The holidays are finally upon us. And while that means we get to enjoy cooler weather, excellent food, and some outdoor activities only suited for the winter months, it also means gift-buying season is here. And while you might splurge on some big gifts for those closest to you, we’re sure you’ve got people you care for that you’d like to get gifts – so long as your budget allows.
Lucky for you, there are actually a hefty number of superb pieces of gear you can get for extremely reasonable prices. So long as you’ve got a keen eye, it doesn’t matter that your pockets are shallow. To make your search a little easier, however, we’ve wrangled up 30 of the absolute best gifts you can get for under $30. Whether you’ve got a distant uncle who likes a stiff drink or you want to be king of this year’s white elephant party, you can find the perfect gift on the following list.
Big Idea Design Titanium Pocket Bit
Screwdrivers are super handy, but not exactly easy to carry around. Well, with the Big Idea Designs TPT (short for Titanium Pocket Bit), you can always have a philips and flathead driver on hand. Best part is, it also works as a bottle opener.
Field Notes Notebooks
Field Notes makes some of the absolute best pocket notebooks in all of the EDC world. And not a single one of them will cost you more than around $15. Whether you’re looking for a basic well-built notebook or you want something built to survive in the arctic, they have something for you. And everything they make is manufactured right here in the USA.
Stanley Classic Flask
Camping and drinking often go hand in hand, but you don’t want to lug around a big glass bottle everywhere you go. Instead, opt for the Stanley Classic Flask. It’s rugged enough for any adventure and it still holds up to 8 ounces of your beverage of choice.,
Gerber Dime Multi-Tool
Folding multi-tools are a lot like pocket-sized tool boxes. They can get an awful lot of work done without weighing you down. And the Gerber Dime is one of the smallest and lightest. Still, it’s got 10 tools built-in that range from pliers, to screwdrivers, to can and bottle openers, and everything in-between.
Shinola + Public Supply Pencil Box
For purists and artists alike, sometimes an old-fashioned pencil is just better than a pen. And wouldn’t you know it, Shinola – the lauded American brand that got their start making watches – offers up a pencil box in a collaboration with Public Supply. As far as No. 2s go, these are some of the absolute best.
Mechanix Wear Material4X Gloves
Whether you work out in the yard or in your garage, a good pair of work gloves can mean the difference between torn up hands and easy-going jobs. And it’s hard to do better than these ones from Mechanix with a form-fitting and comfortable TrekDry and abrasion- and tear-resistant microfiber construction. Best of all, they’re even machine washable.
Joker And The Thief Dystopia Playing Cards
Everybody needs a good set of playing cards. But you don’t have to settle for boring old Bicycles. Instead, you can get these beautifully illustrated Dystopia playing cards. We imagine these are what Mad Max would use if he were into poker.
Opinel No. 8 Trekking Knife
Though their knives are simple, Opinel’s expertise in the knife-making and everyday carry worlds is nearly unmatched – as can be seen in their No. 8 Trekking Knife. This handy and simple blade features a sandvik steel blade, a beechwood handle, a leather easy-grab lanyard, and the brand’s signature Virobloc safety ring.
Trayvax Summit Wallet
Occupying the very unique position between minimalism and toughness, the Trayvax Summit wallet is built to take a beating, but won’t weigh down your pockets. It can fit up to 8 cards and 5 bills, offers RFID-blocking technology, and is handmade in the USA.
Keysmart Key Organizer
Is there anything more annoying than jingling and/or bunched together keys? Skip the frustration of feeling like a janitor and put your keys into the Keysmart key organizer. It can hold up to 14 keys of varying lengths and will free you from any obnoxious noise and uncomfortable pocket clumps.
Ted’s The Bourbon Cigar
Few things go together quite as well as bourbon and cigars. And that’s why Ted’s has imbued their cigars with the distinctly American spirit. They’re handmade in the Dominican Republic, are spiced with quality bourbon, and are an excellent way to spend a relaxing evening.
Gearward Keychain Duct Tape
Duct tape is arguably the greatest invention mankind has ever produced. It’s versatile, durable, and reliable. And now you can carry some around with you on your keychain or carabiner everywhere you go, thanks to Gearward’s Keychain Duct Tape. Never be without it again.
Fisher Space Pen Bullet
Perhaps no pen in the world is held in such high regard as the Fisher Space Pen. Not only is this little wonder able to write upside down, underwater, or in zero gravity, but it’s even built right here in the USA and opens to a perfectly balanced full-sized pen. If you need an EDC pen, this is the one to get.
Nomad Lightning Key
If you’re tired of constantly running out of juice in your smartphone, you’re going to want to pick up one of Nomad’s Lightning Keys. These tiny keychain attachments are an easy way to charge up your phone, but aren’t as cumbersome as carrying around a full-sized cable. There’s also an Android version if you’re not onboard with Apple.
