Gift-giving can feel overwhelming, especially when you want your present to make a real difference. But what if I told you that the perfect gift could support veteran families while delivering something truly meaningful to your loved ones? As a veteran-owned business here at Scalise Family Sheep Farm, we know firsthand how much it means when people choose to support those who've served.
Whether you're shopping for holidays, birthdays, or just because, here are 15+ handcrafted gift ideas that put your money where your heart is – directly supporting veteran families and their communities.
Why Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses Matters
Veterans face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian life. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, veteran-owned businesses employ over 5.8 million people and generate more than $1.3 trillion in annual receipts (1). When you choose handcrafted items from veteran entrepreneurs, you're not just buying a product – you're investing in someone's dream and supporting their family's future.
Skincare and Personal Care Gifts That Give Back
Farm-Fresh Skincare Products
Nothing says "I care about you" quite like luxurious, all-natural skincare. Our sheep milk soaps are handcrafted right here on the farm using milk from our Icelandic sheep. Each bar is packed with natural vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin without harsh chemicals.
For something extra special, consider our skin balms. Available in soothing scents like lavender, rose, and frankincense, these balms provide deep moisturization for hardworking hands – perfect for anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship.
Natural Deodorants and Personal Care
Traditional deodorants are full of chemicals that many people want to avoid. Handcrafted, natural alternatives like our chemical-free deodorants offer effective protection without compromise. These make thoughtful gifts for health-conscious friends and family members who value clean ingredients.
Memorial and Comfort Gifts for Grieving Families
Freedom Quilts and Comfort Items
Some of the most meaningful gifts honor those we've lost. Freedom Quilts creates personalized quilts for families who have lost loved ones in military service, providing comfort through beautifully crafted remembrance pieces (2). These quilts serve as tangible hugs when families need them most.
Similarly, organizations like American Angels create "Heroghans" – comfort lapghans where each square is lovingly handmade by volunteers across the USA. These blankets carry the thoughts and prayers of their makers, offering solace to wounded veterans and their families (2).
Memory Boxes and Keepsakes
Handcrafted memory boxes provide sacred spaces for preserving precious memories of fallen heroes. Made with high-quality American materials, these boxes become treasured family heirlooms that honor service and sacrifice (2).
Practical Gifts for Daily Use
Custom Leather Goods
Every veteran can use a quality wallet, and custom leather goods add a personal touch that shows you care. Look for artisans who can emboss military branch insignias, names, or years of service. These practical gifts get used daily, serving as constant reminders of appreciation.
Challenge Coin Display Cases
Military challenge coins tell stories of service, camaraderie, and achievement. Handcrafted display cases transform these collections into striking home décor while preserving their significance. Whether desktop displays or wall-mounted shadow boxes, these cases help veterans showcase their service with pride.
Personalized Valet Trays
Starting around $16, custom valet trays help organize daily essentials while honoring military service. Available in wood and leather, these functional pieces can be engraved with military branch crests and personal monograms (3).
Home and Display Items
American-Made House Flags
Let the neighborhood know a veteran lives there with weatherproof house flags featuring service branch colors and designs. Measuring 28 by 40 inches, these colorful flags celebrate service while supporting American craftsmanship (3).
Military Shadow Boxes
Professional shadow boxes create stunning displays for service memorabilia, medals, photographs, and important documents like honorable discharge certificates. These custom-crafted pieces preserve military careers and achievements for future generations.
Artisan Food and Beverage Items
Specialty Coffees and Treats
Many veteran-owned businesses create specialty food items that make excellent gifts. From small-batch coffee roasters to artisan chocolate makers, these products combine quality craftsmanship with meaningful missions.
Gift Cards for Flexibility
Sometimes the best gift is choice itself. Our gift cards allow recipients to select exactly what they want from our handcrafted product line. This works especially well for people who prefer to choose their own scents or products.
Unique Veteran-Made Products
Bottle Breacher Products
Founded by U.S. Navy SEAL Eli Crane, Bottle Breacher creates signature .50-caliber bullet bottle openers while supporting over 200 veteran nonprofits. Their success story shows how veteran entrepreneurship can make a real difference (4).
Bourbon Barrel American Flags
Army veteran Chris Cruise and his wife hire other veterans to repurpose used Kentucky bourbon barrels into custom American flags. Each flag incorporates personal stories, creating meaningful artwork with purpose (4).
Humorous Military-Themed Items
Marine Corps veteran Frank Manteau created "Crayons Ready-to-Eat" – edible chocolate crayons that actually color while embracing military humor. These unique items celebrate the lighthearted side of military culture (4).
Branded Farm Merchandise
Don't overlook simple items like our Scalise Family Sheep Farm mug. These everyday items remind users of their support for veteran-owned businesses with every use.
How to Find Veteran-Owned Businesses
When shopping for handcrafted gifts, look for veteran-owned certifications and stories. Many businesses proudly display their military connections, making it easy to identify veteran entrepreneurs. The Veterans Administration maintains databases of certified veteran-owned businesses, and platforms like VeteranOwnedBusiness.com help consumers find authentic veteran enterprises.
Making Your Purchase Count
Every dollar spent with veteran-owned businesses creates a ripple effect. It supports not just the veteran entrepreneur but often their employees, many of whom are also veterans or military family members. This spending helps create jobs, supports families, and builds stronger communities.
Research shows that veteran entrepreneurs are more likely to hire other veterans, creating employment networks that benefit the entire military community (1). When you choose handcrafted gifts from veteran-owned businesses, you're participating in this positive cycle.
Beyond the Purchase
The best gifts often come with stories. When you give handcrafted items from veteran-owned businesses, you're sharing more than just a product – you're sharing a mission, a story, and a commitment to supporting those who served. Include a note about why you chose that particular business or product. This context makes the gift even more meaningful.
Handcrafted gifts from veteran-owned businesses offer the perfect combination of quality, meaning, and impact. Whether you choose skincare products, memorial items, practical goods, or unique artisan creations, your purchase supports families who have given so much for our freedom. The next time you're looking for the perfect gift, remember that supporting veteran families might be the most perfect choice of all.
References:
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U.S. Small Business Administration. "Veteran-Owned Small Business Statistics." SBA Office of Advocacy, 2023.
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Military Family Support Organizations. "Comfort Quilts and Memorial Programs for Military Families." National Military Families Association, 2023.
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Veterans Today Magazine. "Personalized Gifts for Military Personnel and Veterans." Issue 47, 2023.
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Entrepreneur Military. "Success Stories: Veteran-Owned Businesses Making a Difference." Veterans Business Network, 2023.