Gifts for Preppers and Zombie Apocalypse Survivors
Gift 'Em Right Off the Grid
While you might not always be on board with their somewhat cynical take on life, you have to admire preppers for their self-sufficiency and survival skills. And, just in case things do go south, you can always count on them for help, especially if you've presented them with one of the prepper-perfect gifts on this list. From products focusing on bushcraft, homesteading, and outdoor survival to tactical and EDC gear, read on for gift ideas for your favorite survivalist.
Prices and availability are subject to change. Jennifer Magid contributed to this story.
Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter Survival Kit
$38 from Amazon
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Perfect for the prepper focused on improving his or her bushcraft and fire-starting skills, this four-piece kit includes fire steel, a striker, paracord survival bracelet, and a water-repellant, cowhide-leather drawstring tinder pouch for collecting combustible materials.
'Bushcraft 101' Book
$12 from Amazon
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With this field guide, the prepper on your list will improve skills relating to kit-building, tool-manufacturing, food cooking and foraging, and more. Gear Junkie wrote that "the advice in this book can help you live comfortably and manufacture tools from nature."
Related: Clever and Creative Gifts for Book Lovers
Luckin Packin Tactical Backpack
$34 and up from Amazon
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A fraction of the price of other tactical backpacks on the market, this model has multiple compartments, padded and countered shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a hydration pack compartment. Willing to pay more for more features? These 5.11 brand backpack costs $78 and up and gets great reviews, too.
Related: 50 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Him Under $50
Emberlit Portable Backpacking Stove
$60 from Amazon
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There are similar stoves that cost less than half of what this one does, but they're also much heavier, and any prepper worth his or her weight knows those ounces add up quickly. Made of titanium, this model packs flat for easy storage and will add just under 3 ounces to a pack.
Related: Practical and Purposeful Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use
'The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants'
$12 from Amazon
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We're gonna guess that when it comes to surviving in the wild, the Department of the Army — aka the author of this book — knows its stuff. In 160 pages, it can provide readers with valuable info on what plants are edible and could mean the difference between life and death.
Related: The Best Gifts for Plant Lovers and Green Thumbs
'The Trapper's Bible'
$13 from Amazon
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Even the most experienced hunter or fisherman can learn something from this book, which includes detailed info on how to "master a variety of wood and steel traps, snares, deadfalls, and pens; mix your own animal scents; skin, stretch, cure, and tan hides, learn how to trap every animal imaginable," and more.
Related: Show Some Brotherly Love with These Great Gifts for Brothers
Packable Rubber Rain Boots
$109 from Ameico
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It cannot be overstated how crucial it is to have dry feet in the outdoors, especially in circumstances that could turn sticky — both literally and figuratively — at any moment. These are made of natural waterproof rubber with nylon lining and weigh "no more than a bottle of water."
Related: Outdoor Gift Ideas Under $50
Leatherman MUT Multitool
$200 from Leatherman
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Leatherman states that the "MUT is the first multitool that functions as both a tactical and practical tool for military, law enforcement, or civilians." It includes a variety of pliers, cutters, a hammer, scraper, cleaning rod/brush, carabiner, and tons more. Other guys can have those lesser-priced multitools — this one is built with the survivalist in mind. Buy it direct and you can even have it engraved.
Digital Night Vision Binoculars
$170 and up from Amazon
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No prepper wants to suffer harm just because it's pitch black outside. These goggles are designed to be used in complete darkness and are equipped with an infrared illuminator and 4X digital zoom. They can even be used to take photos and record videos.
Related: Unusual Gifts They'll Never See Coming
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
$10 and up from Amazon
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Nearly 40,000 reviewers give this product 4.8 stars, which means it must be doing something right. And that something is filtering up to 1,000 gallons of unsafe water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals, and in the process eliminating virtually all contaminants and bacteria.
Free Soldier Shemagh
$12 and up from Amazon
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Traditionally an Arab headscarf, the 43-inch square shemagh has caught on among peppers because of its versatility in protecting the wearer from sun, wind, dust, sand, and more. It also doubles nicely as a hand towel or for other outdoor uses. This version is 100% cotton and comes in nearly 30 colors.
SOG Tomahawk Throwing Axe/Hatchet
$40 from Amazon
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This versatile 15.75-inch throwing hatchet can be used to ward off zombies (or more realistic foes) and has a "razor-sharp" 420 stainless steel ax blade for many other survival-scenario uses.
Survival Garden Heirloom Vegetable Seeds
$130 from Amazon
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Some preppers are prepared for combat and the elements, and others are prepared to feed everyone. For the latter, there's this homesteading kit, which contains 35,000 non-GMO seeds of 155 heirloom varieties.
Related: Gardening Gifts for Anyone With a Green Thumb
Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
$280 from Amazon
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Another essential tool in any homesteader's repertoire is the food dehydrator. This one includes nine trays, a 26-hour auto-shutoff feature, and 15-square-feet of drying space. It can be used to dehydrate fruits, veggies, nuts, meats, and more.
'Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills'
$19 from Amazon
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This homesteader's bible won't only help with growing food — it also offers crucial, life-saving tips on splitting wood, raising livestock, generating your own energy, making your own toiletries, and more.
