Backpacking & Camping

Christmas Gifts for Preppers: Creative Ideas for Every Budget

Best Christmas Gifts For Preppers

Gift giving is definitely an art! It’s a difficult task with lots of ramifications, especially if you want to make sure the person who gets it will actually love it.

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And sometimes, even if you know the person extremely well and you put lots of thought and love into the idea, the inspiration refuses to strike. So, if you’re on the verge of buying a scarf or a new paracord bracelet for your prepper friend, stop!

We have your back so take a look at the wonderful (and many) ideas of a great Christmas gift for preppers we put listed below. There’s a gift for every personality and every budget so browse through and let us know which one you chose.

Gift Ideas for Christmas between $0-50

If you don’t want to invest too much but you still want to give a great gift, the ideas below will make any survival passionate extremely happy.

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Classic Knife

Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Classic Knife

Weight: 0.3 pounds

Size: 0.5 x 1 x 3.58 inches

Color: red

Best Use: small, everyday tasks

Description: If your friend doesn’t have a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife this gift will definitely make you his or her favorite friend! This product is a combination of the classic Swiss Army pocket tool and the Tinker Pocket tool resulting in a good-for-anything multi-tool.

It’s light enough to wear in on the key chain or in any type of pocket and it will be useful in an infinite number of situations.

ResQMe Mini Lifesaver Keychain

ResQMe Mini Lifesaver Keychain

Weight: 0.3 oz

Size: 3 x 0.8 x 1.6 inches

Color: yellow

Best Use: to get free from a car in case of accident

Description: This item is absolutely amazing for a friend who travels by car a lot. The ResQMe Mini Lifesaver Keychain was designed to be worn with your keys so you can have it on you or within reaching range regardless of situations.

The product is a literally a lifesaver as it is equipped with two seatbelt cutters and a car window breaker which are extremely useful in case of a car accident.

This is the type of gift that says you care about your friend or loved one’s life and you want to make sure they will be safe in any situation.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Weight: 0.11 pounds

Size: 8.86 x 0.98 x 8.86 inches

Color: blue

Best Use: any outdoor activity

Description: The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a fantastic gift for any outdoor lover. So, regardless of the fact that your friend loves to go hiking, climbing, or camping, they will eventually need to hydrate.

Since carrying a lot of water is usually uncomfortable as it adds weight to the backpack, the LifeStraw water filter is definitely a huge improvement. It is lightweight, it doesn’t take space, and can be used to drink from most natural water sources.

The filter was designed to get rid of 99.99999% of water born bacteria and removes 99.9% of protozoan parasites that are common in untreated water sources.

Also, it filters anything above 0.2 microns which is absolutely amazing. So, you’ll be easing your friend’s burden during hikes and making sure they keep hydrated and healthy. What better gift could you offer?

If you want to understand how this water filter works, we invite you to read our detailed LifeStraw Water Filter review.

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

Weight: 0.11 pounds

Size: 0.62 x 1.02 x 3.74 inches

Color: orange

Best Use: fire lighting and emergency situations

Description: When you’re spending most of the time in the great outdoors you do have to light a lot of fires. However, sometimes it happens that everything goes wrong (the matches get wet and the lighter doesn’t work).

In such a case, having the Light My Fire Sweedish FireSteel 2.0 on your keychain can be a lifesaver. Even more, you’ll think fondly of the friend who was so inspired to make such a wonderful gift.

The best part with this product is that it is equipped with a built-in emergency whistle (another lifesaving feature) and it can create bright sparks which can also be used for signaling an emergency.

Tesla Coil Lighters Windproof Arc Lighter

Tesla Coil Lighters Windproof Arc Lighter

Weight: 4 ounces

Size: 1.8 x 0.5 x 3 inches

Color: metallic gray

Best Use: lighting a fire

Description: Well, this Tesla Coil Lighter is a fantastic gift for a man since it is compact, sleek, and elegant. But, besides the gorgeous design, this is the best lighter you could have on you in any situation. Since it doesn’t use a flame, it is completely windproof and it doesn’t need fuel.

