Shopping with a purpose. This is how you can shape businesses and the economy. It may seem small, but putting your money where you think it is important does make a difference. When it comes to small businesses, it supports real people and families. It provides the continued ability to support their family. Supporting these veteran and military family-affiliated businesses do exactly that – support the military and veteran community. For some, this is a relaxing hobby, and for others, it is a way to share their talents with the world. When searching for a gift this holiday season for family, friends, or maybe even yourself, check out these businesses.

Heritage Candles LLC: Military spouse-owned business sharing her unique hand-poured, dye-free soy candles. If you are a fan of Disney, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Outlander, and pretty much any fandom you can imagine, she probably has made a scented candle for it. She even offers monthly subscription boxes for a fun surprise every month from your favorite fandom!

Milso Box: Monthly subscription box with varied themes. Each box showcases other military and veteran small businesses, so one purchase supports multiple businesses, all while taking a moment to treat yourself. Past themes have included Tailgate Box, Oktoberfest, and Summer Fair. Themes change monthly. Military spouse-owned. Purchasing a subscription means giving the gift of self-care a moment of enjoyment each month!

Daddy Dolls: When family members are apart for a long period of time, it is nice to have a huggable doll with their image on it. The one or two-sided dolls can be personalized with a voice message in addition to the image of their loved one. It doesn’t have to just be of Daddy, you can make a doll of any family member by uploading the photos and selecting the doll size and pattern desired.

Jane and Cope: If you are looking for lightweight earrings that add a lot of pop of color and style, then look no further than Jane and Cope. The military spouse-owned business continues to stun with varied designs of leather statement earrings.

Grunt Style: The veteran-owned clothing company with a military twist. The shirts use clever imagery and slogans that other military and veteran members will appreciate. The company also employs veterans so every purchase supports multiple veterans! Their tag line of “you don’t have to be a veteran to wear Grunt Style, but you do have to love Freedom, Bacon, and Whiskey.”

Troopster: Navy veteran Chelsea created Troopster so that not one service member is forgotten. The care packages come in varied themes, appealing to the various tastes of the troops. Boxes can be chosen and sent to a specific person or sent to anyone who may not receive mail.

Alpha Coffee: Veteran-owned and operated business providing premium coffee, creamer, and cocoa. With names like Smooth Operator, Double Barrel Black, and Task Force Victory, there isn’t much not to like. The coffee is delicious and a great way to energize.

Bottle Breacher: The USA-made, hand-crafted .50 caliber bottle openers were created by a Navy Seal. Now, the company employs veterans in addition to selling this product as a nod to military life.

Countertop Chemistry: The veteran-owned business is in the business of educating through fun. The monthly STEM boxes provide science lessons for children ages 4-12 in fun and engaging ways.  With 6-8 science experiments in each box allows for engaging time together without having to plan or shop for items for lessons.

Team Box Ops: The military spouse-owned company makes and sells moving box labels. If anyone knows moving efficiency, it’s a military spouse who has moved more often than they can count.

Smoked Bros: The veteran-owned and operated spice manufacturing company prides itself on making premium spice mixes with ethically sourced, quality ingredients. With the added bonus that every purchase supports the military, first responders, and underserved communities, a perfectly spiced entree never tasted so good.

Spouse-ly: The one-stop-shop website for veteran, military-affiliated, and fire responder-affiliated shops. From home goods to clothing to food to jewelry, Spouse-ly has it all. It is truly the ultimate shopping space where you can search multiple categories looking for anything you could possibly want to gift. A couple of the companies listed here are also found on Spouse-ly.

Small businesses are the business of doing what they love. For military and veteran families, these small businesses are often family affairs; each purchase supports and shows appreciation to the entire family. It provides a job to a military spouse, who, with frequent moves and lack of childcare, may not be able to continue a traditional job. A purchase supports a real person – you can see their picture on the website or social media sharing. They are in and of the community and share their talents with all. What will you purchase this holiday season? This year?

Every year our nation pays tribute to its Veterans and makes a special thank you to our Vets in a variety of ways. This year is no different. Veterans Day will be celebrated on Friday, November 11, 2022. Throughout the week and on Veterans Day many businesses will honor our Veterans by offering special freebies and discounts. We have compiled a list of several business that are participating. Check out our list of those offering freebies and discounts to the military and veterans as a way of saying thank you for your service.

