Holiday Gift Guide
All of the gear on this list is high-value and should last a very long time and serve your scout (or spouse...or you) well.
Maybe get together with a couple of scout family friends, and combine resources....buying 4 items at once can REALLY lower the per-item price.
LIGHTS
These little solar lanterns weigh very little, and work well. You can get 4 for about $25.00.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805467255127.html
For the price, I LOVE these headlights. Get 4 for only $20.00 AND they include a RED light setting which really helps to not blind your friends at a campsight. I own these and have been impressed by the quality AND I'm not annoyed when one gets lost. Get with a couple friends. $5.00 for a decent quality headlamp is REALLY affordable. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R66JZKL
WATCH
I love watches. This Casio is powered by the sun so it never needs a battery. It's super tough and way waterproof. At $38, this is a monster value. I've bought three of these over the last couple years (one for me, two as gifts). They're terrific.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00791R1A0
COMPRESSION SACK
A quality compression bag can make camping easier. It's not an exciting gift, but it's a gift that will be around for a long time.
REI is usually great quality with a generous return policy. Under $30. Various sizes.
https://www.rei.com/product/175327/rei-co-op-lightweight-compression-stuff-sack
CAMPING MUG
This little bit of kit is the best $13 you can spend. It will last forever. I LOVE these mugs.
https://www.rei.com/product/189675/gsi-outdoors-infinity-backpacker-mug
QUALITY NALGENE
Everyone loves a Nalgene bottle.
If you want 'em cheap, check https://nalgene.com/product-category/sales/ every week or so. From time to time, you'll find 32oz bottles for about $6.00 or so.
Right now, a nalgene sleeve, regularly $13.26 is on sale for $5.00. Watch out for shipping. Get with some friends, so you can get a $30 order and get free shipping, and use code "hi-drate" for an additional 10% off.
QUALITY COMPASS
A cheap compass is...well, cheap. To get a decent compass that's actually reliable, it costs money. Don't be fooled by a $5.00 deal.
My favorite pick (and what I own) is SUUNTO M-3, at $50 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Suunto-M-3-NH-Compass-SS021369000/dp/B010K8XX5A
with a close 2nd:
Brunton TruArc5 (made in USA), currently under $30 at BassPro: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/brunton-truarc-5-base-plate-compass
Both of these have an adjustable declination feature, which is insanely useful.
FIRST AID KIT
These are great to have AND, if you have a FLEX Spending Account or HSA, First Aid Kits are qualified expendetures (don't take my word for it, please check). Check BassPro, Amazon...lots of choices, but cool to have, especially if you can buy it with pre-tax dollars!
ULTRALIGHT CHAIRS
I like to sit. It's way better than standing around a campfire.
The REI FlexLite is a great chair if you're under 200 lbs. https://www.rei.com/product/164382/rei-co-op-flexlite-camp-chair 1 lb, 11 oz.
The FlexLite Boss is rated to 300 lbs and likely to last longer, even if you're 140 lbs. 2 lbs 14 oz.
https://www.rei.com/product/164383/rei-co-op-flexlite-camp-boss-chair?color=ASPHALT
Pay close attention, some colors are more expensive than others. Currently, "Deep Dive Blue" is $62.93 while other colors are $89.95.
If you're heavier like me...this is a good option for the $$. It has 330 lbs rating (i own this chair). $48. 4.2 lbs.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQL6NMJ9
KNIVES
The Buck 110 Hunter is a classic. The least expensive wooden handled version is about $60, but you can get the much-lighter-to-carry and still excellent synthetic handle for $30.
I prefer to carry the synthetic. I own both, but carry the plastic more than the wood handle.
The wood handled knife is a lot cooler...and will become a heirloom, they're that good. But they're heavy, not at all good for backpacking.
If you by from Buck directly, they can engrave the blade.
At $45, this Sypderco is also an excellent knife that will provide decades of service
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Tenacious-Lightweight--119298
The Buck 684 and 685, each around $30 would be a great choice for a fixed blade knife. These will last forever. The 684 ($27.99) is a bit smaller than the 685 ($33.99). Search on Amazon.
NOTE: The BSA does not prohibit fixed blade knives. However, some camps have their own policies that allow only folding knives.