The lighter works based on an electric arc created at the press of a button and uses a lithium ion battery for this. Even more, it can be charged via USB and a charge lasts for about 100 to 300 uses.

It’s elegant, innovative, and compact; the perfect gift for your male friends!

Hydrapak Stash Water Bottle

Hydrapak Stash Water Bottle

Weight: 6.4 ounces

Size: 10 x 8 x 3 inches

Color: light brown

Best Use: hydration

Description: One of the biggest problems of an outdoor adventurer is hydration. Most of us tend to take water from home in a bottle and re-supply on the road from natural sources (like springs and rivers).

However there is a space-related issue with this aspect: you can’t take a big bottle since it will occupy lots of space even when empty and a small bottle won’t be enough to keep you hydrated.

In this case, a product like Hydrapak Stash Water Bottle makes all the difference in the world! It comes in two different sizes (750ml and 1L) and it features a wide mouth which makes it easy to fill and drink from.

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But the best feature is yet to come: the bottle can be collapsed to a circular disk, 4-inches high. This makes it extremely easy to store when empty and saved lots of space which is why any prepper will definitely love it.

SOL Original Survival Tool

SOL Original Survival Tool

Weight: 7 ounces

Size: 10.8 x 6.8 x 1.2 inches

Color: black and orange

Best Use: various survival situations

Description: The SOL Original Survival Tool is actually a complete and compact survival kit and should not be missing from any outdoor adventurer’s backpack!

The fact that comes equipped with a wide range of features that can be used in many different situations is what makes this gift quite a brilliant idea.

So, let’s see the main features of this tool:

  • A fire starter which works well with tinder
  • An emergency kit for fishing a sewing (in case something breaks or rips on the way or you want to try your hand at catching fish)
  • 150-pound-test braided nylon cord (it never hurts to have some extra rope with you)
  • Stainless steel wire created according to military specifications
  • A Fire Lite sparker (in case the fire starter fails)
  • A compass
  • A small blade that folds into the kit and can be extremely useful in a wide range of situations
  • One Rescue Flash signal mirror which can be seen from 20 miles away
  • One pea-less emergency whistle that can be heard from one mile away.

As you can see, this is definitely an extremely thoughtful gift especially considering the fact that this kit can easily be stashed in a pocket.

Zippo Emergency Fire Starter

Weight: 0.09 pounds

Size: 6.1 x 3.9 x 1.7 inches

Color: orange matte

Best Use: lighting a fire

Description: If your friend already has a great lighter, you can always complete the set by offering the Zippo Emergency Fire Starter as a gift. The product is compact, extremely lightweight and bright in color so it is easy to find in the backpack.

It is also equipped with a waterproof case that floats (just in case) and inside, you’ll find water-resistant waxed tinder sticks that can be used to light a fire even in the most humid conditions.

So, if the lighter fails, this emergency fire starter is a fantastic backup and your friend will be extremely grateful for thinking of his or her safety.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit

Weight: 9.4 oz

Size: 4.5″ x 6.8″

Color: black and orange

Best Use: a wide range of military, survival, tactical, hunting, industrial, and outdoor situations

Description: If you want to make sure your friends return safe and healthy from their outdoor adventures, then the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Kit is the gift you want.

The product is lightweight and compact which makes it easy to carry around and comes packed in a ripstop nylon bag with a waterproof zipper so all the items stay in one place.

Among the tools included you’ll find waterproof matches, snare wire, needle nose pliers, a hand saw, a signaling mirror, and more.

Zippo Hand Warmer

Zippo Hand Warmer

Weight: 2.6 oz.

Size: 3.9″ x 2.6″ x 0.5″

Color: silver

Best Use: in the outdoors or at an activity outside during winter

I bet you thought Zippo only produces lighters and accessories, right? Well, the Zippo Hand Warmer is a survival accessory that could help your friend in avoiding frostbites in the fingers and hands. The product is lightweight and compact and one fill offers about 12h oh warmth.

