It’s no secret that it’s hard to buy service members gifts. Each and every holiday and birthday.
Rather than wrapping up your buddy’s personal possessions and pretending that’s a gift in itself — “Happy Birthday! Surprise…it’s your coffee table!” — here are a few survival gear gifts that your friends will actually enjoy, and they’ll only run you $5 each. Because honestly, what service member doesn’t want some quality survival gear that can be carried in their pocket or wallet?
1. FireKable
Made from ultra-durable paracord, this bracelet is guaranteed to look good while quietly providing peace of mind. This bracelet includes a ferro rod that strikes at 3,000 degrees — hot enough to easily start a fire if necessary — and 80 feet of paracord, an invaluable resource when needed in any situation.
2. Survival Business Card
So many wallet tools are a dime a dozen these days. But business cards that serve 11 different functions? “I’m listening…” With a serrated blade, four position wrench, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, and more, this business card is as functional as it is unique.
3. InstaBlade
This is by far one of the coolest things that has come out recently. Not only is the InstaBlade an ultra-slim (2mm!) wallet-style knife, it includes a waterproof locking mechanism and a protective hand guard. Think of all the times you didn’t want the bulk of carrying a pocket knife, but needed a blade to open all of the presents your friends unexpectedly got you for your birthday! This gift solves that issue.
4. EDT Tool
As straightforward as this multi-tool is, it’s probably the most all-around useful tool on this list.
5. The Evac3
Who says gifts can’t be serious? The Evac3 is a seatbelt cutter that has a built-in rescue whistle and a spring-loaded, hardened steel tip that will shatter glass if you need to escape a sinking vehicle. It might not be a scenario you want to think about your buddy in, but if it came down to it, this gift might be the one tool that he’s most thankful to have on his person.
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Hope these survival gear gift ideas get you out of your jam and give you a few options for what to get a service member as a gift!!
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Article originally posted on GIJobs.com.
Check out more from Daniel Swanson here.