If your loved one is a firefighters there’s a possibility he’s been hiding something from you. He hates the firefighting related gifts he receives.
He knows that the people who give them had the best of intentions. But let’s be real. Exactly how many statues of Dalmatians next to a fire hydrant does one person need?
With this in mind, I’ve put together a huge list of gift ideas that your firefighter will truly love.
1. Vintage fire department collectables
Fire alarm pull boxes, brass nozzles and vintage department photos are just some of the items that can be found on ebay. I would avoid badges and patches unless your firefighter is a badge or patch collector.
A word of warning: some items on ebay are listed from specific departments (especially large departments like Detroit and FDNY) may not be from those departments. Do your homework, and read descriptions very carefully.
Handy Tools for Firefighters
2. Glove Strap
This handy strap will keep gloves together and ready for use, and frees up pocket space in bunker gear. Made of extra wide, heavy-duty ballistic nylon webbing, lime-silver triple trim reflective tape sewn on both sides, super-tough snap hook for attaching to gear, hook and loop closure to secure fire gloves. Velcro extends 4″ down each webbing strap which allows for adjustment for different sizes and styles of gloves.
3. LED Flashlight
The Survivor LED is a lightweight and designed for use in hazardous locations. Its super-bright, narrow beam penetrates smoke for improved visibility. The large on/off button is designed to be easy to use while wearing thick gloves. This is the flashlight of choice for many Detroit Firefighters.
4. Streamlight Firebox Flashlight
This is the “Big Daddy” of all flashlights. It has both halogen and LED bulbs, is rechargeable and durable beyond belief. 5. Channellock Rescue Tool
This handy tool serves several functions in one compact design. It features hardened cutting edges designed to easily shear through battery cables and other soft metals, a prying surface, gas valve shut off, and a spanner wrench to tighten and loosen hose couplings.
6. Small Hand Tools
Most firefighters carry a few small hand tools in their bunker gear pocket, and sooner or later they somehow they end up being lost. I suggest a Phillip’s head and flat head screwdriver, and a set of channel lock pliers.
7. Nitty Grittys (Rubber Gloves)
When the fire’s out, there’s usually a lot of hose to pick up. In Detroit many firefighters take off their firefighting gloves and put on a pair of Nitty Grittys. They are waterproof, have a nice flannel lining, and they’re really durable.
You don’t have to get the Nitty Gritty brand, but be sure to get gloves that are fully rubber coated. With gloves that have fabric tops and rubber coating on the palm only your hands get very wet and cold.
8. Rescue Knife
This knife was designed by firefighter Rick Hinderer. It combines a high quality knife with a hook cutter for clothing without cutting the person wearing it, a window punch, and a tool to turn on oxygen cylinders. The grip is designed to make it easy to hold while wearing gloves.
9. Seat Belt Cutter
These make a great stocking stuffer for your favorite firefighter.
10. Window Punch
Another good stocking stuffer. With a window punch a firefighter can break car windows in a controlled manner to access car accident victims.
11. Turn out Pocket Tool Organizer
Keeps small tools organized and easy to find.
12. Bungee Cords
Bungee cords are really handy for holding screen doors open when using a positive pressure fan for ventilation. They also tend to get lost, or let behind. An assortment of replacement bungees are a welcomed gift.
I find that the kind with the metal hooks work better than the plastic.
13. Cord for Hose Bundles
Hose bundle cords are constantly being lost in the chaos of stretching. Believe it or not, this simple cotton clothseline cord can be a hot commodity when supply is low.
Gifts To Keep Your Firefighter Warm
Nothing is worse than being cold when you’re stuck at a multiple alarm for hours on end.
14. Hand Warmers
Hand and foot warmers are a Godsend!
I recommend Hot Hands brand. I’ve tried other brands and they don’t seem to last as long or put out as much heat.
15. Foot Warmers
16. Long Johns
In my experience, Under Armour is well worth the cost. They are super comfortable to wear during a 24 shift and keep you warm and cozy.
