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The world will eventually come to an end. It’s just that some people believe it’s coming sooner than later. And if the past year has taught us anything, it’s that the global situation can go downhill faster than you think.
Even if Armageddon isn’t around the corner, between pandemics, natural disasters and fluctuating economies, it could be wise to prepare yourself in the event of something unexpected.
Yes, it may be time to admit that the doomsday preppers we used to think were crazy might just be ahead of the curve. Maybe you know a survivalist. Or maybe you’re just catching on to the trend yourself.
If you’re scratching your head and wondering what to get for the person who believes everything will go sideways, we have some ideas. From mini water, purifiers to crank radios and multi-use tools, these handy (some would say indispensable) gifts could help someone in survival situations or start a brand new world.
Let’s dive in before time runs out with these 30 great gifts for preppers.
Editor Picks
Preview | Name | Rating | View |
 | Lifestraw Personal Water Filter | ||
 | Leatherman Supertool 300 | ||
 | Hoover Hives 10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Starter Kit | ||
 | Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier | ||
 | Survival Kit in a Flashlight |
1. Presidio Tactical Assault Backpack
A bugout bag where they can store their supplies is indispensable equipment for a prepper. This durable and water-resistant Presidio Tactical Assault Backpack is military-approved and comes with a lifetime guarantee for materials and workmanship. That may be hard to collect if the world goes upside down, but still, it’s nice to know…
2. Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
Many preppers may have a tent on hand, but what makes this Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter unique is that it folds up to about 3 x 5 inches. Made from durable polyethylene, it will reflect heat back to the body when the weather is harsh and even comes with a 120-decibel emergency whistle. It’s the perfect addition to any bugout bag.
3. Tact Bivvy 2.0 Emergency Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is another light but useful item that preppers love to have on hand. While it extends to 7 x 3 feet, it can fold up into the palm of your hand. The Tact Bivvy 2.0 Emergency Sleeping Bag also reflects heat back to the body and is water-resistant, tear-resistant and comes into bright orange to make survivors in emergencies more visible.
4. EverOne Wool Blanket
Whether trying to stay warm outdoors or in your own home when no heat is available, expert preppers agree that a wool blanket is a must-have. Breathable and yet warm, this EverOne Wool Blanket military-style model is also fire retardant, perfect for when you’re hunkered down around the campfire talking about the good old days.
5. Heatsheets Classic Blanket
In addition to a wool blanket, it’s good to have a smaller, lighter emergency blanket around for other emergencies. Many experts prefer Heatsheets as they are made from recyclable, low-density polyethylene, which is more durable than Mylar. In addition, they can be used silver side out for warm weather or silver side in for cold weather.
In other words, you’re covered whatever the disaster.
6. Fireproof Document Bag
And don’t forget a place to stow those essential documents. These fireproof document bags will survive both fire and water to keep them safe from whatever mother nature decides to throw at you.
7. HotHands Hand Warmers
If your hands are frozen, you’re pretty much screwed. But these little HotHands babies fit easily into a pocket or gloves and give up to 10 hours of heat, because having all of your fingers is a definite advantage when you’re facing the end of civilization.
8. LuxoGear Emergency Whistle With Lanyard
You can wear your voice out screaming for help in extreme situations and still not be heard. That’s why an emergency whistle doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be loud. This simple model from Luxogear has no moving parts that will break or freeze and comes with an adjustable, high-visibility cord.
9. Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
If you don’t have power, it could be hard to find your way around with GPS. That’s why every prepper needs to have an easy-to-read compass. The Cammenga compass is waterproof, durable and should keep you from getting permanently lost in the woods.
10. UST StarFlash Micro Signal Mirror
This small item could turn out to be a lifesaver when you need to signal someone from far away. Ultralight but durable, the StarFlash Micro Signal Mirror works in cloudy weather as well as under moonlight conditions.
11. Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
This award-winning water filter is small enough to fit in your pocket but can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water for 99.9 percent of bacteria, parasites, chemicals and other contaminants. Plus, it requires no batteries or replacement filters. Small but mighty, this filter should be in every preppers bag.
12. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
To filter water on a larger scale, of course, you’ll need something larger. The Big Berkey has a 2.25-gallon capacity and can filter enough water for up to 4 people a day. It also works with no electricity, tools or plumbing.
So bottoms up, it’s not quite the end of the world when you have drinking water.
13. Rexing B1 Basic Night Vision Goggles
If the world really goes to hell in a handbasket, some nighttime reconnaissance may be required. This Rexing monocular allows you to see subjects (i.e., deer, people, zombies) from 650 feet away and is also a digital camera. With this baby, you’ll never be able to say you didn’t see it coming.
14. Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
In addition to a flashlight, every prepper should also have a headlamp for those times when they need to work hands-free in the dark. That way, they’re free to dig, hammer or shoot without hindrances. It also makes going to the bathroom in the middle of the dark woods a lot easier.
15. MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light
Having a lamp that works on solar power will be crucial when you’re living off the grid. This inflatable light will last 24 hours on a single charge and is also waterproof, shatterproof and even floats. And unless the sun goes out, it’s a renewable source of energy for a prepper in your life.
16. Leatherman Supertool 300
Leatherman seems to be the go-to choice for preppers when it comes to multitools. This stainless steel workhorse has 19, including a knife, saw, wire cutter, can opener and much more. Oh, and let’s not forget the bottle opener for those souls who are smart enough to grab a six-pack as they get the hell out of dodge.
17. THE MeUNCHER Titanium Multi Utensil
Yes, people still need forks in emergencies, but not many work like this one. This clever multitool by Full Windsor functions as a spork, serrated butter knife, can opener, peeler, pry-bar, box cutter and more.
And because it’s made of titanium, this survival gear will get you through the end of the world and beyond.
18. Yeacool Backpacking Trowel
If you’re stuck in the wilderness, a lightweight shovel always comes in handy. This model from Yeacool also functions as a saw, ruler, hex wrench, paracord and nail extractor. Not to mention it’s also good for those times when mother nature calls and you don’t have a bathroom. Nuff said about this survival tool.
19. SOG Tomahawk Tactical Axe
The SOG Tomahawk Tactical Axe may only be an axe, but because it weighs in at only 23 ounces, it makes a durable yet lightweight tool for chopping wood, hunting or throwing at aggressors if the situation calls for it (and you’ve honed your axe throwing skills).
20. First-Aid Kit Ultimate Compact Grab N Go (Doom and Bloom)
Most serious doomsday preppers like to build out their own first aid survival kits to cover off major-minor incidents as well as traumatic injuries. Still, it’s nice for them to have a pre-packed kit that they can just grab and go with.
This first-aid kit from Doom and Bloom is also a trauma kit and includes items like a SWAT tourniquet, Israeli bandages and blood clotting powder for when the shi$$ has really hit the fan.
21. Kaito KA500 Hand-Crank Radio
Even in the worst of disasters, someone out there will be broadcasting. That’s why any good prepper needs a short-wave radio that can pick up news from around the world. This popular model can be charged by a hand-crank, solar panel or batteries and also includes an LED reading lamp, flashlight and SOS beacon.
22. NOCO Boost Car Battery Booster Pack
There may not be someone around to give your car a jump when you need it in a true emergency. But this lithium battery will provide you with 40 jumps on a single charge. But the best part is that it’s also a portable power bank that can charge smartphones, tablets and other devices.
It also serves as an LED flashlight. All that, and no AAA membership fee is required.
23. BigBlue 28W Solar Charger with Digital Ammeter
Then again, there is a lot to be said for simplicity. This straight-up solar power bank will give you enough electricity to power your cell phone, tablet or other USB devices while living off the grid. And if there’s no cell service… you can always entertain yourself by taking doomsday selfies.
24. Wise Company Emergency Food Variety Pack
Any prepper worth their salt probably has food put back for emergency use. But the good news is, they can never have too much! This pack from the Wise Company contains 104 servings that include breakfast, lunch, dinner, fruits, vegetables and snacks.
