We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Whether they realize it or not, everyone has an EDC kit. Even if it’s just a wallet, house keys, and a watch. Some of us like to carry everything from pocket knives and flashlights to tools and small power banks to recharge devices. The gift choices are almost limitless, based mostly on the giftee’s needs and personality.
I’ve assembled a good selection of gift ideas for people who may or may not be everyday carry fans. Some of these are ideal for car enthusiasts, but anyone will find them useful. Items like pocket knives or flashlights are easy for most people to have on them as long as they have a pocket or two. Tool kits and power banks are something you’ll probably want to throw in a bag. The great thing about a lot of these things is they’re probably something that most people wouldn’t buy themselves. So get the person on your list something useful that they’ll have and appreciate for years to come.
Best EDC Gifts in 2024
Best Pocket Knife: Gerber Gear 30-000433N Remix Pocket Knife, Serrated Edge, Black
This is not only a great value in EDC knives, it’s one of the most popular. Probably for good reason. It’s an easy one-handed-open, rugged, good-looking pocket knife. The serrated blade is 3 inches long, and the knife is 7.86 inches when open. The ring in the handle not only looks great but makes it easier to handle when it’s wet or greasy. This is definitely on the tactical side in style, but still useful for daily tasks. If you want something a little dressier, we have those, too, in this gift guide below.
Easiest Knife to Maintain: Gerber Gear Quadrant Clip Folding Knife, EDC Plain Edge Flipper Knife
I rarely, if ever, have the need to stab things with my EDC pocket knife. The Gerber Quadrant uses a sheepsfoot blade shape that is one of the easiest to maintain and great for everyday uses. Let’s be honest. Most of us aren’t using our knives for more than cutting open Amazon boxes. But, this knife is capable of doing 90% of what the “tactical knives” can do. I like a bamboo handle. It has enough texture for grip. But isn’t like the fish scale grips that feel like you have a metal file in your pocket. It also looks refined enough to carry when you’re business casual. Like a lot of Gerbers, this isn’t a quick flick-open knife, especially when new, and requires some working in. But, this is a knife that will hold-up to years of use, which makes it a great gift.
Best Pocket Flashlight: Coast KL35R Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
I have several “pocket-sized” flashlights that are longer than an unsharpened #2 pencil and bigger around than five of them bundled together. The KL35R is 3.25 inches long, 0.71 inches in diameter, and weighs less than an ounce. Still, it provides up to 600 Lumens at max output, 285 on high, and can sustain high output for over 90 minutes straight. More importantly, it has a lantern in the handle that’s more useful if you’re trying to work on something that requires both hands. Coast also makes a version of this light, the KL30, with a UV function that will let you check for counterfeit dollars, find scorpions, or make a tiny little haunted house. This is an ideal stocking stuffer for anyone. Not just EDC enthusiasts, it’s especially good for car enthusiasts because it fits nicely on a keychain.
A Knife That Never Dulls: Coast SHIFT, Replaceable Blade Folding Knife
If you can’t decide on a perfect blade shape or you don’t want to have to sharpen the blade of your EDC knife, the Coast Shift is a great choice. The knife includes two drop point blades, two utility blades, and a hooked blade(mostly useful for cleaning fish). Utility blades can be found just about anywhere and they are cheap. So you won’t feel bad for using this knife for mundane cutting and scraping. The Shift features textured grip inserts in the handle, a pocket clip and even a lanyard hole. The sheath even has an additional case to carry your extra blades. This is a great knife for the outdoorsman or for use in the garage.
A Go-Anywhere Ratchet: Prestacycle Pro T-Handle Ratchet Zipper Case Set
My EDC always includes some useful tools. As far as utility vs space is concerned, the Prestacycle Ratchet is about as useful as it gets. A foldable multi-tool is normally an exercise in frustration for me. The pliers and the blade are easy to use, but any of the driver tools are terrible. This set comes with a small ratchet designed to use the ¼ hex bits everyone probably already has tons of if they’ve bought a drill in the last two decades.
The ratchet extension can also be used as a T-handle in the ratchet. It includes 12 driver bits and everything fits in a zippered case that’s 7 x 3.5 x 0.75 inches. I’ve used this set for working on my bikes, assembling furniture, and disassembling a PC. I’m considering buying a second set so I don’t have to keep moving my set between my bike and my EDC bag.
A Recharge Anywhere: AUKEY PB-Y43 Spark Mini 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank
I used an Aukey Spark power bank to get me through the SEMA show earlier this year. It kept my iPhone and cameras charged without heating up or missing a beat. It has one USB-A port and two USB-C ports. An LCD screen that communicates how many Watts it’s putting out, and the power bank’s state of charge. Keep this in your EDC bag, and you won’t have to worry about your devices having dead batteries when you’re on the go.
Notes No Matter What: Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Notebook Kit
Carrying a notebook and at least one writing tool is essential for your EDC. Rite In The Rain makes paper, pens, and pencils that work in all weather while also being resistant to sweat, grease, oil, and mud. This kit includes a top-spiral bound notebook, a weatherproof pen, and a notebook cover that also holds pens, pencils, and even a small flashlight if you feel the need. This feels like one of those items that most people who carry more than the bare minimum would love to use all the time but would never buy for themselves. You could even personalize this with a patch or two sewn on.
Casual Eye Protection: Oakley Actuator Polarized Sunglasses
I never leave the house without glasses, mostly because I wear prescription glasses so I need them to see. But, in the daytime, I always have my sunglasses and yes, they are prescription Oakley sunglasses. I know there’s a huge amount of competition in the sunglass market, and I know Oakley is now owned by a big giant evil conglomerate, but every couple of years I try different brands and I have yet to find anything that measures up to the quality of Oakleys.
I’ve had many optometrists and ophthalmologists confirm my findings. The Actuator you see here is one of the brand’s more conservative styles, but don’t worry, you can still go full wrap-around, neon-colored, mirrored lenses with Oakley if you so desire. My current glasses are somewhere between the two extremes. Buy these for someone on your list and they will think of you everytime the sun is shining down on them.
