COVID is going to change the way this year’s celebrations take place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the sparkle and joy of this delightful season for everyone on your list. We’ve compiled a holiday gift-giving guide full of veteran- and military-spouse owned companies to make it just a little easier for you to find something for your extended family, friends and teachers.
Shopping from this list means you can feel good knowing your money is going to help support members in our military community directly. Most of the businesses are certified by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association and the Buy Veteran Movement, two of the most exclusive associations to which veteran-owned businesses can belong.
Find the perfect gift this year for everyone and support military-family run businesses this holiday season.
For the foodie
What says the holidays better than handcrafted spirits? These four spirits companies are all veterans owned and produce some of the most flavorful bourbon, moonshine and cider around.
Our featured spirits creator is Willie’s Distillery, located in Montana. Willie’s Montana Moonshine is a clear corn-based spirit that has a taste profile similar to tequila. It makes the best margaritas! Willie’s also offers a Bighorn Bourbon, named for the majestic Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram. This bourbon is extra smooth and can mix perfectly with your favorite bitters. Out of state customers can visit this website to place an order.
Fire Corn Popcorn is run by three Air Force veterans. Their popcorn comes in white cheddar jalapeno and original. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who loves a little bite with their beverage.
Vodka fans might enjoy Revolution Vodka and Heroes Vodka. Both companies pride themselves on using strictly American grain in their distillation process.
Revolution Vodka uses non-GMO grain that’s distilled four times, making it one of the smoothest vodkas on the market.
Every purchase of Heroes Vodka is donated to American veterans, activity duty service members, and family programs.
Crazy Mikes Beef Jerky Company is perfect to send to a service member on deployment or just to have as a snack when they are in the field. They have a variety of flavors like original, buffalo wing, and aloha teriyaki. But if you really want to give them a kick in the pants, grab a pack of the ghost pepper variety.
Cider fans, rejoice! Three Kees Cider is one of the only veteran-owned cider companies in America. Featuring handcrafted dessert ciders to barrel-aged pear cider, there’s something for everyone at Three Knees.
For the fashionista
First up, Sword and Plough, which is doing really big things in the arena of veteran-owned businesses. Their mission is to take military materials and repurpose them into beautiful things. Sword and Plough’s mission is part empowering veteran employment and part conversation starter. Check out their complete line here.
Fans of the woobie have reason to rejoice this holiday season. Woobie Brothers Apparel has made its mission to bring the soft warmth of a woobie to outerwear. The company recently launched a new product line of sweatshirts made from repurposed woobies. Now that’s something to get excited about.
American Benchcraft is on a mission to make a better wallet that wouldn’t fall apart. So the company created a design made with a single piece of leather. Find out more here.
Bunker 27 is an apparel company that does a lot to give back to veteran service organizations. This USAF owned apparel company has everything from face masks to custom-made gear.
The ultimate mil-spouse accessories brand, R. Riveter leans into what it means to be a part of the military community. Each R. Riveter handbag travels across the US as each part of the bag is crafted and secured by different military spouses across the country. What started with two military spouses has become a movement among the mil spouse community. Its mission is to empower mil spouses through access to a mobile and flexible source of income.
Hope Design is a mil-spouse owned jewelry and accessory company. Its Dandelion Collection remains one of its most popular product lines and aims to remind mil spouses that it’s possible to bloom anywhere they’re planed. Hope Design also offers branch-specific accessories as well as the option to custom-create jewelry.
Bullets2Bandages is a socially conscious accessory company. Their flagship product is a line of bottle openers made from spent .50 caliber casings. Founded by two Naval EOD officers, this mission-driven accessory company has something for everyone.
For the health and wellness lover
Diamond Bird is a veteran-owned, family-owned business that specializes in crafting toxin-free soaps and skincare products. Located in Colorado, Diamond Bird ships across the country. With a commitment to never skimping on quality, their product line is always free from palm-oil, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, or SLS/SLES detergents. Their product line ranges from balms, butters and oils to soaks, teas and scrubs. Check out their complete listing here.
Doc Spartan makes American-made grooming essentials for men and women. The company believes in maintaining the accessibility of the American dream, so all of its operations are local to its headquarters in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Stubble + ‘Stache was founded by a Navy SEAL who started to grow out his beard after learning of his friend’s death by suicide. As his beard grew, the founder Nick Karnaze, discovered how uncomfortable facial hair can feel and he decided to do something about it. Stubble + ‘Stache was born. Now, the company donates a portion of its profits to veteran suicide prevention and other charities.
Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Download our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide!
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