Top Survival Gifts for the Prepared

Survivalists and preparedness experts alike know that disasters don't stop for the holidays.

You must be prepared to face an emergency at any time of the year, come rain, shine, snow, or even St. Nick!

That's why we've rounded up our top picks for unique survival gifts. Not only will they wow everyone on your list, but they will deliver lasting peace of mind long after this season is over.

Compact generator next to a solar panel angled toward the sun, both sitting on gravel.

Solar Generator System

Without power, your most important appliances, devices, and other electronics will be of no use to you in an emergency. You can say “goodbye” to your lights, kitchen appliances, and vital communication channels the second the grid goes down.

That is, if you don't have a reliable, solar-powered system as backup.

With the right solar equipment, you can harness the renewable power of the sun from your own backyard or off-grid in the forest. The 300 Solar Generator System by Grid Doctor, for example, offers long-lasting, dependable power on demand straight from the sun.

Portable and easy to use, this essential system is one of the best survival gifts for families. From grandparents to children, anyone can press the buttons and get it going!

The VESTA unit, a compact heater and stove powered by canned heat, sitting on top of a wood table.

Self-Powered Heater

As the temperatures drop, depending on an unreliable power grid for life-sustaining heat is not an option.

Since 1979, more than 19,000 Americans have tragically died from exposure to the cold, often without warning. That's why your loved ones desperately need a dependable, off-grid heater.

Unfortunately, propane appliances and gas generators aren't just inefficient, they have the potential to be deadly. An indoor option like the VESTA Self-Powered Indoor Space Heater and Stove is a safer, more efficient choice.

When paired with our Canned Heat+ Cooking Fuel, the VESTA unit becomes a powerful, indoor-safe selection for essential heating and cooking. It is definitely toward the top of the list, especially during the frigid winter season!

Weather-Resistant Fire Starters

When you're in urgent need of fire for heating, cooking, or signaling for help, the last thing you want to discover is that your matches have become broken, soggy, or otherwise unusable.

You need fire-starting tools that are ready to stand up to rain, snow, and harsh winds.

The InstaFire Tactical Fire Starting Kit contains a variety of weather-resistant fire starters in one durable, zip-up case. Portable and practical, this kit ensures that you can start a fire when you need it most, rain or shine (literally). Take it with you wherever you go—in the car, stashed in the basement, or brought on a hiking trip—and never be without the heat you need.

Woman wearing a black headlamp to see in the dark.

Rechargeable Lights

In a survival situation, the last thing you want to be without is a battery-free light source. A quality, rechargeable light source makes a great and affordable gift for the preparedness-minded members of your family.

While there are several emergency light sources that fulfill different purposes—like candles, LED lights, or flashlights—it's important that the one you select is rugged, reliable, and rechargeable. You can’t count on batteries during disaster; they die and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Our LED Headlamp is the perfect hands-free light source for crisis scenarios. Offering 20 hours of continuous light, this lamp is ideal for outdoor adventures and emergencies.

Shelf-Stable Emergency Food

You won't last long in any situation without food. And not just any food; food that can be prepared without an oven, refrigerator, lots of cookware, and extra ingredients.

Emergency preparedness experts recommend keeping at least three months' worth of emergency food on the shelf for every member of your household.

But building up a stockpile like that takes time. That's why gifting emergency food to your friends and family is always a winner. Every meal you purchase will go toward meeting that overall food goal for your household. And you can never have too much!

If you shop smartly, your emergency food should be packaged for long-term storage and last for years to come.

Grabbing our 72-Hour Kit or 2-Week True Survival Food Kit can help your loved ones reach their preparedness pantry goals. Designed to maintain long lives on the shelf, these food kits are packed with delicious, easy-to-prepare meals the whole family will love. Plus, they’re loaded with calories for essential energy in emergencies.

Portable Water Filter

Water is an essential element to every emergency plan. Whether it's cooking, bathing, cleaning, or drinking, a quality water filter is crucial to the survival of your family.

Portable water filtration comes in many forms. You might elect to stock up on purification tablets, filtration bottles, or a straight-from-the-source straw depending on your preferences and needs.

Whichever option you choose, make sure that it's lightweight, dependable, and comes with an adequate number of replacement filters. (And keep plenty of them in stock!)

The G2O Water Filtration Bottle by Aquamira is a great on-the-go water filtration option. Designed to reduce common contaminants found in freshwater—as well as improve the color, odor, and taste—this bottle is one of the best survival gifts for the preparedness people and outdoor adventurers in your life.

[Related Read: Why and How Water Scarcity Affects You]

Red backpack filled with first aid supplies.

Medical Supplies

In an emergency, medical services may not always be available. In case that happens, you need to be prepared for the worst. Having plenty of portable medical supplies is a must for ensuring that injuries can be treated on the go.

And, those supplies need to be clearly marked and easy to use for those who aren’t medical professionals.

The My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to key medical supplies. Organized inside a small, lightweight pack made from rugged material, you'll find the supplies you need to irrigate, close, and dress wounds when medical help is not readily available. Take it on camping trips or keep it in your car for unforeseen emergencies.

[Related Read: The 5 Emergency Meds You CANNOT Live Without]

No Broken Banks: Give These Gifts

We hope our list of top survival gifts has been helpful to you. Investing in emergency preparedness is an excellent way to provide your loved ones with the priceless peace of mind that preparedness brings no matter the time of year.

You can find more of these top-rated preparedness finds in our Top 10 Gifts Collection. Happy holidays, and best wishes on your shopping!

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