Help your friends and family adopt an emergency preparedness lifestyle by gifting items that will help them get started on a journey toward self sufficiency.
We have a blended family. Most of our children are grown and on their own, and each has a different perspective on emergency preparedness. With the turmoil we see in the world today, and an overall emergency preparedness mindset, we decided to help our children become prepared by focusing Christmas and birthday gifts around the topic. As we’ve tried to come up with emergency preparedness gift ideas each of them could appreciate, we’ve searched other blog posts and recommendations. A few have been legit. But most of the emergency preparedness gift ideas that showed up in our Google searches didn't match our needs.
In this article, we’ll share some of the items we’ve added to our list of emergency preparedness gift ideas.
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Emergency preparedness gift ideas
We buy gifts for a wide range of ages, from young grandkids to married children in their 30s. The following gift ideas are rated for various ages as well as their emergency preparedness focus.
1. Lodge dutch oven combo cooker
This has probably been the most appreciated and used gift we’ve sent out to loved ones over the years. We’ve gifted so many of these we should have stock in the company. This dutch oven combo cooker even comes pre-seasoned for those who aren’t familiar with seasoning cast iron. We also picked one up for ourselves and haven’t regretted it!
2. Gerber folding machete
We were so excited the first time we saw one of these that we bought two on-the-spot. Machetes are great but when you can fold one up and put it in a holster on your belt while you’re hiking or hunting, it becomes an invaluable tool. Pick up a unique survival gift.
3. Estwing hatchet with cover
We’ve bought several hatchets over the years. This Estwing hatchet feels good in the hand, is high quality, and looks like an heirloom. It’s a beautiful and functional hatchet that’s a perfect gift for Christmas or birthdays.
4. Dual fuel camping and emergency stove
A great gift for families or older, single kids. Not only is this emergency stove perfect for preparedness efforts, it’s usable now for camping, road-trips, and short power outages. Read a full review of our favorite dual fuel stove.
5. Bushcraft books, boxed set
We can’t say enough about how much we like this Bushcraft boxed set by wilderness expert, Dave Canterbury. The entire collection includes:
Bushcraft 101: The primer to wilderness survival.
Advanced Bushcraft: The next level of survival with self-reliance skills.
The Bushcraft Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild.
Bushcraft First Aid: A first aid resource for anyone headed into the woods.
6. Wool blanket
You probably already know the value of wool. Unlike cotton or down, it stays warm, even when wet. It won’t melt close to a fire like synthetic blankets. Wool blankets are a perfect emergency preparedness gift idea! Make it 100% wool and give it some stripes for visual appeal, and I don’t know how you can go wrong.
7. Gerber multi-tool
It’s small enough to fit in a purse, backpack, EDC kit, or pocket. We love this Gerber multi-tool so it’s a must on this list of emergency preparedness gift ideas! They’re sturdy, functional, and come in a variety of colors. I’ve lost count of how many multi-tools we’ve bought as birthday gifts or stocking stuffers.
8. Smith & Wesson folding knife
This is a versatile, inexpensive folding knife. It’s also a great gift to pick up if you’re on a tight budget.
9. Bespoke monthly survival subscription box
I first subscribed to Bespoke Post when thinking about a gift for my husband. I wanted to get him a hori hori for foraging and found a high-quality, beautiful option from Bespoke — and it was much cheaper than buying it directly from the manufacturer. We love this subscription box and continue to enjoy the year-round gifts. Learn more about our experience with Bespoke in this blog post, 8 subscription boxes for emergency preparedness, and click the link below to save on your first order.
10. Firestarter kit
This is on our list because it’s actually one of the items our daughter asked for recently. And, we commend her on her good judgment! This firestarter kit has many options for survival and general firestarting. Perfect for emergencies, survival, or camping expeditions. Some people prefer to start fires with the basics but this is a great kit for learning and convenience.
11. Gardening tools
We’ve added gardening tools to our list of emergency preparedness gift ideas because many of our kids are active gardeners and it’s a skill that will be essential when SHTF. And, the timing is perfect when your loved one has a birthday in early spring. We like this gardening tool set. And we’ve had success with this collection of heirloom seeds.
12. First aid survival kit
These are perfect for the car, so we ordered one for each of our children who drive. In addition to providing emergency gear, these survival kits are just great to have on hand when you’re out camping and realize you’ve forgotten to pack matches or your flashlight. Our kids have all enjoyed having this kit on hand!
13. Tactical backpack
We’ve been impressed with this Roaring Fire tactical backpack for many reasons we won't go into here. Check it out for yourself and download a bug-out bag list to start stocking your own, or someone else's bag.
14. Knife sharpening kit
Anyone who cooks, hunts, or wants to survive can benefit from a knife sharpening kit. If you have a knife, you really should take care of it. If you want to keep your fingers, you should sharpen it.
15. Gun cleaning kit
A must-have for any gun owner. Help loved ones keep their firearms in pristine condition gifting them a gun cleaning kit. This is a good starter kit for someone who likes to shoot and has a basic gun collection.
16. Military lensatic sighting compass
We all have loved ones we’d prefer to “get lost.” For those you want to keep around, you may consider gifting them a military compass. In addition to being an essential survival tool, navigating is a great skill to practice while backpacking or hiking. A compass just seems like a must have on any list of emergency preparedness gift ideas.
17. Vortex binoculars
Whether your loved ones are into hunting, bird watching, or just want to get a better view of their neighbors stealing their raspberries, they’ll appreciate a good set of Vortex binoculars. And when SHTF, they may just become invaluable.
18. Folding saw
Yes, we bought this compact, folding saw as a stocking stuffer. The kids were so excited when they opened them! This is a great little saw for a youth day pack or emergency pack.
19. Stanley camp crock
We’ve experienced different types of camp crocks, or thermal cookers, and know how easy it can make dinner prep, especially when you’re conserving fuel or hauling a hot meal a distance from any cooking source.
20. Midland walkies
We can personally vouch for the quality of these Midland walkie talkies. If you’re introducing a loved one to preparedness, add these to your list of emergency gift ideas. Your loved ones can use these today (hiking, amusement parks, on road trips) and when SHTF. Learn why communication during emergencies is so important.
21. Oil burning lantern
It’s cute decor until the power’s out and then it may be a sole source of light. We have several of these oil burning lanterns and we use them — more often than we thought we would.
22. SOG survival shovel
We keep one of these in each of our vehicles, and so do several of our kids. This SOG survival shovel makes a great gift and addition to any camping gear, vehicle emergency kit, etc.
23. Tools for Survival book
Educate your loved ones about the tools they’ll need to survive with this Tools for Survival by James Wesley Rawles — and empower them to begin their own emergency preparation efforts.
24. Auguson Farms food storage
Some people don’t know where to start with food storage. You can help them out by gifting them emergency food storage. With this bucket set, the meals are organized for lunch and dinner.
25. Portable, solar charger
Help your loved ones charge their cell phones, tablets, emergency radios, and walkies with a solar charger. This compact charger is perfect to take backpacking or to add to your bug out bag.
26. Emergency radio, NOAA, flashlight, and solar charger
Keep your loved ones in-the-know with an emergency radio. Pack it full of other useful preparedness items and you're gifting an important tool. This one comes with a hand crank and solar panel, flashlight, and more.
Happy gifting!
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