Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is here. The months have flown by, and the holidays are here. Whether you enjoy shopping or not, shopping for a military service member isn’t always easy. Looking for last-minute gifts to get your service member? Look no further!
- Coffee, coffee, coffee – Every service member enjoys caffeine. The deployments, work-ups, shift work, and long hours are conducive to a caffeine-fueled lifestyle. Some awesome veteran-owned coffee brands have names with funny nods to the military lifestyle. Aerial Resupply Coffee and Fire Department Coffee are great places to start. If caffeine through tea is more your service member’s mode of caffeination, check out Valhalla Tea Company or Star-Spangled Tea.
- Spices – Get spicy in the kitchen with fun spice blends. Smoked Bros Premium Spice Blends has various spice mixes, from breakfast-inspired ones to full-on flavor BBQ rubs. Or perhaps a Saffron-based spice is what you are looking for – Rumi Spice is it. Dry rubs and BBQ sauces are bountiful and flavorful from Veterans Q. All of these companies are veteran-owned, which is another reason to check them out.
- Massage Gun – All those caffeine-infused hours on top of the stress of the job, and perhaps the commute on top, means a little relaxation is vital for rest and restoration. Massage guns come in all shapes and sizes. If your service member is in physical therapy or works with a physical therapist, they can recommend one. The local base exchange or durable medical equipment shop may also carry some. Amazon has decent models at affordable prices as well. This may be a gift for your service member, but it can be used on most adults. Check with your medical provider for any questions or health concerns before use.
- Projector – Many families have moved to streaming devices, but these little streaming sticks are mobile. No longer tied to the cable box means you can lose the big tv and get a projector. The projector can project an image of any size on a blank wall at home or outside on a fence line or outside of the home. It is great for hosting movie nights or even gathering buddies for a football game. Your service member will love a projector. There are various types of sizes, costs, and capabilities. Whichever you choose, make sure to get a hard case carrying case for it because you will definitely be bringing it with you for every PCS.
- Durable Gear – Any durable gear is appreciated. Durable phone cases, durable phone chargers, and even durable coffee makers to take to the field or to work. Keep your service member hydrated with a durable water bottle that won’t break or bust when dropped off the roof of a vehicle on accident. Durable sunglasses that can survive being run over. There are many brands of durable gear. Check out the military exchange website, and shop across the brands online for the best deals.
- Fitness Dice – Physical fitness is a key component required for military service. Working out isn’t always fun or exciting; fitness dice mix up the workout. There are various options on the market, from traditional six-sided dice to octagonal to those for families and those for HIIT exercise. Choose the best fit for your service member.
- Blaze Pods – The light-up Blaze Pods are utilized for training, play, and recovery. In fact, the Beckhams popularized their use with their plank challenge program, using the lights to activate and remain mobile while doing planks. These tools add a different variety to the workout and may motivate the younger family members to get involved. Use the lights as cones for a sprint or to create a serpentine for stability exercises. If David Beckham uses it, it will probably be a hit.
- Anything Using the Nato Alphabet – There are some hilarious products, from coffee mugs to t-shirts to posters. Sayings with the “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” to more colorful options make service members giggle and are likely to be appreciated by their coworkers as well.
