Veterans Day Gifts to Honor Those Who Served

Veterans Day is observed every year on the eleventh of November. It began as Armistice Day, marking the moment the fighting of the First World War stopped – at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – and today it honors everyone who has served in the United States armed forces. (Memorial Day, in May, remembers those who died in service; Veterans Day thanks the living, too.)

Most veterans will tell you they don't want a fuss. But a well-made, lasting gift – a frame for a service photograph, a decanter for a quiet toast, an eagle for the desk – is a respectful way to say thank you to a father, grandfather, spouse or friend who served. Here are the pieces we would choose.

A Frame for a Service Photograph

Many families have a photograph from basic training, a ship or a deployment tucked away in a drawer. A good frame brings it out where it belongs. Read more in our guide to silver picture frames.

Christofle America Stainless Steel Picture Frame, 5 x 7 in

Christofle describes America as resolutely pure and graphic – sober and sophisticated. You can personalize the frame by adding a self-adhesive silver-plated plaque (2 x 1 in) to the back, engraved with a name and date of service. A 4 x 6 in size is also available.

Cunill Lincoln 4x6 Sterling Silver Picture Frame

.925 sterling silver with a hallmark stamp, made by hand using stainless steel tooling for crisp patterns, with a solid wood back. A dignified frame for a portrait in uniform.

Cunill Nautical Silverplated 5x7 Picture Frame

A handcrafted European silver-plated frame with a nautical design, a classic wood back and Cunill's signature gift box – a natural choice for a Navy or Coast Guard veteran.

A Decanter for the Toast

On Veterans Day, many families raise a glass to the people who served. A ship's decanter has a wide, low base that was designed to stay put at sea – and it makes a handsome gift for anyone who served aboard. For more help choosing, see our guide on how to choose a whiskey decanter.

William Yeoward Iona Ships Decanter

Iona has many of the elements of classic Georgian crystal, with elegant "thumb" cuts circling the bowl – one of the most popular designs in the William Yeoward collection. It holds 1000 ml.

William Yeoward Classic Ships Decanter

A classical ship's decanter in handmade glass, 12 in tall and holding 1000 ml – William Yeoward suggests it for port, sherry or your best wines.

William Yeoward Lillian Square Decanter – Bourbon

Handmade crystal glass, 9¾ in tall and holding 1 liter, named for the spirit inside. The Lillian square decanters also come labeled for other spirits.

Christofle Iriana Crystal Whiskey Decanter

A crystal whiskey decanter with a stopper from the Paris silversmith Christofle.

Cunill Sterling Silver Decanter Label, Engraved to Order

A sterling silver label on a chain that drapes over the neck of a decanter or bottle. Have it engraved with a name, a monogram or a unit – a personal touch for any of the decanters above. A pewter version is also available.

Glasses to Go With It

William Yeoward Georgie Whisky Tumbler

Panel cutting around the body and a starburst cut into the base, whose optical effect reflects over and over again. William Yeoward says your favorite Scotch or bourbon would be very happy in it.

William Yeoward Skye Gift Set of 4 Whisky Tumblers

Four tumblers, each with a different cutting, in a handsome William Yeoward gift box. Each is 4 in tall and holds 12 oz.

An Eagle for the Desk

The bald eagle is the national bird and emblem of the United States, and a symbol many veterans hold dear. See more Herend bird figurines and Jay Strongwater figurines.

A Few Thoughtful Touches

Say thank you in writing. A card that names the branch and the years of service – and says thank you – is often treasured more than the gift.
Ask about the photograph. Framing a service photo is a wonderful excuse to hear the story behind it.
Keep it personal, not flashy. Engraving a name or a unit on a frame plaque or decanter label makes a simple gift deeply personal.
Remember the families. Spouses and children of service members served too, in their way.

For retirements and milestone birthdays of veterans, see our retirement gift ideas and gifts for the man who has everything.