There’s always that one tricky person on your list – the one who you can’t find the right gift for. They are either too picky, don’t know what they want, or have everything already. My parents and sister match all three of these criteria, so I’m getting creative with my holiday gift giving this year.

I’ve decided to make starter survival kits for them, which will include a variety of prepping basics. This is an ideal gift for many reasons:

It’s something made, not just something bought

It’s relatively inexpensive to put together (this kit cost roughly $25-$30 total)

It gets the recipient prepared

It can teach the recipient about prepping

It can be personalized

The Box

I picked the Outdoor Products Watertight Box in Large for this kit. It’s well-priced, durable, and has a waterproof seal, which allows the recipient flexiblity as to where and how they use it. This type of container is suitable for use in the car, at the office, on a boat, on a camping trip, or almost anywhere else they may need it.

The Contents

This is a starter kit with some of the essentials. You may notice it’s not nearly as comprehensive as a Bug Out Bag or a Get Home Bag, but it’s a good place to start for the purpose of a gift. This is intended to be expanded upon by the recipient of the kit.

Emergency Poncho

Mylar Emergency Blanket

Multitool Card – Main uses include a knife, saw, and bottle opener.

Duct tape

Tampon – Even if you don’t need this for its intended purpose, a tampon can still be used for first aid, tinder, and more.

Hand Warmers

Small First Aid Kit: Bandages Gauze pad Alcohol swabs Antibiotic ointment Wet wipes Pain relief patches Benadryl Ibuprofen Pepto Bismol Drip Drop Hydration Powder Q-tips Sunscreen packets Hospital mask

Protein Meal Bar

Red glowstick

Sharpie

Pen

Waterproof matches

Canopy ties

Whistle

Coconut Oil – This can be used as lip balm, as food, for fire starting, and much more. For a complete list of uses, check out my article on the many uses of coconut oil.

Canister of miscellaneous small items: Kevlar cord Eye screws Fishing hook Fishing line Bobby pins

Waterproof tinder

iPhone charger cable

Fuel tab

Headlight

Bandana

Hairtie

Candy

Have fun and get creative with the items you pack. Make it personal! I’ll likely be putting a little extra something into each of the kits I make, like a nice knife for my dad or a mini bottle of liquor for my mom.

Happy gift giving, and happy holidays!