Have you thought about what you’ll get the survivalist on your Christmas list this year? For preppers, the normal default gifts (i.e. pair of socks, tie, wallet, or belt) will almost seem like an insult. Fortunately, the market for survival gear is huge right now, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find unique and thoughtful bug-out supplies that will put a smile on even the most serious survivalist’s face. Here are seven of the best gift ideas for survivalists this year.
1. FIRE STARTER
You can never have too many fire starters if you’re a prepper. The best fire starters are those that have multiple uses (for example, a fire starter, paracord, whistle, and compass). Fire starters are more reliable than matches and can be used multiple times, so they’re a great gift idea for the survivalist in your life.
2. MULTI-TOOL
You’ve known since boy scouts that multi-tools are pretty amazing things. The more tools your multi-tool has, the more useful it can be. Just keep in mind that there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to multi-tools. While it may not be necessary to get the most expensive tool you can find, you should at least look for one that has a reputable brand name and is made from stainless steel for added durability.
3. FIRST-AID KIT
Whether you buy a pre-made first-aid kit or make your own, your favorite prepper will appreciate your thoughtfulness. A quality first-aid kit could literally mean the difference between life and death in certain survival situations. If you’re going for a pre-made option, look for a kit that contains a wide variety of first-aid supplies (including bandages, burn gel, gauze, pain relief solutions, survival blanket, etc.)
4. CAMPING STOVE
If you can’t cook your food or boil your water out in the wild, you’re in a dangerous situation. Fortunately, there are many lightweight camping stove options out there. They can range from less than $50 to hundreds of dollars, depending on what type you go with. If you don’t mind buying fuel to go with the stove, you can purchase some fuel-ready options. But for the true survivalist in your life, a camping stove that uses natural fuel sources such as twigs, pinecones, and even leaves may be a more practical option.
5. HEIRLOOM SEEDS
If SHTF and the world goes up in flames, the survival of mankind may very well rely on a protected supply of heirloom seeds. They used to be difficult to find, but now you can get heirloom seeds pretty easily online. To help the seeds last as long as possible, buy them in a moisture-proof, airtight container such as a mylar pouch. Heirloom seeds make great gifts for preppers.
6. SOLAR-POWERED RADIO/LIGHT
When things first go south in a survival situation, you’ll want to have light, radio access, and a way to communicate. Fortunately, there are solar-powered radio/light products that include all three in one compact package. To impress your prepper family member or friend, look for a solar-powered radio that also has a hand crank and can power a small electronic device such as a phone.
7. BACKPACK
Even if your survivalist friend has every piece of survival equipment imaginable, he or she will need a way to carry it all. Surprisingly, preppers sometimes forget to invest in quality backpacks that can help them carry their most essential survival gear around while freeing up their hands for defense, food preparation, and other important uses. A high-quality survival backpack that can hold approximately 55 liters of gear is one of the best gifts you can give to a survivalist.
What do you think of the above list?