Last Minute Preparedness Gift Ideas

CDC Infographic

 

# 9467

 

When my wife and I lived aboard our sailboat in the 1980s and 1990s, we tended to give each other `practical’ gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions (“Honey, here’s that flare gun you wanted.  Happy Anniversary!”). 

Now I know that may not sound very romantic, if you should ever find yourself truly in need of a flare gun, you’ll find that jewelry, flowers, gift certificates -  or any other traditional anniversary gifts - make exceptionally poor substitutes.

 

This practice led me to giving `preparedness’ gifts to friends and family over the years, and since 2007 (see see Hickory Farms Will Hate Me For This), promoting this idea in my blog.   Over the past decade I’ve given water filters, LED lanterns, NWS weather radios, MREs, batteries, first aid kits, and emergency stoves for gifts. 

 

Most were under $20, and most were items that people need during an emergency, but rarely think to buy before a crisis starts.

Each fall, often during National Preparedness Month, I try to make the case for buying preparedness items for holiday gift giving, with my most recent appeal in October (see The Gift Of Preparedness – 2014 Edition).  And in that blog you’ll find both low cost `stocking stuffers’ along with some bigger ticket items like solar panels and FRS and crank radios.

 

With just four shopping days left till Christmas, and most of our wallets running thin,  I thought I’d run through my list of my top under $20 preparedness gift ideas. NOTE: Products mentioned here are to provide a general idea of the type of gift, and should not be viewed as an endorsement of one brand over another.

 

Batteries, and battery chargers make terrific preparedness gifts. Just about everyone uses AA or AAA batteries, and you can either buy a decent quantity of disposable batteries, or go `green’ with a handful of rechargeable batteries and a charger for under $20.

 

When the lights go out, nothing beats having a couple of good LED flashlights or lanterns.   And each year they get brighter, and cheaper.  Most run between $5 and $10, and that beats the heck out of cursing the darkness.

A couple of years ago  I bought several water filtration systems, one to keep and a couple to give to prepping buddies.  LifeStraw ® is now available in the United States and Canada; at just 2 ounces, this personal water filter will reportedly filter 1000 liters down to .2 microns. Not bad for around $20.

 

Emergency cook stoves can be had for under $20.   A 1 burner propane camp stove costs about $12, add a couple of 1 pound propane cylinders (about $3 each) and you can cook for a family for a week. 

 

Something as simple, and as utilitarian, as a multifunction `Swiss’ army knife or a `Multi-tool’ makes a great preparedness gifts.

For emergency electrical power, I found an 80 watt cigarette lighter inverter for my car.  It can power a small laptop, and has a USB charger port as well.  Under $20. A few of these will end up in the stockings of friends this year. .

And for under $10, you can pick up a cigarette lighter USB charger, that can top off your phone or mobile device.

 

Although you may have to look for a sale, I found this combination AM/FM Weather ALERT radio at a discount store for under $20 a few years ago. Every home and business should have an emergency alert radio. 

 

While I can’t predict what 2015 will bring to you and your loved ones, it’s pretty good bet that between severe weather and other natural disasters, there are going to be plenty of people across this country who will wish they had most – if not all – of these items before the lights went out.

 

Because, during any emergency, the advantage always goes to those who were prepared.

The Gift Of Preparedness – 2014 Edition

CDC Infographic

 

# 9251

Despite ongoing  attempts by FEMA and Ready.gov to try to get Americans prepared for disasters (see America’s Preparathon! : It Started Like Any Other Day), polling shows that half of American families remain ill prepared to deal with even a 3-day disruption in essential services like electrical power, water, or the ability to run to the grocery store.  

 

Those that say they are prepared often overestimate their ability to fend for themselves during a prolonged crisis.

 

Which is why, seven years ago I began a tradition in this blog (see Hickory Farms Will Hate Me For This) where I suggested people abandon the stale idea of buying friends and family ugly neckties, holiday themed sweaters, or boxes of assorted meats and cheeses for the holiday season – and give them preparedness gifts instead.

 

This is something I’ve personally been doing for many years, so each year I try to highlight some of the gifts I’ve recently purchased for myself and others.  Products mentioned here are to provide a general idea of the type of gift, and should not be viewed as an endorsement of one brand over another.

