A shopping list even Santa would be proud of
What is better than giving someone a gift for the holidays? How about giving a survival gift that can save their life?
Unexpected emergencies happen, and unfortunately, most people don’t have the necessary supplies to meet both the short- and long-term time frames of survival. Help remedy this situation by providing them with a survival gift that can get them through the chaos and back on the road to a normal life.
From just being able to eat a daily meal or having enough water to drink to tending to accidents and mishaps, to being able to signal and call for help—all these categories are vital for an individual’s survival.
Be giving this holiday season. In doing so, you not only show your generosity but also that you care that your loved ones will make it through any unforeseen emergency situation that comes their way.
______________FOOD______________
Astronaut Foods Red Seedless Grapes
Overview
Have a delicious and healthful freeze-dried snack anywhere, any time with Astronaut’s red seedless grapes. Bursting with flavor and enjoyable right out of the package, these tasty treats come in handy when hunger strikes while you’re hunkered down or at camp in the middle of the night. The durable Mylar pouches fit easily in jacket pockets or supply bags. These freeze-dried grapes make a perfect snack for both kids and adults.
Specifications
- Single 0.5-ounce serving
- Ready to eat
- Healthful snack
- Durable packaging
- Long shelf life
MSRP $2.50
SurePak MRE Full Meals
Overview
When power fails, and your local supermarket shelves are wiped clean of all food, what do you do? Nothing—that is, if you are prepared. With these 12-pack full-MRE meals, you can have tasty, nutritious, hot food. Because, they come complete with their own flameless heaters that activate with only a few tablespoons of water, your entire family can survive and thrive on MREs until things get back to normal. These are great gifts that will definitely be appreciated when things turn bad.
Specifications
- 800–1,200 calories per meal
- Shelf life of up to five years
- Flameless heaters included
- Factory-sealed case
- Made in the U.S.A.
MSRP $85
Patriot Seeds Organic Survival Seed Vault
Overview
After a severe long-term emergency, food could become scarce. Solve part of this problem by growing your own vegetables. Within this tiny can is a virtual garden stocked with only the best heirloom seeds—perfect for replanting year after year. Enjoy tasty and nutritious vegetables such as tangy tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, cabbage, peppers and much more. While others search for food, you’ll be producing healthful varieties in your own food plot. These seeds are non-GMO and 100 percent organic.
Specifications
- 21 varieties included
- USDA-certified organic heirloom seeds
- Stores for up to five years
- Can be harvested and replanted
- Growing and seed-saving guide included
MSRP $29.95
Jerky Xpress Food Dehydrator
Overview
Make long-life survival food and have a fun time doing it. Create “tons” of jerky for your next outdoor adventure with this all-inclusive dehydrator. All you need is the meat of your choice. With the included spice and cure packs, you’ll have tasty jerky in no time. Easy to operate. And with full instructions, every member of the family can create their own favorites.
Specifications
- 350 watts; 120 volts
- Fixed temperature top power head
- Patented fan-flow air-drying technology
- Included jerky gun and three tip attachments
- Four spice and cure packs
- Four drying trays for maximum efficiency
MSRP $ 57.95
Long Term Food Storage Deluxe Survival Kit
Overview
When food becomes scarce during a natural or manmade emergency, you’ll have all you need to survive for the first few weeks until order returns to your area. Stocked with everyone’s favorites—such as stroganoff, cheese lasagna, Southwest beans and rice, beef teriyaki and more—you’ll have breakfast, lunch and dinner covered. Also featured in this kit are water purification items, communication devices, shelter materials, valuable tools and first aid items. You’ll have a complete survival kit ready to tackle any emergency that comes your way.
Specifications
- 44 total meals
- Durable carry bag
- Feeds one person for 14 days
- Seven-year shelf life
- Contains shelter, health, comms and other gear
MSRP $289.99
Patriot Pantry One Week Food Supply
Overview
Food stores shut down? Not a problem when you have this delicious, full week’s supply of emergency food on hand. This kit provides one adult with 40 servings of healthy and delicious dehydrated food and snacks during nearly any type of survival situation. Just add hot water to the durable Mylar pouch, and within minutes, you will be enjoying tasty, creamy chicken, Traveler’s stew, Granny’s potato soup, macaroni-and-cheese and many more. This item stores well for up to 25 years.
