2024 Christmas Gift Guide

November is here and so is our Christmas gift guide! We spent some time getting input from our family and compiling it into a usable list. It is a combination of health and preparedness items we have and use and items we would like to have. We hope you enjoy perusing the list as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

We have a photo compilation of this list over on the website for fast and easy shopping.

Large Item Wish List

Camp Stove - This is a must-have for emergency preparedness. Having more than one way to cook is important for any situation resulting in a power outage. Boxed snacks are fine for a time, but never underestimate the power of a hot meal or a warm drink in an emergency situation.

Big Berkey Water Filter - While we originally purchased our Berkey water filter as a camping and emergency filter, we use ours every day to filter our tap water for drinking and cooking. The Berkey filters a wide range of contaminants from almost any water source. Click here to see what the black Berkey filters remove.

Mr. Heater Buddy Heater - These indoor approved propane heaters are great for home, camping, and emergency use. 

Air Doctor Air Purifier - This one is on our wish list. With all the health problems people suffer from today, it only makes sense to ensure that the air in our homes is as healthy as possible. Reduce the toxic load by using an in-home air purifier. This one is a quality mid-size purifier and uses a three stage filter - a prefilter, a carbon filter, and an ultra HEPA filter.

Stocking Stuffers

Leatherman - A Leatherman multi-tool is a great option for everyone. Carry one in your car, one in your hiking pack, and one on your person or in your purse. You never know when a need will arise for one of its many tools.

Head Lamp - These are great for camping, power outages, and for giving additional light when working on a project. They are perfect for when you need hands-free lighting that moves with you.

Handwarmers - We have these in our emergency packs, but I also like to stick them in my pocket for those times when we will be spending a good amount of time in the cold outdoors - whether hiking, hunting for a Christmas tree, or in the stands watching a football game.

Firestarter - The UST Blastmatch is a flint-style fire starter that is designed to be used with only one hand, keeping your other hand free to feed the fire or block the breeze. They make a great addition for your emergency pack, your home fire pit, or your camping gear.

Glow Sticks - Night-time tag, anyone? When our children were young, they loved having a glow stick to tote around in the dark. As a parent, it was easy to keep an eye on them and giving each child their own color meant we could keep track of who was who when they wanted to play outside in the evening. This pack comes with an assortment of fun colors that provide soft ambient light in emergencies and twelve hours of fun for everyone.

Uno - This is a well-known, classic card game that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Best of all, it accommodates anywhere from two to ten players. (ages 7+, 2-10 players)

Quiddler - We used to play this word creation card game at my husband's family reunions. Now, our youngest daughter often  plays it with me whenever we get together. We enjoy the challenge of creating words from the selection of letters and letter combinations we are dealt. (ages 8+, 1-8 players)

Cribbage Board - This is one of my husband's favorite card games. It is a classic game that encourages strategy and critical thinking. It is also great for helping kids practice basic addition skills. (ages 8+, 2 players)

Family Fun 

Why games? They are a great way to spend time with family and friends. Also, they are a great form of entertainment and distraction if you find yourself in a situation where you need to use your preps. Out of power? Play a game by candlelight. Are the kids stressed by a new situation? Play a game as a family. It is good, clean fun that helps create a sense of community.

Checkers/Chess Board - These are classic games that most families already have in their homes. If you do not yet have a checkers/chess board, get one today! Checkers can be played by young and old alike and is easy to learn. One of the benefits of checkers is that most people already know how to play it. Chess offers a more complex strategy game. Getting a two-in one set gives you both options. (ages 6+, 2 players)

Battleship  - I remember playing this as a young child. It is a two person game that even young children can learn to play. (ages 7+, 2 players)

The Farming Game - This is another game I played as a youth. It was actually invented by the father of one of my classmates and includes names from the region where I grew up. Though it may not be as well known as some other board games, I remember that my friends and I enjoyed playing it. (ages 10+, 2-6 players)

Destinies - This board game is a favorite of the young men in the family. It was developed by a group of Catholic youth. It is a story-driven fantasy game of adventure and exploration that combines a board game and an app. This one is recommended for older youth and adults. (ages 14+, 1-3 players)

For Him

Aran Mills Tweed Wool Sweater - Aran Woolen Mills offers high quality sweaters made in Ireland. Natural fabrics that last a long time are high on our wish list. We love the looks of this tweed wool sweater for men. Such a great color!

Mystic Monk Coffee - Mystic Monk is one of our favorite coffee brands. Roasted by Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, they use the proceeds from the sales to fund the building of their church and monastery. Our family enjoys the dark roasts like this Mystic Monk blend, but they have other roasts as well as flavored coffee. Royal Rum Pecan is by far our favorite flavored coffee of theirs - oh so good with honey and a bit of milk!

Wool Blend Socks - Socks are an important element for your survival gear pack. Perhaps you have read or heard stories of soldiers who would tell how having an extra pair of dry socks saved their feet. A pair to wear, a pair to dry. Keeping your feet dry is essential and nothing beats wool for warmth, even when wet. As of 11/1/24, there is a $5 off coupon you can apply prior to checkout for this item.

Masterbuilt Smoker - This is an electric smoker that makes smoking easy. It can smoke up to six chickens, two turkeys, four racks of ribs, or four pork butts, making it a nice size for individuals and families. Click here for the propane version.

For Her

Aran Mills Merino Wool Sweater- I have an Aran Woolen Mills merino wool cardigan. It is the softest sweater I have ever owned and it is so warm and cozy! These gorgeous sweaters are made in Ireland. This particular style comes in unisex sizes, so be sure to keep that in mind when ordering!

Lilla Rose Hair Accessories - We have used Lilla Rose flexi clips for years. Their flexi-clips can be used in place of barrettes for a small amount of hair or in place of claw clips for larger amounts. They can hold a small section of hair, a French twist, and even a bun. In addition to the flexi clip, they offer bobby pins, hair sticks, head bands, u-pins, and hair care products. They are fabulous for both long and short hair and are very sturdy - the first flexi-clip I purchased ten years ago still looks brand new. These make a great stocking stuffer for both ladies and girls. With so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find something she will love.

Wool Blend Socks - No matter the climate in which you live, wool socks are great for hiking, walking, and everyday use. The breathability and wicking properties of wool are unparalleled. These socks have a fun pattern and as 11/1/24, have the option to select a 30% off coupon.

Magic Mill Food Dehydrator - We use our dehydrator a lot, especially during the summer. We have the old round plastic style. We would love to have one with stainless steel racks like this. We love the idea of this model because it is a mid-size - not too big, not too small - with seven trays. It comes with seven stainless steel trays, two mesh screen trays, and two fruit leather trays.

For the Bookshelf

Back to Basics - This is a great compilation of projects for your home, your homestead, your farm, and/or your yard. It is a classic that has been around for quite a long time. I remember my dad had a copy when I was a kid. We have a copy on our shelf as well.

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II - We have the first of these books and it is wonderful. We use it frequently - it is our go-to for herbal remedies. Each entry has multiple photos, a written description of the plant, and numerous benefits and uses. We are so excited they have come out with another book to expand our herbal repertoire. This one is definitely on our wish list!

The Hobbit - We read this Tolkien classic to the kids when they were younger. It is an imaginative story and a good, long read. It is highly recommended by the entire family.

The Complete Brambly Hedge - This children's series was suggested to us by an acquaintance of ours. It has beautifully detailed drawings and reportedly sweet stories. It is on our wish list - it would make a great read-aloud for our grandkids.