Christmas cookies, decorations, gingerbread houses.
What’s not to love about Christmas time?
Oh yeah.. purchasing gifts (especially for those hard-to-buy-for people!)
Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts.. especially when I nail it and the person is totally excited. I think the last two years I’ve done pretty good with my husband. Our first Christmas together I drove 45 minutes to buy an old Nintendo 64 and his favorite game from his childhood. Last year I made this awesome wall decoration that displayed his group picture from BMT and his own military portrait. It also had his favorite cadence from basic typed out (although I cried twice while typing it) and I later added a coin that he was awarded during his first year.
He’s not the problem, and neither is my kid- he’s a toddler and easy to make happy. Where I usually fall short is friends and family. I never know what to get my parents or even my in-laws unless they tell me. Friends? Forget it. Last year I got my best friend of 20+ years a gift card to Subway (and no, she’s not an avid subway eater).
What she does love is BOOKS.. why I didn’t think to get her a gift card to Barnes and Noble or one of those old books stores she loves is beyond me.
Related article: Gift Ideas For Your Deployed Loved One
You are not going to be in that position this year because I have done my research and came up with some seriously awesome gifts to give your favorite military spouse/significant other (and maybe even buy for yourself!)
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MilSO Box
This is literally the ultimate gift to give a military spouse. MilSO Box a monthly subscription that contains a box full of goodies. All the things inside are personalized to your branch of choosing and are usually military related/patriotic (deployment survival glasses, accessories, jewelry, etc) and even pampering (candles, creams, oils, etc). The boxes are different each month, they all ship for FREE, and everything inside is made in the USA and almost always by another MilSO shop! You can give the gift of a subscription, a single box, or even a gift card.. use code MDSFRIENDS10 for 10% off your purchase!! Check it out here.
Military Camo Stocking
I love these, they are so freaking cute. You can even get them personalized with embroidery and choose the camo and colors you want used! You can see what I’m talking about here (bonus: you can use coupon code MOMSDONTSLEEP for 5% off!)
Deployment Keepsake Journal
These are great for military spouses going through a deployment. It includes writing prompts for the spouse to keep their thoughts organized and also includes places to put countdown pictures. These are budget friendly and are available for instant download so you can turn them into a scrapbook, or have the book printed at staples. Learn more by clicking here
Photoshoots
Everyone loves to get photos done of their family, especially if they are coming up on a deployment or some other separation. However, not all families can afford to spend the money on a family photo shoot. Call local photographers (or maybe you know someone that does photography) to arrange a photo session. Discuss if they are willing to do gift cards or a discounted price for military families if you can’t afford the whole thing yourself. There are even some charities that can help such as Portraits of Love. Any bit helps and would make someone so happy!
Military Support Items
I know very little military spouses who don’t love to show their support with awesome accessories and jewelry. These are often personalized with your branch of choice and even a name (or last name). Here’s a list of some of my favorites:
Wall Decor
I love cute little signs (like this). Even ones that can be personalized to include previous duty stations would be an awesome gift for a military spouse!
Books
I know a lot of military spouses who love to read, especially when it relates to their life and the things they are going through. This is a great gift, especially if you yourself don’t really know anything about the military life. My absolute favorite military spouse book is Modern Military Spouse (click here to get it!) but here is another list of recommended books for military spouses!
Gift Cards
If you are looking for something that every military spouse will love, consider a gift card for the commissary or the exchange. We love to save money on groceries and other stuff we need! You do not need to have base access for this, you can simply buy online by clicking here to purchase a commissary gift card, and get exchange gift cards here.
Handmade items
Want to make it yourself? Awesome! Here are some ideas to get you going.. and if you are a military spouse (or service member) yourself, remember to use your military discount at Michaels, Jo-Anns, and A.C. Moore (and always check for coupons!)
- A display of previous duty stations (keys, addresses, etc)
- Key ornaments (with previous duty stations listed)
- License plate displays (again, duty stations)
- Scrapbooks
- Display map cutouts of different states traveled
Pampering
Whether you go all out and get a massage, or even if you just put together a little basket of bath salts, lotions, and oils- it is guaranteed to be a win. All military spouses need a little relaxation, and we rarely get it for ourselves!
Donations/Charity
Many military spouses are involved in some kind of charity that gives back to the military community. If your favorite spouse is involved in getting back, consider donating to their cause or volunteering with them, you’re time is the greatest gift of all!
Hopefully, you will have some awesome ideas on how to rock the holidays for your favorite military spouse this year. Do you have a favorite military spouse or Veteran Owned company?
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