As the name says, this is a product for keeping your hands warm which comes extremely in handy if your friend loves to go outdoors in the winter. It is compact enough to fit in a regular pocket and the fuel is completely odorless.

Related: If you have small hands and small pockets, there is also a smaller version (2.9″ x 2″ x 0.6″) but this one will provide only 6h of warmth.

MTech USA Ballistic MT-A845 Folding Knife

MTech USA Ballistic MT-A845 Folding Knife

Weight: NA

Size: 5-inches when closed

Color: black

Best Use: various outdoor activities

Description: Elegant, sleek, and powerful, the MTech MT-A845 Folding knife is a fantastic gift for any outdoor enthusiast. The 3.75-inch blade is created with black stainless steel which offers durability and power for many outdoor activities (skinning, cutting, slicing, etc).

It feels heavy in your hand but it will fit in most pockets and can also be worn on the belt due to the included belt clipper.

The knife unfolds quickly due to the spring assist mechanism and can be locked securely into place. The handle is made out of black aluminum to offer increased grip and comfort.

10000mAh Solar Power Bank

Solar Charger, 10000mAh Solar Power Bank

Weight: 9.21 oz.

Size: 5.47 x 2.95 x 0.79in

Color: black and orange

Best Use: charging up devices when you’re outdoors

If you have a friend who loves to enjoy their modern gadgets while hiking, this Solar Power Bank will definitely put a smile on their faces!

The great part is that it can be charged either by sunlight or via an adaptor for traditional energy sources. This makes it quite versatile and the fact that it has outputs for most digital equipment today it increases said versatility.

The charger is also equipped with LED lights which come in handy if your flashlight just died. There are three modes: steady, SOS, and strobe so you can also use it as an emergency signal. There is also a built-in compass so you won’t lose track of your path.

Ideas that Fit The $50-100 Range

People that mean something to you deserve a more impressive gift so spending a bit more in them is definitely worth it.

Below we selected the best ideas for preppers and people passionate about outdoor activities so we’re confident you’ll find something interesting.

Coast HL7 LED Headlamp

Coast HL7 LED Headlamp

Weight: 4.5 ounces

Size: 24 x 3.2 x 2.1 inches

Color: black and red

Best Use: hiking, camping, climbing, and many other outdoor activities

Description: Imagine you’re out hiking, at dusk, and you need to install the tent. If you use a regular flashlight, at least one of your hands will be occupied and you’ll only have one hand for the tent.

With the Coast HL7 LED Headlamp you get free hands and the possibility to direct the light exactly where you need it which is why it will make a fantastic and thoughtful gift.

This headlamp can be adjusted so anyone can wear it and it offers the possibility to adjust the brightness (on High it outputs 285 lumens and on Low, 4 lumens).

With the 3 AAA batteries fully charged, it will provide 1 and half hours of continuous light when set on High – on Low, it lights your way for about 70 hours.

Anker 15W Dual USB Solar Charger

Anker 15W Dual USB Solar Charger

Weight: 12.5 oz.

Size: 11 × 6.3in folded or 18.1 × 11in opened

Color: black

Best Use: charging devices

Description: Unlike other portable solar chargers, the Anker solar charger is flexible and extremely versatile. First of all, it works based on solar power only but it doesn’t need any other sources as the efficiency of the solar panels is extremely high.

Another feature that’s worth mentioning is the fact that it is foldable for easier transportation. The product folds like a paper and it is produced in 4 sizes (depending on the number of panels available and the power delivered).

The software will identify your device and will apply the correct charging protocol so there’s no need for special ports or adapters. This charger allows for two devices to be charged at the same time and can be worn over the backpack so it charges while you’re walking.

Leatherman Rebar Multi-Tool

Leatherman Rebar Multi-tool

Weight: 6.7 ounces

Size: 4 x 100 x 100 inches

Color: silver

Best Use: multi-tool fit for thousands of activities

Description: This is a marvel of engineering and a gorgeous present for any outdoor passionate! Considering the size, it seems almost impossible to think that this multi-tool actually hosts 17 different tools which are necessary for a wide range of activities.