Soto Pocket Torch
Put a disposable lighter into the Soto Pocket Torch and you’ll get a flame that lasts up to 60% longer than the lighter by itself. That means a burn time of up to 20 minutes straight, a heat output of up to 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, and is wind-resistant to boot.
Everyman Porter Key Knife
If you want to carry around a cutting tool, but you’re not ready to get a full-blown pocket knife, the Everyman Porter Key Knife is an excellent compromise. This stainless steel tool, when folded, looks like every other key on your keychain. But it unfolds to reveal a 1.2″ blade for all your cutting tasks.
Old Forester Bourbon
The holidays is one of the best times to enjoy a nice stiff drink. Luckily, bourbon is a spirit that can still be great even on a budget. Take, for instance, Old Forester Bourbon. With a price of just over $20, you’ll be surprised at how smoothly this spirit goes down in an Old Fashioned or even on the rocks.
Patagonia Merino Wool Hiking Socks
Whether you’re headed out on the trails or your just want to relax on the fires, slide these merino wool socks from Patagonia onto your feet and thank us later. They’re extremely comfortable, built to survive extreme adventures, and will keep your feet snug and warm no matter the weather.
Kershaw Cryo Knife
Created by master knife designer Rick Hinderer in a partnership with Kershaw Knives, the Cryo is one of the all-time best everyday carry pocket knives. And that’s a hell of a feat for a blade that will cost you under 30 bucks. It also features a sturdy frame lock, pocket clip, and the brand’s signature assisted opening deployment system – SpeedSafe.
The Tin Mill Key Safe
It’s always a good idea to keep a secret stash of cash, just in case. With the Tin Mill’s Key Safe, you can do just that on your keychain. It’s also waterproof, weighs just 1.2 ounces, and has enough space inside for, say, a couple of aspirin if you don’t need any extra bills.
Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Whether chopping firewood for a campfire or clearing some unruly branches in your backyard, there are few tools that will better assist you than the Fiskars X7 hatchet. Measuring up at 14 inches and equipped with a virtually indestructible FiberComp handle, this little chopper is ideal to keep by your side for yard work, backpacking trips, and more.
Matador Pocket Blanket
In the colder months of the year, the weather can take a turn at the drop of a hat. Make sure that you stay warm – whether you’re at a sporting event, hanging out by the campfire, or just kicking it at home – with the Matador Pocket Blanket. And, once you’re done, you can collapse it back down to a handy pocket size.
Tough And Tumble Revolve Metal Comb
Whether you’ve got long glorious locks or just a shock of jet black slicked back hair, you’ll want to keep it all in order with the Tough and Tumble Revolve metal comb. That is, unless you’re okay with looking disheveled and possibly insane.
Harry’s Winston Shaving Kit
Even the most badass men in history knew how to keep themselves groomed. Count yourself among them with Harry’s Winston shaving set. This relatively inexpensive kit has everything you need to keep yourself looking and feeling fresh.
Bull & Stash Travel Stash Notebook
With a high quality oiled leather cover, this pocket notebook is designed to age along with your adventures. That means that no two look alike – which mirrors how the pages will be just as individualized. It’s also made in the USA and can be rebound with new paper once you’ve filled it up.
Handgrey Bauhaus Mo. 25 Titanium Bottle Opener
If you like a frosty brew now and then, but you don’t want to carry around a church key everywhere you go, you could do a lot worse than the Handgrey Bauhaus Mo. 25 titanium bottle opener. This tiny keychain attachment will hardly be an imposition on your keychain, but will definitely remain handy whenever you want to crack open a cold one.
AVEX FreeFlow Water Bottle
Water, so the saying goes, is the element which gives life. And its something we all need on a pretty regular basis. Rather than trashing the planet with disposable water bottles, pick this one up – which can keep liquid cold for up to 29 hours straight – and keep it by your side for whenever you’re feeling thirsty.
Topo Dopp Kit
For extended getaways and quick weekend trips alike, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a reliable dopp kit for your toiletries. Topo Designs’ dopp kit is arguably the best one you can get on a budget. And it’s still durable enough to weather the toughest adventures, thanks to a construction of 1000D Cordura nylon.
Bradley Mountain Utility Roll
If you have some gear that you can’t keep in your pockets, but you don’t want it just floating around in your backpack, then you’ll be interested in the Bradley Mountain Utility Roll. This simple yet handsome heavy waxed canvas carrier has enough room for a good number of tools and accessories and offers much greater organization than most traditional carry bags.
Timex Weekender Watch
Just because you’re on a tight budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a reliable and handsome wristwatch. Case in point: Timex’s Weekender pictured here. Sure, it’s basic, but it won’t let you down and, honestly, looks better than many watches that are double, triple, quadruple the price.
Best Bourbons Under $30
Even on a budget, whiskey is usually a safe and easy bet for a good holiday gift. Here are our favorite bourbons for under $30.