Eateries

54^th Street Grill: Active Duty and veterans get up to $10 off a meal on Veteran’s Day. Dine-in only. They do offer 10% off meals to the military on dine-in and to-go meals daily.

BJs Restaurants: All current active duty and veteran military get a free meal from their select menu on Veteran’s Day. Dine-in only.

Blank Angus Steakhouse: Order in or place a takeaway order, active duty and veterans get an All-American Steak plate with 8 oz Angus Beef, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter with a non-alcoholic beverage for $11.99.

Bob Evans: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal from their special menu on Veteran’s Day, dine-in only, and beverage not included.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary order of 10 boneless wings and fries on Veteran’s Day.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Active duty members and their families receive 20% off food on Veteran’s Day at the restaurant, not valid at theme park locations. Year-round they offer 10% off food and merchandise.

CentraArchy Restaurants — Veterans and active-duty military members can purchase an entrée from the full menu at half price on Veteran’s Day.

Chili’s: Active Duty and Veterans can enjoy a meal on their special menu on Veteran’s Day. Dine-In Only.

Cicis Pizza — Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid for dine-in only, and beverages are not included.

Coco’s Bakery and Restaurant: All veterans and active-duty service members can buy one entree and get one free with proof of service on Veteran’s Day.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans and Active-duty military receive complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake when dining in on November 11^th. November is military family appreciation month, and the restaurant will be offering in-store specials throughout the month.

Denny’s: From 5 am to noon on Veteran’s Day, all active and retired military personnel can get a free build-you-own grand slam breakfast at participating diners.

Friendly’s: A complimentary cheeseburger, fries and soft drink are on offer for lunch or dinner to active-duty and veterans on Veteran’s Day. Dine-In Only.

Golden Corral: Offering free dinner to active-duty military, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and Reserves on Military Appreciation Night, November 14th. In stores.

IHOP: From 7 am to 7 pm on Veteran’s Day, active duty military and veterans can enjoy a free “Red White and Blueberry Pancakes,” The “Red White and Blueberry Pancakes” comes with three pancakes with strawberries, blueberry compote, and whipped topping.

Luna Grill: Veterans and active duty military can get 10% off their purchases on November 11^th for dine-in and to-go orders.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans, Gold Star Parents, and Gold Star Spouses are offered ½ price entrees on Monday, November 7th at their restaurants. It is typically a busy day, so reservations are highly recommended.

Mission BBQ: Veterans and active duty members get a free sandwich on November 11^th.

Outback Steakhouse: The steakhouse chain is offering a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola product on Veteran’s Day to active-duty, veterans and spouses.

Red Robin: Join the Red Robin Royalty program, and active duty and veterans can enjoy a complimentary Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Steak Fries anytime between November 1 and November 14^th  for either dine-in or to-go. Register by November 1st.

Sheetz— On Veteran’s Day, Sheetz will offer veterans and active-duty military personnel a free half turkey or ham sub and a regular size fountain drink. A free car wash is also being provided by Sheetz!

Smashburger — Get a free CLASSIC SMASH when you show a valid military ID in-store on November 11 at participating locations.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee or tall iced-coffee to active duty military, veterans, and military spouses on Veteran’s Day.

Texas Roadhouse: The steakhouse will be handing out dinner vouchers at their stores’ parking lots on Veteran’s Day from 11am to 2 pm. Veterans and active-duty military members can redeem their vouchers when they open for dinner through the voucher’s expiration of May 30, 2023.

TGI Fridays — Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a free lunch on November 11 from 11am to 2pm from a select menu at participating locations. In-restaurant only.

Wawa — Veterans, active-duty military members, and their family members get a free cup of hot coffee on November 11.

Wendy’s — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast combo on November 11 at participating locations from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Entertainment

The Akron Zoo: All veterans receive free admission to the zoo during the Veteran’s Appreciation event and their family members receive 50% off admission.

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on Veteran’s Day Weekend, proof of service required

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa: Active-Duty military, Reservists and National Guard are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents. Veterans can receive up to six discounted tickets. Verification of service is done online through ID.me.

The San Diego Zoo offers free admission to active-duty military year round.

Sea World San Diego: Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents.