Specifications
- Military-grade Mylar pouches
- Long shelf life
- 40 adult servings
- Perfect for any emergency
- Tasty and nutritious
MSRP $67
MRE Star Standard 12 Meal Case
Overview
MREs are not just for the military anymore. In fact, under emergency conditions, they can be eaten right out of the packaging with no heating required. Enjoy tasty comfort foods such as pasta marinara, chicken and rice, BBQ chicken, chicken noodle soup and many more. All standard MREs include an entrée, two or three sides, a drink mix and an accessory pack. Included flameless heaters turn your food steaming hot in minutes. Buy by the case, and be worry-free whenever disaster strikes.
Specifications
- 1,100–1,300 calories per meal
- Long shelf life
- Eat hot or cold
- Tasty and nutritional foods
MSRP $97.95
Patriot Pantry Deluxe Dessert Kit
Overview
It’s the little things that matter, and during a survival situation, dessert can add a touch of comfort when emotions get low. The sweet and delicious taste of fudge brownies, blueberry muffins, chocolate pudding and more can lift nearly anyone’s spirits, no matter how bad things might seem. This dessert kit uses dehydration to lock in flavor and sweetness, so you can enjoy great taste and texture for years to come without any loss of quality.
Specifications
- Dessert servings: blueberry muffins (72); fudge brownies (48);, chocolate pudding (30); banana chips (48); strawberry chips (32)
- Created with low-heat dehydration
- 25-year shelf life
- No genetically modified ingredients
MSRP $154.75
______________WATER____________
Blue Can Water
Overview
Water is essential during every type of emergency. Three days without it, and you won’t survive. Stock up now with emergency canned drinking water. These 24-pack cases stack and store easily in your garage, car or anywhere you keep your survival supplies. They have incredibly long shelf lives and are purified for freshness, taste and quality.
Specifications
- 50-year shelf life
- Easy to store
- Purified water
- 24 12-ounce cans
MSRP $29.95
SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier
Overview
Always have protection from “bad” water with the SteriPen Ultra. This amazing device uses ultraviolet light to purify questionable water by destroying bacteria, protozoa and viruses. It’s 99.9 percent effective at eliminating these potential causes of water-borne illnesses. Operation is easy: Just press the button, agitate clear water with a quick stir and, within a minute, you’ll have a 16-ounce serving of water purified and ready to drink. You can’t risk not having this potentially life-saving device.
Specifications
- Recharges through USB cable
- Low-power indicator light
- Simple to use
- Can be used up to 8,000 times
- Pocket sized to travel with you
MSRP $ 99.95
Coghlan’s Two-Step Drinking Water Treatment
Overview
This water treatment provides pocket-sized protection when disinfection of water is an absolute must. The emergency germicidal and neutralizing tablets make biologically contaminated water suitable for drinking. You don’t have to take a chance with questionable water any longer. Follow directions, and, in no time, you will have purified drinking water for you and your family. Remember, without water, you only have three days to live, so you can’t afford not to carry these life-saving tablets.
Specifications
- Easy to use
- Iodine-based compound
- No unpleasant taste or odor
- Treats up to 25 quarts
- EPA-registered product
MSRP $11.99
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
Overview
Enjoy the simplicity and reliability of the most versatile water filtration systems available. Just fill one of the included Mylar pouches with water from any available source, screw on the filter, and quench your thirst. The filter is designed to remove 99.99999 percent of bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli and illness-producing protozoa such as giardia and cryptosporidium. This kit includes collapsible pouches, fiber membrane, screw-on/-off filter, pop-up drinking spout and cleaning syringe.
Specifications
- 100 percent BPA-free, durable Mylar pouches
- Removable push/pull built-in cap
- Fits the threads of most common water bottles
- Fills most water bottles in 30 seconds
- Simple cleaning and maintenance instructions included
MSRP $49.99
______________SHELTER___________
Rothco Two-Man Camo Trail Tent
Overview
Traditional tents never go out of style, and with Rothco’s trail tent, you get a great design and a whole lot more. Reinforced, polyurethane-coated taffeta and floor keep you totally dry during nature’s harshest rainstorms, while storm flaps protect you from fierce winds from the front. The Trail Tent sets up and breaks down easily and comes complete with aluminum poles, stakes, ropes and convenient carry pouch.
Specifications
- Fire-retardant materials
- Woodland camouflage pattern
- Fully waterproof exterior
- Zippered front door
- Traditional design
MSRP $99.99
Blizzard Survival Bag
Overview
Thermal protection when you need it! The Blizzard Survival Bag is your first line of defense against the blistery cold of the outdoors. Its revolutionary design holds body heat in while keeping rain and cold outside. The compact design allows it to be carried easily, no matter where you travel, and is now standard equipment for numerous military and emergency services. This survival bag is available in silver, orange or green.
