This would be fine if by “celebrating” I meant spending time with family and friends, but I don’t. These days seem to be spent more on shopping, gathering, wishing for things and running around. Instead of a traditional gift guide (just a list of things), I’ve put together a list of true GIFTS that I think the military person in your life will really enjoy.

Dinner and a Movie

This may sound more like a date than a gift but that’s the whole point. If you’re lucky enough to have your service member home, why not take a night together? Make it a no-phones night and either order dinner in and pick a movie to watch at home, or go to a favorite restaurant and see a show on the big screen. Doing something together that you both love will be better than a physical gift.

Handmade Gifts

When I think of handmade gifts I usually envision hot cocoa mix in a jar or lavender body scrub. These items may work for many family members but the soldier or veteran in your life may have different needs or wants. I’m not going to say that the division is merely gender but that does play a role. I just can’t picture giving my Dad (a Veteran amongst other things) a jar of body scrub. Instead I found a couple of handmade things that he would like.

• Paracord Lanyard – A funky and useful way to carry your keys and an easy way to have 10′ of cord available anytime you might need it.
• Car Kit – Personalize it with the items inside. It could be first aid, automotive, or any other theme.
• Remote Control Caddy – With little sewing knowledge you could make a simple storage solution for the remotes.
• Firewood Tote – Another simple sewing project that is extremely useful in a wood burning household.
• Home Roasted Coffee Beans – Yum! Create your own signature roasts right in your oven!

Family Time

Here’s another idea for families lucky enough to be together for the holidays. Set aside a block of time, even a whole day, to spend with your family. It could be a wholesome day of skating, games, cooking a family meal together and giggling over a home baked pie. A shorter option could be a trip to the museum where everyone is in the moment and just enjoying each other.

Write it Down

Be it a letter, card or poem, a hand written message can be a great gift. Tell your loved one what they mean to you in any way that suits your relationship. It can be serious or silly, long or short. Try it on fancy paper, a nice card or written in iambic pentameter!

Road Trip

A fun road trip doesn’t have to be expensive or long. If you’re planning it for an outdoorsy person, find a hike that you’ve never done before. Make getting there part of the fun by stopping for an ice cream or at a garage sale along the way. If you’re more into culture, explore a nearby city and grab a latte in that cute corner shop. Keep it spontaneous and let things catch your eye. The idea is to be in the moment and enjoying things together.

Decorate the Tree

At least in my house, even decorating the Christmas tree has become a task that gets done in between other things and often finished up by just one person. It’s time to take it down a notch. Plan an evening or weekend day for it and make it an event. Break out the eggnog or put a roast in the oven and plan to spend the day decorating together. It will get everyone in the holiday spirit. If you’re looking for a great way to add your family to the decorations themselves, check out these printed porcelain ornaments. Each year I have them printed with photos from our year. There are several years of births, new homes, new pets, weddings and lost loved ones on my tree and it’s always so sweet to hang each memory.

Goodies On-The-Go

For the guy (or girl) always on-the-go, a portable gift of homemade goodies is sure to be a big hit! When you spend a lot of time traveling or away from home, nothing beats home cooking. Check out this list for cookies, candies and snacks that you can make ahead of time and send with your soldier for a taste of home wherever they roam.

Thoughtful Purchases

When you’ve covered all of the other bases and you’re still looking for something to put under the tree (or in a care package) check out these ideas. They require a touch more thought than picking out a tie at the nearest big-box store but the results will be worth it.