 

Now when I impulse buy gadgets, at least I can call it research.

 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a particular interest in (ok, its more of a compulsion to buy)  LED flashlights and lanterns.  In 2006 I lucked upon a closeout bin of cheap imported `shake flashlights’ for .77 cents each, and bought out the store (40 of them, 38 of which I gave as gifts).

A couple of years later I ran across a deal on LED headlamps, and bought about 20 of them for $2 apiece.  The following year, I found LED Cap lights (they clip to the bill of a baseball style cap) for $3 each, which I confess I like even better. And it seems each year the LED lanterns get lighter, and brighter.

 

And the best part, none of the items pictured below cost me more than $5 each.

 

Every home should have a battery operated radio, yet many do not. A few years ago I bought my daughter a combination windup-battery-solar AM/FM/SW radio for under $40, and she uses it every day.

 

I also found a combination AM/FM Weather ALERT radio at a discount store for under $20. Again, every home and business should have an emergency alert radio.

Last year I’ve upgraded my FRS radios from my old Motorola Walkabout T5000s to a pair of Motorola MJ270R 22-Channel Two-Way Radios.  They not only have a built in NOAA Weather Radio, they each have an LED Flashlight as well (nirvana!).

My old T5000s still work, so they will be handed out to neighbors in the event of a local crisis, to help with neighborhood communications.

 

A couple of years ago  I bought several water filtration systems, one to keep and a couple to give to prepping buddies.  LifeStraw ® is now available in the United States and Canada; at just 2 ounces, this personal water filter will reportedly filter 1000 liters down to .2 microns. Not bad for around $20.

 

Speaking of water, having a way to store enough water for three days (1 gal/person/day) is essential. A family of 4 will need at least 12 gallons for 72 hours.   Personally, I keep enough for a couple of weeks.  While there are plenty of `free options’ – like rinsed and recycled 2-liter plastic soda bottles or other food-safe plastic jugs – you can also buy collapsible 5 gallon containers.

I also picked up a few single burner Propane stove units on sale for $10 each. Add a couple of 1 pound propane cylinders (about $3 each) and you can cook for a week. 

 

I also buy a  few magnesium fire starters each year (at $4 each) which will end up as stocking stuffers.

 

For Christmas a several years back I put together some first aid kits, and distributed them to a number of friends and relatives. You can either put one together yourself, or purchase one already assembled.  There is no substitute for having a well stocked first aid kit when you need one.

 

 

As I’ve described in  Preparedness: Solar Power On A Budget, it is a relatively easy task to set up a simple solar charging system. No, you won’t keep the A/C or refrigerator running on a budget system, but you can keep your LED lantern batteries, cell phone, iPod or iPad, or notebook computer running.

 

I’m seeing reasonably priced `briefcase’ solar panels – often for between $50 and $80 – that, when unfolded, can charge a 12 volt storage battery with up to 13 watts of power.  Add a $20 inverter (converts 12 volt battery power to 120v AC), and you can do a heck of a lot.

 

If I didn’t already have a couple of more powerful panels left over from my sailboat, I’d seriously consider one of these.

Typical 13 watt Solar System

Speaking of inverters, I have a 400 watt unit for my solar setup, but I’ve also just purchased an 80 watt cigarette lighter inverter for my car.  It can power a small laptop, and has a USB charger port as well.  Under $20. A few of these will end up in the stockings of friends this year. .

And for under $10, you can pick up a cigarette lighter USB charger, that can top off your phone or mobile device.

 

Something as simple, and as utilitarian, as a multifunction `Swiss’ army knife or a `Multi-tool’ makes a great preparedness gift.

Another inexpensive gift idea that is handy every flu season, and could be even more valuable during an epidemic – is for under $10 you can buy a box of exam gloves, and a box of facemasks.

 

Several years ago Joel over at Preparedness and Response came up with what I consider to be an excellent preparedness idea, giving USB flash drives to family and friends and instructions on how to back up their important papers and documents.

 

Inexpensive USB Drives start under $10.

