In this article, I will give you 25 bullet-proof ideas for the best gifts for preppers. I put on the list only things that I would like to find under the Christmas tree.
Giving presents to a prepper is hard. Trying to find the best gifts for preppers is even harder.
Firstly, giving presents to anyone is risky business, let alone preppers.
Secondly, preppers are usually well-organized and have already acquired all they need.
My advice is to do a little bit of old-fashioned spying on your target/prepper to observe and learn. See what he or she is into. If he has a collection of knives, maybe a new one will be a nice addition. Ask yourself, is your prepper friend more outdoorsy, goes camping and hiking, or is he mostly spending time in his basement/homemade faraday cage hacking the radio? If the prepper is a housewife busy with food preps, and really into canning, you better stay away from military tactical stuff.
Obviously, you want to give them a present they’ll use. So, observe and get as much information out of them as you can. Heck, sometimes it’s best to just ask.
Preppers are interested in only one thing — Survival. So they prepare in various categories to ensure their survival when SHTF. The best gifts for preppers should be connected with these categories — shelter, water, food, and defense. On Prepping Insider you can read up on topics like Urban Bug Out Bag to start.
In case you are not that acquainted with the preppers’ philosophy, read this gift guide.
Here are my 26 ideas for the best gift for preppers, all under $30, for preppers in your life.
1. Clips Smart Compact Key Organizer
This is what every prepper wants. Organizing your keys to better fit in an EDC is a number 1 priority. All preppers are into organizing, so you can’t go wrong with this suggestion.
It’s quality made from full carbon fiber combined with stainless steel. It fits perfectly in a pocket because it is light and only 89 mm long. You can fit in 28 keys. Additionally, Clips key holder kit includes everything you need in one set: Bottle & sim opener, accessory loop, carabiner, keyring, cash stash, 20 spacers & 6 extensions.
User reviews show that users love the carbon fiber, the compact feel, and the possibility to move around without the annoying key rattle.
“Clips and coffee – what else can you ask for?
Got this yesterday. Took me 5 minutes to put together. Keeping it in my pocket and feels the same as a pen.
Great way to get rid of that annoying key rattle.”
Check the price now for KeySmart™ Rugged Compact Key Holder on Amazon.
2. Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight
Preppers love miniature gadgets because they are highly convenient. You can stash them anywhere you like and they don’t contribute to the overall weight of your EDC or BOB. Everything that can be put on a keychain are the best gifts for preppers.
Even if your prepper friend already has one of these babies, they will appreciate getting another one. They have another BOB already in the making, trust me.
Streamlight 73001 is made of aluminum and comes with included batteries. The Nano Light is a weatherproof flashlight with a 100,000-hour life LED. It is truly tiny — 1.47 Inch x 0.51 Inch, 0.36 oz.
A user commented: “Built like a tank. I’ve had mine since 2011 and it still works great. Very bright, super small, and always with me on my keys. It’s been invaluable for me in a lot of situations and I’ve only replaced the batteries once.”
Check the price now for Streamlight 73001 Nano Light Miniature Keychain LED Flashlight on Amazon.
3. Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
The Foxelli headlamp is small, lightweight, yet powerful. It boasts super bright Cree-3w led technology, a wide variety of white & red light modes + 45° tiltable body. It is waterproof and durable thus suitable for any prepping needs. Best gifts for preppers should be like that.
Foxelli head flashlight gives you 45 hours of run-time. 3x AAA ENERGIZER batteries are included, so you can start using it right away.
It has good reviews – 4.7 stars from 7913 reviews. Users love it, so it will be a great gift for preppers.
Check the price now for Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight on Amazon.
SURVIVAL BOOKS
Any books on survival, prepping, emergencies, growing food, preserving food, hunting, fishing, and so on, will be the best gifts for preppers. Preppers are preparing for a post-apocalyptic lifestyle which doesn’t include the Internet, unfortunately. So, they are always advising getting information from books and printed media. I can recommend you 3 best sellers that should be a part of anyone’s BOB if they are serious about survival.
4. SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
This book is a #1 bestseller for a good reason. It is the ultimate guide to surviving anywhere, including new chapters on urban survival and terrorism. This complete course includes strategies from basic camp craft and navigation to fear management and coping with any type of disaster.