Sea World Orlando: Complimentary one-day admission is offered to Active-Duty military, Reservists, and National Guard and up to three dependents.

Mount Vernon: Complimentary admission to Mount Vernon for all active duty, former, or retired military personnel on Veteran’s Day.

Apparel & Retail

Columbia: Columbia employee stores in Oregon, California, and Kentucky are open to active, retired, reserves, veterans, and dependents. Military personnel and their families also receive 20% discount on Veteran’s Dayat all Columbia and outlet stores. They do offer a 10% discount to military year round at their stores and outlet stores.

Great Clips: Free haircut for military personnel on Veteran’s Day or receive a free haircut card to use at a later date.

Office Depot:  25% discount is offered for veterans and active duty military and their dependents for qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases during the designated period.

Staples: Staples will offer 25% off all in-store purchases to active-duty personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans, and their immediate families at all U.S. locations from November 6 through 12 with a valid military ID. Some exclusions apply.

Target: Active Duty, Veterans, and their families can register on Target Circle to get a 10% coupon off an entire cart. There are restrictions, so read the fine print. Coupon can only be used once during the designated dates of October 30 – November 12, but each person with verification can get a coupon.

Chains that offer discounts year-round:

Apple offers 10% off their products year-round to veterans and active duty military using their online verification. Check your local military exchange too, because it may be cheaper to buy on base without tax than with the discount.

AT&T offers military and veteran families a 25% discount off their wireless plan.

Big Lots has announced they will offer a year-round 10% discount for active duty and veterans who are part of their Big Rewards program.

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans can purchase an annual pass for themselves and up to three dependents for 25% off.

Dell offers an additional 10% off personal computers and electronics on their website by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet offer a 15% discount to all military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. They also offer Military Monday with a special discount for active duty, reserve, and veterans plus up to 3 family members for dine-in orders.

Home Depot offers a 10% discount in the store all year long.

Kohl’s has a “Military Mondays” program offering a 15% discount to active duty, veterans and their immediate family on Mondays.

L.L.Bean offers 10% off for active duty, veteran and reservist personnel of the U.S.  Armed Forces. Verification of service is completed on their website.

Lowe’s offers a 10% discount in store. You can link your military service to your Lowe’s card.

LuLulemon offers a 15% discount off in-store purchases to military members and military spouses. This is a change from previous years of 25%.

Michael’s offers a 15% discount to those registered as military in their Michaels account – this includes family members. If you don’t have an account, you can show your ID at the register for the discount.

Microsoft offers up to 10% off select products to active, former and retired military personnel and their families.

Old Navy and Gap offers a 10% discount daily in stores to active, retirees and family members with valid ID.

Outback Steakhouse offers a Heroes discount of 10% off for veterans and active duty off their dining check.

Pottery Barn offers 15% discount to military and veterans and their families for in-store purchases. Check your local store to see if this offer can be utilized for curb side pick-up as well.

Rack Room Shoes offers a 10% military discount every Tuesday when shopping.

T-Mobile offers hefty discounts on their wireless plans to active duty and veteran families.

Verizon also offers a discount on wireless plans which is dependent on plan type and number of lines.

Before you head to enjoy these discounts, make sure you have your CAC card, DD214 or other proof of service as required and check the location of the place you will visit to determine if they are participating.

If you have found a Veteran’s Day deal or discount, let us know!

Veteran’s Day isn’t the only discount being offered to military families this year by the Target Corporation. Traditionally, on Veteran’s Day military members – active, reserve, and retired – were offered a military discount at Target. This past year, the offer was 10% off two purchases the week of Veteran’s Day. In May, Military Appreciation Month, Target made an announcement that it would support military members and their families. Part of this support included jobs, but also is expanded to a discount in July.

Military members and their families are now being offered 10% off during the week of July 4th- specifically from June 26 to July 4.

How To Verify for the Discount

To access this discount, the military service member and/or family member must verify their military status through the Target Circle app. Within the application on your mobile device, go to settings and select “Verify student, teacher or military service”. This will connect you to SheerID, the verification service. This service is used in other military discounts like SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor and companies that allow for military discounts with online purchases. Once the verification is complete, the option to verify will no longer be there. The military service member and one dependent are able to verify their identity to receive the discount.

