
One of the greatest things you can gift someone this holiday season is peace of mind. This rings especially true for anyone on your holiday shopping list that’s an emergency prepper. Whether you know an avid camper or hiker, or someone who lives in an area that’s prone to earthquakes or hurricanes, a practical item for survival and comfort is a great gift idea they can actually get use out of.
This person probably already has batteries and a flashlight. They’re probably stocked up on essentials like toilet paper (which, really, who wants to gift that?) and nonperishable food, and could even have read experts’ advice on having a backpack ready to go.
With this in mind, we put together a list of items your recipient may not already own, either because they’re more of a splurge or because they may just not have thought to add them to their kit. Below, find some gift ideas that can help keep them safe and warm in a pinch.
A portable hand-crank lantern and power generator
We've previously covered this portable hand-crank camping lantern and power generator that has a built-in rechargeable battery (via USB-C), as well as a hand crank to generate electricity on its own when your recipient is stuck in a power outage or without access to outlets. And not only can it provide needed light in four different modes plus a dimming function, but they can also use it to charge their devices in a pinch, with its USB-C and USB-A output. Your recipient may already have a standard power bank, but this one adds an extra useful element they may appreciate.
Promising review: "It works just as advertised. I used the crank for 2-3 minutes. It charged up my Apple Watch from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes. It still had most of the charge left. The lights work great and do not drain the power quickly. Very happy." — Amazon Customer
A warm pair of durable, waterproof gloves
Gloves are a great winter gift in general, but the emergency prepper may appreciate something a bit less fuzzy and more disaster-ready in case of extreme cold temperatures or storms. These insulated gloves are waterproof and have a sandy latex coating for an enhanced grip. The adjustable wrist closure and extended cuffs can keep bitter cold out and customize the fit to your recipient's hands, while the touchscreen capability lets them use their device while wearing the gloves. These come in multiple colors, but for just a few extra dollars, you can get the gray ones in a nice gift box as shown here.
Or a 2-pack of magnetic and rechargeable hand warmers
Another good stocking stuffer in the face of extreme winds and cold? Some hand warmers like these, which have three settings and can heat up to 126 degrees. The magnetic design will let your recipient easily store the two together, and they can fit right into a pocket or glove. They recharge with a USB-C cord. Grab a pair in five colors or four patterned designs and help your recipient stave off the worst of low temps.
A chic and portable Lifestraw Sip
You've most likely heard of the LifeStraw personal water filter, which has been a game-changer for emergency prep. But now the brand has reconfigured its beloved tool into this sleek everyday straw that's made from stainless steel, has a replaceable silicone mouthpiece and comes with a compact case, so it's easy to pop in your purse or travel bag. Don't let the chic design fool you, the LifeStraw Sip is still able to remove 99.999% of microplastics, bacteria, parasites and more (including E. coli, salmonella, and Giardia) from just about any water source. A single filter lasts an impressively long time, providing about 1,000 gallons of clean, safe drinking water.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station
While the hand crank lantern mentioned earlier is great for charging small devices, your recipient will probably want something with a little more juice for longer-term power outages. That's where the splurgeworthy Jackery Explorer 1000 comes in: This HuffPicks Award winner has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one DC car port and LED lights to meet all your power and charging needs in an emergency. With a lifespan of over 10 years, smart app control to easily switch between charging modes and a compact design that's easy to store in a car trunk or basement, this can make a huge difference during a power outage or other emergency to keep their devices — and car battery — charged. This version comes with a convenient carrying bag.
Promising review: "I bought this with the intention of CPAP backup. Less than a week after receiving this product, an overnight thunder storm knocked out 2 transformers in town and we lost power for about 3-4 hours before crews could make repairs. I slept right through the entire deal and wondered why the microwave clock was flashing in the morning.
This product works exactly as designed and is an absolute blessing! If you've ever been woken up by your CPAP losing power you know how rude of a wake up that is.... avoiding that just one time makes the price worth it to me! Do yourself a favor and get a power station." — BigD
A 250-piece survival kit
You can never be sure exactly what you'll need when disaster strikes, so why not have it all ready to go in one handy kit just in case? This 250-piece kit caught HuffPost readers' attention en masse when we covered it previously. The kit contains necessities for nearly every situation imaginable: a first aid kit, compass, shovel, emergency tent, fire starter and so much more. All of the items fit inside a compact backpack your recipient can stash at home or in the car.
A handy carabiner multitool
If you're not planning on buying a whole kit for your recipient, how about one multitool that can come in handy in multiple types of emergencies? This 8-in-1 gadget is multipurpose with a rope cutter, screwdriver, bottle opener, window break, two types of knives and more. It folds into a carabiner shape that they can hang from their belt or bag for quick and easy access. It comes in multiple colors, too, so you can choose your recipient's favorite.
Promising review: "This tool is fantastic! It has everything you’d need in an emergency. I’ve taken it fishing and camping and I carry it in my car. It’s an all around great purposeful tool and it’s made so well!" — Yvonne Lowery
A windproof electric lighter
This stocking stuffer is a USB-rechargeable long-stem lighter that doesn't use any kind of lighter fluid or potentially dangerous flame to light candles or grills or any other items. There's also a safety feature that ensures it will only generate sparks after unlocking. The flameless design can keep your recipient safer if they need to use it outside during high winds.
A camping pillow to make sleeping on the go a little less miserable
Your recipient might already have thought to own a sleeping bag, in case an emergency requires them to leave home and can create uncertainty for where their next rest will come. But one thing they may not have thought of is a pillow to go with it. A camping pillow like this one can pack down small, but still provide a nice cushion for their head when they're sleeping on the ground — and can make a major difference when it comes to getting shuteye in an unknown place. It's not solely for emergencies, either; if they're a regular camper, this can come with them on their adventures, too.
And a packable and water-resistant insulated Rumpl blanket
This is a splurgier gift, but it's also gorgeous and a genuinely practical purchase. The Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket comes in two sizes large enough for one or two people, and is waterproof, insulated and packable, making it easy to take on the go. Not only can it come in handy if your recipient is stuck outside in the cold or without a bed to sleep in, but they also don't have to wait until an emergency strikes to use it: It's great for camping, picnics and general outdoor adventures. The blanket also includes a Cape Clip that lets them wear it around their shoulders while they walk to stay warm on the move. Choose from so many pretty colorways and designs, like the blue-green Cascade Fade shown here.
A pair of non-slip winter hiking boots with removable fur
These hiking boots will work on the trail and in the city. They have removable fleece insoles to keep your recipient's feet toasty on colder days. They're made from water-resistant leather with a non-slip sole that will keep them supported even in terrible weather. The sharp lace-up style looks great with jeans or slacks and won't make them feel dowdy whether they're wearing them for style or for safety. They're available in unisex sizes that range from men's 4-13.5.
Promising review: "Actually surprised by the quality and how comfortable they are. So warm with the lining. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a nice boot with the a great price point." — Kristyn