“A classic outdoor manual [that] addresses every conceivable disaster scenario. Don’t leave home without it”–Outside magazine
A reader’s review: “This book comes in well written, easy to follow format that appeals to readers of a varied cross-section. It could be used as an adventurers Bible or an interesting book for dad on father’s day.
It covers everything from what vegetation to survive on right up to how to survive an urban terrorist attack.”
Check the price now for SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere on Amazon (Paperback).
5. Tiny Survival Guide: A Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket
The book’s title says why this is a great gift for preppers — it’s Tiny! It can fit into an EDC, a BOB, or a pocket. It is light, convenient, and educational. Win-win-win. Very often best gifts for preppers can be characterized as tiny, compact, and mini. Pull it out as a quick reference when you are SUDDENLY caught in an unexpected emergency or disaster situation. It’s like a Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket. This makes a great gift!
Check the price now for Tiny Survival Guide: A Life Insurance Policy in Your Pocket – The Ultimate “Survive Anything” Everyday Carry: Emergency, Disaster Preparedness Micro-Guide on Amazon.
6. The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
This book is your key to survival against the hordes of undead who may be stalking you right now without your even knowing it. Seriously.
Note that guides make the best gifts for preppers.
Check the price now for The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead on Amazon (Paperback).
7. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
LifeStraw is the #1 Best Seller water filter on Amazon. Award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for hiking, camping, travel, and emergencies. No disaster kit is complete without it. Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; does not require batteries and has no moving parts. It weighs only 2oz and has a high flow rate for drinking.
Check the price now for LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness on Amazon.
8. World’s Toughest Emergency Blankets | 4 Pack Extra Large Thermal Mylar Foil Space Blanket
You will get 4 XL double-sided color survival blankets weighing only 2.2 oz. They are made out of NASA-designed mylar, which is waterproof and prevents hypothermia. With a little bit of tape and paracord, these XL mylar heat sheets can be converted into an emergency shelter, emergency sleeping bag, emergency bivy, or other survival gear.
Check the price now for World’s Toughest Emergency Blankets | 4 Pack Extra Large Thermal Mylar Foil Space Blanket Heat Sheets on Amazon.
9. World’s Toughest Ultralight Survival Tent • 2 Person Mylar Emergency Shelter Tube Tent + Paracord
DDITW (Don’t Die in the Woods) Survival Tent is ultralight & compact. It is easy to set up and has enough room for two people. NASA-designed mylar is waterproof and preserves heat. With strong paracord & reinforced tape seams, this is a truly reliable and more importantly reusable survival tube tent built for the outdoors. It boasts the perfect balance of durability & weight.
Check the price now for World’s Toughest Ultralight Survival Tent on Amazon.
10. 4Monster Camping Towels
These towels are made from microfiber which makes them super absorbent and therefore super convenient for gym, travel, camping, and emergencies. They can be dried and reused instantly. Made with special anti-germ technology, this microfiber towel will not produce any germ and odor.
Even if you don’t decide to buy this as a gift for your prepper friend, don’t miss out on an outstanding product. I recommend keeping microfiber towels in your car, just in case.
Check the price now for 4Monster Camping Towels on Amazon (different sizes).
11. Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet (2 Pack)
This product is the #1 Best Seller in the Tactical Paracord category on Amazon.
Be ready without overburdening your BOB. There are 5 survival gear essentials here: fire starter, reliable compass, loud emergency whistle, emergency knife, and 12 feet of military-grade paracord.
Currently you get 2 bracelets which include instructions on how to make a fire. If you are into survival or know someone who is this is a fantastic item! Buy them now (and keep one for yourself).
Check the price now for Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet (2 Pack) on Amazon.
12. Pocket Chainsaw
A chainsaw is an extremely useful tool not only for emergencies but for everyday use. This one is light-weight, portable, and flexible. And, you can carry it in your pocket!
More exciting is its cool paracord handle, it can be extended to a maximum of 275 inches to reach the higher branches.
