MILITARY GIFTS GUIDE 2023: 26 TOP PICKS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

With the holiday season creeping up on us like our least-favorite in-law, it’s time to start looking at gift-giving options. Military members and their families can seem tricky to buy for if you don’t know them, but we’ve got an insider’s look at what they L.O.V.E. to receive during the holidays. Plus, this guide is absolutely perfect for all you last-minute Christmas shoppers out there. Our military gift guide for 2023 has it all. From gifts for the kids to special items for deployed servicemembers, discover some of the best gifting options for this holiday season.

What gifts do you like to give? Who are you shopping for? Each section of our gift guide contains great ideas that your loved ones will definitely want! Check them out below.

Cool Tech Gifts 2023

We’re starting off our military gift guide with technology! For the tech-crazy teen, the mom who’s obsessed with anything that makes her life easier, and everyone in-between, these cool tech gifts of 2023 are about to rock your world.

1. Apple AirTag

Apple

$29.00

You’ve probably seen this one floating around TikTok, Facebook, and just about every other social media site. People put tags on their keys, dogs’ collars, and even on their cars. The Apple AirTag can help you keep track of pretty much anything. Your iPhone can also alert you if another Apple AirTag is near you, which discourages any unwanted tracking.

2. Wyze Smart Plug

Wyze

$16.99

This is an outlet you can control with your phone. Schedule custom times to turn the power supply on and off, connect multiple outlets with your smart assistant, and turn it on with the power of your voice.

3. Nature Bright SAD Lamp Bundle

Nature Bright

$299.00

Lovingly nicknamed the “depression light” by many of its users, a SAD lamp can help those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder with its special light treatment, according to Mayo Clinic. Nature Bright’s lamp bundle comes with an adjustable stand and a built-in alarm clock.

4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

August

$199.99

This isn’t a joke; the brand August has actually created a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock. You can remotely lock doors, check if your doors are locked, and even give your guests a virtual key to your home with this tech item.

5. AT-LP60XBT-USB Turntable

Audio-Technica

$199.00

Audio-Technica is bringing retro back with a modern twist in their wireless, USB-compatible automatic turntable. This turntable is perfect for vinyl collectors and record newbies alike.

These 10 military retirement gifts are perfect for those looking for ways to occupy their time.

Christmas Gifts for Her

Don’t wait until Christmas to spoil her. To make sure you’re treating her all year round, you can keep referring back to this section of our military gift guide for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and more.

6. Bath & Body Works Gift Card

Bath & Body Works

$5.00 - $250.00

We may not speak for everyone here, but the women in our lives can easily drop $150 on candles, wallflowers, and body care items at Bath & Body Works without batting an eye. If the women in your life spend two hours just sniffing around the candle aisle, get them a gift card to this wonderland of scent. The best part about this one is that you can spend as much (or as little) as you want.

7. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Insulated Tumbler

Stanley

$45.00

By now, most women have probably come across StanleyTok, where everyone is sufficiently hydrated thanks to their pastel cups and flavored water. With an array of color options to choose from, this 40-ounce Stanley Tumbler is the perfect Christmas gift for the neutral and colorful girlies alike.

8. Benazcap X Large Memory Seat Cushion

$31.13

This seat cushion is great for someone who works from home or likes to sit in the kitchen putting together puzzles for hours at a time. It’s plush-soft, non-slip, and just so cute!

9. Custom Pet Stuffed Animal

Petsies

$199.00-$249.00

There’s nothing more precious than a dog mom who’s obsessed with her pet. Petsies offers to make a fully-customized plushie in the exact image of your pet. The best part is that these plushies don’t shed like the real thing!

10. UGG Fluff Yeah Slide Sandal Slippers

UGG

$99.90

Believe it or not, no woman wants to prance around all day in her high heels. For the comfort-minded women out there, these ultra-thick, ultra-plush slippers from UGG are the REAL. DEAL. They come in 11 different colors and range from size 5 to 12. (These also come in a kid’s version! So mom and daughter can be twinsies.)

11. GTM Concealed Carry Basic Hobo Handbag

GTM

$135.95

Help keep her safe even when you’re not around with a purse that can fit nearly everything - including personal protection. She’s probably spent a lot more money on a purse that isn’t well-suited for concealed carry, so you might as well get her a good one! GTM has a ton of different styles for concealed carry, too, so you can easily find something that matches her style.

Gifts for Military Men

Check out great gifts for military men - or even just men in general - right here.

12. Ekster Parliament Smart Wallet

Ekster

$62.00

We know the military man in your life is probably paranoid about his wallet and cards, so he needs this in his life. It has RFID blocking technology and a quick-access card mechanism. He’ll be able to store up to 12 cards in this bad boy.

13. G-Shock Move GBDH2000-2 Digital Watch

G-Shock Move

$399.00

G-Shock is the leading name in tactical and military watches, making this one of our top military gifts for him. They’re durable, innovative, and stylish. Whether your military man is going through basic training or prepping for deployment, this watch will see him through the best and the worst of it.

