Stocking Stuffers - the little things that can make a big difference

Jennifer Langston
Nov 28, 2021
2 min read

People often ask for ideas for stocking stuffers. Here is my list of recommended items:

WATER

Sawyer mini water filter https://www.sawyer.com/products/mini-water-filtration-system

Emergency water in burst proof packaging

Keep some emergency water in the center console of your vehicle, so it can be reached if you can't move around.

MSR 1L pot [link to article]

tea bags

bouillon cubes

sugar

Note: hot, sweet tea is an amazing recovery tool after a dunking

FOOD

Snickers. No, I actually mean that. Chocolate is a great source of energy and comfort, and a chocolate bar like a Snickers has peanuts so there is some protein. Of course, if you're allergic to peanuts or you just don't like Snickers there are lots of other choices. Note: if you keep this in a place that gets warm it may look unappetizing when the chocolate "blooms", but it'll still taste amazing when you're reaching for that emergency food. Make sure you rotate your stock regularly ;-)

Chocolate

Jerky

Protein Bars

https://www.bridensolutions.ca/original-trail-mix-nut... Dehydrated/Freeze-Dried Meals, whichever are most appealing to the tastes of your gift recipient (even if that recipient is you!)

FIRST AID

First Aid Kit

CPR mask https://72hours.ca/products/cpr-pocket-mask-st-john

First Aid Course

LIGHT

Head Lamp - A head lamp is infinitely more useful than a flashlight! It keeps your hands free for other activities.

Spare batteries can be stored in a case like this https://www.colonelmustard.ca/BATTERY-CASE_p_1553.html or tape them together so the ends can't accidentally connect

glow sticks

HEAT

hand warmers

tea light candles - a great source is IKEA https://www.ikea.com/.../glimma-unscented-tealights.../

lighter - Bic is the universal go-to, but you might also consider getting a cigar lighter because they are easy to use and the flame on these is hot and big. https://www.canadahumidor.com/lighters/

Flint and steel - in case the lighter fuel evaporates. There are many from which to choose, I like this one https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6011-885/Companion-Spark-Knife?colour=RED00&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZZ6LFsKAsdRjaVzeA9bGY7OSH8srVU5jDi6jA9MLH-bD412Nqyq5m8aAtm-EALw_wcB

Fire starters - depending on the skill level of the individual more or fewer items are required here. If someone can reliably, in any conditions, run around to collect fire making materials and start a fire in less than one minute with one match then this is a good place for more. I will publish a whole article on the relative effectiveness of firestarters - because I have tried many - but as stocking stuffers, I say pick some up and let the experimentation begin!

SHELTER

lightweight silicone tarp [insert link here to story about why I love my tarp]

tube tent https://www.bridensolutions.ca/tube-tent?gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZaFZD2RJ8pA_NCOK1J4oXJFhlSGpLN5fi_VXK776ykW21rEUTrIOIIaAgwFEALw_wcB

emergency blanket [insert link here to story about emergency blanket]

ponchos https://www.bridensolutions.ca/rain-and-emergency-poncho (I'll always think of Lake Louise!)

packable down jacket https://www.realcanadiansuperstore.ca/men-s-primaloft-packable-puffer/p/F1MR019439009_EA

COMMUNICATION

a space pen - I like this one https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/fisher-trekker-space-pen-tactical.html?sku=S725B&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7oyNBhDiARIsADtGRZYFMxE92tXrDUXtKirK1HX9Jad6PCxPHCIlIMC2XnrSdlxqcJl70mYaAjd0EALw_wcB

waterproof paper- no point in writing a note if it is just going to wash away in the rain https://www.staples.ca/products/1748314-en-rite-in-the-rain-954-all-weather-memo-book-universal-page-pattern-3-12-x-5-green-field-flex-cover-112-pages

whistle

flares https://72hours.ca/products/3pc-led-road-flare?_pos=2&_sid=399a3c299&_ss=r

spare charger for phone