In Honor of the Brave: The Most Meaningful Memorial Day Gifts

We don't often think of Memorial Day as a holiday for gifting — that's reserved for the likes of Christmas and birthdays. But sometimes, giving a grieving person a thoughtful gift can provide them with the warmth and comfort they might desperately need, especially on a "holiday" in which they are steadfast on honoring and remembering a soldier they lost. Check out these meaningful gifts, perfect for Memorial Day.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

$25 from Til Valhalla Project

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The Til Valhalla Project exists to honor and preserve the legacies of soldiers who have passed away by using money made from selling bracelets and apparel to create and surprise-deliver memorial plaques to families of the fallen. The company was founded by a Marine veteran, Korey Shaffer, who struggled to feel like he had a purpose after his time in the service. Not only will gifting your loved one one of these bracelets give them something they can wear to honor their fallen soldier, but it will support an incredible company with an overarching cause that makes it all the more meaningful. 

$49 and up from Etsy

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When it comes to meaningful Memorial Day gifts, personalization is practically a must. These memorial stones feature a patriotic design alongside a heartfelt poem, ideal for commemorating a fallen soldier. 

$18 from Amazon

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For children, losing a parent, older sibling, or loved one who fought for our country is riddled with complex feelings that feel impossible to grapple with. I wrote a book (under my maiden name) after my brother lost his life in Afghanistan. Dedicated to him and his son, my nephew, "My Daddy is My Hero" dives into the relationship between a young child and his father, a soldier. Ultimately, it serves as a sense of comfort to kids who have lost their parents or loved ones, making it the ideal children's gift for Memorial Day.

$140 from Etsy

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Being handed a folded-up flag, albeit devastating, is a profound way to honor a fallen soldier, and it's a tradition that should be preserved and respected. There is no better way to encase a flag than with a beautiful, personalized display case. This one is also on sale ahead of Memorial Day.

$10 on Amazon

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If you're looking for a book to offer some comfort to an adult, "The Knock at the Door" was written by three Gold Star Family members who share their experiences with grief to support readers who have also lost soldiers.

$18 from Etsy

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The holidays can be incredibly difficult when you've lost a loved one, and at Christmastime, these ornaments will help keep the memory of the fallen alive. To make them especially meaningful, make sure you take advantage of the personalization option.

$48 from Amazon

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These memorial lanterns are a lovely way to honor and remember a lost loved one, and they make a great gift for Memorial Day, especially if you are after a gift that brings warm comfort.

$25 on Etsy

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This personalized wind chime features a beautiful laser-cut image of a soldier kneeling at a fallen hero's grave. You can add the name of the soldier to the bottom of the wind chime and through Memorial Day, this heartwarming gift is half-price.

$30 from Amazon

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Give your loved one the gift of carrying their fallen soldier around their neck, wherever they go. You can add a photo of them to this dog tag necklace alone with custom engraving.