25 Gift Ideas: Christmas Shopping for Protectors

December 6, 2025

Alan Hughes

Article Summary:

Christmas is coming! If you’re shopping for another protector or if the people shopping for you want some ideas, this list will help with some gift ideas and where you can find the items. Bookmark it because it can come in handy later for birthday shopping as well

1-3) Flashlights

This is always a favorite, because every protector needs a decent flashlight. Whether you’re looking for lost keys, finding your way home or investigating a bump in the night, using a cell phone light is for amateurs. Here are 3 options at different price points:

  • Less expensive: Olight i5T EOS RSV Flashlight: This small light easily tucks into a pocket.  It delivers a max output of 300 lumens and a max throw of 60 meters on a single AA battery. I have a couple of these and they’ve been solid.
  • Moderate: Streamlight PolyTac X Flashlight: This small light produces 600 lumens on a CR123A battery. It can also use 18650 Rechargeable Batteries. This produces a lot of light in a small package.
  • Premium: SureFire Stiletto Pro: This flat, rechargeable light produces 1000 lumens and can quickly switch between 1000 lumens, 300 lumens or 25 lumens. I use one of these when I have assignments in low-light conditions or feel like the risk is elevated.

4) Pepper Spray

Not every use-of-force situation requires a gun. A good, less-than-lethal alternative is pepper spray, but not all pepper sprays are created equal. We’ve tested POM Pepper Spray and can confirm that it works (see the video of me getting sprayed below). There are several choices in size or carry method. Pick up an inexpensive trainer to practice with. Read more about our testing.

5) EDC Organizer

Sometimes the amount of stuff we try to carry starts getting out of hand. That’s when something like the 1791 EDC Organizer can come in handy. 1791 makes a range of organizers, all from steerhide. We tested one, and it was a durable piece of gear.

6) Holster

There are great holsters and terrible holsters. Choosing one can be a very personal thing, but there are brands you can trust. Safariland is one of those brands. I’ve used Safariland holsters for years, on and off duty. We’re currently reviewing the new Safariland Gravity holster. Keep an eye out for that article.

7) Magazine Holder

If you carry a gun, we suggest you carry a spare magazine. One of the most versatile ways to carry it is with the Pitbull Tactical Universal Magazine Carrier. I’ve been using the Pitbull UMTC for years as part of my EDC setup and it has been great. Our review of it includes a list of guns we’ve tried it with.

8) Multitool

Sure, you can risk breaking your knife blade using it as a screwdriver. And yes, I know it’s a tool. But I also know my dad told me to use the right tool for the job. That’s where a good multitool comes into play. There are a lot of good choices, but the Leatherman REV Multi Tool is a safe bet.

9-11) EDC knife

A knife is a must-have for many protectors. Whether it’s opening Amazon boxes or as a backup defensive tool, a knife will come in handy more times than you think. Personally, I never want to be the guy who has to ask another man, “Do you have a knife?”

  • Less Expensive: The Smith & Wesson Spec OPS Carbon Assisted Opening Pocket Knife is a 3.5-inch tanto point folder. I’ve had good luck with Smith & Wesson knives. They usually perform above their price.
  • Moderate: The Kershaw Leek is a folder with a 3-inch drop point blade. The action on it is super smooth and positive. I bought one for my wife, and she carries it as her EDC knife. Hers is purple, but they have several color options.
  • Premium: The Benchmade Griptilian has a 3.45-inch sheepsfoot blade (just under the arbitrary 3.5-inch rule that some places use as a cutoff point for knives). Benchmade has more expensive models, but this is the one I EDC.

12) Tactical Pen

A tactical pen can be a good addition to your EDC for a couple of reasons. 1) It gives you another less-than-lethal option and 2) Everyone needs a pen. Most people don’t give pens a second look, but, if someone is paying attention, they do sort of give themselves away. If you’re in an environment where those black metal pens might look out of place, the CRKT Williams Defense Grivory Tactical Pen could be the solution. This sleek, white pen doesn’t give off the tacticool vibe as much. If you’re in a really restrictive environment (like an airport), the Zebra Pen F-402 can fill the role in a pinch.

13) EDC Belt

A sturdy belt is a must-have for the EDC life. Having a great gun and a quality holster becomes less effective (and comfortable) if you have a belt that doesn’t fit right and won’t support your gear. I’ve worn Nexbelt on a daily basis for years. Currently, I use the Contender Supreme EDC because the small buckle is great for those of us who carry in the appendix position. But I do plan to try their new Thin Bar EDC belt as my next one.

