The tools they actually want

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 batteries to recharge our devices. The choice of gifts is almost limitless, mostly depending on the needs and personality of the giftee.

I’ve put together a nice selection of gift ideas for people who may not be fans of everyday wear. Some of them are perfect for car enthusiasts, but anyone will find them useful. Items like pocket knives or flashlights are easy for most people to carry if they have a pocket or two. Tool kits and power banks are things you’ll definitely want to throw in your bag. The great thing about many of these things is that they’re probably things most people wouldn’t buy for themselves. So buy the person on your list something useful that they will have and appreciate for years to come.

The best EDC gifts in 2024

Best Pocket Knife: Gerber Gear 30-000433N Remix Pocket Knife, Serrated Edge, Black

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Not only are these great value EDC knives, but they are also some of the most popular. Probably for good reason. This is a simple, durable, beautiful pocket knife that opens with one hand. 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 also makes it easier to handle when it’s wet or greasy. It’s definitely on the tactical side in style, but still useful for everyday tasks. If you want something a little more dressed up, we’ve got those in the gift guide below.

The easiest knife to maintain: Gerber Gear Quadrant Clip Folding Knife, Plain Edge EDC Knife

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I rarely 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 use. Let’s be honest. Most of us only use knives to cut Amazon boxes. But this knife can do 90% of what “tactical knives” can do. I like the bamboo handle. It has enough texture to grip. But it’s not like the fish scale handles that feel like you have a metal file in your pocket. It also looks sophisticated enough to wear when you’re running errands. Like many Gerbers, this knife does not open quickly, especially when new, and needs some work. But this knife will last for years of use, making it a great gift.

Best flashlight: Coast KL35R rechargeable pocket flashlight

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I have several “pocket size” flashlights that are longer than a #2 unsharpened pencil and larger than the five included. The KL35R is 3.25 inches long, 0.71 inches in diameter, and weighs less than an ounce. However, it delivers up to 600 lumens at max output, 285 at high output, and can maintain high output for over 90 minutes straight. More importantly, the handle has a flashlight, which is more useful when you’re trying to work on something that requires both hands. Coast also makes a version of this light, KL30with an ultraviolet function that will allow you to check for fake dollars, find scorpions or make a tiny haunted house. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone. Not only for EDC enthusiasts, but also for car enthusiasts because it fits well on a key chain.

A knife that never dulls: Coast SHIFT, folding knife with replaceable blade

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If you can’t decide on the perfect blade shape or don’t want to sharpen the blade of your EDC knife, the Coast Shift is a great choice. The knife includes two drop point blades, two regular blades and a hook blade (mainly useful for cleaning fish). Useful blades can be found almost anywhere, and they are cheap. So you won’t feel bad using this knife for routine cutting and scraping. The Shift has textured inserts in the handle, a pocket clip and even a lanyard hole. The scabbard even has an extra case to carry your extra blades. This is a great knife for the outdoors or for use in the garage.

Universal Ratchet: Prestacycle Pro T-Handle Zipper Cover Set

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My EDC always includes some useful tools. When it comes to utility and space, the Prestacycle Ratchet is about as useful as it gets. A complicated multi-tool is usually frustrating for me. Pliers and a blade are easy to use, but any driver’s tool is terrible. This set comes with a small ratcheting mechanism designed to use the ¼ hex bits that everyone probably already has when they 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 drivers and everything fits in a 7 x 3.5 x 0.75 inch zippered case. I’ve used this kit to work on bikes, assemble furniture, and take apart PCs. I’m considering buying a second set so I don’t have to move it between my bike and my EDC bag.

Recharge anywhere: AUKEY PB-Y43 Spark Mini 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank

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Earlier this year I used the Aukey Spark power bank to get me through the SEMA show. It kept my iPhone and cameras charged without getting hot or leaking once. It has one USB-A port and two USB-C ports. An LCD screen that tells you how many watts it puts out and the power bank’s charge status. 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 Notebook Set

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Carrying a notebook and at least one writing instrument is essential for your EDC. Rite In The Rain makes paper, pens and pencils that work in all weathers and are resistant to sweat, grease, oil and mud. This set includes a top spiral bound notebook, a weatherproof pen, and a notebook cover that can also hold pens, pencils, and even a small flashlight if you need it. This seems like one of those items that most people who carry more than the bare minimum would like to use all the time, but would never buy for themselves. You can even personalize it by sewing on a patch or two.

Everyday eye protection: Oakley Actuator Polarized Sunglasses

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I never leave the house without my glasses, mainly because I wear prescription glasses and I need them to see. But during the day, I always have my sunglasses, and yes, they are Oakley prescription sunglasses. I know there is a lot of competition in the sunglasses market and I know Oakley is now owned by a big giant criminal conglomerate, but every couple of years I try different brands and I have yet to find anything that matches the quality of Oakley.

I have 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 wear the full wrap neon mirrored lenses if you want. My current glasses are somewhere between the two extremes. Buy them for someone on your list and they’ll think of you every time the sun shines on them.

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