Here are some practical gift ideas that your family can use the next time they go looking for a Christmas tree and get trapped in the snow for three days. Unlike too many of the “gift lists” the media spits out each December, these are fairly affordable items—most of them are priced between $20-$40. Or if you’re really on a budget, you can go for the $4 gift and give your loved one a Spork XM, made from a “durable polycarbonate that brings its weight down to a half-ounce.”

A couple of our favorites:

Adventure Medical Kits S.O.L. Survival Pak — Made for wilderness survival in a time of emergency, so pray your friend or family member never employs this gift. The S.O.L. Pak puts several survival items in an ultralight waterproof bag. The 4.6-ounce kit includes a mirror, whistle, matches, tinder, space blanket, bilingual survival and first-aid instructions, fishing kit, duct tape and compass. $25

Big Agnes Mountain booties — Technical slippers are a reality. If you’ve ever winter camped, you know the pain of cold feet in a tent or snow cave. These PrimaLoft-insulated booties have an ankle drawstring to cinch securely on your feet. They pack down small to become all but unnoticeable in a pack. $40

“The Gear Junkie: Still shopping? Here are eight affordable ideas” [Seattle Post-Intelligencer]

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