Check out more watches that would make great gifts for military men in your life.

14. Etched Whiskey Glass

Crystal Imagery

$19.00

Crystal Imagery does unique etchings in whiskey glasses. They have etchings with the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force logos for almost any military man.

15. Monthly Sock Subscription

SockItToMe

$15.42-$21.25/mo.

If your man is like most in the world, he does one of two things:

1. He wears his socks until they have such a big hole that they’re basically just ankle warmers.
2. He loses all his socks immediately after getting new ones.

Plus, military socks are boring.

A sock subscription, silly as it sounds, is a simple solution!

16. Monthly Meat Subscription

Butcher Box

$79.00-$219.00

Butcher Box is the leader in monthly meat subscriptions. They tout high-quality, grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and humanely-raised pork. There are several boxes you can choose from, and you’ll always enjoy free shipping.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

We’ve got Christmas gift ideas for kids of all ages on this portion of our military gift guide, so you’re sure to find options for the ages you’re shopping for!

17. Xbox Series X

Xbox

$399.99

Gamers, get ready! With next-generation capabilities, and a number of games to choose from, the Xbox Series X offers up tons of ways for your kids to race, battle, and connect. This gift is sure to be a hit with elementary, middle, and even high school kids.

18. TickTalk 4 Kids Smartwatch

Walmart

$169.99

Get your kiddo their very own smartwatch. Designed for kids 5-12, this watch has secure text messaging, voice calling, 20+ parental controls, and free music streaming. Now you and your little one can sport matching smart watches together.

19. Barbie Doll & Pets Play Set

Big Lots

$22.99

This year, Barbie has taken the world by storm. After all, she loves all animals, especially puppies—just like your kiddo! Treat your li’l animal lover to this set with a classic Barbie doll, plus three pups & all the supplies she needs to bathe, groom, & make a splash at playtime!

20. Lego Monster Jam Grave Digger Set

LEGO

$34.95

It wouldn’t be a true military gift guide for the holidays without a LEGO addition! This LEGO Monster Jam Grave Digger kit will keep your kid busy. This is great for kids aged 10 and up, and it's perfect for truck lovers!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Parents

Don’t know what to get your married neighbors? Our military gift guide comes in clutch with great Christmas gift ideas parents will love.

21. 1 Year Disney+ Premium Subscription

Disney

$139.99

Disney+ is great for the whole family or just for date night. Their expansive selection includes the latest live-action and animated movies as well as nostalgic favorites you’ll love experiencing again. You can gift someone an entire year of Disney+. They’re definitely going to thank you.

22. 16 Oz. Wine Tumbler

Manna

$30.00

Self-explanatory.

Unique & Personalized Military Gifts

Sometimes the gift you buy from Amazon isn’t as heartfelt as the personalized option. These personalized military gifts can be tailored to anyone you’re buying for this holiday season.

23. The Night Sky Star Map

The Night Sky

$55.00-$85.00

It doesn’t get much more specifically unique than this. The Night Sky is a print of a star map that shows the exact alignment of the stars on a specific date in a specific place that you enter into the website. Whether that’s an anniversary, a wedding, an adoption, a first kiss, a birth, the day you joined the military, or anything else, this is truly a special and personalized gift.

24. Custom Apron

Spreadshirt

$9.59

Everyone cooks, so why not get someone an apron? The great thing about this is that it’s something the kids can help out with, too. You can get an apron personalized with someone’s name, then buy paint and markers and let the kids make it an unforgettable gift with their drawings and handprints.

Gifts for Deployed Soldiers

Whether you have a family member who is currently stationed overseas or you just want to treat our nation’s bravest to a happy holiday, this section of our military gift guide will go over the best gifts for deployed Soldiers.

25. Boot Banana Moisture Absorbers

Boot Bananas

$19.99

These banana-shaped deodorizers will help your Soldier’s shoes stay moisture-free and odor-free.

26. Disposable Camo Hand Warmers

HotHands (via Amazon)

$47.49

Hand warmers can seriously be life-savers during duty. The single-use packs are convenient for any military member to receive and use.

Check out our list of knives that make the perfect military Christmas gift!

Spread Some Cheer This Christmas

Whether you’re looking specifically for military Christmas gifts or just for military gift ideas in general, we have a good feeling that our detailed, last-minute military gift guide has satisfied your search. Let us know in the comments if you decided to get anything on our list!

We hope that our gift guide has left you feeling inspired, maybe enough to buy that special someone their dream car? If you are feeling especially jolly this year, take a look at TrueCar’s website, they have a wide selection of vehicles sure to fit your budget. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive decorations.

Whether you are looking to add a few more to your home, or are just getting started, your local At Home store is there to help transform your house into the ultimate winter wonderland. And don’t forget, Navy Financial Credit Union is ready to help you achieve your financial goals in the New Year, so don’t worry too much about going overboard with your holiday shopping. Merry Christmas, and happy gift hunting!