However, the Leatherman Rebar Multi-tool is not just a multi-tool. It is a high-quality product with safe features (each tool locks in place so you can use the one you choose without risks) and the possibility to replace pieces that wear from usage (wire and hard-wire cutters in this case).

This tool comes with a leather sheath and a lanyard ring which make it quite easy to wear in the wilderness and difficult situations.

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

Kelty Cosmic Down 20

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Size: 8 x 13 x 8 inches

Color: light and dark blue

Best Use: camping in cold weather but not in the winter

Description: A sleeping bag is quite a personal gift and it shows you want the person receiving it to be cozy and warm while enjoying the beauty of nature.

So, if this is the case, the Kelty Cosmic Down is right up your alley. With a temperature rating of -7°C (20°F), this bag is designed with a hood and a natural fit foot box which allows the person inside to feel comfy and snug. The zipper locks in place and it is designed with a draft tube to keep the cold away.

Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife

Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife

Weight: 5.4 oz.

Size: Total length: 9.1 inches; Blade length: 4.3 inches.

Color: black

Best Use: cutting, slicing, kindling, skinning, and many other activities that require a knife

Description: A knife that comes equipped with several other survival tools is definitely a very thoughtful gift! So, if you know your friend needs a knife for his or her outdoor endeavors, we recommend the Morakniv Bushcraft knife.

This is a fixed blade with carbon steel and an anti-corrosive black coating which also gives a sleek finish to the entire product.

The sheath is designed with a diamond sharpener (in case the blade goes dull while you’re out) and a fire starter which can produce 3,000-degree sparks. Also, the handle fits well in most hands and offers great grip even in high-humidity conditions.

Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel

Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel

Hand Configuration: right hand

Color: black and red

Special Features: lightweight, smooth and quick retrieve, fits comfortably in the hand

Best Use: bass fishing and other large species

Description: Does your friend love to fish? Then you might consider offering a high-quality reel as gift – he/she will definitely think of you when they catch the next big fish!

The Abu Garcia Low Profile Reel is equipped with 4 stainless steel ball bearing and 1 roller bearing for a smooth operation. Even more, the spool is created out of machined aluminum for extra strength and the Dura gear brass provides durability even through heavy use.

This is definitely a dream gift for any fishermen out there!

Ultra Stream Led VP-10 Flashlight

Ultra Stream Led VP-10 Flashlight

Battery Type: Li-Ion rechargeable

Color: black

Special Features: it can be mounted on the barrel of a gun, very bright and durable

Best Use: hunting, animal observation, or general outdoor use

Description: This is definitely more than just a flashlight; it’s a light bearing kit that every outdoor adventure should consider adding to their backpack.

The Ultra Stream Flashlight comes in a heavy duty carry case which contains the flashlight and several accessories that help use the flashlight in various different modes (scope mount, battery charger, car charger, and more).

The flashlight is designed to withstand heavy use due to the precision machined T6 aircraft grade aluminum.

Also, it features 3 LED options: RED (300 plus yards unfiltered red light), GREEN (300 lumens, 300 plus unfiltered yards), and WHITE (300+ unfiltered yards). As a plus, it is water resistant and can work in 3 different modes: High, Medium, and Low.

Ideas that Will Cost You Over The $100 Threshold

Now we’re entering the heavy-duty category of gift-giving and, if you haven’t found anything interesting yet, now it’s the time to focus.

Below we listed 8 ideas that should be on every survivalist or outdoor enthusiast’s dream board so read carefully and weigh in your decision.

BioLite Wood Burning Campstove

BioLite Wood Burning Campstove

Weight: 2.07 pounds

Size: 8.27 x 5 x 5 inches

Color: orange + metallic silver

Best Use: camping cooking, getting heat during emergencies, purifying water

Description: A compact device that generates heat, charges your phone, and boils water at the same time – who could want more?

The BioLite Wood Burning Campstove is a camper’s dream come true! First of all, you don’t have to worry about fuel – the stove works with twigs and small branches you can find in any forest. Second, the stove converts the heat into electricity removing the hassle of solar chargers (having access to sun rays).

