The Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide for 2023

If you’re like us, finding the right gear to EDC for yourself is hard enough. Finding the perfect holiday gift for another like-minded EDCer can be a daunting, if not utterly exhausting, task. How do you pick something they’ll appreciate, actually use, and be proud to carry? We’re here to help. We’ve broken down 31 gift ideas for every kind of EDCer on your list.

This post was last updated on 12/25/2023.

The 2023 Everyday Carry Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts for the Tactical EDCer

Heavy-duty gifts for those who need extra-reliable, extra-tough gear.

1. Toor Knives Viper Ultem Fixed Blade: Veterans make this tactical knife in the USA, designed for the hardest use in the field. It’s also a great size for everyday carry and comes with Ultem scales, making it a great contemporary pick.
2. Magpul DAKA Utility Organizer: Magpul’s organizer uses durable materials and weatherproof construction like the rest of their DAKA line to pack and protect your essentials. It offers a low-profile, high-performance pouch you or your giftee can easily swap essentials between bags.
3. Sreamlight Wedge XT Flashlight: The Wedge XT is a compact refresh of the unique rotary switch-equipped original Wedge, with convenience and ease of carry paired alongside output capability and USB-C chargeability. It’s a great tactical light for the person on your list who could make use of its unique form factor.
4. GORUCK MACV-2 Mid Top Boots: While best known for their bags, GORUCK is now also building a consistent catalog of tactical-ready footwear, and the MACV-2 is their mid-top modern take on the classic jungle boot. With a focus on support and comfort, while offering premium construction and durability, it’s ready for the most rugged rucks, races, and beyond.
5. Alpha One Niner Evade 1.0X Backpack: AON’s latest backpack is a return to one of their original 21L platforms, built anew with modern materials and features in time for the brand’s 10th anniversary. The Evade 1.0X is a robust everyday (and more) full clamshell pack built from the most resilient X50 X-Pac and ready for any mission for the modern EDCer.

Gifts for the Outdoorsy EDCer

Stay on point with these picks while wandering off the beaten path.

1. Huckberry X Mystery Ranch Greenbelt Hybrid Backpack: This collaboration between Huckberry and community favorite Mystery Ranch is an outdoor statement piece while still being an excellent hybrid pack with its ripstop build and tons of internal and external organization on all sides, including dual water bottle pockets, pull cords, and even space for a 15″ laptop.
2. Ridge Titanium Field Watch: Ridge’s latest watch is a premium field performer with a 40mm titanium case and a 4 Hz automatic movement. It even comes with two quick-release straps to be as versatile as possible with their daily adventures.
3. Leatherman Arc Multi-tool: Leatherman’s latest and greatest multi-tool and the first out there to use MagnaCut steel. It also comes with a much-requested bit driver, making it a functional powerhouse and the perfect addition to any EDC.
4. GRAYL UltraPress Titanium Water Bottle: This is no ordinary water bottle, as this 17oz titanium essential comes with a filter and purifier to make it a staple for any outdoor kit. A simple fill, press, and drink engages its water treatment system to give you a clean drink hundreds of times over.
5. Wuben E7 Rechargeable Headlamp: Wuben’s recent handheld flashlights are some of our modern favorites, but their latest rechargeable headlamp covers your hands-free bases for exceptional outdoor illumination. It packs 1,800 lumens via two OSRAM LEDs into its compact, 2.82 oz frame, and it even detaches from its headband to perform as a fully capable USB-C charging handheld light.
6. Spyderco Para 3 Salt MagnaCut: The modern classic Para 3 is one of Spyderco’s best and most popular knives, and now it’s supercharged with MagnaCut and a hi-visibility handle as a renewed part of the Salt series. It’s the perfect outdoor knife for the EDCer on your list who routinely crossovers between the boardroom and the backcountry.

Gifts for the Active EDCer

Essentials to help jumpstart a healthier and more active lifestyle.

1. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Bone-Conducting Headphones: In a sea of true wireless earbuds, Shokz does something truly different with their bone-conducting headphones. Whether using them for runs, a more aware commute, or just for tunes around a house where more attention could be needed, it’s got 10 hours’ worth of music and calls to spice up your giftee’s daily soundtrack.
2. Ridge Silicone Rings: For those living an active lifestyle, solid rings could be a recipe for injury, so silicone rings are the perfect alternative. Ridge’s offering offers a pair of rings made with the highest quality silicone, with Never Lost & Forever Fit protection to ensure a lifetime of performance.
3. Timex Ironman x The James Brand Watch: We’re leaving the smartwatch at home and running for the 80s with this collaboration between Timex and The James Brand. It’s a playful, retro spin on a fully capable Ironman digital watch, with triathlon-ready features including a stopwatch with 30 laps of memory, a chronograph, daily alarm, 100 meters of water resistance, and, of course, Timex’s signature Indiglo backlit display.
4. norda 001 Dyneema Trail Shoe: Dyneema isn’t just the top end of ultralight backpacks; Canadian shoe company norda puts its best qualities of light weight and high performance in their series of trail running shoes. Sustainable construction via woven bio-based Dyneema and CORDURA nylon paired with an ultra-durable Vibram outsole makes this an outstanding option for the outdoor runner on your list.
5. Osprey Katari 3 Biking Backpack: Sometimes, you need to ditch the heavy daypacks at home and go for a streamlined solution for your next ride, and that’s exactly what the Osprey Katari 3 can bring to the biker in your life. It has three liters of capacity in a super-compact and lightweight design while freeing up your pockets during heavy pedal pushing.

