What do you put in a winter survival gift basket?

As the cold weather approaches, it’s important to be prepared for winter emergencies. A great way to ensure you and your loved ones are ready is by gifting a winter survival kit. This can include a variety of essential items to help survive blizzards, power outages, and other winter hazards.

Essential Winter Survival Supplies

When assembling a winter survival gift basket, there are some key items that can help recipients safely withstand frigid temperatures and storms. Here are some must-have supplies to include:

• Hand warmers – These single-use packets provide several hours of heat when activated. They can keep hands and feet warm in freezing conditions.
• Emergency blankets – Lightweight foil blankets help retain body heat in cold environments or emergency shelters.
• Flashlights and batteries – Crucial for lighting when the power goes out. LED flashlights last the longest.
• Road flares – Can be used as emergency light sources or to signal for help if stuck.
• Water bottles – Dehydration is a real risk in winter. Stash metal bottles that can hold hot liquids.
• Non-perishable snacks – Granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Help maintain energy during storms.
• First aid kit – For treating minor cuts, burns, or cold weather injuries until proper medical care can be received.
• Fire starters – Waterproof matches, lighter, fire starter blocks. Useful for emergency heat and light sources.
• Whistle – Loud whistles can be heard farther than shouting, helping rescuers locate you.

Winter Clothing Essentials

Proper clothing is crucial for withstanding frigid winter environments. Consider including some of these garments and accessories:

• Hats – Much body heat is lost through the head. Include warm wool or fleece hats.
• Gloves – Hands get cold easily. Look for gloves with rubber gripping pads for handling gear.
• Scarves – Help protect the face and neck from windburn.
• Socks – Wool or synthetic fabric socks resist moisture and insulate feet in boots.
• Hand warmers – As mentioned, these disposable heat packets are extremely helpful for keeping hands and toes warm.
• Face masks – For protecting skin from freezing winds and keeping the air warm as you breathe.
• Thermal underwear – Long johns and long sleeve tops add warmth under other layers.

Winter Vehicle Safety Supplies

Having emergency supplies in your vehicle is crucial for staying safe if stranded by a storm. Some automotive additions for a winter kit include:

• Jumper cables – For recharging a dead battery from another vehicle.
• Ice scraper – For clearing frost, snow, and ice off windows.
• Snow brush – Removes snow from car roofs, hoods, and trunks after storms.
• Traction mats – Can help drive wheels gain traction if stuck in snow or ice.
• Road flares – Useful as warning beacons if stopped or stuck beside a roadway.
• Reflective triangles – Like flares, these mark your vehicle location for other drivers.
• Shovel – A compact shovel can dig out wheels stuck in deep snow.
• Sand or cat litter – Can provide extra traction under spinning tires.
• Blankets – Provide warmth if stranded inside a cold vehicle.

Food and Water Supplies

Having sustenance during winter emergencies is vital. Some food and water supplies to include:

• Canned goods – Soups, vegetables, fruits. Look for pop-top cans that don’t require a can opener.
• Protein or granola bars – For quick energy when needed.
• Dried fruits and nuts – Healthy snacks that store well.
• Crackers – Provide carbohydrates and ward off hunger pains.
• Comfort foods – Like cookies, candy or tea bags to help relieve stress.
• Bottled water – Stock up on bottled water so you can still hydrate during water advisories.
• Electrolyte powder or tablets – Can make collected snowmelt more drinkable and prevent dehydration.

Tools and Misc. Survival Items

Some additional handy tools and gear for winter survival kits:

• Multitool or pocket knife – Provides necessary tools like a knife, screwdriver, can opener.
• Duct tape – Temporary repairs and securing gear.
• Ziploc bags – Waterproof storage for tinder, maps, documents.
• Garbage bags – Can be makeshift rain ponchos or sleds.
• Rope or paracord – Useful for makeshift shelters or gear ties.
• Candles and matches – Can be used as a fire source for light and heat.
• Camping or emergency stove – For heating food and boil water.
• Sleeping bag – Provides extra warmth for emergency shelters.