If you need to purify water, the stove will boil 1L in about 4.5 minutes which is quite impressive considering the size. If you want to know more about how this product works, take a look at our BioLite Stove review.

MSR WindBurner Stove

MSR WindBurner Stove

Weight: 1 pound

Size: 9 x 5 x 5 inches

Color: red

Best Use: camping cooking, getting heat while camping

Description: If you want to offer more than just a stove, the MSR WindBurner is definitely the perfect choice.

This is a stove integrated with the necessary cookware system which will allow anyone to make coffee or cook something regardless of the weather and wind speed. However, the stove works with a 4oz IsoPro™ canister so you have to consider adding the fuel to the gift.

To make things cozier, the stove is equipped with a mug, a pot, and a lid which will make everyone’s camping days a lot easier and fun.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm

Weight: 1.26 pounds

Size: 12 x 9 x 6 inches

Color: vapor

Best Use: camping

Description: Any camper, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast, knows that the backpack is a very limited space that needs to contain a wide range of necessary items. So, the best way to make sure you have everything you want is to buy high-quality things that can get tight and small.

This is the case with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm mattress which can be packed to the size of a one-liter water bottle.

When opened, the mattress is 2.5 inches thick and offers amazing support which is quite a luxury when you’re sleeping in a tent. Even more, the mattress is equipped with modern technologies that trap the heat and minimize the heat loss during the night.

Garmin Fenix 3 HR

Garmin Fenix 3 HR

Weight: 3.2 ounces

Size: 0.6 x 2 x 2 inches (LxWxH)

Color: black

Battery: Li-Ion

Description: If you really want to impress, then a GPS watch with a wide range of functions and fitness trackers is quite a great idea.

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR is equipped with a heart monitor (the sensors are situated in the wristband), WiFi and GPS connectivity, advanced fitness training features, and outdoor navigation options like an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass, and TracBack feature.

Now, besides the cool software, the watch is equipped with a silicone band which gives it an elegant, rugged look making it a good fit for men.

The display offers high-resolution images and works well in direct sunlight while the entire watch is designed to support up to 100 meters under water – this means you can actually swim with it on your wrist.

Read more of our best survival watches to give you more gifting options.

Nikon Monarch 7 ATB 10×42

Nikon Monarch 7 ATB 10x42

Weight: 1.33 pounds

Size: 1.65 x 5.1 x 5.7 inches

Color: black

Max Magnification: 10

Description: Most of us love the outdoors for the feeling of freedom it offers and the adrenaline-pumping environment. I mean, where else will you ever get to see mesmerizing mountains, gorgeous hills, or unspeakable river valleys?

Mother Nature is the most acclaimed architect, artist, and mathematician in our entire universe! This is why the Monarch 7 from Nikon is such a thoughtful gift: you are giving your friend the possibility to see beyond the human eye limitations.

These binoculars are bright, which makes them great in low light, and provide the viewer with an exceptionally wide field of view (351 feet). Also, they are designed to reproduce colors accurately and they compact size makes them very easy to carry around.

Camping or hunting at night? See our piece on the how to choose the best infrared binoculars for vision acuity in the dark.

Leatherman Charge TTI Multi-Tool

Leatherman Charge TTI Multi-Tool

Weight: 1lb.

Size: 1.5 x 4 x 1 in

Color: stainless steel

Description: There is yet another multi-tool in our list of ideas, but the Leatherman Charge TTI is equipped with 19 different tools that can be used in thousands of situations.

The TTI is equipped with a titanium handle which means that durability won’t be an issue and features tools like wire cutter and stripper, 2 different knives, saw, several drivers, a file, pliers, and more.

Benchmade Knife 585

Benchmade Knife 585

Weight: 3.5 ounces

Handle Thickness: 0.57 inches

Size: 6.91 inches length overall

Best Use: Regular outdoor activities

Description: If your friend needs a small, foldable knife with a powerful blade and cool features, then the Benchmade 585 will be a great gift. This knife is equipped with the AXIS Assist locking mechanism which makes it easy to open with one hand.