It also has a shelf life of 25 years. After that, it’s like making dinner reservations waaaaay in advance.
Related: The 36 Best RV Gadgets [That You Didn’t Know You Needed]
25. Family Sown Survival Seeds
If the world situation has really gone south, then people will need to grow their own food. This survival seeds pack contains 34 different heirloom varieties of non-GMO seeds to provide a balanced diet and comes in a resealable bag to keep them safe.
If you’re going to start the world over again, why not go GMO-free?
26. All American Sun Oven
If you’re going to be living under extreme conditions for a long period, you’re going to want a way to cook food and heat water. The Sun Oven works on solar power and can reach temperatures between 360 and 400F. Post-apocalyptic blueberry muffin, anyone?
27. Camp Stove 2+
Doomsday preppers always love gear that can multitask. So not only will this award-winning stove cook food using sticks, wood or pellets, but it can also turn fire into electricity that you can use to charge lights, phone and other gear. All that, and it packs down to the size of a 32oz water bottle.
What’s a prepper not to love?
28. Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass
You can’t start a fire without a spark, right? That’s why every survivalist should have something that can light one even in rain, snow or wind. This fire starter can be used over 16,000 times and is also a whistle, compass and paracord.
Now that’s something a survivalist can definitely get fired up about.
29. Wilderness Survival Playing Cards
When you’re not staving off immediate disasters, the end of the world could get a little monotonous. These playing cards will provide some entertainment as well as essential tips for surviving in the wild. It’s a game your life could depend on.
30. The Bushcraft Boxed Set
Then again, if the situation is that serious, some heavy reading may be required. These books by Dave Canterbury are considered survivalist classics and include information on everything from trapping, cooking, first aid and much more. For anyone who wants to save their hide come doomsday, these books are definite page-turners for prepping and you will learn everything you need to know about food storage and more.
31. G95 Filtration Wear
In the event of a serious catastrophe — or even in the event of a pandemic — you want to stay protected. If your favorite prepper already has their water filtration system on lock down, help them filter out another life necessity: the air around them.
G95’s filtration wear is uniquely designed to look like your everyday clothing items, but all are made with a proprietary design that allows the fabric to filter out 99% of airborne contaminants that are 0.1 microns or larger. This means, in the event of a catastrophe, you could cover your face with your hoodie, for example, and be protected from bacteria, viruses, air pollution, smoke, allergens and other threats.
In addition to hoodies, G95 also makes protective scarves, neck gaiters and pullovers.
32. UVPaqlite Scout Pack
This affordable stocking stuffer of a great gift is a unique lighting option that will work again and again. Not your average glow sticks, these are reusable glow sticks that allow you to light up the night with no batteries, no solar power and no electricity required. They come in handy in the event of an emergency, but also in more everyday situations, like when camping.
The reusable glow sticks are filled with crystals that absorb any and all light to recharge. With just one charge, they’ll work for more than 10 hours under the right conditions.
33. Hoover Hives 10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Dipped in 100% Beeswax Starter Kit
Most homesteading preppers really just want to keep living their lives after the world as we know it shuts down, albeit on a sustainable and totally self-sufficient basis. This means producing all their own food and goods, rather than relying on a stockpile of dehydrated meals for years to come.
Help your prepper kickstart their homestead sooner rather than later, with a kit that’ll teach them a specialized skill that’ll make the end of the world that much sweeter. This beginner beekeeping kit from Amazon has nearly everything needed to get started beekeeping. Just add bees.
34. Canning Supplies Starter Kit
Another skill that’s going to come in handy if we’re all living on our own homesteads and only living off what we can scavenge or grow? Canning. After all, if those heirloom seeds that you saved up really take off and suddenly you’re growing tons of tomatoes, you’ll need to pack them away for the upcoming winter and canning is the best way to do so.
(And, even if your gift recipient doesn’t need to use this gift for actual survival at some point, if they’re learning how to use it, just in case, you get to benefit from all their delicious canned goods in the meantime.)
35. Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier
Even in the event of a worldwide catastrophe, you can’t just leave your favorite furry friend behind. This pet evacuation kit is designed for felines and has everything you need to grab your cat and go. It even comes with a bag that allows you to carry your cat on your back or chest, kind of like a kitty backpack, leaving your hands free. The pack also includes all food, water, litter and other items that you might need, enough to last for several days.
You can also find similar kits for both large and small dogs from the same brand. However, do note that the dog-intended packs are not designed to allow you to carry your dog, just their supplies.
36. One of Everything Jerky Sampler Box
There’s no food quite so suitable for survival situations as beef jerky. Tasty already in the normal world, it’s just the thing to get you through the apocalypse.
Help your favorite prepper pick their favorite beef jerky brand to stock up on before everything goes awry, with this sampler box that includes 12 different jerky products.
37. A Tactical Backpack
When things get hairy, you don’t want to be relying on some average hiking backpack or book bag to carry all your must-have gear from Point A to Point B. A tactical backpack can help ensure your gear stays safe and that you can carry as much as possible.
This particular option from 5.11 Tactical offers 60 liters of storage, is made from ultra-durable nylon and can be customized with multiple compartments that attach to the bag’s exterior, for extra storage beyond the multiple internal pockets that are easy access in even the toughest situations.
38. Cosori Food Dehydrator
Help your favorite prepper stock up on all their favorite eats for the future, with a food dehydrator that can turn all of their meals into easy-to-pack, easy-to-store dehydrated goods that can be rehydrated in a snap.
This particular dehydrator allows you to dehydrate more food at once, with its seven trays and is super-quiet. It works at temperatures between 95 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit and features a timer that allows you to set it and forget it for up to 48 hours. If the dehydrator is in danger of overheating, it simply shuts off, so there are no worries if you need to leave it at home for a few hours or overnight.
39. The Head for Survival Bandana
This gift is as unique as it is affordable. A simple bandana at first glance, when you unfold this bright orange piece of cloth, you’ll find a range of handy survival information printed within, including guides on how to build shelter, how to navigate, how to signal for help and more. Plus, the strong fabric can be used as a makeshift sling in dire situations.
40. A Battlbox Subscription
There are subscription boxes out there for everything now, and that includes for the prepper and survivalist lifestyle. The Battlbox subscription arrives at your door every month and each box includes a range of outdoor and survival gear.
Past boxes have included items like compact bows, folding shovels, cooling towels, water filter packets, dry bags and more.
41. Survival Kit in a Flashlight
If a normal, backpack-ready survival kit is still too much for your favorite prepper to lug around, help them shrink down their gear needs a little further with this survival kit in a flashlight. All they have to do is disassemble the flashlight’s body to reveal a range of tools, including fishing gear, fire starters, a hand saw, water purification tablets, a mirror, trail markers, first aid supplies, a razor blade and a candle. All in all, the whole kit just weighs right over a pound.
42. California Sunlight New Ultra Portable Solar Balloon Energy System for Outdoor Cooking
Cooking during or after the apocalypse won’t be easy, but this solar balloon oven can make it easier. The lightweight, foldable balloon simply unfolds and then uses the power of the sun to heat its contents in mere minutes, similar to your average home stove. In less than half an hour, it can distill water, cook rice, bake cookies and more.
43. Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods
But sometimes you don’t get the option to bake cookies in the wilderness, in which case you’ll need to make do with whatever foods you can scavenge. This book will help.
Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods is filled with more than 400 photos and detailed information about edible plants and where they live, how to prepare them, how to harvest them and how to avoid potentially poisonous plants that may look too much like these natural foods for comfort.
How to Shop for Your Favorite Prepper
Had a good look at all of our favorite prepping and survival items above and still not sure where to start shopping? There are a few factors to take into account as you consider your options, which may help you narrow down your choices until you find the perfect gift idea.
How experienced is your favorite prepper?
If you’re buying a gift for a prepper who’s relatively experienced, you’ll want to look for gifts that are a little more specialized or advanced, items that they won’t already have in their stockpile. However, if you’re shopping for a newbie prepper, then your options are both broader and simpler at the same time.
