With the holidays creeping up, I’d love to hear your suggestions for prepping-related gift ideas! I’m open to a range of prices. I’m always short for stocking-stuffer style gifts, but can go up to $100ish for larger gifts.
Especially interested in items that don’t seem outright related to emergency preparedness. My mother already thinks I’m nuts for things like extra food and water, fireproof lock box, first aid kits, and a winter car kit, so I can’t exactly make her a personalized bug out bag lol. The closest things she has to preps is a fire extinguisher and extra blankets (lives in rural northeast).
Alternatively, my father lives in St Petersburg in Florida, which was hit by both of the two recent major hurricanes. Luckily he was able to evacuate for both storms, and miraculously his building is basically undamaged. He just moved there from living in the northeast for the first 60 years of his life and has literally nothing for hurricane preparedness. I’ve already made it clear that I’m buying him the basics if he doesn’t get himself anything before the holidays, but any additional suggestions are also appreciated!
For stockings, small mini mag light, umbrella, warm gloves and wool socks, beanie hat, hand warmers, candles, weather radio, sunscreen, lip balm, multitool, first aid kit for the car. Try to mix it up with more fun items so it’s not so serious like a pack of cards, movie they might watch, popcorn, a warm pretty sweater, something related to a hobby they enjoy.
I’ll chime in on disguised preps: food! Quality pastas, sauces and canned white beans and lentils (throw in some parmesan reggiano). A gift set from Rancho Gordo (dried heirloom beans). Assorted jerkies, canned fish, assorted dried fruits and nuts.
@Dustin
That’s such a good idea and so simple! I never would’ve thought about how leveling up to fancy or fun food would still ‘count’ in a preparedness sense. Next visit he’ll be getting some shelf-stable food for sure, and I’ll toss in some fun snacks!
For mom, lovely scented candles with a lid. Wool or silk leggings or tights. One of those market totes that folded up to the size of a pack of playing cards.
Do they need new jackets? I have noticed as people get older they think their stuff is still good when it isn’t. A solid winter coat would be a good prep for your mom and maybe some kind of rain jacket for your dad?
Something like a small car jumping battery is a great item, and a little pricey which means some people might not bother buying it for themselves. I think the one I have was about $150.
Maybe gardening tools? Hori hori knife, grow bags, tomato or carrot seeds (for me, these plants tend to do well anywhere and don’t need a lot of tending)
Most of my ideas are covered by other comments, but here are a few I didn’t see: Personal safety: pocket knife, pepper spray, key chain alarm, reflective clothing (but the versions of these in cute colors haha)
Just be aware who you are gifting to and what their reaction will be. If someone doesn’t prep and doesn’t want extra clutter they might just bin or donate your gifts.