When To Use the Discount

Once verified on the Target Circle app, the discount deal will show up on the Target Circle app on the dates of the deal – June 26 to July 4th. The discount can be used on up to 2 purchases, for online or in-store purchases. This can be combined with other offers from Target, for instance, their already discounted deals on furniture and televisions.

Attempts were made to contact Target Corporate to verify if the two purchases are per family or per verified member and told that this information was not available.

This discount is not limited by purchase amount like some Circle offers – you do not need to spend $100 to use the discount. It may be useful in purchasing that week’s groceries or perhaps buying things for your PCS or restocking your new home with furniture or buying that blow-up pool you have been eyeing.

If you will use the discount, what are you looking to purchase?

UPDATED on 11/11/2021

Looking to try a new or favorite restaurant this Veteran’s Day? Check out this list for freebies and discounts offered to the military and veterans as a way of saying thank you for your service.

Eateries

54^th Street Grill: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal up to $12 on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

7-11 : Active duty, retirees, veterans, Reserve, National Guard, and their dependents can get a free coffee or Big Gulp in 7-11 stores or through the 7-11 app

Applebee’s : Veterans and Active Duty can choose a free meal from their Veteran’s Day Menu on November 11th. Dine-in only. Anyone who dines in will get $5 bounce back bucks to use on any dine-in, to-go or delivery order for the following three weeks.

BJs Restaurants: All current active duty and veteran military get a free meal up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

Blank Angus Steakhouse: Order in or place a takeaway order, active duty and veterans get an All-American Steak plate with 8 oz Angus Beef, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter with a non-alcoholic beverage for $10.99.

Bob Evans: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal from their special menu on November 11^th, dine-in only, and beverage not included.

Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11^th, veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary order of 10 boneless wings and fries. This goes for dine-in or takeout ordered in the location.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Military active duty members and their families receive 20% off food on Veteran’s Day at the restaurant, not valid at theme park locations. Year-round they offer 10% off food and merchandise.

California Pizza Kitchen: CPK is offering a free entrée and beverage from their special Veteran’s Day menu to those who come in uniform or bring their ID or proof of service on Veteran’s Day. The restaurant chain will also offer buy one get one coupon redeemable from November 12 – 20.

Chili’s: Active Duty and Veterans can enjoy a meal on their special menu on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Coco’s Bakery and Restaurant: All veterans and active duty service members can receive a buy one entree, get one free with proof of service on Veteran’s Day. Can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Veterans and Active-duty military receive a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake when dining in on November 11^th. November is military family appreciation month and the restaurant will be offering in-store specials throughout the month.

Denny’s: From 5 am to noon on Veteran’s Day, all active and retired military personnel can get a free build-your-own grand slam breakfast at participating diners.

Friendly’s: Complimentary free cheeseburger, fries, and a soft drink to active-duty and veterans on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Golden Corral : Offering free dinner to active duty military, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and Reserves, and due to capacity limitations the promotional card for a free “Thank You” meal can be picked up during the month of November. The card can be redeemed from November 1 2020 to May 31, 2021.

IHOP: From 7 am to 7 pm on Veteran’s Day, active duty military and veterans can enjoy a free “Red White and Blueberry Pancakes” or “Red White and Blueberry Combo.” The “Red White and Blueberry Pancakes” comes with three pancakes with strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping. The “Red White and Blueberry Combo” is two pancakes with strawberries, blueberry compote topping with two eggs, hash browns, and choice of bacon or sausage.

Logan’s Roadhouse: Free American Roadhouse meal to the military from 3:00pm -6:00 pm on November 11th.

Luna Grill: Veterans and active duty military can get 10% off their purchases on November 11^th for dine-in and to-go orders.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses are offered ½ price entrees on November 7^th at their restaurants. It is typically a busy day so reservations are highly recommended.

Mission BBQ: Veterans and active duty members get a free sandwich on November 11^th.

Olive Garden: Veterans and active duty can choose a free entree from their special menu. Dine in only.

Outback Steakhouse: The steakhouse chain is offering a free bloomin’ onion and Coca-Cola product on Veteran’s Day.

Red Robin: Join the Red Robin Royalty program and active duty and veterans can enjoy a complimentary Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Steak Fries anytime between November 1 and November 14^th  for either dine-in or to-go.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee to active duty military, veterans, and military spouses on November 11^th.