He explains it in  his essay Helping others prepare (Personal Preparedness), where he gives his rationale for going with the durable mil-spec and encrypted, but fairly pricey IronKey brand.

 

My thanks to Joel for a terrific idea.

 

These are all useful, indeed, potentially lifesaving items, that most people simply don't think about buying fror themselves until it is too late.

 

Giving them as gifts, instead of more traditional items, not only helps prepare the people you love and care about for an emergency, it opens the door for conversations about pandemic and disaster preparedness.

 

We need to cultivate a culture of preparedness in this country, and around the world.

 

We can start doing that, one gift at a time.

And one last reminder for the upcoming Holiday Season.

This year, when we think about ways to give back to our community, remember that more people will be relying on community food banks than in years past.

In addition to anything else you might do, this is a good time to go through your pantry and donate foodstuffs that are approaching (but not exceeding) their `use by' date.

Some Last Minute Preparedness Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

Collapsible Water carriers make great preparedness gifts

 
# 8101

 

As my regular readers are aware, each year I write about preparedness gifts to give to friends and loved ones (see The Gift Of Preparedness: 2013 for the latest incarnation).   With that in mind, I thought I’d give a list of those small-price-tag preparedness items that would make excellent stocking stuffers; almost all for under $10.

 

Preparedness supplies and camping supplies are often synonymous, so the sporting goods or camping section of your local stores are often the best hunting grounds.

 

LED flashlights and lanterns are cheaper than ever, and you can usually find a 3 pack of flashlights for under $10, or a pair of lanterns for that price.   Both are invaluable during a power outage, and will tuck nicely into the stocking.

 

Batteries,  particularly AA and AAA, always come in handy..

 

While you can certainly spend $90 or more for a high quality Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool there are many less expensive, yet serviceable, versions available on store shelves.  Along with multi-function pocket knives, these make terrific preparedness gifts to be tucked away in first aid kits, bug out bags, or glove compartment.

 

A magnesium fire starter can be had for as little as $4, and belongs in every bug-out bag. 

 

Frankly, with cold & flu season underway, and a couple of viruses in the wings with pandemic potential, giving a box of face masks, or gloves isn’t such a bad idea as well.  I recently bought a dozen `Flu Kits’ on sale (7 N-95 masks, Spray hand sanitizer, and a dozen sanitizing wipes) and have given them out to friends.

 

 

Inexpensive USB Drives start under $10, and can hold copies of important papers and images of credit cards and identification cards.

 

A combination compass, emergency whistle, and magnifying glass can be had for less than $5, and makes a great addition to any bug-out bag.

 

 

Another `camping’ related product that would be useful in an emergency is 550 para-cord, which is light, strong, and can be used for a variety of tasks. 

 

While I’m a big fan of the Lifestraw personal water filter, at $20, it doesn’t come in under my self-imposed $10 limit. Still, if the budget can stand it, it is light, durable, and filters down to 2 microns.

A less expensive option are water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine), which can be had for about $5.

 

Hopefully, some of these items will inspire you to give the gift to preparedness to the people in your lives.  Often something that they would not immediately think to buy for themselves.

 

They may not be flashy or glamorous, but they can be worth their weight in gold during an emergency.

 

Note: Photos are for illustration purposes only, and are not a brand endorsement

The Gift Of Preparedness: 2013

 

 

# 7995

 

A tradition I began in this blog in November of 2007 (see Hickory Farms Will Hate Me For This) is to abandon the idea of buying friends and family ugly neckties, holiday themed sweaters, or boxes of assorted meats and cheeses  and instead, give preparedness items during the upcoming holiday season.

 

This is something I’ve personally been doing for many years, so each year I try to highlight some of the gifts I’ve recently purchased for myself and others.  Products mentioned here are to provide a general idea of the type of gift, and should not be viewed as an endorsement of one brand over another.

 

Now when I impulse buy gadgets, at least I can call it research.

 

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a particular interest in (ok, its more of a compulsion to buy)  LED flashlights and lanterns.  In 2006 I lucked upon a closeout bin of cheap imported `shake flashlights’ for .77 cents each, and bought out the store (40 of them, 38 of which I gave as gifts).