Gifts for the Traveler EDCer

Must-have essentials to make every trip feel like first class for the traveler in your life.

1. Cinder Phantom Waterproof Jacket: A featherlight packable jacket to prepare for any weather, wherever your adventures take you. Stretchy Pertex Shield fabric is breathable while still repelling rain, and the jacket packs into a tidy bundle perfect for throwing into your carry-on pack in case the weather takes a turn.
2. Matador Betalock Locking Carabiner: Mix, match, and attach your essentials with this locking carabiner from Matador. It gives you all the functionality of a robust aluminum carabiner with discreet locking functionality in case you need to secure your gear while in unfamiliar territory.
3. Anker Prime 6-in-1 140W Charging Station: This charging station is the ultimate upgrade for any travel kit, with 140 watts, two AC outlets, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports to make this the ultimate device charging station whether stuck at the airport or resting your feet back at the hotel.
4. Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Utensil Set: Full Windsor gives you or your giftee a step above the usual travel sporks and utensil sets, with three eating tools interconnecting via magnets for convenience and compact storage. They’re crafted from lightweight aluminum, with a lifetime guarantee for years of efficient eating.
5. EVERGOODS x Carryology CPL24 Griffin: The latest collaboration between EVERGOODS and Carryology gives the popular Civic Panel Loader 24-liter platform a heritage makeover with a limited-edition waxed canvas shell and tons of thoughtful details that make this a pack to look out for. Zipper pullers sourced from 100-year-old supplier Berger Co., a signature hot orange interior, a Dan Matsuda-designed patch, and a custom P400 Wax C4 shell fabric all come together in EVERGOODS’s capable travel pack for a truly exceptional travel pack.

Gifts for the Professional EDCer

Premium and elegant tools for an executive daily carry that makes a statement.

1. Aer City Tote: Aer’s take on the tote is a roomier affair, with 22L in a stand-up configuration in their signature use of 1680D CORDURA nylon in black or gray. The exterior has the brand’s signature space and style, including dual side water bottle pockets, YKK-zippered quick-access pockets, and even a luggage passthrough strap.
2. Holme & Hadfield Armada EDC Case: The Armada is the holy grail of display cases with space for 40-50 knives and more across nine display pillars and two drawers. Whether as a gift for the serious everyday carry collector or if you’ve been looking for an elegant solution to displaying your collection, this desk behemoth is worthy of your best gear.
3. Ridge Razor by OneBlade: This collaboration between Ridge and OneBlade offers an elevated shaving experience with its 6063 aluminum construction and Feather FHS single-edge Hi-Stainless Japanese blades. Ditch the disposables and give the gift of a premium shaving routine to someone special this year.
4. Vosteed Thunderbird Titanium Knife: This sleek slicer is one of the best knives from Vosteed yet. With an elite 3.25″ Elmax tanto blade you can deploy four ways and a matching titanium handle for the total premium experience, it’s a fantastic flicker for the knife collector looking for a bit of fun to carry without compromising style.
5. Tactile Turn Aluminum Bolt Action Pen: Extremely durable 7075 aluminum, three colors, three sizes, and all the charm and precision manufacturing that comes with Tactile Turn’s pens make the Aluminum Bolt Action pen the most affordable (but nonetheless excellent) way to dip your or your giftee’s toes into their catalog yet.

Gifts for the Techy EDCer

Smart picks to power up the gadget and tech lover’s kit.

1. Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charger Stand: In a world where we rely on our devices more than ever, the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe Charger Stand is a gift that gives convenience, organization, and style. This sleek, all-in-one charging hub keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch, and wireless-charging AirPods powered up and ready to go before you or the Apple person on your list steps out.
2. Ray-Ban x Meta Smart Glasses: The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are not your ordinary eyewear. They effortlessly blend iconic Ray-Ban design with cutting-edge video recording capability. With an improved 12 MP camera, live streaming capabilities, and voice commands, it’s the perfect hands-free capture device for the content creator on your list.
3. AceBeam Terminator M1 Dual Head Flashlight: The Acebeam Terminator M1 isn’t just any flashlight; it’s a lighting beast with a dual head design, combining LED and LEP technologies. This means it’s perfect for both general illumination and long-distance spotlighting, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and tech enthusiasts alike.
4. NuPhy Air60 V2 60% Keyboard: The NuPhy Air60 V2 Keyboard is a compact, 60% wireless mechanical keyboard that puts together a ton of enthusiast features into its tiny frame. One pound weight, three colors, choice of low-profile switches, 1000Hz polling, and QMK/VIA configuration make it the total package.
5. ONYX BOOX Palma E Ink E-Reader: The ONYX BOOX Palma E-Reader is the ultimate companion for book lovers. It offers a paper-like reading experience with the latest generation 300 dpi pixel density E Ink technology, customizable settings, and a compact but generous 6.13″ screen size at a 2:1 aspect ratio, making it the perfect device for the special bookworm in your life.

Need even more gift ideas? Check out our picks for last year’s holiday gift guide!