Putting Together The Memorial Day 2023 Gift Guide
In the hierarchy of gift-giving holidays, Memorial Day falls far behind fan favorites like Christmas, birthdays, and even Valentine’s Day. that’s likely because not everyone gives and receives gifts on it. In fact, given its history and reason for existing, you might forget to share gifts with your family or friends with military experience.
However, since it earned its place as a federal holiday in 1971, Memorial Day has become the unofficial start of the summer. That, along with the fact that few other occasions directly give back to the troops makes it a holiday worth welcoming with open arms.
The problem is that it can be tough to figure out what to gift your veteran loved ones. Should you stick with something simple, albeit boring, like a card, or should you bake them a cake (that you totally didn’t buy from a bakery on the way to their house)? In my opinion, you should avoid both and instead pick an item from my Memorial Day 2023 gift guide.
I’ve chosen the brands you’ll read about for a few reasons. First of all, their gifts are perfect for summer. Normally, we don’t receive gifts right before the year’s best season, but there are a ton of great shopping selections that crave to be flaunted during the summer. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for brands to have some of their best sales around this time of year.
So, rather than keep you waiting any longer, let’s jump right into my list.
The 11 Best Memorial Day 2023 Gifts
I’ve put together a diverse list of the 11 best memorial day gifts for 2023 by looking at what people are shopping for these days. Keep reading to learn about shoes, nootropic drinks, bean bag chairs, cooking utensils, and more.
#1 KitchenAid Pro 600 6-qt Bowl Lift Stand Mixer with Flex Edge
The KitchenAid Pro 600 Stand Mixer can make your life a whole lot easier if you’re a baker. As much as home bakers may enjoy the therapeutic practice of kneading dough, deep down they’ll all want a stand mixer so that their life is a tad easier.
This mixer from KitchenAid is more than worthy of a spot in your kitchen. It has a huge 6-qt capacity bowl, meaning it’s ideal for holiday recipes intended to serve the entire family. It also has 10 different speeds which provides plenty of versatility with regard to which items you prepare. It can do everything from delicately whipping egg whites to viciously kneading sticky cookie dough.
The best part is that the KitchenAid Pro 600 6-qt Bowl Lift Stand Mixer with Flex Edge is currently on sale. You can pick it up for $400 rather than its regular $600 asking price.
Customers say: “I believe I’ve used this everyday since the week before Christmas. Cookies, breads and rolls, and of course the creamiest and smoothest mashed potatoes ever. It has made my baking and cooking so much easier for me.”
Highlights
- Bowl is dishwasher safe
- 575W motor
- Built in the USA
- Comes with a proprietary pouring shield
#2 PowerXL 10qt 8-in-1 1700W Dual Basket Air Fryer w/ Smart Sync Technology
My next pick for the best Memorial Day gift for 2023 is an air fryer because any holiday is a good excuse to gift someone an air fryer. Personally, mine has helped me stick to a healthier diet without feeling like I’m making sacrifices because the air fryer cooks most food well, and it’s easy to check if your food is too burnt or not cooked enough.
I should add that I don’t even have the PowerXL 10qt 8-in-1 1700W Dual Basket Air Fryer w/ Smart Sync Technology, which puts most air fryers to shame. It has an LED touchscreen that allows you to easily control the temperature and cooking time. It also boasts a shake alarm that tells you when you should give the fryer a shake to ensure even cooking.
Finally, it has a massive 10-qt capacity split into two baskets. That’s large enough to roast an entire chicken, or a steak, or cook enough veggies for the entire family. If you’re shopping for the man (or woman) of the house, then they’ll enjoy the hassle-free cooking experience the PowerXL 10qt 8-in-1 1700W Dual Basket Air Fryer w/ Smart Sync Technology provides.
Customers say: “I’ve made chicken, salmon and veggies in it so far, and everything has come out great. It is much quieter than I expected. Previously I had a Gourmia bucket type air fryer and that thing was really loud, which was one of the reasons I got rid of it. It is a definite learning curve with the dual baskets vs. single basket, but I’m figuring it out.”
Highlights
- Compact air fryer that can fry, bake, toast, grill, and more
- Comes with crisper tray, baking pan, and other equipment
- Free shipping throughout the contiguous US
- 90-day return policy
- 1-year warranty VIP protection plan
- Optional recipe book for $10 extra
- Free 9.5” stainless steel non-stick pan with online orders
#3 Nom Nom
When’s the perfect time to stock up on pet food? It’s all the time, especially if you’re looking to upgrade to an all-natural, sustainably-sourced pet food without preservatives like Nom Nom. Considering that the brand delivers them straight to your door, there’s no better time to stock up than Memorial Day.
All the veggies, meats, and other ingredients in Nom Nom’s pet foods are individually cooked and then mixed together, preserving their nutritional content and flavor. The brand develops all their recipes for each customer’s needs, so you can rest assured that your furry friend is getting the best possible food.
