With the holidays approaching, you may be thinking about how you can give back to your community while also giving meaningful gifts to your loved ones. Sometimes, it can be difficult to support organizations and businesses you care about while also making your way through your shopping list. This year, consider tackling both to-do items at once by shopping at veteran-owned businesses.
Everyone’s wish list looks different, and that’s OK! There are countless veteran-owned businesses selling everything from food and drinks to jewelry and handbags. Plus, many of these same retailers donate a portion of their sales to organizations that provide support for veterans in need and their families. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of veteran-owned businesses to shop from where you can trust your purchase supports veteran entrepreneurs while also often funding programs and causes you value.
Clothes and gear
Oscar Mike
Founded by injured veterans for injured veterans, Oscar Mike’s mission is to make life easier for veterans with disabilities. In addition to offering veteran clinics and adaptive camping, fly-fishing, and hiking expeditions, Oscar Mike has an online store with patriotic t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and sweatpants for anyone on your shopping list.
Boldfoot
Looking for unique stocking stuffer ideas? Check out Boldfoot socks! All of the socks are 100% U.S. produced, made with all-American materials and labor. Boldfoot is a veteran- and family-owned business that donates 5% of its profits to veterans in need.
Combat Flip Flops
In addition to flip flops, Combat Flip Flops’ catalog includes tennis shoes, t-shirts, hoodies, patches, and more. The company, founded by combat veteran Matthew Griffin, supports One More Wave, a non-profit organization that empowers wounded and disabled veterans to heal through surf therapy.
Bags and jewelry
R. Riveter
Named after famous World War II icon Rosie the Riveter, R. Riveter sells handmade bags crafted by military spouses across the country. They offer leather, nylon, and canvas bags in a variety of different colors and sizes. Not only does the company provide jobs for military families, it also supports veteran and military organizations such as the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and United Service Organizations (USO).
Brass & Unity
After serving on the front lines in Afghanistan, Brass & Unity founder Kelsi Sheren started her jewelry business with the goal of helping her fellow soldiers through PTSD and trauma. 20% of the net profits from B&U go toward helping rehabilitate soldiers and first responders.
Food and drink
Give Hanx
Give Hanx’s ethically-sourced, sustainably-made coffee is a great gift option for the caffeine lover in your life. The company, started by Forrest Gump star Tom Hanks, isn’t veteran-owned, but 100% of its profits is donated to organizations that provide veterans and their families with vital support and resources.
KC Cattle Co.
KC Cattle Co. offers a variety of high-quality chicken, steak, seafood, wagyu beef, and sausage. Consider ordering KC Cattle Co. meat for Christmas dinner, or surprise your favorite meat eater with a butcher box subscription. Part of the proceeds go to different organizations that help veterans. Most recently, they’ve supported Benilde Hall’s Safe Haven for Veterans, a program that provides aid for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Old Line Spirits
Founded by two ex-Navy aviators, Old Line Spirits offers artisanal whiskey, rum, and vodka. They support different veteran causes, including K9s for Warriors, an organization committed to ending veteran suicide by training shelter dogs to become service dogs for veterans with PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma.
Skin and haircare
Hero Soap Company
Made in the U.S. from American materials, Hero Soap Company sells soaps, conditioners, and shampoos with scents like cedarwood, tea tree, and lavender. A portion of the company’s sales are donated to different veteran-supporting organizations such as Operation Finally Home and the 14th Hour Foundation.
Battle Brothers Shaving Co.
Founded by Army veteran Andrew Weiss, the idea for Battle Brothers Shaving Co. began while on deployment in Iraq. A percentage of the proceeds from the company’s sales of beard oils, shaving creams, and razors goes to their partners at USO.
Bravo Sierra
For the athlete on your gift list, Bravo Sierra offers deodorants and soaps made with clean, skin-safe ingredients. 5% of all of their sales go to programs that support military families and veterans, and 30% of their current employees are veterans.
For your babies and furbabies
Boss Nation Brands
Don’t forget about your furry friends this holiday season! Boss Nation makes high-quality food and treats for cats and dogs that aid digestion. Some of their proceeds support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the National Police Dog Foundation, and the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, among others.
Busy Baby
Busy Baby offers nontoxic silicone baby toys for your family’s little ones. Founded by veteran siblings who got their start on Shark Tank, Busy Baby also donates proceeds to causes they care about, such as Operation Shower, which hosts baby showers for military families.
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For the person on your list who is hard to shop for
Teak & Twine
Both a woman-owned and a veteran-owned business, Teak & Twine offers a variety of gift boxes for that family member or friend who you never know what to buy for. Their gift boxes are filled with goodies like candles, chocolates, cookies, hot cocoa, and more.
Spouse-ly
Spouse-ly is an online marketplace with handmade goods made entirely by veterans and military spouses. It really is a one-stop shop, with everything from arts and crafts to kitchen necessities, coffees, and teas.
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Woods and Woods, LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with Oscar Mike, Boldfoot, Combat Flip Flops, Give Hanx, KC Cattle Co., Old Line Spirits, R. Riveter, Brass & Unity, Hero Soap Company, Battle Brothers Shaving Co., Bravo Sierra, Boss Nation Brands, Busy Baby, Teak & Twine, or Spouse-ly.