Texas Roadhouse: The steakhouse will be handing out dinner vouchers at their stores’ parking lots on November 11^th and veterans and active-duty military members can redeem their vouchers when they open for dinner through the voucher’s expiration of May 30, 2022.

Yard House : Active Duty military and veterans receive a complimentary appetizer on November 11th, dine-in only

Entertainment

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on Veteran’s Day Weekend, proof of service required

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa: Active-Duty military, Reservists and National Guard are offered complimentary one-day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents. Veterans can receive up to six discounted tickets. Verification of service is done online through ID.me.

The San Diego Zoo offers free admission to active duty military year round.

Sea World San Diego: Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents.

Sea World Orlando: Complimentary one-day admission is offered to Active-Duty military, Reservists, and National Guard and up to three dependents.

Mount Vernon: Complimentary admission to Mount Vernon for all active duty, former or retired military personnel on November 11th.

Apparel & Retail

Columbia: Columbia employee stores in Oregon, California, and Kentucky are open to active, retired, reserves, veterans, and dependents. Military personnel and their families also receive a 20% discount on November 11^th at all Columbia and outlet stores.

Great Clips: Free haircut for military personnel on November 11^th or receive a free haircut card to use at a later date.

Kohls: All active duty and those who have served and their immediate families can get 30% off in-store purchases on November 11th – November 14th.

Office Depot:  25% discount is offered for veterans and active duty military and their dependents for qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases on November 11^th – November 13^th.

Target: Active Duty, Veterans, and their families can register on Target Circle to get a 10% coupon off an entire cart. These purchases can be done in-store, for order pick-up, drive-up or shipping. There are restrictions so read the fine print. Coupons can be used twice from November 1 -13.

Chains that offer discounts year-round:

Apple offers 10% off their products year-round to veterans and active duty military using their online verification. Check your local military exchange too, because it may be cheaper to buy on base without tax than with the discount.

AT&T offers military and veteran families a 25% discount off their wireless plan.

Big Lots has announced they will offer a year-round 10% discount for active duty and veterans who are part of their Big Rewards program.

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees, and Veterans can purchase an annual pass for themselves and up to three dependents for 25% off.

Dell offers an additional 10% off personal computers and electronics on their website by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet offer a 15% discount to all military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. They also offer Military Monday with a special discount for active duty, reserve, and veterans plus up to 3 family members for dine-in orders.

Home Depot offers a 10% discount in the store all year long.

L.L.Bean offers 10% off for active duty, veteran, and reservist personnel of the U.S.  Armed Forces. Verification of service is completed on their website.

Lowe’s offers a 10% discount in-store. You can link your military service to your Lowe’s card.

LuLulemon offers 25% discount off in-store purchases to military members and military spouses. *This will be changing to 15%, date TBD.

Michaels offers 15% discount on all purchases year round. Confirm military service through ID.me when setting up the Michaels account.

Microsoft offers up to 10% off select products to active, former, and retired military personnel and their families.

Outback Steakhouse offers a Heroes discount of 10% off for veterans and active duty off their dining check.

Pottery Barn offers 15% discount to military and veterans and their families for in-store purchases. Check your local store to see if this offer can be utilized for curb side pick-up as well.

T-Mobile offers hefty discounts on its wireless plans to active duty and veteran families.

Verizon also offers a discount on wireless plans which is dependent on plan type and the number of lines.

Before you head to enjoy these discounts, make sure you have your CAC card, DD214, or other proof of service as required and check the location of the place you will visit to determine if they are participating.

If you have found a Veteran’s Day deal or discount, let us know!

Valentine’s Day is just over 30 days away! The décor started popping up in stores before Christmas passed, and some holiday candy were already supplanted by heart-shaped chocolates and boxes before Santa came! It isn’t surprising that shopping has already begun for the holiday of love. After the cost of the holidays, the idea of spending more on a gift for Valentine’s Day can be daunting. For military and veteran families, don’t forget to use your military discount to save money while buying a gift. Think outside the heart-shaped chocolate box with these ideas.

Clothing

Asics offers a 40% discount when you purchase directly from them.

L.L. Bean offers 10% off their gear online and in person.

LuLuLemon offers 25% for all in-store purchases.

Verify your discount with North Face, and you can get a discount on clothing and footwear.