Plus, Nom Nom is offering a 50% discount on your first order if you complete a quick survey on their website.
Customers say: “We love everything about Nom Nom! The ease of delivery, the customer service, the wholesomeness of the product, even down to the low waste packaging. And of course: Harry loves the taste! I feel like this was the best decision I could make for the overall health of my best buddy.”
Highlights
- Healthy, nutritious pet food for dogs and cats
- Meals are prepared fresh only days before delivery
- All ingredients are sustainably sourced in the USA
- Meals are pre-portioned, so no measuring or mess
- Commitment to zero waste in its facilities
- Savings for low-frequency and multi-pet households
- Shelter partnerships allow customers to adopt pets to receive discounts
- Free shipping for customers in the contiguous US
- Highly positive customer reviews
#4 MUD/WTR
MUD/WTR is a 100% organic alternative to coffee. It can still give you an energy boost in the morning, but rather than using coffee, it contains ingredients like cacao, masala chai, and (most importantly) adaptogen mushrooms to give you sustainable energy without a crash. It also has a similar, deep taste to coffee without the jitters or skitters.
It’s the ideal gift for anyone whose Memorial Day resolution is to kick their coffee reliance because, unlike other alternatives like tea or energy drinks, MUD/WTR is still satisfying to drink.
MUD/WTR are also offering a discount on all their starter packs. You can purchase a cacao, matcha, turmeric, or rooibos starter pack for only $40 (normally, they cost $60 each).
Customers say: “I’ve never once felt jittery on MudWtr and I still feel that good energy kick. It has a real positive impact on my day to day. Coffee really exacerbates my anxiety and MudWtr has never tapped my anxiety. I drink it every day.”
Highlights
- Coffee-alternative that is made with natural and organic ingredients
- Sweet and creamy additives made of good-for-you ingredients
- Provides a natural boost in energy and focus
- No jitters or energy crashes, unlike coffee
- Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, Whole30, and Kosher
- Biodegradable and recyclable packaging
- Free US shipping
- 30-day return policy
#5 Cariuma
It’s almost a right of passage for people to start the summer with a new pair of shoes. Since Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of the summer, why not gift someone the ultimate pair of warm-weather shoes from Cariuma? Stylistically, their pure white exterior and low profile are perfect for the sun dresses and jean shorts that crop up everywhere when it gets hot outside.
Additionally, Cariuma are among the best shoe companies from an ethical perspective. They plant a tree in the Brazilian rainforest for every shoe sold. All their packaging is made from recycled materials and they’re a certified carbon-neutral company.
Price-wise, you’re looking at anywhere from $79 – $139, which is as much as you’d pay for a sneaker with much worse ethics. So, there’s little reason not to hit the town with Cariumas on your feet.
Customers say: “This is a strong, sturdy, comfortable shoe that I loved customizing with one of your other laces. Many Excellent environmentally conscious efforts here and I think the tree plantings are great.”
Highlights
- Great range of stylish sneakers for women and men
- No break-in period (seriously)
- Ethically-made
- Sustainable materials
- Transparent about practices
- Certified B Corporation
- Low-cost and practical for most day-to-day activities
- Elegant and minimal design
- Two trees planted for every pair bought
#6 Ka’chava
Imagine if there was one nutritionally perfect food that supplied you with 25 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per 240 calorie serving, contained more than 80 superfoods like spinach, cholera, and blueberries, and came in five delicious flavors like matcha, chocolate, chai, and coconut acai? Well, it’d make the perfect Memorial Day gift for the active individual who likes to move and fuel their body with the right stuff.
Thankfully, such a food does exist, and it’s the Ka’chava drink mix. It can boost your athletic performance, digestion, cognitive awareness, and overall mood with its adaptogen blend, high-fiber content, and complete plant-based protein profile. Each bag costs $70 and comes with 15 servings.
Customers say: “Love these. I need to drop some weight and these are helping immensely. Keeps hunger at bay besides giving you everything healthy you need. Highly recommend!”
Highlights
- Vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free
- Natural ingredients
- Provides a complete source of nutrition
- Transparent brand
- Money-back guarantee
#7 Solgaard
Solgaard are one of the brightest brands in the luggage market with their sustainably-made products, secure protection measures, and modern designs. In short, they’re everything you could want from luggage in 2023.
Now, most people don’t buy luggage until it’s too late, which is why you should get on the ball and gift one of Solgaard’s products to a loved one. Their two main items, the Carry-On Closet and the Lifepack Endeavor, cost $295 and $245 respectively. Each one flaunts a ton of space for all your items and intelligent organization. Simply put, Solgaard make the gifts you didn’t know you wanted.
