Gifts for Preppers and Zombie Apocalypse Survivors

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Prepper Gifts_cover
Cheapism

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
Amazon

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
Amazon

'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
Amazon
Emberlit Portable Backpacking Stove
Amazon
'The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants'
Amazon

'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'
Amazon
Packable Rubber Rain Boots, Khaki
Ameico

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
Leatherman

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
Amazon

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
Amazon

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
Amazon

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
Amazon

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 Seed Kit #1 Largest Variety Heirloom Seed Collection
Amazon
Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
Amazon

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'
Amazon
BeeCastle Complete Beehive Kit
Amazon

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
Amazon

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

PREPARED4X Emergency Rain Poncho
Amazon

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.

BengMxj Rechargeable LED Flashlight
Amazon

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 Super Capacitor Jump Starter
Amazon

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

PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Amazon
Battlbox Subscription
Battlbox

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'
Amazon

'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
Amazon

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
Amazon

Datrex 3600 Emergency Food Bar

$46 from Amazon

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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
REI

SOL Scout Kit

$31 from REI

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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.

UST Learn & Live Outdoor Educational Kit
Amazon

Learn & Live Wayfinding Kit

$12 from Amazon

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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
Backcountry
JUDY The Prepper System
JUDY

JUDY Prepper System Bundle

$343 from JUDY

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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
Amazon

Anker Portable Phone Charger

$22 from Amazon

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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
Amazon

Waterproof Shoe Covers

$10 from Amazon

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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
Amazon
Unisex Travel Urinal
Amazon

Unisex Travel Urinal

$14 from Amazon

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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
5.11 Tactical

SOL Fuel-Free Lighter

$25 from 5.11 Tactical

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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.