 

A couple of years later I ran across a deal on LED headlamps, and bought about 20 of them for $2 apiece.  The following year, I found LED Cap lights (they clip to the bill of a baseball style cap) for $3 each, which I confess I like even better. And it seems each year the LED lanterns get lighter, and brighter.

 

And the best part, none of the items pictured below cost me more than $5 each.

 

 

Every home should have a battery operated radio, yet many do not. A few years ago I bought my daughter a combination windup-battery-solar AM/FM/SW radio for under $40, and she uses it every day.

Two years ago, I found a combination AM/FM Weather ALERT radio at a discount store for under $20. Again, every home and business should have an emergency alert radio.

This year I’ve upgraded my FRS radios from my old Motorola Walkabout T5000s to a pair of Motorola MJ270R 22-Channel Two-Way Radios.  They’ve just arrived, so I haven’t had time to check them out, but they not only have a built in NOAA Weather Radio, they have an LED Flashlight as well (nirvana!).

 

My old T5000s still work, so they will be handed out to neighbors in the event of a local crisis, to help with neighborhood communications.

Last year I bought several water filtration systems, one to keep and a couple to give to prepping buddies.  LifeStraw ® is now available in the United States and Canada; at just 2 ounces, this personal water filter will reportedly filter 1000 liters down to .2 microns. Not bad for around $20.

 

Last year I picked up a few single burner Propane stove units on sale for $10 each. Add a 1 pound propane cylinder (about $3) and you can cook for a week. 

I’ve also picked up a few magnesium fire starters at $4 each, which will end up as stocking stuffers.

For Christmas a several years back I put together some first aid kits, and distributed them to a number of friends and relatives. You can either put one together yourself, or purchase one already assembled.  There is no substitute for having a well stocked first aid kit when you need one.

 

As I’ve described in  Preparedness: Solar Power On A Budget, it is a relatively easy task to set up a simple solar charging system. No, you won’t keep the A/C or refrigerator running on a budget system, but you can keep your LED lantern batteries, cell phone, iPod or iPad, or notebook computer running.

 

I’m seeing reasonably priced `briefcase’ solar panels – often for between $50 and $80 – that, when unfolded, can charge a 12 volt storage battery with up to 13 watts of power.  Add a $20 inverter (converts 12 volt battery power to 120v AC), and you can do a heck of a lot.

 

If I didn’t already have a couple of more powerful panels left over from my sailboat, I’d seriously consider one of these.

Typical 13 watt Solar System

 

Speaking of inverters, I have a 400 watt unit for my solar setup, but I’ve also just purchased an 80 watt cigarette lighter inverter for my car.  It can power a small laptop, and has a USB charger port as well.  Under $20. A few of these will end up in the stockings of friends this year. .

And for under $10, you can pick up a cigarette lighter USB charger, that can top off your phone or mobile device.

 

Something as simple, and as utilitarian, as a multifunction `Swiss’ army knife or a `Multi-tool’ makes a great preparedness gift.

Another inexpensive gift idea: For under $10 you can buy a box of exam gloves, and a box of facemasks.

Several years ago Joel over at Preparedness and Response came up with what I consider to be an excellent preparedness idea, giving USB flash drives to family and friends and instructions on how to back up their important papers and documents.

Inexpensive USB Drives start under $10.

 

He explains it in  his essay Helping others prepare (Personal Preparedness), where he gives his rationale for going with the durable mil-spec and encrypted, but fairly pricey IronKey brand.

 

My thanks to Joel for a terrific idea.

 

These are all useful, indeed, potentially lifesaving items, that most people simply don't think about needing until it is too late.Giving them as gifts, instead of more traditional items,  not only helps prepare the people you love and care about for an emergency, it opens the door for conversations about pandemic and disaster preparedness.

 

We need to cultivate a culture of preparedness in this country, and around the world.

 

We can start doing that, one gift at a time.

And one last reminder for the upcoming Holiday Season.

This year, when we think about ways to give back to our community, remember that more people will be relying on community food banks than in years past.

In addition to anything else you might do, this is a good time to go through your pantry and donate foodstuffs that are approaching (but not exceeding) their `use by' date.