14) Tourniquet

Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the US. A good tourniquet is an essential part of a bleeding control kit. Don’t buy a knock-off tourniquet. Use one of these proven, TCCC-recommended tourniquets.

Watch this video for a more in-depth look.

14) IFAK

If you want to get a good bleeding control kit to have in your car or on the range, the Rescue Essential CFAK (compact first aid kit) is a great choice. You choose your preferred tourniquet and you’re all set. One of these is in all my vehicles.

15) Hearing Protection

Protecting your hearing is an important part of the shooting sports. A few years ago, I switched from over-the-ear protection to in-ear protection, and I won’t go back. The AXIL Ghost Stryke Extreme Ear Buds are a good place to start. You won’t regret it.

16) Eye Protection

If we didn’t learn anything else from A Christmas Story, it’s to protect your eyes while shooting. Outdoors, I typically use my Oakley sunglasses because they are rated for it. But don’t assume all sunglasses are. ESS Crossbow 2X Dual-Eyeshield gives you both tinted lenses for outdoors and clear lenses for indoors. For just a stocking stuffer, these glasses from Howard Leight will do the trick.

17) Dry Fire System

Few things will make you a better shooter faster than dry fire. And one of the best systems to do that with is the Mantis X2 Shooting Performance System. This easy-to-use system helps you identify grip, aim and trigger squeeze issues and improve your aim and timing, right in your own living room.

18) Self Defense Insurance

It’s a sad fact of life that you can do everything right in our legal system and still find yourself in a courtroom. Good self-defense insurance is a way to protect yourself and your family both legally and financially. CCW Safe is the company I’ve chosen to protect my wife and I.  Another company I can recommend with confidence is Right to Bear. Examine them both and see which one fits your personal situation best.

19) Travel Safe

If you travel, especially by air, you need a way to securely transport your gun. I own a lot of different storage systems, but the one I travel with most is one of the least expensive. The Hornady Pistol Safe is a great choice. Airlines and TSA love it (never had it challenged once) and it has the added bonus of being able to be cabled to a fixed point if your hotel or AirBnB doesn’t have a secure way to store your gun.

20) Range Bag

Every trip to the range seems to accumulate more and more stuff. A good bag is a major convenience and the Allen Classic range bag is a good choice at a reasonable price point.

21) Battle Bottle

Staying hydrated is important, especially on your range trips. We tested the Iron Infidel Battle Bottle, and it did very well. The Battle Bottle isn’t just a great double-insulated bottle that keeps things cold for 24 hours, but it comes with some useful features. Read the full review here. There are 32-ounce and 64-ounce versions. Get the 32-ounce Battle Bottle Here. Get the 64-ounce version here. Use coupon code Protector5 for 5% off your purchase.

22) Decision Decks

Training doesn’t have to be super expensive. Sometimes, you just need to think outside the box. That’s where Decision Decks come in. These easy-to-use decks of cards help you think through topics ranging from active shooters to medical emergencies to suspicious behavior. There is a Shoot/Don’t Shoot Deck just starting into production and should be available by February 2026. Read a more in-depth review of Decision Decks here.

23) The Art of Not Getting Murdered

Ok, shameless entry here. Earlier this year, I published The Art of Not Getting Murdered. This is a great (if I do say so myself) step-by-step guide toward building situational awareness, a foundational skill for any protector. Get the paperback or the eBook. You can learn more about the book here.

24) Jump Start Power Pack

A couple of years ago, I gave my wife and daughter each a NEXPOW Battery Jumper Starter Portable,12V Car Battery Jump Starter Power Pack for Christmas. They thought it was a weird gift until they needed a jump start. South Florida is hard on batteries, and they’ve both used them more than once. Jumping a car is super easy, barely an inconvenience with these little marvels, and they don’t have to ask strangers for a jump. Both of them have also used them to help friends and co-workers. I carry one. You should too.

25) Power Bank

So much of what we do today relies on our cell phones. Navigation, calling for help or just keeping ourselves entertained. The problem is, those marvelous devices have a limited battery. There are few things more inconvenient than landing in a strange city and trying to navigate with your phone, only to find out you drained it on the flight and at the airport. A good power bank can do wonders. I travel with the Anker Portable Charger, 10,000mAh 30W Power Bank. It has the charging cable built in and meets all the TSA requirements.

So that’s 25 Christmas gifts for the Protector in your life. Even if it didn’t give you everything you wanted, hopefully, it gave you some other ideas. Good luck with the shopping. If you venture out into the malls and stores, remember to stay aware of your surroundings.

Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Other affiliate links may also be present and earn a commission.

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