These ideas can be used for campers, hikers, new preppers or hard core preppers. I like to think many can be used for new homeowners and students as well.
There are just many things that we never think about - UNTIL they are needed.
HEALTH - MEDICAL - BEAUTY
Tooth brushes... wipes... antihistamines... aspirin... ace bandages... calamine lotion... aloe... cayenne pepper (can be used for blood clotting on cuts)… tweezers... facial masks... medical gloves... thermometer... cotton balls... gauze... tape... band-aids... antiseptic cream... peroxide... Listerine (antiseptic)… honey (many uses)… duct tape... super glue (good for small wound closure)… skin lotion… Vasoline (so many uses from health to fire starter)… life straws... Mylar blankets
So many of these items have many, many uses.
LIGHTING - CHORES
Flashlights... candles... fire starters... batteries... lighters... stick matches... head lamps... solar lights... rope... twine... wire... clothespins... zip ties... super glue... duct tape (good for everything!)… garbage bags... pocket knives... long knives... sharpeners... fishing line… baggies... screwdriver (multi-size)... pliers… bungee cords... utility knife
My goodness the list could go on and on. So many little things that could be so beneficial!
FOOD - COOKING
Freeze dried fruit... MRE's... #10 size cans of foods (long term prep)… jerky... Himalayan salt (good for seasoning, canning, drying & preserving & even health)… rice... instant potatoes... honey... dried beans… baking soda (baking, cleaning, deodorant, toothpaste, antacid, deodorizer)… hand can opener... foil... tea bags or instant coffee (lasts for years unopened)… powdered milk... protein powders... powdered drink mixes... canned meats... garden seeds... Epsom salts (many uses)… dehydrator... canning jars... lids... small grill... coffee filters (use for draining, food handling, filter water/drinks, etc.)
MISC
Bandanas... battery weather radio (also any battery radio)… warm socks... ski caps... mittens... hand warmers... Mylar blankets... water repellant for shoes, jackets, tents... tarps... buckets with lids (oh so many uses from storage to potties)… wordbooks... decks of cards... pens, pencils, paper... BOOKS, both self-help and entertainment... shop cloths (many uses)… mortise & pestle (herbs, medications, berries, etc.)… baggies of different sizes
There are tons of items that can be purchased for very little money and could possibly help or save a life.
Think about looking at places like farm stores (Rural King or Tractor Supply), places like Harbor Freight (they have lots of cheaper and sometimes FREE items), and YES even the Dollar Tree! Many bandages, gauze, antiseptic creams, twine, rope, clothespins, and other items can be had for a dollar.
If you need an idea for 'wrapping' a multiple item gift think about buckets with lids!!!!!! All campers and preppers need them for all sorts of things. Throw all you items in a bucket and wahla you are set to gift! Buckets can be purchased at most hardware/home building stores and you can also often find them for FREE or extremely cheap at any deli or bakery. Those are food safe and may need a good cleaning - but they can be had for little or no money! If you are doing a smaller selection of items - just use a plastic/lidded ice cream bucket. Granted it may not be as sturdy and water tight - but if sure would be handy and FREE.
We never know what could happen and we all need to be prepared.
This is a good list of things YOU should have around as well Get creative and prepared!
Great ideas Cheryl. The buckets are so handy especially! I'm sure everyone would love these ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yes, the buckets would come in handy for anyone.
DeleteGood practical ideas. My mum always liked useful gifts.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I do too!
DeleteYou can never have too many buckets. I think I will check harbor fright for stocking stuhffers, for the men.I hate giving things that are not useful.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea. I got all kinds of things over the years for guys there. All kinds of handy things.
DeleteGreat gift ideas! I think I will fill up a bucket wth goodies for my nephew. I like those free lights at harbor freight too, and they make great stocking stuffers.
ReplyDeleteI love those lights. They are so handy for lots of things. I keep them in closets (no lights in closet).
DeleteGreat idea for any guy I think.
My boss is being deployed for 12 months in January. We are planning to make up boxes for the troops and some of these ideas will be great in those boxes.
ReplyDeleteI love it!!!!!!!! That is so wonderful. That is a gift we should all try to give. Thank you for supporting the troops!!!!!
DeleteI have given blackout kits quite a few times. A nice boy with flashlight, matches, candles, lighters and so on. They are going to remember you when this comes out. Also first aid for cars. Many good ideas here! Thanks Cheryl! xxx
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of 'black-out' boxes. Very smart and very needed when then time comes. Great idea.
DeleteThank you Annabel
We have given and received many of the items you have listed over the years. We love Harbor Freight. Hubby just went the other day and got another free flashlight. Zip ties end up in my everyone's stockings. So many uses for them. Every year for Christmas and Father's Day I make my dad a magic basket. He calls it that because I give it to him full of food and then he gives it back to me empty. Then 6 months later it gets magically full again. He has everything he needs. So I fill it with some of his favorites such as jams, trail mix, anchovies and nuts.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, we are all on the same wavelength!!!! I love it. Harbor Freight is a fun place - even as a gal I love it there. So many fun finds.
DeleteI love the name 'magic basket'. Such a neat idea - refills are always the way to go!
See you just other ideas as well - nuts, trail mix, anchovies, so many things we can add.
Thanks
I always did something similar for my grandmother when she could no longer drive- a basket with practical things she actually used - a bottle of her hair dye, her favorite lotion, a selection of cards and a book of stamps, tea bags. hairpins, etc - and a grocery card which I would take her to spend.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Many of our elderly family members NEED nothing any more. How useful to get things that you can actually use and will get joy out of.
DeleteThank you for another idea.