First Aid Supplies

Medical items to treat injuries likely in winter weather:

• Bandages – For cuts, scrapes or blisters.
• Antibiotic ointment – Prevents infection in wounds.
• Burn cream – Soothes mild burns from cold or wind.
• Eye wash – To flush eyes or treat snow blindness.
• Pain relievers – For headaches, muscle aches, pains.
• Anti-diarrhea medication – Treats common winter ailment.
• Antacids – Relieves heartburn from unusual diets.
• Allergy medication – Many winter emergencies stir up dust and irritants.
• Lip balm – Soothes dry, chapped lips.

Winter Survival Items for Kids

If assembling a winter kit for children, some kid-friendly items to include:

• Colored hand warmers – More fun than plain warmers.
• Glow sticks – Light sources and entertainment during power outages.
• Picture books – Help pass the time in emergency shelters.
• Puzzles and games – Alleviate boredom if stranded indoors.
• Crayons and paper – Kids can draw, color and write stories.
• Stuffed animal – Provides comfort in stressful situations.
• Kid-friendly snacks – Cookies, candy, applesauce pouches.
• juice boxes or shelf-stable milk – Hydration and nutrition for young kids.

Family-Friendly Winter Survival Activities

Prepare a family for winter emergencies by practicing survival skills together. Fun activities include:

• Building snow shelters – Teach kids architectural principles using snow blocks.
• Lighting emergency candles – Show how to safely light a room with candles.
• Playing matchless firebuilding – See who can build a fire fastest without matches.
• Preparing canned goods meals – Open cans without electric can openers and cook food over a camp stove.
• Testing family communication – Practice checking in with various communication methods if separated.
• Playing winter hide-and-seek – Learn how to spot and follow tracks in the snow.
• Assembling survival kits – Make individual kits so each family member is prepared.

Where to Buy Winter Survival Kit Items

Many of the gear and tools needed for winter survival kits can be found at:

• Outdoor and sporting goods stores
• Automotive and hardware stores
• Large department stores
• Camping and survival supply retailers
• Online at retailers like Amazon

It’s smart to stock up on supplies during off-season sales to get the best deals. Also check expiration dates and only purchase food with long shelf lives for emergency kits.

How to Package Winter Survival Kits

A winter survival kit can be packaged in a few useful ways:

• Backpack – Allows for easy transport and storage.
• 5 gallon bucket – Holds a lot and is waterproof storage.
• Plastic storage bin – Protects contents from water and rodents.
• Duffle bag – Can hold a lot of gear and clothing.
• Mesh dry bag – Lightweight and quick-drying if it gets wet.

Make sure to pack items that will be needed most urgently towards the top or in outer pockets. Include a checklist of all contents on top or attached to the side.

Key Items to Include in Every Winter Survival Kit

While personal kits can be customized to individual needs, some essentials to always incorporate:

• Hand and foot warmers
• Emergency blankets
• Flashlight and batteries
• Water and non-perishable food
• First aid supplies
• Fire starters and matches
• Multitool or pocket knife
• Emergency candles and lighter
• Weather appropriate clothing and blankets

Having these basic items can be lifesaving during winter storms or icy conditions. Personalize each kit beyond the fundamentals based on likely risks in your region.

Winter Survival Kits for Pets

Pets also need special supplies to stay safe in harsh winter conditions. Some pet-friendly items include:

• Extra food and water
• Outdoor dog or cat housing
• Booties to protect paws
• Insulated jacket or sweater
• Pet first aid kit
• Collar with ID tag
• Backup leash and harness
• Portable food and water bowls
• Waste pickup bags

Keep pets indoors as much as possible during extreme cold. Have a plan to evacuate them in an emergency if you must leave your home.

Storing Winter Survival Kits

Kits should be stored so they are easily accessible when needed:

• Near home exits for emergency evacuation
• In vehicles for roadside emergencies
• In accessible garage areas
• Near safe meeting points if separated from family

Check contents at least twice a year and replace any expired or damaged items. Restock after tapping into kits to use supplies during storms or seasonal power outages.

Conclusion

Preparing winter survival kits should be on everyone’s emergency preparedness checklist before cold weather hits. Tailor kits to your family’s particular needs and likely regional risks. Place special focus on supplies that provide warmth, shelter, light, and sustenance. With well-stocked kits, you can face Old Man Winter’s worst with confidence!