Top Military Surplus Categories To Shop For This Christmas

This holiday season, skip the same-old gift aisles and tap into something that’s practical, memorable, and built to last. A military surplus store isn’t just for camouflage or collectors, it’s a place to find thoughtful gifts for hunters, first responders, outdoors lovers, veterans, students, commuters, and anyone who appreciates real‑world gear.

Below are the top categories worth browsing at a surplus or tactical shop this Christmas, with a few examples from the kinds of items you carry—useful as both gift ideas and evergreen product picks.

1) Bags and packs that actually hold up

A dependable bag is one of the most universal gifts. Whether the recipient is a student, commuter, traveler, or weekend camper, a rugged backpack or utility pack will get daily use. Military‑grade and MOLLE‑style packs are built for weight, weather, and long days—far beyond most fashion bags.

They also pair well with other gifts: a small flashlight, a first‑aid kit, or a compact multitool fits neatly inside and turns a single present into a practical kit. Because supply and colors vary, shoppers often find rare, classic, or premium packs among surplus shelves, giving the gift a collectible feel without a huge price tag.

2) Military manuals—smart, unusual, and truly useful

Field manuals and technical guides may not seem flashy, but they’re perfect for the curious, the hands‑on, and anyone who likes to understand how things work. From navigation and fieldcraft to first aid or survival tactics, a well‑chosen manual encourages learning, preparation, and self‑reliance.

They’re also excellent stocking stuffers for history buffs, survivalists, or young adults who want something more substantial than trinkets. Because many titles are out of print or only available through specialty sellers, they carry a sense of rarity that mainstream gifts lack.

3) Tactical pants and shorts with real workwear value

Durable pants matter more than most people realize—especially for people who move, climb, kneel, or carry gear all day. That’s why tactical pants and shorts are a standout holiday category. Quality models blend utility, comfort, and clean looks that work on the job, outdoors, or even casually.

A solid example of the type of item shoppers should zero in on is the 24-7 Ascent Pants by Tru-Spec, these are designed for serious use:

These tactical pants use mechanical‑stretch fabric with a durable water‑repellent finish and reinforced points, built to resist stains and wear while allowing mobility—exactly what someone active or in a tough job needs. Features like a gusseted crotch, reinforced knees, and practical utility pockets make them far more useful than many common work pants.

Although we primarily carry Tru‑Spec, there are some other great trusted tactical pants brands—that make for strong, functional gifts that look good, last long, and feel premium without being overly expensive.

4) Self‑defense items that are discreet, legal, and practical

Personal safety is top of mind for many people—students, late‑shift workers, travelers, and city dwellers. Small, easy‑carry self‑defense tools make practical gifts that actually get used when needed. Options like pepper spray keychains, compact alarms, or legally compliant stun devices are popular because they’re lightweight, inexpensive, and offer real peace of mind.

These items also pair nicely with a bag, a keychain, or a car kit. They’re straightforward to explain as gifts: protection that doesn’t rely on having a bulky kit or a firearm, but still provides a tangible layer of safety.

5) Flashlights—EDC tools that everyone uses

A quality flashlight is one of those gifts that never feels wasted. It’s handy in storms, power outages, car trunks, kitchens, garages, or when walking after dark. High‑performance lights from reputable brands stand out in this category, offering brightness, durability, and smart features at approachable prices.

The NEBO 4K is by far one of the best lights you can buy for the holidays:

This work light light delivers up to 4,000 lumens, is made from aircraft‑grade aluminum, and includes modes that help in emergencies or everyday tasks. It’s water‑resistant, compact, rechargeable, and designed to provide a great resource in your vehicle or house. Shop all of our great lights from NEBO.

A gift like this works for a wide range of people—DIYers, drivers, campers, and anyone who wants a dependable light without buying something flimsy or generic.

6) Knives that are genuinely useful, not just decorative

A good knife is a staple in any survival, camping, or everyday carry kit. It serves in cutting rope, opening packages, food prep on trips, or light repairs. In surplus shops, the range can include traditional folding knives and fixed blades from trustworthy makers—often with better steel or stronger build than many cheap retail blades.