Specifications
- 100 percent waterproof
- Reusable
- Compact and lightweight
- Weighs under 1 pound
- Perfect for campers, hikers or survivalists
MSRP $43
Land Shark Instant Survival Shelter
Overview
When you need shelter fast, turn to the Land Shark. This instant shelter provides incredible heat retention, a windproof and waterproof vapor barrier, and a durable shell that can withstand the rigors of the outdoors. Its bright-orange-colored exterior alerts rescuers of your presence while you remain warm and cozy inside. You can also opt for the camo pattern and blend into your surroundings. This shelter is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected.
Specifications
- 550 paracord drawstring
- Water-, vapor- and grease-proof vacuum bag
- Sturdy carrying and storage pack
- Belt loop and hook-and-loop attachment
- Instructions provided
MSRP $69.95
SOL Travel Nano-Heat Blanket
Overview
Take this compact, heat-reflective blanket on your next adventure down the street or across the globe and enjoy a warm, snug sleep every night. Utilizing metallic, heat-reflective materials, this pocket-sized blanket goes wherever you do—all the while providing consistent heat-reflective characteristics. This item makes a great gift for the prepper, camper or outdoor explorer on your list. Specifications
- 80 percent heat-reflective surface
- Metalized outer coating
- Repels water, sand, dirt and debris
- Compact travel size
MSRP $30
Underground Shelters USA Steel Shelters
Overview
The ultimate gift: safety and security for you and your family if and when the worst possible survival scenario occurs. A nuclear, biological or chemical attack can change the world as we know it; be safe within your underground survival shelter. Constructed of corrugated steel pipe and with plenty of room for food, water, first-aid, communication devices and all your survival gear, you’ll be protected as others struggle to exist above ground. Choose items and systems to suit your needs, and when disaster strikes, your home-away-from-home will be ready for your immediate move-in.
Specifications
- Choose from 8-, 9-, 10- or 12-foot diameter sizes
- Underfloor storage space
- Cost-effective protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons
- Customizable to suit personal needs
- Made of steel piping blast-tested up to 200 psi
MSRP $58,850
______________SECURITY__________
ZAP Extreme Stun Gun/Flashlight
Overview
The world can be a dangerous place. Protect yourself with this stun gun/flashlight combo that can help get you out of potentially dangerous situations. When you are attacked, simply press the button and apply the full 1 million volts into your assailant. Six pointed electrodes penetrate clothing and help your attacker “get the point” and back off. The integrated flashlight shines for more than five hours on a single charge and produces 120 lumens of light.
Specifications
- Built-in NiMH rechargeable battery
- Ultra-bright LED
- Six ultra-sharp spiked electrodes
- Includes carry case and wrist strap
- USB wall charger and car charger
MSRP $89.99
Guard Alaska Bear Repellent
Overview
A bear is bigger than you, stronger than you and faster than you, so you need an edge to protect yourself. That edge is Guard Alaska Bear Repellent. This spray is essentially “pepper spray” for bears and can save you and your family from a possibly horrifying encounter. At the first sign of danger, just point and spray the contents into the face of the oncoming animal and make your escape. This repellent is perfect for anyone who enjoys outdoor trails.
Specifications
- EPA approved
- Environmentally safe
- 20-foot range
- 9-ounce size
MSRP $34.99
Optics Planet Z.E.R.O. Kit
Overview
What do you give to the person who has it all? You give them the Z.E.R.O. Kit! The Zombie Extermination Research and Operations package is no joke. This comprehensive assemblage of high-end gear will get you through any real-world dangers you might face. From first aid kits to SOLAG gloves, night vison scopes and a wide variety of knives, tools, cases and packs, the Z.E.R.O. is the mother lode of key security and survival gear for any out-of-control chaotic situation. All products are top quality and will last for years to come. The Z.E.R.O. Kit is an amazing gift for anyone.
Specifications
- Gear from brands such as 5.11 Tactical, Blackhawk, Brunton, EOTech, OPMOD, Surefire and many others
- Workable laboratory equipment
- Personal protective gear
- This kit takes you from “zero to hero” in one step
- Firearms not included
MSRP $19,699
Brite-Strike Camp Alert Perimeter Security System
Overview
Be alerted to both two- and four-legged “guests” at your homestead or campsite with this simple-to-operate perimeter security system. Utilizing a high-decibel signal and flashing alarm lights, the unit will scare off would-be trespassers long before they get too close to you or your family. Secondary applications of the components allow signaling for help if an accident or emergency strikes and also alert others if you wander too far from camp and get lost. Sleep worry free with this simple, yet highly effective, kit.