Reebok offers 50% to Military and Government employees for purchases.

Under Armour traditionally offers 10% discount and has recently increased it to 20% – in store only.

Zappos offers 10% for every purchase to military and their family members.

Crafts

If you have a crafty person in your life who paints or bakes cakes, you might be looking at Michael’s to purchase a gift – don’t forget to ask for your 15% military discount!

Electronics

Moving back to the states and need a new phone plan? Or maybe looking at changing your service provider for Valentine’s Day, make sure to use the discounts offered from AT&T,  T-Mobile, and Verizon.

If you are looking at an Apple product or device, Apple offers a 10% discount or check out your local military exchange where you won’t pay sales tax!

If a computer is on your list as a Valentine’s gift, Dell offers a 10% discount by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Experiences

If you are local to Colonial Williamsburg, consider a trip there using up the annual passport discount offered to Active-Duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans.

If you are local to Sea World San Diego or Sea World Orlando, Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans can use the complimentary one day admission for up to 4 people in total including the service member to spend time together as a family – don’t forget the masks and sanitizer, and check up on local regulations before you go.

How about paying $0! All current U.S. military service members and their dependents are offered a free annual military pass to the National Parks! Show your military ID at any of these federal recreation sites and get your military pass for the year.

Fitness

If you are placing an order for Bowflex, call and ask about their military discount. Military families have saved 15% off equipment.

Peloton offers a free Essentials Package (Peloton shoes, weights and headphones) with the purchase of a Peloton Bike if you were looking at purchasing one for Valentine’s Day.

Home Goods

If you need a new appliance or even stores containers (hello preparations for that PCS!), consider using your military discount at Home Depot or Lowe’s to buy these items for your Valentine. They are useful items that will be used daily, why not make these your valentine gift.

Big Lots offers a 10% year-round discount for active duty as part of their Big Rewards Program if you are looking for housewares, games or clothes on offer at Big Lots.

If you are needing a new piece of furniture (thank you moving company for sending that reimbursement check), Pottery Barn offers a 15% discount for military and veterans and their families. While it is typically verified in store, there have been reports of getting the discount added via phone.

Heading out to Restoration Hardware? Don’t forget to ask about the military discount, which military family members shared is 25% off!

Yeti offers a military discount online through verification from ID.me.

Toys

American Girl traditionally offers a 15% discount in store only, but with the recent pandemic they have also been offering it if you call in as well.

I wonder what St. Valentine would think of this celebration in his name that became a day for love in the Middle Ages.

Saving money when making any purchase is just that – saved money. It doesn’t hurt to ask if you are making a purchase from any store that isn’t listed here.

Is there a discount you use, that isn’t listed here? Let us know!

In previous years, businesses across the United States have cultivated opportunities and discounts in honor of those who honorably served. 2020 has been a strange year, but many retailers are offering discounts to military and veteran families on Veterans’ Day, throughout the month or even the year!

Some of the discounts require eating-in to get the deal. Use common sense and situational awareness to determine if you should eat-in at a restaurant. Some locations have outside eating set up. Some locations have expanded their offers for a to-go orders and we applaud them.

If you have found a Veteran’s Day deal or discount, let us know!

Eateries

54^th Street Grill: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal up to $12 on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

7-11 : Active duty, retirees, veterans, Reserve, National Guard and their dependents can get a free coffee or Big Gulp in 7-11 stores or through the 7-11 app

Applebee’s : Veterans and Active Duty can choose a free meal from their Veteran’s Day Menu on November 11th. Dine-in only.

BJs Restaurants: All current active duty and veteran military get a free meal up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper beverage on November 11^th. Dine-in only.

Blank Angus Steakhouse: Order in or place a takeaway order, active duty and veterans get an All-American Steak plate with 8 oz Angus Beef, mashed potatoes, broccoli with garlic butter with a non-alcoholic beverage for $10.99.

Bob Evans: Active Duty and veterans get a free meal from their special menu on November 11^th, dine-in only and beverage not included.

Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11^th, veterans and active duty military receive a complimentary order of 10 boneless wings and fries.

Chili’s: Active Duty and Veterans can enjoy a meal on their special menu on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Cracker Barrel: Veterans and Active-duty military receive complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola cake when dining in on November 11^th.

