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Ahh, it’s that magical time of the year when the world gets ready to be a little less ugly to each other. Christmas and Hanukkah are around the corner, bellies will still be full from Thanksgiving, and it’s time to start shopping.
If you’ve got a U.S. military veteran in your life and you’re feeling a little stumped on what gifts to get them, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done the legwork for you and gathered the best gifts for veterans worth shopping for this year. What makes me an authority?
Well, I’m a veteran myself, so that helps. I interact with a pretty diverse group of veterans almost daily, and I’m also one of the gear review dudes at Task & Purpose. Also, I give good gifts. I’m not exaggerating. It’s something I’m naturally good at. I think this makes me pretty dang qualified to help you find the best gifts for your veteran.
Getting equipped
If there is a group of people who can appreciate good gear, it’s people who’ve fielded bad gear. Trust me. It’s a military tradition that you’ll have to use bad gear, so the experience is universal. Obviously, once you reach the First Civ Div, things get a little less intense, so I’ve picked a few options that are dang near-universal.
Danner Tachyon Boots
Benchmade Griptilian
5.11 Tactical Rush 24 2.0
Streamlight Wedge
Other recommendations from our team of active-duty and veteran gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose:
- The best tactical boots to keep you grounded in any situation
- The best folding knives and best pocket knives for your everyday carry
- The best tactical backpacks worth carrying
- The best EDC flashlights to get it done in the dark
Keeping sharp
Vets get lots of unique skills and a unique mindset from their very unusual former job. This training can often slip away, and as such, it’s important to keep sharp. Lots of vets might find themselves losing practice with these skills, and a little encouragement can go a long way.
Vertx COF range bag
Mantis Blackbeard Trigger System
We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder With the Marines Who Took Fallujah
Other recommendations from our team of active-duty and veteran gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose:
- The best range bags for your next trip to the firing line
- The best military books we read last year
Shedding pounds
Four out of every five veterans are overweight. I get it — you get out, and 5:30 a.m. PT time just ain’t happening no more. With that in mind, working out should be a priority, and equipment can help and inspire your veteran to get after it.
Century BOB Punching Bag
Intex Challenger K-1 Kayak
5.11 PTR Sandbags
Other recommendations from our team of active-duty and veteran gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose:
- The best fitness trackers to help you crush your PT
- The best running shoes for men and best running shoes for women to make you the fastest person on base
The gun stuff
Well, duh. Vets tend to like guns. They also tend to know how to use them. These products are on my own personal list. This is what I would want from Santa.
Crimson Trace Laser Saddle
Rein WML Light
AXIL Trackr Bluetooth Hearing Protection
Other recommendations from our team of active-duty and veteran gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose:
- The best shooting ear protection to help you tune out distractions
- The best shooting glasses for your next trip to the firing line
- The best gun safes for the responsible owner
- The best bore sights to improve your shot placement
The easy stuff
Everything above seems a little specialized. Obviously, everyone has their hobbies and my own bias might be evident. Let’s close with some basic lifestyle goodies anyone could love. Like everything on the list, I either have or enjoy this stuff, or want it under my tree.
DD-214 Blanket
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
Sam Adams Sweater Weather Variety Pack
Trade Coffee subscription
Quest protein chips
Other recommendations from our team of active-duty and veteran gear reviewers here at Task & Purpose:
- The best portable coffee makers for your next deployment (lol)
- The best cigar humidors for the aspiring aficianado
- The best barware items for crafting the ultimate Old Fashioned
- If you don’t have one of these best tomahawks, do you even ‘Merica?
Gifted
I wrote this guide with two guiding principles. This would be stuff I own or stuff I want. It’s a mix of both, and no manufacturer on this list has ever sent me a dime. It’s the gear I want, gear I use, and it’s the stuff the veteran in your life will love. Since this is a community, what ideas do you have? Comment below if you have any additions to this gift guide!
Travis Pike is a former Marine machine gunner who served with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines for five years. He deployed in 2009 to Afghanistan and again in 2011 with the 22nd MEU(SOC) during a record-setting 11 months at sea. He’s trained with the Romanian Army, the Spanish Marines, the Emirate Marines, and the Afghan National Army. He plays in the great outdoors of Northwest Florida and enjoys good beer, sharp knives, and long walks in the woods.