Staying Fit
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Here is a selection from AARP Veteran Report of meaningful gifts for your favorite veteran.
A keepsake to pass to the next generation
My Life in a Book, $79 for one year of prompts plus the book
This is a program that sends questions to your relatives, asking them about important moments in their lives. They’ll respond to questions such as “What’s a big challenge you’ve overcome?” or “How did you spend time in nature as a child?” Numerous veteran families have enjoyed this present.
Mary Boles gave one to her uncle, a Vietnam veteran. “Wow. I totally didn’t expect his reaction. When he got the access details, he immediately called me and was thrilled about the opportunity,” Boles said. “He wasn’t sure how to get started with his own memoir. He immediately got to work.”
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A branch, conflict or rank-specific mug
Unit and Insignia Mugs, $26.69+
Skip the Mom- or Dad-of-the-Year mug this holiday season and opt for a more personalized gift that honors your loved one’s military branch or conflict zone. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Vietnam service, 18th Military Police Brigade and other specific emblems are among the various customizable choices. It might well prompt a conversation about his or her service over coffee.
The Veteran’s Creed
Wall art, $55.95
This poignant framed wall canvas states some core beliefs that many veterans share and is a gift that honors the spirit of service in uniform.
Pill stickers for your most practical gift recipient
Tooktake Stickers, $14.97 for multipack
Some people enjoy practical gifts. Anybody on a daily medicine regimen has experienced that feeling of, “Did I already take my pills? I can’t really remember.” These reminder labels, which are peeled off each time a pill is taken, are something the recipient will use daily. The company is hoping to collaborate with VA hospitals.