Newbie doomsday preppers need a lot of gear to get started with their prepping and you can help them out by buying them some of the most basic prepping must-haves and survival gear, such as:
- A water filtration system for clean drinking water
- Prep-specific food products and food storage
- First aid necessities
- Personal hygiene necessities
- Emergency shelter/emergency blankets
- Solar panel power sources
- Batteries
- Multitools
- Paracords
If you’re buying for a new prepper, just consider any items that might be typically included in a hiking or backcountry camping kit. There’s a lot of overlap in the tools and equipment needed in both instances and most are items that a new prepper could use.
What kind of prepper are you shopping for?
Beyond just newbie and expert preppers, preppers can also be divided into other types or categories and, if you know where your favorite prepper falls, you can further fine-tune your gift to their needs.
Some preppers are also slightly (or maybe more than slightly) hoarders. They stockpile up on food and necessities to last through years and years. If that’s your prepper, maybe consider buying them some sort of organization system to help them keep track of all their goods, stockpiled food expiration dates, where everything is stored and more.
Some preppers are more niche or specialized. They’ve focused on a specific skill that they know will come in handy at the end of the world. Maybe that special skill is woodworking or maybe it’s hunting or survival gardening. Whatever their focus, give them something that will encourage the development of that skill even further.
Other preppers might be really into the survivalist aspect of prepping and so they’re constantly working out (at home, obviously, as there won’t be a Planet Fitness after the nuclear blast), fine-tuning their body for survival and ensuring they’re in tip-top shape. For those folks, you could go with just about any fitness-related gift.
Consider how your favorite prepper takes their own personal approach to prepping and then shop accordingly.
All’s Well Even If It Ends In Disaster
Well, we’ve come to the end of our list though not quite to the end of the world yet. Why we make a little light, emergency preparedness is serious business, and the gifts on this list could make a huge difference when unexpected emergencies or major disasters strike.
No matter what you choose to give your prepper, they’re sure to appreciate it. And even if they already have, say, a solar charger or two, they’ll feel twice as prepared if things go south with any of these prepper gifts.
But here’s still hoping that nobody has to bug out anytime soon!
You might also be interested in: The 30 Best Gifts For $10 Or Less
43 Best Gifts For Preppers:
- Presidio Tactical Assault Backpack
- Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Shelter
- Tact Bivvy 2.0 Emergency Sleeping Bag
- EverOne Ready Wool Blanket
- Heatsheets Classic Blanket
- Fireproof Document Bag
- HotHands Hand Warmers
- LuxoGear Emergency Whistle With Lanyard
- Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
- UST StarFlash Micro Signal Mirror
- Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
- Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
- Rexing B1 Basic Night Vision Goggles
- Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
- MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0: Solar Inflatable Light
- Leatherman Supertool 300
- THE MUNCHER Titanium Multi Utensil
- Yeacool Backpacking Trowel
- SOG Tomahawk Tactical Axe
- First-Aid Kit Ultimate Compact Grab N Go (Doom and Bloom)
- Kaito KA500 Hand-Crank Radio
- NOCO Boost Car Battery Booster Pack
- BigBlue 28W Solar Charger with Digital Ammeter
- Wise Company Emergency Food Variety Pack
- Family Sown Survival Seeds
- All American Sun Oven
- Camp Stove 2+
- Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass
- Wilderness Survival Playing Cards
- The Bushcraft Boxed Set
- G95 Filtration Wear
- UVPaqlite Scout Pack
- Hoover Hives 10 Frame Langstroth Beehive Dipped in 100% Beeswax Starter Kit
- Canning Supplies Starter Kit
- Pet Evac Pak Ultimate Cat Pak Pet Emergency Kit & Carrier
- One of Everything Jerky Sampler Box
- A Tactical Backpack
- Cosori Food Dehydrator
- The Head for Survival Bandana
- A Battlbox Subscription
- Survival Kit in a Flashlight
- California Sunlight New Ultra Portable Solar Balloon Energy System for Outdoor Cooking
- Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods
Holly Riddle
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