Specifications
- 135 dB alarm
- Built-in LED flashlight and signaling light
- Two 10-meter coils of trip line
- Included zip ties for module attachment
- Easy setup and takedown
MSRP $40
Brite-Blade Lighted Survival Knife
Overview
This amalgamation of knife and flashlight works to help you accomplish several survival tasks using a single, durable and trusty tool. Held together by a powerful magnet, yet easily detachable, the main flashlight produces 45 lumens of intense white light, while its smaller counterpart projects a beam of red LED lighting wherever you need it. The knife, itself, is built tough and is available with either a combo or plain-edge blade—ready to take on whatever survival situation might arise.
Specifications
- Spring-assisted opening
- Overall length: 8.6 inches
- Blade: 3.5 inches long; 1/8 inch thick
- 440C stainless steel with proprietary titanium coating
MSRP $69.99
______________COMMS____________
Midland XT511 Emergency Crank Base Camp Radio
Overview
Natural disasters can knock out power—and with it, important emergency information from TV, radio or the Internet. Be “in the know” with this amazing portable communications center. Powered by electricity or hand power, this unit keeps broadcasting after the grid goes down. Use it for weather updates, communication with loved ones or just relaxing to music as you wait out the storm. This radio is a must-have for everyone’s household.
Specifications
- 22 GMRS two-way radio channels
- 121 privacy codes to block other conversations
- NOAA weather alert radio
- Five call alerts identify friends and family
- Five power options
- Flashlight
- USB connector lets you recharge cell phones
MSRP $89.99
SOL Sharx Signal Whistle
Overview
Sometimes, low-tech can save your life. This simple whistle could mean the difference between a search party finding you or remaining lost in the harsh outdoors. Small enough to fit in any pocket, this signaling device blasts a high-decibel sound for miles around you. It won’t freeze or stick to your lips when used in the intense cold. Add it to your keyring so you’ll always have this lifesaver nearby.
Specifications
- Four-resonator body
- Rubber grip inserts
- 120-decibel, dual-frequency signal
- ABS plastic body
- Integrated key ring
MSRP $10
______________COMMS____________
The Survival Medicine Handbook
Overview
Written by Dr. Joe Alton and Amy Alton, this medical guide is specifically designed to enforce the concept that no hospital or medical facilities are in your reach. This book is a definitive how-to guide when you have to rely only on yourself during a natural or man-made disaster or when you are alone and injured in the isolated outdoors. This handbook covers such diverse topics as radiation sickness, biological warfare, seizure disorders, altitude sickness, women’s health concerns and dozens of others. You’ll find that no condition is omitted in this informative and comprehensive book. It is perfect for anyone studying survival, disaster relief, or the field of medicine and first aid.
Specifications
- Step-by-step medical instructions
- Written by trained medical professionals
- Explores alternative medical options
- Simple to understand, written in plain English
- Dozens of topics covered and explored
MSRP $35.99
Camillus Les Stroud Slingpack First Aid Kit
Overview
Les Stroud, survivalist and true outdoorsman, puts his stamp of approval on this amazing first aid sling pouch. It is complete with all the necessities to patch yourself up when injuries or accidents occur when you’re off the beaten path. Constructed of tough, ripstop nylon and reinforced straps, this bag can endure harsh outdoor environments while keeping its contents safe, secure and dry. Because it is ultra-organized, you’ll have what you need to treat nearly any minor injury in seconds. You can’t afford not to carry this trusted first aid kit out in the field.
Specifications
- Complete wound care items
- Pain-relieving medications
- Easy-access, organized pockets
- Compact, easy to carry
- Includes first aid guide
MSRP $69.95
Afterbite for Kids
Overview
Kids love the outdoors—and biting insects love kids. Fight back after painful bites with Afterbite, which is especially formulated for the tender and often picked-over skin of young children. Using the soothing properties of baking soda, aloe and tea tree oil, this formula will help the itching subside, so everyone can get back to enjoying their outdoor activities. The 7-ounce tube offers plenty of protection for a large family or group.
Specifications
- Non-stinging
- Instant relief
- Sooths fly, mosquito, bee and wasp bites
- Easy-to-apply tube
- Sensitive formula for children
MSRP $3.99
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the December, 2017 print issue of American Survival Guide.