User reviewed as: “Can be used for cutting branches off shrubs and small trees in awkward positions where a traditional saw doesn’t fit. Easy to store and carry about from job to job and even locations, big jobs, and small covered. No effort required except for accuracy in throwing a line over the branches.”
What a great choice as a cool gift for campers, hunters, hikers, backpackers, and any outdoorsman! Tim-burrr!
Check the price now for Pocket Chainsaw on Amazon.
13. 620 LB SurvivorCord
Originally designed at the request of Special Forces in Afghanistan! You will get: MONO FISHING LINE, WAXED JUTE TINDER, and MULTI-PURPOSE WIRE.
If you melt the fishing line, you can patch holes. Jute tinder can start fire, and with wire you can do whatever you want from traps to antennae.
Check the price now for 620 LB SurvivorCord on Amazon.
RELATED: How To Make A Rabbit Trap
14. Partstock Tactical Pen
Tactical pens offer writing function as well as defense. They are lightweight, durable, versatile, and easily concealed. They can be used for breaking glass when you need to escape through a window quickly.
Small size design is highly desirable among preppers. You can put it in your shirt pocket, backpack, jeans, etc. Also, it can go through the airport security check and won’t be confiscated as prohibited goods and weapons.
An overwhelming majority of users gave it 5 stars: “This thing is a BEAST disguised as a pen. The metal tip that covers the actual pen is much chunkier than expected but in all the right ways. It requires less force than even a sharp knife to pierce layers of thick cardboard. If you’re concerned about defending yourself and need something inconspicuous, this is a great option.”
Check the price now for Partstock Tactical Pen on Amazon.
15. SABRE RED Pepper Spray
It is long-lasting (4-year shelf life), has an impressive 10-foot (3M) range, and more. Packaging includes links to free training videos and safety tips to help maximize your personal safety when in the face of danger.
#1 pepper spray brand trusted by police and consumers worldwide: including New York PD, Chicago PD, and U.S. Marshals. Enough said.
Check the price now for SABRE RED Pepper Spray on Amazon.
16. SABRE Stun Gun Flashlight
Sabre has high-quality solutions for personal safety. With free training included, it really is a deal.
Sabre’s stun gun has high stopping power, an intimidating sound and a bright 120 Lumen LED flashlight can disorient your attacker.
The stun gun is compact and easy to carry which makes it a great addition to every prepper’s belt.
Users love its compact size, ease of use, nasty electrical sound, etc. Just keep it charged!
Check the price now for SABRE Stun Gun Flashlight on Amazon.
17. I GO 85 Pieces Hard Shell Mini Compact First Aid Kit
Preppers love First Aid mini kits because you can put one in every corner of the house, just in case. Then, you need one for the car, BOB, for the Bug Out Location, etc. Anyway, you can’t go wrong with any mini kit. Even if they already own one, they are the best gifts for preppers.
This mini first aid kit offers whopping 85 items, all safety approved, exceeding safety standards.
Items are neatly organized in a waterproof, small and lightweight, portable hard shell pouch which comes with 2 mesh pockets inside and a carabiner on the outside.
Check the price now for I GO 85 Pieces Hard Shell Mini Compact First Aid Kit on Amazon.
18. RunningSnail Emergency Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio
This product would be great for an earthquake emergency kit for sure.
It is so much more than radio — it is a powerful LED flashlight, an SOS alarm, a solar panel, and a power bank. There is super helpful: micro USB charging, solar charging, and manual hand crank. Your battery will never die.
The manual hand crank is so much fun that these radios could be the best gifts for preppers.
Check the price now for RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio with LED Flashlight, 2000mAh Power Bank for iPhone/Smart Phone on Amazon.
RELATED: Should You Get A Military Survival Radio?
19. Savior Equipment Multi-Purpose Tactical MOLLE EDC Pouch
The pouch can be easily attached to any belt or any MOLLE webbing, Tactical Backpack, or Vest for additional storage. It is built to last.
This small pouch has one compartment big enough for all your daily necessities. Pouches are perfect as an EDC and make great gifts for preppers.
Mostly 5-star reviews say: “100% satisfied. The size and interior design were what drove me to select this bag. The 3 essential elements to the pouch, the snaps, zippers, and material all pass my personal stress test to be a permanent part of my body armor set up/multi-use detectable carry.”