Customers say: “My husband and I both used just our Carry-On Closets and back packs for almost 2 weeks in Italy. You can pack so much more than a regular carry on, plus it helps you stay way more organized than packing cubes. And the best part is you don’t have to unpack. You just pull the shelving unit out and hang it up. Done. We bought these for our daughters for Christmas, we loved them so much.”
Highlights
- Made from sustainable materials such as recycled plastic and recycled aluminum
- Anti-theft features such as a combination lock and RFID-blocking pockets
- Sleek and modern design that looks stylish and sophisticated.
- Can be used as a carry-on, checked luggage, or backpack, depending on your travel needs.
#8 Moon Pod
What does everyone want more than anything else? They want to relax, and if you know your target audience, then the Moon Pod could be the best gift someone ever received on Memorial Day. It’s not just a beanbag chair. It’s the future of comfort.
Each Moon Pod is filled with high-density beads that can make you feel like you’re floating. Its external shell responds to how you move so it’s always supporting you. Plus, it only weighs 12 pounds and measures four feet, so any excuses about not having enough room to store one will not be accepted.
You can pick up a Moon Pod for $399, though if you act fast, then you can purchase one for 25% off.
Customers say: “We have a 10 year old handicapped daughter. Finding equipment for her to lounge in safely is difficult and can be crazy expensive. I took a chance and ordered this and the crescent for Christmas. It’s perfect for keeping her comfy and forms around her body. I’ve told everyone I know to give y’all a try. Definitely great for the special needs community.”
Highlights
- Provides excellent support and comfort for the back and neck
- Unique Lunar Lift technology helps distribute weight evenly and prevent sinking
- Crescent shape helps maintain structure and provide additional support
- Spandex blend cover is soft, durable, and easy to clean
- Available in a variety of colors
- Optional Sleeve and Outdoor covers provide additional protection and convenience
#9 Castlery
Castelry is for folks who are fed up with modern furniture’s looks, prices, and shady practices. They operate on a direct-to-consumer agenda, which keeps their prices lower than other furniture companies. Their furniture recalls timeless pieces, moving away from century sofas and couches but also absconding minimalist design trends that reek havoc on modern furniture.
That being said, Castlery’s style is all their own. Their catalog is filled with exciting pieces that you actually want to lay in or sit on. Plus, they’re offering a $550 sitewide sale just for Memorial Day, as if you didn’t need a better reason to pick up their stuff for the holiday.
Customers say: “The service and products from Castlery were fantastic. Everything went well- communication regarding our delivery was on-time and informative.“
Highlights
- Incredibly wide range of home furnishing
- Reasonable price points
- Payment plans available
- Selection of styles
- Free fabric swatches
#10 Caraway Home
It’s crazy to think how many cooking products are made with toxic chemicals. I mean, we eat from them every day, yet nobody bats an eye. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Caraway Home, whose cookware is made with natural ceramics. Their pots and pans are made for the modern home, so they come with easy storage options.
Additionally, Caraway Home’s products look fantastic. Their colors and shape make you want to break out the tomatoes and cook a big pot of pasta for Memorial Day weekend. Cookware is often the best gift for holidays such as this because they’re always appreciated. Everyone could probably use a better pot or pan, so why not give it to them on Memorial Day?
Customers say: “The best looking set of pots and pans I have ever seen. They are easy to clean, heat up quickly, and come with great storage options. I have recommended this to several people!”
Highlights
- Shipped in recycled cardboard and biodegradable cork trivets, no styrofoam
- Cookware is made of ceramic, which is friendlier to the earth as it releases less CO₂ during its production than other non-stick materials
- Free of harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, and PFAS
- Brand partners with ethical manufacturers
- Easy-clean non-stick surface allows food to slide off easily
- Lower prices than other high-quality designer pans
#11 Bombas
Bombas are a great option for Memorial Day gifts because it’s not often that we buy ourselves socks. When was the last time you bought yourself a pack of socks that you were genuinely happy about? That’s exactly why you’d want to turn to Bombas because they’re experts in the sock realm.
Their socks feature sweat-wicking capabilities, honeycomb technology to provide support and compression, come in multiple materials depending on your style (i.e. athletic, every day, winter), and are available in no-show, mid-raise, ankle, and knee half variations. Their socks cost anywhere from $13 to $20 per pair.
Another reason Bombas make for a great gift is that they donate a pair of socks for every pair sold. This cycle of giving and receiving is the core of Memorial Day as we thank those who’ve made so many sacrifices for us.
Highlights
- Great range of athletic & everyday socks
- Made from soft long-staple yarns
- Donates a pair for every pair purchased
- Sock finder quiz
- Certified B Corporation
- 100% happiness guarantee
- Free shipping over $50
Final Thoughts
In closing, there’s no formal definition as to what constitutes the best memorial day gift so long as it’s an item that the giftee will appreciate. You don’t have to give it a ton of thought to the point that you suffer a migraine, but considering who you’re gifting to and what they value in life will help you repay them for their service on this Memorial Day.
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