Best Gifts for Veterans: Ideas They Will Use and Keep

A good gift for a veteran does two things. It gets used, and it says something about the service behind it. A branch, a rank, a unit or a set of dates turns an ordinary gift into one he keeps on his desk or his bar for good.

Here are the gifts our customers buy most often for the veterans in their lives, and how to pick the right one.

Start With What You Know

You do not need his whole service record. Branch of service is enough for most gifts. If you also know his rank when he got out, or the years he served, you can personalize it further.

Engraved Rank Whiskey Glasses

Our military whiskey glasses are officially licensed and can be engraved with his rank. The glasses are made in the USA. A pair makes a simple, personal gift, and a set of four works for the veteran who likes to host.

Bullet Pens

Military bullet pens are made from real brass casings and come in a rifle case style gift box. They are easy to mail and a good fit for a desk at work or at home.

50 Caliber Bottle Openers

Our military bottle openers are made from real once-fired 50 caliber casings. The personalized 50 cal opener can be engraved with a name, a unit or dates of service.

The Combat Tankard

The Combat Tankard is a 16 ounce aluminum mug with Picatinny rails and a real M4/A4 carry handle. Anyone who carried a rifle with that handle will recognize it right away.

Decanter Sets

For a retirement or a milestone birthday, a whiskey decanter set with four matching glasses is a gift he will display. Army and Navy designs are available.

When to Give It

• Veterans Day
• Retirement or a promotion
• Birthdays, Father's Day and Christmas
• The anniversary of his enlistment or commissioning

A portion of our profits supports veteran-focused charities. See all of our picks in gifts for veterans, or shop every branch in military gifts.