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Getting into high-quality EDC gear is not a hobby for the frugal. However, you can certainly find fantastic value if you know where to look. This holiday season, grab some stocking stuffers for the everyday carry enthusiasts in your life with everything from multi-tools to wristwatches with our curated guide to the best EDC gifts under $50.
Article Overview
Gerber Prybrid
Gerber has become one of our favorite EDC brands for its craftsmanship and design, always ensuring that its knives and multi-tools serve more than one purpose. Understated yet versatile, the company’s Prybrid Utility Clip is a hybrid utility knife blade boasting some multi-tool elements as well, like a bottle opener, a notch for cutting cords, a pry bar, a pair of drivers, a nail puller, and a wire stripper. So you don’t need to worry about carrying around a separate sheath, the tool has a built-in clip that lets you attach it right to your pocket.
Casio CA53W
There aren’t many watches that fall into the sub-$50 range. That is, unless you take a look at what Casio has to offer. Essentially the only watchmaker with any meaningful options at this price point, the Japanese brand has surprisingly a few models to consider. We went with the CA53W, an ancestor of its first-ever calculator watch from the ‘80s and even a timepiece of choice for one Marty McFly.
Hay Kaleido Tray
Every EDC enthusiast needs some place to store their gear when they get home so they can grab it and go when heading back out. This durable steel Kaleido Tray from Hay sports a modular design, so if you have more than one, they can fit together on your countertop.
Gerber Strap Cutter
For more versatility in your loadout, check out Gerber’s Strap Cutter — an awesome tool for emergency situations. More than capable of slicing through nylon straps or ropes with its 420HC stainless steel construction and textured grip, the hook knife also sports a glass-breaking tip on the opposite end for good measure. There’s also a large finger loop so you can hang onto it better.
Alpaka Hub Zip Pocket
Even the best backpack might have you longing for an uber-small wallet-like pocket where you can just store your basic cards and cash. If you want to attach your wallet to your bag, Alpaka has this cool minimalist pouch for smaller items, made of 300D Axoflux material. Featuring a magnetic coin closure, a slot for up to 30 cards, and a full zip closure, the pouch can attach to your pack or be carried in your pocket.
HMM Magnetic Pen
Although it might actually get lost inside an actual stocking, this Magnetic Pen from HMM is a sleek and stylish ballpoint pen with a cap that stays closed thanks to a magnetic tip. Likewise, the pen can stick to other metal surfaces if you so choose. Made of aluminum alloy and weighing just 18.8g (about 3 quarters), it also has a hole in the cap for attaching a lanyard.
Sharge Mini Flow Power Bank
There’s always room for some tech in your EDC loadout. Portable chargers don’t have to look as good as the Sharge Mini Flow Power Bank, which also happens to have two different USB-C ports (one is a Lightning port adapter). It also fits right at the base of your phone and has a convenient carrying handle.
ATECH AirTag Multitool 10-in-1 Ultra
Don’t forget your multi-tool at home with this credit card-sized option from ATECH, featuring 10 tools in one, such as a carabiner, a bottle opener, several hex and spoke wrenches, and Phillips and flathead drivers. TSA-compliant so it’s perfect for travel, the unit also houses an AirTag tracking chip so you can always find your wallet if this is stored inside.
Ezra Arthur Small Notebook
Most EDC pocket notebooks fall into the stocking stuffer range but few are as gift-worthy as this Small Notebook from Ezra Arthur, featuring a premium leather cover and paper inserts that can be replaced so this can be passed down to the next generation.
Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
There aren’t a lot of quality sharpeners that falls into the affordability category but this Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is a great ancillary piece to go with your knife of choice. Touch up your blade on the go with this manual option, incorporating five stages of sharpening and honing with different angles so you can get a consistent bevel. It features 20-degree guides, 320- and 600-grit diamond plates, and a three-position ceramic rod.
Secrid Cardprotector
If you’re loved one typically opts for a minimalist or titanium-themed loadout, check out this Secrid Cardprotector, which sports a streamlined aesthetic and propels up to 6 cards via a simple lever on the bottom. Also, if you’re giving this as a gift, you can choose between lots of different color options and even an engraving add-on.
