Every November I shop for the veterans in my life, from old Army buddies to family members who are impossible to buy for, so this is my list of Veterans Day gifts that honor their service and actually get used. Some links may earn me a commission at ...
Sections
4
Keepsakes & Display
Everyday Carry & Tools
Coffee & Downtime
Comfort & Recovery
Keepsakes & Display
Ways to show off the flag, coins, and medals they earned.
If he's got a folded flag sitting in a closet, this gets it up on the wall where it belongs.
Bey-Berk Solid Wood 3x5 Flag Case
Every vet I know has a coffee can full of coins. This finally puts them on display.
DisplayGifts Wall-Mount Wood Coin Display
Perfect for medals, patches, and the rank they pinned on. Add an old unit photo and it's a showpiece.
ARRAWIS Walnut Wood Medal Display Case
Simple, but they'll wear it everywhere, and it starts conversations at the hardware store.
U.S. Army Veteran Embroidered Seal Cap
Everyday Carry & Tools
Practical gear they'll reach for every single day.
The one tool that lives on the belt. You really can't go wrong with this one.
Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
Light, opens smooth, and it's the nice knife most guys won't buy for themselves.
Benchmade Bugout 535 Folding Knife
A tan notebook in the cargo pocket. Instant flashback for anyone who's done land nav.
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof 3x5 Notebook
Small, ridiculously bright, and it rides in a pocket without noticing it.
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X USB Tactical Flashlight
Basically standard issue on half the wrists in any motor pool.
Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1 Classic Digital Watch
Coffee & Downtime
For the vet who runs on strong coffee and war movies.
Veteran-founded, strong, and the bag alone usually gets a laugh.
Black Rifle Coffee Freedom Roast Ground 12oz
Keeps coffee hot through a whole morning. Grab it in a dark color so it hides the scuffs.
YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler w/ MagSlider Lid
If he hasn't rewatched it in a while, that's a whole weekend sorted.
Band of Brothers (HBO Miniseries) Blu-ray
Quick read, and it's the leadership book vets actually pass around to each other.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead
Old-school and built to last. It's the kind of gift that stays in a pocket for 20 years.
Zippo U.S. Army Eagle and Flag Windproof Lighter
Comfort & Recovery
Gear for sore knees, cold mornings, and real rest.
The woobie. Ask any vet and they'll tell you they still miss theirs.
Rothco G.I. Type Poncho Liner Woobie
Lifetime guarantee, and after years of Army-issue socks these feel like a luxury.
Darn Tough Tactical Boot Extra Cushion Socks
For the knees and back that took a beating from years of rucking.
Therabody TheraGun Mini 3rd Gen Massage Gun, Black
Cheap, warm, and exactly right for November mornings at the range or in a deer stand.
