15 Under $15: Practical EDC Gift Ideas for Him
Last-minute backup gifts because two is one, one is none.
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Still searching for last-minute gifts for the rest of the gear fanatics on your holiday shopping list? If their stocking looks something like this, look no further. We've done the legwork for you to bring you these 15 gifts under $15 they'll actually want to use that you can get just in time for the holidays.
15 Useful Stocking Stuffers
Spyderco Bug
Sometimes a tiny, sharp edge is all you need to get the job done. The Bug gives you just that. Even better, its stainless steel body is durable and compact enough for keychain or zipper pull duty. Grab one of these to complement their larger EDC knife as a nifty backup.
Gerber STL 2.0
The Gerber STL 2.0 in a word? Minimal. It’s super thin and light at just one ounce, but it doesn’t skimp on usability features you’d look for in an EDC knife. It boasts a one-hand open 2.1” stainless steel blade, frame lock mechanism, and titanium PVD coated stainless steel handles. If the person on your list doesn’t have a pocket knife yet, this makes for a decent entry-level option to slip into their stocking.
Svord Mini Peasant Swedish Folding Knife
If locking knives aren’t their thing, you can’t go wrong with this Swedish steel friction folder. The Svord Mini Peasant isn’t the most high-tech knife out there, but it’s simple, effective, and charming. Brightly colored handles and the lack of a lock mechanism make this well-suited for a more casual carry.
ThorFire PF01 Tactical Penlight
Forget those other cheap lights you see on the rack at the hardware store register. This budget AAA light from ThorFire actually has some more advanced features and components without a hefty price tag. It’s got a CREE XP-E2 LED that hits about 100 lumens on high, but also just as useful is a half-lumen moonlight mode. Other features like a momentary on switch, two-way clip, and water resistance round out this torch’s offerings.
Coast HP1 Focusing Flashlight
This is one versatile little light. It can change its beam pattern from spot to flood depending on the task at hand using special optics you won’t find on many other lights. With the HP1 from Coast, you’ll be gifting not just a variable focus flashlight, but some peace of mind thanks to its lifetime warranty, too.
Gerber GDC Zip Light
If the EDCer on your list already has a capable set of tools, they might appreciate this functional add-on to their carry. It’s part zipper pull, part flashlight, and part bottle opener. They can attach it to a keychain, jacket, or bag, and have some backup functionality in a pinch without much extra bulk.
NiteIze DoohicKey 6x
The classic DoohicKey tool is an EDC staple, making its way onto plenty of keychains as an affordable multitool. This version adds more functionality on the business end with a combination scraper, tape cutter, and package opener. Give them one of these and watch them find it instantly useful when they unwrap electronics in a clamshell package—the DoohicKey will make short work of opening it.
Screwpop Utility Knife 2.0
Ordinary boxcutters are bulky. The Screwpop Utility Knife, on the other hand, strips the tool down to what counts — the blade. A pivoting arm advances the blade to the desired length, while a magnet (new to this version) secures it in place. It also doubles as a way to mount the tool, so you can slap it on a workbench, or onto your refrigerator door after you use it to crack open a cold one, too.
True Utility FIXR
For the price, few tools offer as many functions as the True Utility FIXR. Its 20-in-1 design uses a traditional integrated carabiner/one-piece multitool as its base. On top of that, a swiveling gold titanium-coated disc adds a few more features, like a set of screwdrivers and a wire stripper. Get this for the handyman on your list to prepare them for quick repairs and small jobs.
Philips SHE3590 Earphones
As a general rule, you shouldn’t expect much from earbuds at this price. But these wouldn’t make the list if they weren’t truly exceptional. A gem of a value in the audiophile world, they’ve got rich sub-bass and a comfortable fit. Gift these to music lovers or as a backup pair for those friends who always ask to borrow the headphones in your EDC.
Anker Zolo 3000mAh Magnetic Power Bank
Gifting a power bank is a great idea, but to make the most use of one, they’ll have to lug around a cable for it. And we all know those aren’t the most EDC-friendly. The Anker Zolo, on the other hand, has a short cable to avoid tangles that even magnetically snaps into the battery itself to make carrying it all a no-brainer.
Skiva Short Lightning/micro USB 2-in-1 Cable
For the techies on your list with too many devices to keep track of, they might appreciate being able to carry less thanks to this 2-in-1 cable. Whether it’s charging or syncing, it’ll accommodate both micro USB and iOS devices using its integrated MFi certified Lightning adapter. At just 6” in length, it won’t tangle up either.
Dash 3.0 Slim Wallet
If you know their wallet is just perpetually bursting at the seams (and not in a good way), do them a favor with this minimalist front-pocket wallet from Dash Co. Wallets are a very personal item, so it might not win them over completely, but it’s a strong start to a more efficient EDC. The Dash 3.0 has three pockets for cards and some folded bills and features leather you’d be surprised to find on a wallet this affordable.
Sharp Survival “Grenade” Emergency Kit
Putting together a personal survival kit is no easy task. Anyone with practical sensibilities would appreciate this stash of emergency gear neatly packaged in an equally useful paracord wrap “grenade.” Toss it in their stocking and they’ll be prepared for their next venture into the great outdoors.
MagKey
Silence is golden. Especially on a loaded keychain. And for the EDCer with the jingliest of keychains on your list, the MagKey might be what they never knew they really needed. It comes as a set of four adhesive magnets to keep your keys consolidated, silent, and organized thanks to the magic of science.
Hopefully you're set on the holiday gifts by now. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and followers. Also, let us know what gear on this list you'd love to get as a gift in the comments below. If you still need more gift ideas on a budget, don't miss our previous guides from the archives below:
Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.
In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.
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