Also, it doesn’t matter which hand as it has ambidextrous thumb studs. The blade is stainless steel and the knife comes in a specially-designed pouch.

Garmin eTrex 20x

Garmin eTrex 20x

Weight: 4.96 ounces

Size: 2.1 x 4 x 1.3 inches (L x W x H)

Color: black and orange

Display Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels

Description: Compact and lightweight, the Garmin eTrex 20x is the perfect GPS to offer as a gift. Besides the fact that it has many cool and interesting features, this device is also great for geocaching.

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The eTrex stores several maps and display information about location, terrain difficulty, descriptions, and hints which are very useful if you like geocaching or backpacking.

The WAAS-enabled GPS receiver is very sensitive which means you will get GPS signal in some of the most difficult locations.

For more of the best GPS handheld devices, see our review on the topic.

To Wrap It Up

Hoping that we offered a great Christmas gift idea for an outdoor enthusiast we end our list here. If our recommendations helped, please let us know – we’re waiting for your great stories in the comments section!

For more ideas on gift ideas, see our post on camping gear gift ideas for family and friends.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, as an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If the information in this post has been helpful, please consider purchasing through one of the links in this article. Thank you.

About the author

Ellie Thomas

Survival-Mastery reflects my love of the outdoors and having the skills to take care of myself in the wilderness and in worst-case scenarios. I grew up in the southeast backpacking, camping, and fishing, and I have hiked and backpacked over 15,000 miles in the US. My background and career for the past 30 years has been in operations and construction and I enjoy learning and DIY projects.

6 Comments

  • One of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received was the SOL Origin survival tool. It’s a wonderfully well thought-out survival device which contains everything you might need if the worst should happen, neatly put together into a palm-sized, waterproof case.

    It contains tons of handy tools, all of which have a very clear purpose, unlike other ‘multi-tool’ style items which are often padded with useless extras. The knife is around the size of a swiss army knife and quite sturdy though probably only suitable for small cutting tasks such as shaving branches/twigs into tinder, the compass is useful and accurate and the whole case is very well-made, of a solid plastic that seems like it would take a reasonable amount of punishment before breaking.

    I could spend hours discussing the various little additions to this case, however, all I will say is if you’re a survival enthusiast, prepper or simply someone who spends a fair amount of time off the beaten track, this is a fantastic little kit to have in your arsenal.

  • The SOL Origin survival tool is the lightest, most space efficient, and most durable survival kit you can buy.

  • If I were buying a gift for a prepper, it would definitely have to be a Swiss army knife and the Victorinox Tinker is a fantastic example.

    The Tinker is possibly the most commonly used Swiss army knife in the world and is almost identical to the original Spartan knife, but with a Philips screwdriver in place of the corkscrew, which in my opinion is a much more useful tool.

    As you’d expect, the Tinker comes with all the essential tools you’d expect from most multi-tool or pocket knives, a blade, which in most cases will be rather dull out-of-the-box, but is definitely capable of holding a good, sharp edge once sharpened. A smaller blade, a bottle opener, a screwdriver, can opener and more.

    These knives are an easy way to have essential tools on-hand for preppers, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists and don’t cost the earth. Highly recommended!

  • Giving prepping Christmas gifts to your partner or friend is amazing, but you have to get it right for him or her to like it, and there isn’t better gift than a tactical folder. The Tinker is definitely a good choice.

  • Are you a prepper? There are some gifts and presents that should be ideal for you other than scarf and new paracord bracelet. Some of these gifts are MSR pocket rocket stove, Garmin Etrex 20X, Benchmade knife 585, Coast HL7 led headlamp, Anker 15W dual USB,solar charger, Abu Garcia low profile reel, etc. These items are more presentable even to higher profile persons. Do you think some of these materials are worth presenting to preppers as gift items?

  • Christmas holidays is the best period to get your fellow prepper a gift. Personally, I think the gift should reflect the holidays, and at the same time it should be outdoor related. Get the best suggestions from this article.

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