Tactical Gear Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Top 15 Gift Ideas for Police Officers

Looking for something unique and useful to get the tactical gear loving police officer in your life? Well here are holiday gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on their face.

Part of the problem with shopping for police officers, first responders or anyone in the tactical space for that matter is that they typically buy what they need right when they need it. That's why I also included some not so common gift ideas which just might score you some brownie points.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best tactical gift ideas for 2024.

1. Tactical Flashlights
Durable, compact, and powerful flashlights with multiple modes (strobe, high, low, variable colors) are valuable tools for law enforcement. Look for water-resistant and impact-resistant options with long battery life. Many tactical flashlights are USB rechargeable now; a great option for those not wanting to replace batteries. This is the tactical flashlight I personally carry on me every day as part of my EDC.

2. Multi-Tools
A high-quality multi-tool (like a Leatherman or Gerber) provides officers with versatile tools like knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, which can be useful in various scenarios. When I was on patrol, I always had a multi-tool on me. It saved me in many situations.

3. Tactical Pens
These pens are durable, multi-functional tools that often include glass breakers, self-defense features, and writing capabilities. They can serve as both a writing instrument and a self-defense tool. Best part is, they don't look like a "weapon." But don't fooled. They are highly effective. 

4. Police Duty Patrol Bag
The days of having a big old box type patrol bag on the passenger seat of your patrol vehicle are long gone. A patrol bag should have multiple functions and capabilities. Truth be told, it should be a piece of your tactical gear kit; not just a bag that sits on the seat next you like a purse. They should keep you organized and provide fast, easy access to all of your gear. Some patrol bags, like the Hondo Bag, even feature body armor, giving you the added layer of safety and protection you need and deserve. 

5. Tactical Belts
A strong, comfortable tactical belt is crucial for carrying duty holsters, mag pouches, and other essential gear. Look for belts made from high-strength materials with a secure locking mechanism. And, look for a belt that's rigid. This provides the integrity and security you want and need in a belt for long tours of duty. Many of the belts on the market were insanely expensive when I was on patrol. So I decided to design one that was made with the same materials as the expensive ones and was just as rigid (if not more). I called it the Paladin Belt. Check it out. Cops absolutely love it. 

6. Maxx-Dri Vest
The Maxx-Dri Vest is designed to be worn underneath body armor to create space between the wearer's body and the armor, allowing for better airflow, moisture evaporation, and overall cooling. This keeps the wearer drier and cooler in the hot weather and drier and warmer in the cold weather months. The Maxx-Dri Vest for body armor ventilation also more evenly distributes the weight of your body armor, reducing fatigue and keeping you more alert while on the job. The Maxx-Dri Vest comes with a lifetime warranty and has received over 30K five star reviews from police officers and operators around the world. 

7. First Aid Kits
A compact, tactical first aid kit designed specifically for police officers can include trauma shears, tourniquets, pressure dressings, and other essentials for handling emergencies. Some companies are now even producing mini IFAKs which can be worn directly on body and attached to your duty belt. This is a critical piece of kit which could literally save a life. 

8. Tactical Gloves
Durable, cut-resistant gloves should provide protection and dexterity. Look for gloves designed specifically for law enforcement, such as those with reinforced knuckles and touch-screen compatibility. Some officers also need protection against needles and bodily fluids. Personally, while on patrol, I carried 4 different pairs of gloves so I was ready for any situation. You need your hands to work. If you wear armor on your body, why wouldn't you wear it on your hands? To check out the gloves I carried with me on duty, click here. 

9. Hydration Bottles
Water bottles designed for tactical use help officers stay hydrated during long shifts, especially in hot or physically demanding environments. I always preferred ones which were insulated and held at least 120 oz of water (this way I never had to refill it during my shift). I also liked the bottles which had some sort of hook or retention system that allowed me to hook it to my patrol bag so it didn't go flying while driving to a call. 

10. Ear Protection
Tactical earplugs or electronic ear protection can help protect officers' hearing during firearms training or while in noisy environments. I never liked to mess around when it came to my hearing so I always used in ear protection with over the ear protection on top of that. There are some great in ear, noice cancelling options out today that even feature bluetooth for phone calls and music. These are a great option to use when entering buildings with loud alarms going off or details at loud concerts. 

11. Portable Power Banks
A rugged, high-capacity power bank can ensure that their communication devices remain charged during long shifts or emergencies. Typically I'd keep one of these in my patrol bag in case I got stuck on a detail at the hospital or some other location where I would be away from my patrol car for an extended period of time. The larger ones are nice because of their charging capacity. However, I always kept one of the smaller ones that fit in my pocket in my patrol bag at all times. 

12. Police-Specific Apparel and Accessories
Comfortable, high-quality clothing like moisture-wicking shirts, socks, or caps with or without law enforcement insignia like POLICE on them can make thoughtful and practical gifts. Personally, I hated wearing big, bulky coats and jackets during the cold weather months so really good thermal base layers were a must-have for me. I had trouble finding one that blocked the wind and actually kept me warm and mobile so I decided to develop one. It's now worn by tens of thousands of police officers around the world. You can learn more about it and check out the five star reviews right here. 

13. Tactical Backpacks
A durable, ergonomic backpack with compartments for different gear can help officers organize and carry their equipment more efficiently. These are even great for off duty activities like the gym, jiu jitsu or even travel. It was always nice to have a solid backpack to transport all my gear, meals, water, gym clothes, etc. from home to work and everywhere else. My go to everyday bag is the Locker Bag. I use it for literally everything and it carries literally everything. 

14. Patrol Vehicle Organizers
Organizers designed specifically for police vehicles can help officers keep their gear, paperwork, and electronics organized while on the road. Mine usually resided on the backrest of the passenger seat of my patrol car. It looped around the headrest and the seat back and was great for holding the gear I used most often during my shift. It also quickly swung around to the back in the event someone needed to ride in the front passenger seat. I tried many of these seat organizers in my time and this one combines the best of all of them. Check it out here. The reviews for this one say it all. 

15. Gift Cards to Tactical Gear Stores
A gift card to a tactical gear store (on-line or brick and mortar) allows officers to choose items they need or want most. Although this is my least favorite option (hence why I have it listed last), it is good for a last minute option if you, like many, wait to do your holiday shopping til the very last minute. To me, nothing beats opening a proper gift; wrapping paper and all. But if you're in a pinch, a gift card could save the day. 

If there's a holiday gift idea for police officers, first responders or tactical ninjas in general that I missed, drop it below in the comments. 

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