Christmas Preps??

Lately everyone around here has become more aware of the need to prep for hurricanes so if I give them prep gifts I just call it an "Hurricane Kit". I have been saving those large plastic coffee cans and filling them up with essentials for a basic three day kit and those have been a hit with my friends and some family. They kinda wrinkle their faces and say "Eeewwww!" when I gleefully inform them that they can line the can with an enclosed plastic bag for an emergency toilet but otherwise they like the gifts.

I use the smaller cans for kids, filling them with basic items for a kid to stay busy and comfie during a crisis. I also found a deal on one of the online shopping networks, 5 skil brand mini flashlights with a glow in the dark band around the handle with batteries included for less than $20. I bought those for the coffee cans and stocking stuffers.

You can make your own pine cone fire starters with found cones and candle remnants. Ask everyone you know to save their candle stubs for you, the scented ones are great. Melt the wax in a coffee can in a pot of water on the stove top (not too hot, simmering seems to melt it). Then dip your pine cones into the wax several times and let cool between dipping. I haven't done this in a while, but they make a nice gift in a basket with some of the fatwood and maybe a box of fancy matches or a candle. You can usually find baskets cheap at Salvation Army or Goodwill.

We have a 'gift exchange' at work, so my contribution is going to be a 397 piece first aid kit!

Everyone I work with is half my age.....so I thought it would be nice for them to have something in their car!!

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I just came across this Apple Tree To Be Kit. It is expensive but if you make your own it would be a cute gift and inexpensive! If you are giving to a family with kids they would probably really enjoy it!
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product...tree-to-be-kit

Or the Marinara kit!
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product...n-marinara-kit

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My DD's 11 & 9 saw the Knifty Knitters in the stores this season and wanted to try them. There were 4 different size looms in each package for $15 each. What the heck, they know it's still prepping to make all kinds of cool different hats, blankets, etc. but they will be like men in a tool store with these kinds of things, lol!

For the past few years I've been giving "recipes in a jar". So far everyone loves them. I always make a few extras for myself.

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We only buy for the parents and small children in the family. We got the older folk emergency weather radios... the kind that turn on when there is a weather alert. I am giving mason jars of homemade vanilla to my siblings. My kids generally want money, but hubby has laid in a supply of those military hats that cover the ears, so I suppose the immediate family will get those. Oh, my hubby got me my gift... a Mossberg SA shotgun! Should be interesting to learn to shoot next year!

Some of the adult kids are getting: crank/solar powered radio w/ light, Berkey sport water bottles, and an assortment of home canned items.

I am feeling very good about today. I went to Home Depot for window wrapping plastic sheets and they had some excellent prepping gift stuff. I bought two each of the multi-tool/knife sets that were two to a box and of the 10 pack flashlights. I bought hand warmers, batteries and duct tape as well. I am well on the way to a BOB car bag for each car in the family. Plan to add bottled water, nuts, matches, candles and a few other items in a duffel or backpack

I hope that it will give the family members the bare bone items that they can add to the kit and help them out that way. I plan to include a "suggest you add these items" list when all is said and done.

Now my city son in the Big Apple doesn't have a car and I think truly believes that money can solve any of the problems he may face (not meaning health etc -- just the external ones). So in his case, would packing a backpack for him to carry help at all? I don't know.

But for the purchases of the day, I am very pleased. I think my sister, parents and other son will get it and enjoy the gifts.