Related: Gifts for People Who Say, 'Don't Get Me Anything'
BeeCastle Complete Beehive Kit
$141 from Amazon
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Even preppers have sweet tooths, right? This kit will help them get their own bee colonies up and thriving with 10 wax-coated, dovetail pine frames, beeswax coated foundation sheets, and other essentials for honey production.
Saachee Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio
$25 from Amazon
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Communication can be key in emergency scenarios — especially apocalyptic ones. If your prepper is sure the end is nigh, help him sleep better at night with one of these. It'll help him keep track of the weather and features an LED flashlight, reading lamp, and an SOS siren and flashing light. Oh, and it's equipped with a USB charger, because c'mon — not all preppers are Luddites.
Related: 16 Emergency Essentials You Don't Want to Be Without
Emergency Blankets & Rain Ponchos
$20 from Amazon
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If the preppers on your list involve little preppers, too, help the whole family prepare for what's to come with this four-pack of ponchos that'll help repel rain while also keeping them warm. They come in bright orange or a more low-key, let's-blend-in green and gray camo.
Multifunction Tactical Flashlight
$36 from Amazon
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Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this telescoping flashlight is also water-resistant and comes with a rechargable battery.
Autowit SuperCap 2 Lite 12V Jump Starter
$150 from Amazon
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You only have to watch one or two dystopian dramas on TV to know that someone's gonna have to get a juice-depleted car started at some point when the apocalyptic rubber meets the road. It can withstand high and low temperatures and has around a 10-year lifespan.
Related: Cool Gifts for People Who Love Cars
Telescopic Fishing Rod
$32 and up from Amazon
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They can throw this telescoping rod in their car or strap it to their tactical backpack and be ready to catch dinner anytime they chance upon a great fishing spot. It comes in four sizes and with or without line and lures.
Related: Gifts for RV Owners That'll Put 'Em on the Road in Style
Battlbox Subscription
$35/month and up from Battlbox
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Why not extend the gift-giving all year with this monthly subscription for your favorite prepper. Choose from four different levels — basic, advanced, pro, and pro plus — and he or she will receive a shipment of emergency supplies, outdoor gear, survival tools, and more on the regular.
Related: Subscription Box Gifts That Keep the Giving Going
'Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide'
$12 from Amazon
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With sections on food, shelter, security, off-grid power, and plenty more, this book should fill in the knowledge gaps of any aspiring prepper.
Everlit Survival First Aid Kit
$40 from Amazon
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No matter how much they prepare, emergencies and mishaps are going to happen. This 250-piece first aid kit includes lots of items that'll help 'em handle those setbacks with more skill and ease. It comes in a molle-compatible pouch, which you can order in one of four colors.
Datrex 3600 Emergency Food Bar
$46 from Amazon
These survival bars (three or five packs of 18 each) have a five-year shelf life and are meant to give a max amount of energy without invoking thirst. They’re also practically temperature-proof. Reviewers say they have a crumbly, cookie-like texture and are good to have on hand in a car or while camping in case of emergency.
SOL Scout Kit
$31 from REI
Even if they weren’t a scout as a kid, this kit is as good as the years of training. The small wearable bag contains items such as a survival blanket, compass, and waterproof tinder and fire striker.
Learn & Live Wayfinding Kit
$12 from Amazon
Throw this waterproof kit in a pack before heading for a day in the great outdoors. The compass and included reference cards are a must-have for navigating outside.
Backcountry Access Avalanche Transceiver
$300 and up from Backcountry
Simply put, this little device may help find those lost in an avalanche by identifying a victim’s emergency transmitter signal. Requires three AAA batteries.
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JUDY Prepper System Bundle
$343 from JUDY
An entire family plus the neighbors can be kept safe for up to three days with this mega emergency kit. The kit is packed with boxes that contain essential tools and items for warmth, safety, first-aid, food, and hydration to sustain 10 persons.
Anker Portable Phone Charger
$22 from Amazon
Whether you’re traveling or stuck in an ongoing power outage at home, a portable charger like this one guarantees your Apple or Android phone won’t go dead. It comes with micro USB and USB-C ports. More powerful models are also available.
Waterproof Shoe Covers
$10 from Amazon
Never let bad weather mess up a pair of shoes — or a plan — again. Weatherproof almost any pair by slipping these convenient rubber covers over them. Available in four colors and three sizes.
Travel Bidet
$10 and up from Amazon
Even if there’s another toilet paper shortage someday, you can stay fresh and clean with this portable plastic bidet. It comes in its own discreet travel bag and is available in four colors.
Related: 15 Highly Rated Bidets to Help Stretch Your Toilet Paper
Unisex Travel Urinal
$14 from Amazon
When you have to go, you have to go. Never be worried about where or when again. This urinal bottle works for men, women, and children, and is a stress-free way to relieve oneself when facilities aren’t available.
SOL Fuel-Free Lighter
$25 from 5.11 Tactical
This weatherproof rechargeable lighter works under any conditions or at any altitude, so no matter where you are or what you’re doing, fire is at your fingertips.
