Pre-made survival packs or first aid kits can be purchased from any wilderness store or sports outlet, or they can be of the DIY variety. According to Off Grid Survival, one of the most necessary items is a Swiss Army pocketknife. Fancy knives not only have the basics such as small and large blades, can openers, wire-cutting pliers, tweezers and scissors, but many have ¬such extras as mini magnifying glasses, mini rulers and handles with digital clocks. Other necessities are band-aids, compass, batteries, survival blankets, light sticks and small flashlights. Instead of presenting the survival kit in a present box, try fitting the items in a water bottle, small tool chest or backpack.
For the woman who is comfortable mixing fashion and practicality, think designer. Give pricey sunglasses with polarized lens that will offset the glare of snow and sun or with photochromic lenses that change with the light. Swiss Army has a line of fashion-forward pocketknives that come in pink camouflage and black and white hound's-tooth. Other ideas for outdoorsy accessories include colorful lanyards that she can put around her neck to hold keys and miniature flashlights or miniature cosmetics that are committed to helping the environment such as Burt's Bees line of sun protection and moisturizers.
For the woman who likes to take her significant other into the wilderness, purchase a travel picnic bag for two. Picnic backpacks are easiest to tote around, and many have slots that can be lined with ice to keep champagne cold, cheese knives and inserts for picnic blankets. Add in plastic champagne or wine glasses and travel citronella candles. If possible, include a portable icemaker with the gift package.
For the woman who enjoys water activities, shop for waterproof electronics. Thanks to today's technology, there are a variety of waterproof camcorders and radios. If she is a fan of the wacky, there are novel items such as waterproof music systems that look like the Beatle's yellow submarine. Other options are digital cameras within swim masks and old-fashioned life preservers that can be personalized.
Purchase gifts that help the nature-lover fight cabin fever when weather conditions keep her inside. Buy her a subscription to magazines such as "Budget Travel" or "Backpacker". Or, put together a gift basket with adventure memoirs like "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson, "National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States" or any Lonely Planet travel book. Or help her chronicle her previous travails by purchasing and framing a map of the world with a packet of pins so she can note where she's been.
Gifts in the somewhat random, 'this-and-that' vein are also appropriate. Pocket-size tubes of travel toilet tissue are practical as are hand-held GPS systems and electronic key chains that give weather forecasts. To help her and her travel companions pass the time from here-to-there destination, give her travel games such as checkers, Guess Who, Clue or Connect Four. Or, help her minimize what she brings by giving her a titanium spork -- a fork/spoon hybrid -- or travel containers that lies flat and pops in and out to act as a bowl or plate.
