Trying to figure out what to do about the hard-to-shop-for veteran on your list? Looking for the perfect gift to ship to your far-flung family member still in uniform? Just need a break from holiday stress and want to curl up with your DD 214, or a blanket that looks like one?
Military Times has you covered with 12 products made by veterans, for veterans – some of which are offering special deals for our readers, or for veterans, or both. So finish your list, or squirrel away a few of these for yourself:
Warfighter Tobacco's Garrison 6 Sampler
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
SMOKE 'EM IF YOU'VE GOT 'EM
What: The Garrison 6 Sampler from the Warfighter Tobacco Company, founded by Army combat vets, features three types of cigars (5.56 MM, 7.62 MM and .50 Cal) so you're sure to find a favorite. The six-pack comes in a leather-wrapped humidor with a removal portable distilled water humidifier.
How much: $99.99
Buy it for: The tobacco aficionado in your life.
Don't buy it for: The children's table.
More: WarfighterTobacco.com (discount code MilitaryTimes gets you 15 percent off all purchases through Jan. 1)
The Christmas Wine Bottle Breacher
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
2-IN-1 TO START THE HOLIDAY FUN
What: The Christmas Wine Bottle Breacher features a corkscrew and a bottle opener built into a .50-caliber round. Engraving and special gift boxes are available. Made in the USA.
How much: $39.99. Want to spend a bit more? Consider a holster.
Buy it for: Your friend who likes variety in his adult beverages.
Don't buy it for: That guy who always brings over a screw-top bottle he bought at the convenience store down the block.
More: BottleBreacher.com (free shipping on your order with the code FREE4MILITARY)
The eight options included in Badass Beard Care's sampler come individually wrapped.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
SHOW YOUR BEARD YOU CARE
What: Grab a sampler of the beard palm and beard oil varieties offered by Badass Beard Care, a company started by a sea-service couple (Coast Guard and Navy Reserve) with plenty of whisker-treatment options. The trial kit includes eight of them, ranging from The Ladies Man (sweet citrus scents) to The Mountain Man (pine and cedar) to El Burrista – a premium scent, per the website, that offers "coffee with naturally occurring notes of chocolate and vanilla."
How much: $29.99. Email sales@badassbeardcare.com with proof of service for a code that'll get you a 15 percent discount.
Buy it for: Your friend who thinks "beard maintenance" is limited to crumb removal.
Don't buy it for: Your friend who would kill for a shaving profile, but doesn't qualify.
More: BadassBeardCare.com (note the "Free Sample" tab)
The Freedom Fleece, folded at left, and the DD-214 Blanket, in use at right.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
SECURITY BLANKETS
What: From internet meme to reality – ever want to wrap yourself in your DD 214? Here's your chance, thanks to two veteran-owned online retailers.
How much: Inkfidel's 50-by-60-inch Freedom Fleece sells for $55 and ships with a marker so veterans can fill in the blanks. AAF Nation's 50-by-60 version, the middle of three sizes, sells for $59.95 and can be custom-printed for an additional fee.
Buy it for: A service member who recently separated.
Don't buy it for: A service member who just re-enlisted.
More: AAFNation.com (NSFW, use promotional code veteran16 for 10 percent off), Inkfidel.com (promotional code BLITZEN gets you 10 percent off your order)
Whooo, me? Pick up a 9mm owl from Lady Brigade.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
CUT, CLARITY … CALIBER?
What: Considering some ammo-themed accessories for your loved one but not ready to go full bandoleer? Lady Brigade, an apparel company founded by a former soldier, offers this silver owl with a somehow-adorable 9mm stare. It includes Swarvoski crystals and a 30-inch chain.
How much: $24 (discount code HMT25 gets you a 25 percent discount through Dec. 31)
Buy it for: A spouse or significant other whose ideal date night includes a shooting range.
Don't buy it for: Women who don't wear necklaces. For them, Lady Brigade offers the . 223 Caliber Cuff Bracelet ($29.99).
More: LadyBrigade.com
One of many folding-knife offerings from Spartan Blades.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
The Vandal, from Toor Knives.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
SLICE INTO 2017
What: Not much for folding knives? The brothers Toor (twins – one soldier, one Marine) bring you the Vandal, an American-made, 8.5-inch weapon of choice. Customize your stainless-steel blade with one of multiple handle types, including carbon fiber, ironwood and paracord. When your work is done, use the included Kydex belt sheath (vertical and horizontal options) with clip perfect for MOLLE webbing. NOTE: Each blade is made to order, so Santa might arrive before your knife does.
How much: $350
Buy it for: The collector who has (almost) everything.
Don't buy it for: The novice who might not be ready for a customized blade.
More: ToorKnives.com
Black Rifle Coffee's single-serving offerings come complete with an ammo can case.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
WAKE UP WITH YOUR K-CUP
What: A dozen rounds of single-serving goodness from Black Rifle Coffee Company, complete with ammo box. As one online reviewer put it: "Finally … a 'k' cup that tastes like coffee." Crave a bit more edge? Black Rifle also offers its CAF blend in single servings: Caffeinated As … heck.
Cost: $12.99
Buy it for: The caffeine lover in your life.
Don't buy it for: Anybody whose regular Starbucks order involves whipped cream.
More: BlackRifleCoffee.com
Show your patriotism, and help save the environment, with the RePatriot Flag.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
OLD GLORY GOES GREEN
What: An American flag, American-made … out of recycled plastic water bottles. Founded by a West Point grad, RePatriot Flag offers multiple sizes and says its flags meet government specifications for traditional nylon banners.
How much: $34 for a 3-by-5-foot flag. Get a 20 percent discount with the promotional code ARMYTIMES20.
Buy it for: Eco-friendly patriots everywhere.
Don't buy it for: Folks who mix plastics with paper.
More: RePatriotFlag.com
Two veteran-created options allow you to add military humor to game night.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer photos
Add SEAL skills to your disaster prep.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
DISASTER REFERENCE GUIDE
What: From the retired Navy SEAL who penned the bestselling "100 Deadly Skills" comes " 100 Deadly Skills: Survivor Edition," featuring illustrated tips on everything from securing your home from intruders to sparking a fire by shorting out the battery in your cellphone.
How much: $19.99
Buy it for: Your friend who keeps a bug-out bag by every door.
Don't buy it for: People who might frown on the concept of keeping a razor blade in your pant leg, just in case.
More: 100deadlyskills.com
Casual outside, camo inside in this Sword & Plough handbag.
Photo Credit: Manufacturer
FASHION-FORWARD (OPERATING)
What: Sword & Plough's grey wool crossbody bag can be a fashion multitool – wear the gold-chain strap, or ditch it to create a clutch. Brown and black leather available, with the two-pocket interior covered in camo. Like the rest of S&P's gear, it's made in America with at least a portion of the material from military surplus.
How much: $139. Veterans get 20 percent off the S&P collection, and the company donates a portion of its proceeds to veterans causes.
Buy it for: The former soldier who would appreciate a subtle reminder of her service.
Don't buy it for: The former sailor who is holding out for a Navy Working Uniform "aquaflage" variant.
More: SwordandPlough.com
Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.
