lists or journaling, a notebook is a thoughtful gift for soldiers. This lovely handmade notebook has a premium leather cover embossed with the American flag and 300 pages of thick, lined paper. It even comes with a matching pen.
Image from amazon.com
Sentimental gifts are a great way to connect service members to home for the holidays, but sometimes you just need a good laugh. Here are a few funny gifts to send overseas (or pop under the tree, stateside).
This camo stocking is not only decorative but functional! It includes 4 Molle webbing, elastic tie down cords, an outer zipper pocket and an interior pocket. It’s even waterproof and has a greyscale American flag embroidered at the top.
Image from amazon.com
Calling all parents seeking fun Christmas gifts for sons in the military and all sons (or daughters) hunting down lighthearted Christmas gifts for veteran parents. We’ve got it! Who doesn’t need a previously fired 50-caliber shell casing turned into a bottle opener? These are made by a Veteran-owned company in the USA and are sure to spark some joy in any service member, past or present.
Image from amazon.com
Socks are always fun Christmas gifts. For someone in the army, these could be the perfect choice. You’ll bring back memories of childhood and put a smile on their face when they see these socks with green army men all over. At just $10 they make a great stocking stuffer!
Image from amazon.com
Cards Against Humanity, but for service members. This gift might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly perfect for some. With unique decks for each branch of the military, Disgruntled Decks makes a great gift for soldiers from any branch or era.
Image from disgruntleddecks.com
Still need inspiration? We’ve got more gift lists for you. Check out these unique gift ideas for service members and Veterans as you hunt for the perfect Christmas presents.
Typical holiday shipping timelines are lengthened a bit this year. Make sure you send packages overseas by the USPS deadlines so that they arrive to deployed service members by December 25th. Here’s everything you need to know about sending military care packages this holiday season.
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