by Rachel Tringali Marston

TThe holiday season will be here in the blink of an eye! As we get ready to deck the halls and trim the tree, it’s also time to check off those on our shopping list.

Do you need a little help to get you started? The military community is filled with lots of unique individuals, but there are certain items that would probably make for ideal gifts. Here is a round-up of special military-oriented gifts with a special focus on military spouse and veteran-owned businesses.

Gifts for Her

R. Riveter, military spouse-owned, purses starting at around $120

These hand crafted contemporary bags are perfect for any outfit. They also have different styles for multiple occasions. To top it off, when you purchase an R. Riveter bag, you are directly contributing to the employment of military spouses. www.rriveter.com

Alex & Anni, bracelets start at $28

Choose the bangle or bangles that fit the recipient’s personality. They also have branch specific charms available to support your service and the Exchange conveniently caries them as well. If you find a brick and mortar store near you, they offer a military discount as well. www.alexandani.com

Sword & Plough, veteran-owned, prices range

Made from re-purposed military goods by veteran hands, Sword & Plough offers great rustic options for women and men too. They have a great weekend bag perfect for a must needed getaway. Ten percent of their profits goes back to veteran organizations, plus they offer a military discount! www.swordandplough.com

Keepsake Box, $79

Your loved one can keep all their beloved treasures in a single box (or maybe two)! The contents doesn’t need to be wedding oriented, you can have one that reflects a duty station with the dates on it too. There are so many possibilities. www.potterybarn.com/products/weddingkeepsake-box/?cm_src=AutoCSLPIP

Totally Bamboo Cutting Board, starting around $15

Show off your state pride by getting a special cutting board cut out to the shape of your home state. If you and your spouse come from different states, why not have two? Don’t be afraid to buy one for yourself. www.totallybamboo.com/c2/Cutting-Boards.htm

Gifts for Him

Man Crates, prices range

Whether you are married to a gamer, grill master or zombie apocalypse prepper, Man Crates probably has a fun-filled box for the manly man in your life. Each crate’s contents is specially selected to fit every theme. www.mancrates.com

Bottle Breacher, veteran-owned business, $20-30

Bottle Breachers are fully functioning bottle openers made from .50 caliber rounds with different etching options. It’s a unique gift and great conversation starter that allows you to personalize as well. www.bottlebreacher.com

Wahl Elite Pro, $49.99

The most powerful corded clipper from Wahl, its bold retro look, self-sharpening blade technology and premium stainless steel reinforced guide combs allow for a fast, precise and uncompromised haircutting experience. www.wahlgrooming.com

Survival Straps, prices vary

The military uses 550 paracord a lot. There are so many uses for it that it became practical to make some available to you, in case of an emergency. With Survival Straps, you’ll be able to carry some 550 paracord where ever you go. There are military-themed straps as well as personalization options making it a practical and fun gift. www.survivalstraps.com

Mr. Beer Brewing Kit, $45-$65, plus bigger sized kits

As craft beer dominates the bar scene, beer aficionados are interested to take the beer making process home. Mr. Beer has a comprehensive inventory of craft beer types from the trendy IPA or classic American Lager. www.mrbeer.com

Gifts for Kids

BEARegards, veteran-owned business, $26.95

A wonderful stuffed toy for your little one that has a voice recording feature. It’s perfect for times when their service member parent or parents need to leave for military duty. Even if both parents are home, kids can play the recording whenever they want. www.bearegards.com

Personalized Luggage Tags, starting at $15

When military families PCS, they bring their kids along with them! Create a fun one-of-a-kind luggage tag to gift, so they can show off their luggage with pride and get ready for travel. www.luggagepros.com/myflytag

It’s My Life Scrapbooking Kit, $14.99

Encourage your military kids to channel their creativity with this all-in-one scrapbooking kit. They can highlight their favorite places at each duty station or save it for another adventure. Found at major retails or online

My Mother’s Pearls and My Father’s Shirt, militaryspouse written, $12.99 and $11.99 respectively

Written by Sally Huss, these books teaches young ones how to cope with separation, whether it is mom or dad that leaves for military duty. It’s a quick stocking stuffer and would make for great bedtime read, especially when deployment hits. www.sallyhuss.com/militarychildren.html

Drone, SYMA $41.99

A gift that could entice adults too, the SYMA drone is one of the top sellers on Amazon. Don’t forget your drone best practices and be sure to pass along tips to your military kids. www.amazon.com/ Syma-Channel-2-4GHz-Explorers-Copter/dp/B00MNG37C2/