Knives also carry emotional value for veterans, outdoorsmen, or collectors who appreciate heritage tools. As a gift, choose something practical and legal in your area, with solid ergonomics and a sheath or clip that suits daily carry. When paired with a flashlight or a small pouch, it becomes a truly ready kit.

7) Camping and survival gear that inspires real adventure

Outdoor enthusiasts, prepper friends, or anyone who wants to be ready for unexpected situations will appreciate survival items that aren’t gimmicks. Here’s a quick sense of the kinds of gear that sells well in this category and makes solid gifts:

• Reusable canteens and cups for hydration on trips or in emergencies
• MREs or shelf‑stable food for backpacking, car kits, or storm preparation
• Mess kits that nest neatly in a pack, saving space and simplifying meals
• Fire starters and basic tools that work reliably in wind or damp conditions
• Compasses and small navigation aids for hikers or campers
• Ponchos that shelter from rain, wind, and can double as ground covers

These items are easy to bundle into a single gift or spread across several stockings. When someone opens them, they see practical use straight away, not just a novelty.

8) Camo clothing that’s functional and fashion‑friendly

Camouflage never truly fades; it simply evolves. Camo pants, boonie hats, tees, and lightweight tops remain a favorite because they’re useful for hunting or outdoor work and also match streetwear or casual styles.

Because surplus stores rotate stock, shoppers can often find authentic camo pieces that are less common in big retail chains. For teens, college students, or anyone who likes outdoorsy fashion, camo gear offers instant style without losing real utility—pockets, breathable fabrics, and strong stitching that lasts beyond a single season.

9) Tactical gear for training, range, and organized carry

A category that attracts serious hobbyists, sports shooters, and tactical trainers includes vests, holsters, slings, mag pouches, and similar load‑bearing accessories. These aren’t just props; they’re tools that help a user organize gear, manage weight, and move efficiently whether at the range, on a training course, or simply in a heavy‑duty job.

Tactical gear is ideal for someone who already owns basic gear and wants to upgrade or customize. Because items can be combined—like a belt, pouch, and sling—gifts can be tailored to a budget, and shoppers can explain exactly how each piece adds value to the recipient’s kit.

10) Military, veteran, and USA‑themed items that carry meaning

Flags, decals, patriotic graphic tees, novelty items, and morale patches connect with pride and recognition of service. These pieces are perfect for family members, veterans, or anyone who wants to show support and identity without wearing full tactical gear.

They also pair nicely with other gifts: a veteran might use a patriotic decal on a truck window, a patch on a backpack, or a graphic tee for casual wear. Meaningful gifts like these often stand out more than generic branded merchandise.

If you want a few extras to round out the list

There are still more strong categories worth browsing if you want to expand or personalize gift lists:

• Cool, collectible surplus finds and one‑of‑a‑kind gear that rarely repeats on shelves
• Morale patches for custom expression on bags or jackets
• Boots for heavy work, hiking, or rough weather, these are classic gifts when sizes are known.
• Cold weather gear such as watch caps, flight jackets, field jackets, gloves, and thermals for anyone facing winter climates
• Additional clothing like graphic tees or ball caps that make easy gifts when shoppers aren’t sure of sizes or specific needs

These add both utility and emotional value, especially during winter when people actually use them more.

Why these categories work better than typical holiday gifts

• They avoid trend‑only value. Durable, tactical, and survival‑style gear is useful for years, not just a season.
• They serve real needs—safety, organization, preparedness, warmth, and daily carry.
• They appeal across generations—teens into fashion, veterans into nostalgia or utility, outdoorsmen into performance, and everyday people into useful stocking stuffers.

This Christmas, give something functional and meaningful, not just seasonal. A military surplus category pick is one of the few holiday gifts that people truly use—often every day.

Want to shop now? Stop by in person or visit your store’s site to explore bags, manuals, tactical pants and more—it’s one of the best ways to check off multiple gifts while keeping them distinctive and practical for the year ahead.