You’re reading this because you’re looking for a gift for a veteran but you’re stumped about what to get them. Maybe they even told you they don’t want a gift, but let’s be real: Do they really mean it?
When people say they don’t want a gift, what they really mean is that they don’t want another bad gift that doesn’t consider their interests, lifestyle, or personality. That or they don’t want another gift that they received before. A veteran can only have so many camouflage parkas.
That’s why this list of gifts for veterans focuses on stuff that veterans in your life can use and enjoy. No matter what they’re into, you’re bound to find a gift here that they will like.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag
- Waterproof material and thermo-welded seams.
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets.
- Heavy-duty, comfortable straps.
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Best Value
DEKOPRO 208 Piece Tool Set
- All tools are made of solid stainless steel.
- All tools meet ANSI standards.
- Durable storage case with latches and a handle.
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Best for Daily Use
SHI BA ZI ZUO Heavy Duty Cleaver Butcher Knife
- Made of stainless steel.
- Full tang, riveted handle keeps the blade secure.
- Keeps its edge even after hundreds of uses.
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1Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set
The Mixology & Craft Cocktail Shaker Set is an 11-piece bartending kit that includes everything you need to make your favorite cocktails at home. Well, everything except for the booze but that’s something a quick trip to a liquor store can fix.
Each item included in the set is made of stainless steel so whoever receives this gift is going to be using it for a long time. It also comes with several illustrated recipe cards that will help your veteran get started if they’re new to making drinks.
If you’d like to see more bartending kits before you decide, check out this list of bartending kits under $50.
PROS
- Detailed, illustrated recipe cards.
- Made of food safe stainless steel.
- Includes all the basic items you need for making most cocktails.
CONS
- Doesn't have as many items included as other sets.
2SHI BA ZI ZUO Heavy Duty Cleaver Butcher Knife
Best for Daily Use
Tactical knives are great, but if the veteran you’re shopping for likes to cook, even if that just means making the occasional stew, you might be better off getting them a good heavy-duty butcher knife.
This durable cleaver is everything you can want from a butcher knife. It has a full tang stainless steel blade that will stay attached to the handle no matter how hard it strikes bone. Speaking of the handle, it’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t slip so it can easily be used for filleting fish.
PROS
- Made of stainless steel.
- Full tang, riveted handle keeps the blade secure.
- Keeps its edge even after hundreds of uses.
CONS
- Doesn't have a strap or hole at the handle for hanging.
3Luxury 24K Gold Foil Poker Playing Cards Deck
Is a deck of gold cards the most practical gift out there? Probably not. But if the veteran you’re buying a gift for appreciates a good game of poker or solitaire, they’ll appreciate this present.
The Luxury 24K Gold Foil Poker Playing Cards Deck is exactly what it says on the tin — a deck of gold playing cards. Sure, they aren’t real gold, but they are shiny and they come in a red velvet-lined box which is about as close to luxury as you can get without breaking the bank.
PROS
- Packaged in a mahogany, red velvet-lined box.
- All cards are waterproof and bend-resistant.
- Cards are colored gold on both sides.
CONS
- Slightly narrower than standard cards which may be an issue for card collectors.
412-in-1 Outdoor Survival Gear Kit
Need a gift for a veteran who likes to go hiking, hunting, or camping? The 12-in-1 Outdoor Survival Gear Kit might just be the perfect present.
This survival kit contains 12 survival essentials including a knife, a fire starter, a compass, a wire saw, and a flashlight. On top of that, it comes in a hard plastic case that keeps each item safe and makes it easier to pack for a weekend adventure.
PROS
- Incredibly lightweight and portable.
- Has most of survival must-haves.
- Great value for money.
CONS
- All items are smaller than standard, especially the knife.
- Knife doesn't fold smoothly.
5DEKOPRO 208 Piece Tool Set
Best Value
If you’re buying a gift for a veteran who likes to tinker in their garage, this DEKOPRO 208 Piece Tool Set would make a great gift for them.
The toolset comes with a sturdy storage case made of thick ABS to keep your tools dry. On the inside are multiple slots for tools of different sizes to help keep each one organized.
As for the tools themselves, they’re all made of stainless steel and meet or exceed ANSI standards so you can trust that you’re only getting good quality tools with this set.
PROS
- All tools are made of solid stainless steel.
- All tools meet ANSI standards.
- Durable storage case with latches and a handle.
CONS
- Drill bits are too soft and strip easily.
6Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag
Best Overall
It’s hard to find a gift that you’re sure someone will like unless you know them extremely well, but what you can easily find is a gift that they’ll find useful.
The Earth Pak Waterproof Duffel Bag is that gift. Whether the veteran you need a gift for is an outdoorsy type or not, they’re going to get a ton of value out of this duffel bag.
The bag is waterproof and has thermo-welded seams that are sure to keep their items dry in any weather. It also has two different sets of straps, one for hand carrying and one for wearing over your shoulders.
PROS
- Waterproof material and thermo-welded seams.
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets.
- Heavy-duty, comfortable straps.
CONS
- Only comes in 50L and 70L variants.