Friendly’s: Complimentary All-American meal on offer for lunch or dinner to active-duty and veterans on November 11^th. Dine-In Only.

Golden Corral : Offering free dinner to active duty military, veterans, retirees, National Guard and Reserves, and due to capacity limitations the promotional card for a free “Thank You” meal can be picked up during the month of November. The card can be redeemed from November 1 2020 to May 31, 2021.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Veterans, Gold Star Parents and Gold Star Spouses are offered ½ price entrees on November 8^th.

Mission BBQ: Veterans and active duty members get a free sandwich on November 11^th.

Red Robin: Join the Red Robin Royalty program and active duty and veterans can enjoy a Tavern Burger and Steak Fries anytime between November 12 and November 30^th for either dine-in or to-go.

Starbucks: Free tall coffee to active duty military, veterans, and military spouses on November 11^th.

Yard House : Active Duty military and veterans receive a complimentary appetizer on November 11th, dine-in only

Entertainment

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on Veteran’s Day Weekend, proof of service required

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Tampa: Active-Duty military, Reservists and National Guard are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents. Veterans can receive up to six discounted tickets. Verification of service is done online through ID.me.

Sea World San Diego: Active-Duty military, Reservists, National Guard and Veterans are offered complimentary one day admission for the service member and up to three direct dependents.

Sea World Orlando: Complimentary one-day admission is offered to Active-Duty military, Reservists, and National Guard and up to three dependents.

Mount Vernon: Complimentary admission to Mount Vernon for all active duty, former or retired military personnel on November 11th.

Apparel & Retail

Columbia: Columbia employee stores in Oregon, California and Kentucky are open to active, retired, reserves, veterans and dependents. Military personnel and their families also recived 20% discount on November 11^th at all Columbia and outlet stores.

Great Clips: Free haircut for military personnel on November 11^th or receive a free haircut card to use at a later date.

Office Depot:  25% discount is offered for veterans and active duty military and their dependents for qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases on November 11^th – November 13^th.

Target: Active Duty, Veterans and their families can register on Target Circle to get a 10% coupon off an entire cart. There are restrictions so read the fine print. Coupon can only be used once from November 1 -11.

Chains that offer discounts year-round:

Apple offers 10% off their products year-round to veterans and active duty military using their online verification. Check your local military exchange too, because it may be cheaper to buy on base without tax than with the discount.

AT&T offers military and veteran families a 25% discount off their wireless plan.

Big Lots has announced they will offer a year-round 10% discount for active duty and veterans who are part of their Big Rewards program.

Colonial Williamsburg: Active-duty, Reservists, National Guard, Retirees and Veterans can purchase an annual pass for themselves and up to three dependents for 25% off.

Dell offers an additional 10% off personal computers and electronics on their website by emailing militarydiscount@dell.com.

Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet offer a 15% discount to all military personnel in uniform or with a valid ID. They also offer Military Monday with a special discount for active duty, reserve and veterans plus up to 3 family members for dine-in orders.

Home Depot offers a 10% discount in the store all year long.

L.L.Bean offers 10% off for active duty, veteran and reservist personnel of the U.S.  Armed Forces. Verification of service is completed on their website.

Lowe’s offers a 10% discount in store. You can link your military service to your Lowe’s card.

LuLulemon offers 25% discount off in-store purchases to military members and military spouses.

Microsoft offers up to 10% off select products to active, former and retired military personnel and their families.

Outback Steakhouse offers a Heroes discount of 10% off for veterans and active duty off their dining check.

Pottery Barn offers 15% discount to military and veterans and their families for in-store purchases. Check your local store to see if this offer can be utilized for curb side pick up as well.

T-Mobile offers hefty discounts on their wireless plans to active duty and veteran families.

Verizon also offers a discount on wireless plans which is dependent on plan type and number of lines.

Before you head to enjoy these discounts, make sure you have your CAC card, DD214 or other proof of service as required and check the location of the place you will visit to determine if they are participating.

We all want a vacation getaway, but actually taking that break can cost big bucks. Unless you know these sweet military travel discounts!

Get ready for the vacation of your dreams!

Book Your Dream Vacation with Sweet Military Travel Discounts

From all-inclusive to major tourist attractions, you’re going to want to bookmark all of these sweet military travel discounts.

