Ten truly useful and practical gifts

Did you know you can find lots of gift ideas online through Shop Red Cross? Instead of buying your brother yet another ugly Christmas sweater, why not give him an emergency preparedness kit with essential items in case of a disaster.

Think of it as a way of showing how much you care about him and his family. It’s also reassuring to know they will be ready in an emergency.

Here's our top 10 Red Cross gifts that can save lives and are certainly more original than traditional gift cards!

1. Emergency Preparedness Kit ($69.95)
The Disaster Preparedness Kit was designed to give the basics that will help support your household during the first 72 hours of an emergency. This kit features over 85 essential items such as a flashlight and crank radio, a multi-function knife, waterproof matches, an emergency blanket and a first aid kit.



2. Family First Aid Kit ($42.95)
This kit is perfect for parents of injury-prone little ones with additional space to add personal items such as medications. You can also find many specialized first aid kits in the first aid section of our store including:
- Vehicle First Aid Kit ($44.95)
- Sports First Aid Kit ($19.95)
- Marine First Aid Kit ($43.95)

3. Battery Pack With Hand Turbine Generator ($55)
This battery pack comes in handy in an emergency so you can recharge your mobile devices wherever you are.

4. Lifesaver Driver Alert ($14.95)
Here’s a gift could save a life! This small device which is the size of a Bluetooth can detect head nods indicating driver drowsiness and can alert them before it’s too late.

5. Hand Turbine Radio ($34.99)
Get the latest updates during an emergency, even if the power goes out and you don’t have batteries. This hand-crank radio also doubles as a flashlight and broadcasts weather alerts.


6. Crank Flashlight / Radio ($23.95)
It’s no fun being in the dark and batteries will only last so long.

7. Water Safety Brain Games CD ($19.95)
Here’s a fun way for kids to learn about water safety through role playing, drawing and other activities.
 
8. First Aid Blanket ($11)
This blanket is perfect to keep you warm in an emergency. Keep one in your car or in your home emergency kit.

Small stocking stuffers for adults

9. Mini First Aid Kit ($2.50)
Includes everything you need to treat minor injuries.

10. 50 Hour Emergency Candle ($3.90)
You never know when the power could go out.
 
And if you’d like to give back to someone who really needs it this season, you can choose to make a donation to offer gifts of survival such as blankets, mother and child health parcels, groceries and more! This year, donations are being matched by BMO Bank of Montreal.