11 Veteran-Owned Gift Ideas for This Year’s Holiday Gift-Swap
It’s Veteran’s Day, and in honor of all those who have served we rounded up some great gifts from veteran and military spouse-owned businesses for your next White Elephant, Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa git exchange.
Note: All ideas were sourced from the wonderful Bunker Labs 2022 Holiday Gift Guide, which you should check out for even more great businesses and gift ideas. Bunker Labs is an organization that provides support & resources to versants and military spouses to start their own businesses.
Note: all prices are as-of publish date, and may change
#1. Everyday Candles
Offering everything from handmade soaps, to body lotions to facial care and candles, Branche Basu Boutique has everything you need to feel refreshed and relaxed. Candles are a classic White Elephant staple (who doesn’t love a good candle at the holidays?) and their scents of Ginger & Spice, White Sage & Lavendar and sure to not disappoint.
Everyday Candles
$15.00
#2. Fresh Chai Tea
We’re big fans of Chai at White Elephant Online. Not only is it delicious, but it’s so warming and homey to sip a cup in the winter season. Try the Chai Five Organics loose-leaf tea to step up your group’s tea game this year.
Original Chai Loose-Leaf Tea Blend
$25.95
#3. Tasty Vino
How about a different type of beverage? Chai in the morning, wine at night! Based in Texas, Cheramie Wine is looking to put Texas wine on the map. Wine is another Yankee Swap go-to, and you can’t go wrong with Rose. Is it summer? Then sip Rose by the pool. Is it winter? Then sip Rose by the fire (and imagine you’re by a pool).
2020 Montepulciano Rosé
$27.00
#4. Do Hard Things T-Shirt
We love the message of this clothing: don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and, well, do hard things! Like for example, stealing the gift you really want from your boss at your office holiday party. What’s the worst that could happen?
Do Hard Things Stacked Unisex Tee
$27.00
#5. Sailor Jerry Ironsides BBQ Sauce
“Grill Your Ass Off” is not only a mantra, it’s a spice, sauce & grilling gear company based out of Texas. This BBQ sauce is the perfect way to dip your toes into those Texas BBQ flavors (plus, a portion of profits goes to charity!)
Sailor Jerry Ironsides BBQ Sauce
$12.99
#6. Handwash HQ
Sometimes hand sanitizer just won’t cut it. You’re out in the yard getting dirty, out on a hike with the family, or at the playground with those kids you just know are going to get dirty. Handwash HQ offers everything you need to get clean!
Handwash HQ
$24.99
#7. Custom “Letter” KeyChain
UNIQUE PL8Z offers a ton of fun items - all made from old license plates. From decorations, to birdhouses to trays & cups, the items are all super creative. What’s even better is that when you play with White Elephant Online, you can submit something like the keychain below as the gift, and then once you know who won it, you can send them a customized version based on their first name (or for other gift types, based on the state they live in).
Letter Key Chain
$10.00
#8. Temple Massager
We could all use a little relaxation and self-care these days, couldn’t we? So who’s not going to love opening up a Temple Massager at your next Christmas party Yankee Swap? This one even comes with some lavender aromatherapy!
Temple Massager w/ lavender aromatherapy
$39.95
#9. Pie (Apple, or Pumpkin, or Cherry, or…)
Nothing says the holidays like some homemade pie. But what if you’re not the best baker? Well thankfully, Maggie’s Cupcake Cafe has you covered. Choose from any of a number of flavors and get them shipped to you. And since on White Elephant Online you don’t have to purchase the gift until after the gift-exchange is over, the winner of your gift can choose the flavor they love the most!
Pie
$26.00
#10. Cold Brew Coffee Beans
We don’t know about you, but we love Cold Brew. Sure it sounds like a fake thing Starbucks made up to charge you more for iced coffee, but believe us: it’s delicious. Now - you can make your own! Most coffee purveyors don’t actually sell beans specifically designed for Cold Brew, so when we found these from Badass Coffee Causes, we couldn’t resist. And we’re sure the coffee-lovers in your next gift-swap won’t resist either.
Cold Brew Coffee Beans
$18.99
#11. “MegBomb” Bath Bomb
The holidays are fast approaching and winter is coming, and you know what. that means: time for some nice hot baths. This bath bomb from MegRelief will relax your body and fill your bathroom with wonderful scents. What else can you ask for at the holidays?
MegBomb (10 oz)
$15.97