All-Inclusive Military Travel Discounts

After all the stress of military life, sometimes you just need a vacation where you don’t have to worry about anything at all. Something all-inclusive: meals, drinks, entertainment. All of it.

We love these great deals and discounts!

• Sandals: this adults-only resort chain includes resorts scattered around the Caribbean and offers a 10% discount for military and first responders
• Beaches: when you’re traveling with the family, this Sandals sister resort chain is ideal – and includes the same 10% discount
• Coffee Creek Ranch: score 25% off all year round at this dude ranch that features horseback riding
• Armed Forces Vacation Club: while not every resort advertises military discounts, you can often find a great deal via AFVC

Find a Place to Stay, Cheaper

So you’re not looking for a whole vacation package, just a spot to call home while you’re traveling.

Try these hotels that offer military discounts! All these hotels offer 10% or more off per night.

• Best Western
• Choice Hotels
• Embassy Suites
• Hampton Inn
• Hawthorn Suites
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts
• La Quinta – also VERY pet-friendly!
• Marriott & Bonvoy Hotels
• Motel 6
• Red Lion
• Red Roof Inn
• IHG Hotels

Bonus: most or all of these hotels brands are available in all major cities and near many popular tourist attractions, like Disneyland and Disney World, as well as overseas.

Not staying at chain? It never hurts to ask if the hotel offers a military discount. The worst they can say is no.

Go to Theme Parks with a Sweet Military Discount

Get all the thrills of speedy roller coasters and build incredible memories with your family when you snag a sweet military discount at these cool theme parks!

• Disney World: discounted tickets are available at ITT locations worldwide, including multi-day hopper passes
• Disneyland: choose between a 3 or 4-day multi-park pass for $184 or $204 respectively
• SeaWorld: military families can enjoy a completely free day at SeaWorld’s 3 locations
• Busch Gardens: ride all the roller coasters with free single-day entry
• Sesame Place Langhorne: play with Elmo and company for free!
• Discovery Cove: snag a discount to swim with dolphins
• Aquatica Orlando: ready to slide and swim all day with a sweet military-only deal
• Six Flags: Great America and other Six Flags locations offer a 20% discount to military troops

Not going to a major theme park? Many of the smaller, regional theme parks offer military discounts on top of less pricey tickets! Just at at the ticket counter when you arrive.

Go Cruising on the Cheap(er)

Everyone loves a total disconnect vacation, especially one where you can enjoy multiple stops in exciting locations. Many cruise lines offer military discounts to make your dream vacation cheaper!

• Carnival: check out all the places you can sail with this popular cruise line, and enjoy a sweet discount to boot!
• Celebrity Cruises: known for their exciting atmosphere, Celebrity offers discounts based on room category for military members
• Princess Cruise Line: enjoy extra spending cash onboard when you set sail with Princess
• Disney: sail with Mickey and company at a magical discounted rate

Even More Disney Magic

We’ve covered parks and cruises, but what about general lodging?

Disney World and Disneyland are proud to offer several options to help military families experience the happiest places on earth – cheaper!

• Shades of Green: located near the Polynesian Resort, Shades is a military-only resort hotel with all the amenities to make your vacation magical. Beyond the special military-friendly regular rate, there are also specials and additional discounts available. Book early to secure your spot!
• Disney World Resort Hotels: go all-in on your WDW vacation with exclusive discounts at on-property hotels! Some restrictions apply. Call 407-939-7825 to book your magical vacation stay today!
• Disneyland Hotels: if you’ve ever wanted just a few more minutes at Disneyland, booking a stay (for cheaper) at a DL hotel is perfect!
• Aulani Resort: head to Hawai’i to experience a tropical destination vacation, Disney style, with a sweet military discount, too!

Tips & Tricks for More Military Travel Discounts

No matter where in the US you are traveling, many attractions and hotels offer military discounts to both active duty and veterans. Use these tips to make the most of your adventure.

• Call ahead to hotels before you book; ask about any military discounts and then book over the phone
• Pick several attractions you’re interested in visiting, then call to ask about military discounts
• Some discounts aren’t advertised online or are offered on an on-request basis – just ask!

Friendly reminder: all US National Parks are open for free to all AD military troops! Be sure to grab your pass today and see all the wonders our great nation holds!

What’s your favorite tip to help military and veteran families vacation for less? Sound off in the comments!