Check the price now for Savior Equipment Multi-Purpose Tactical MOLLE EDC Pouch on Amazon.
20. RUNCL Topwater Frog Lures, Soft Fishing Lure Kit with Tackle Box
Fishing is an essential survival skill that all preppers should master. All things fishing make the best gifts for preppers. If your prepper friend is a great fisherman already, even better! You will bring tears of joy with this gift. Topwater frog lures are highly efficient at catching prized bass and pike.
Users commented: “Ordered these frogs again. I do not want to be without them. I fish 3-5 times a week. Went out Sunday thought I would give these Frogs a toss. They work! Landed a 6 lb largemouth.”
Give these babies a shot, you will not be disappointed. Lures may be the best gifts for preppers after all.
Check the price now for RUNCL Topwater Frog Lures, Soft Fishing Lure Kit with Tackle Box on Amazon.
21. The Diversion Tumbler Steel Can Safe
Stainless steel Can Safe have a dual purpose: a real drinking bottle, with a secret safe on the bottom. Easily put your valuables away discreetly. All the best gifts for preppers should be like this.
Also, the body is a vacuum and keeps water warm and cold for at least 12 hours. You can try it when you’re next time on the beach.
Check the price now for The Diversion Tumbler Steel Can Safe on Amazon.
22. Southern Homewares Lint Roller Safe
All best gifts for preppers have DUAL-PURPOSE! Functional as a lint roller, and as a safe.
User comments: “This thing is genius. Not only can you not tell at all this is a concealed safe- I had issues figuring out how to open it, they did a great job. It’s a working lint roller as well, the storage inside is much larger than I expected also- pretty much the size of a toilet paper roll. Worth it!”
Check the price now for Southern Homewares Lint Roller Safe on Amazon.
23. Set of Vegetable and Herb Heirloom Seeds
The set includes assorted Vegetable and Herb seeds! All Seeds are heirloom, 100% Non-GMO with a high germination rate. This is a great way to start prepping.
Preppers will appreciate this because great gifts for preppers will last for years when stored in a dry and cool place.
Check the price now for a Set of 40 Vegetable and Herb Heirloom Seeds on Amazon.
24. Homemade jam/pickles/soap
Nothing will surprise a prepper more than your own produce. Best gifts for preppers are homemade. When you make your favorite jam, for example, there are always extra jars that you can gift to your prepper friend. Soap is even a better gift because it will last decades. Just put a nice label on it, attach a card, and enjoy gift giving more than ever before.
RELATED: Dry Canning: How To Store Food Longer
Check the price now for #1 Best Selling Mason Jar on Amazon.
25. Spam with Spam Slicer
Some may see this gift as a joke, but preppers will love it. Spam is a classic, will last forever, and brings nostalgia to the plate. Spam may be among the best gifts for preppers. For a more fancy gift, get the spam with hickory smoke flavor.
Spam slicer is something everyone should have, and it can double duty as an egg slicer if needed.
These two items paired together in a nice gift box with a ribbon on it will get your prepper friend in a jolly mood in no time.
Check the prices now for Spam and Spam Slicer on Amazon.
26. Gift Card
Finding the perfect gift for someone isn’t always easy. Amazon.com has an incredible selection of products, but sometimes you just can’t find the right gift for that special someone. Gift Cards are perfect gifts for at-home workers. You can buy millions of items on Amazon and the cards never, ever expire.
Check the price for Amazon.com Gift card now.
Conclusion
I compiled this list of best gifts for preppers having in mind that all preppers appreciate the convenience, lightweight, endurance, usability, prevention, and safety.
My advice for the best gifts for preppers is not to buy expensive stuff unless you are 100% confident it’s something they’ll like or need. Stick to the lower end of your budget. I honestly believe that homemade is the way to go. After all, it’s the thought that counts.
Stressing over finding the best gifts for preppers is the last thing you need this year. Cut out the overthinking and use my list of best gifts for preppers. Enjoy your holidays with confidence that you have done the best shopping, and on time.
Your best gifts for preppers will be memorable and well-appreciated.
Just wait and see.
Happy holidays,
Prepping Insider team