They come in three levels of warmth, the 4.0 for extreme cold, 3.0 their mid level, and 2.0 for good overall cold protection. Under Armour also makes Women’s base layers.
Be sure that you are getting Under Armour’s base layer and not the compression clothing!
17. Long John Shirt
Under Armour shirts also come in the 4.0, 3.0 and 2.0 level.
18. Boot and Glove Dryer
Wet fire boots and firefighter gloves are cold and nasty to put on, and they start to stink if they don’t dry out completely. A boot and glove dryer makes a great gift for firefighters. 19. Low Tech Glove Dryer
Detroit Firefighters have a handy trick for drying firefighting gloves quickly. Most Detroit fire stations have radiator heat. Take two empty clean tin cans, cut the top and bottom out and place them inside your gloves. Put the gloves with the cans inside on the radiator and they will be dry in no time.
20. Yaktrax Traction Cleats
Yaktrax give added traction on snow and ice. These are great to slip over shoes when checking fire hydrants, or shoveling walkways.
Gifts to Help Your Firefighter Sleep Tight
21. Flannel Sheets
Flannel sheets keep your firefighter warm and toasty even if the fire house dorm is cold.
22. High Thread Count Twin Sheets
High thread count sheets in a twin size for fire house beds can be hard to find. Most stores only carry standard count twins. Give your firefighter the gift of comfortable sleep.
I suggest sticking with dark colors for fire house sheets. Even with regular washings, light colors can start to look dingy and dirty from the grime that is picked up at fires.
23. Ear Plugs
Ear plugs are essential for blocking out the snoring noises in firehouse dorms. Don’t worry, they don’t block out so much noise you can’t hear the alert. I’ve used them for years without a problem. I suggest corded earplugs because they are quick and easy to remove when a run comes in.
24. St. Florian challenge coin
St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters. Knowing you have a little help from above can help your firefighter rest easy.
25. St Florian medal.
Gifts to Keep Your Firefighter Looking Good
26. Firefighter Tie
Firefighters spend a lot of time in t-shirts. It may be hard to get them to put on a suit and tie, bot on those special occasions this will be one tie your firefighter will want to wear.
27. Fire Engine Tie Clip
Maybe firefighter skulls aren’t his thing. This dandy looking tie tack will look great with any tie.
28. Shoe Shine Kit
Super shiny shoes are a must with his Class A’s.
29. Shoe Care Valet Box
This will really step up his game. Everything he needs to take care of his shoes and a wooden valet box to store it all in.
30. Electric Shoe Buffer
If you really want to step up his game, try an electric shoe buffer.
31. Kiwi Parade Gloss Shoe Polish
Parade Gloss polish gives an ultra glossy shine. It also makes a great stocking stuffer.
32. Kiwi Express Shine
For those time when he needs a quick shine but doesn’t have the time. (Another stocking stuffer idea.)
33. Bunker Gear Wallet
Made from recycled bunker gear material this wallet will make any firefighter happy.
34. Thin Red Line Paracord Braclet
35. Fit Bit Flex Wireless Wristband
Staying fit is especially important for firefighters. Tracking your activity levels and sleep can help your firefighter stay on track of his fitness. This wireless wristband monitors steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes, amount of sleep and how well he sleeps.
36. Photography Session at the Fire Station
Now that your fireman is looking good, encourage him to show it off. Book a photographer for a session at the fire station. I’m not suggesting the cheesy fireman calendar shots where all the guys have their shirts off. Just some nice, high quality photos that future generations will cherish.
Gifts for Firefighters’ Helmet
37. Custom Helmet Shield
A custom helmet shield is a must for ever firefighter. Surprise him with one of these babies and watch him beam with pride!
38. Helmet Band
Helmet bands are great for holding door wedges and flashlights. Firefighters often make their own by cutting up a heavy duty inner tube.
Helmet bands can be purchase in a variety of styles
from a basic helmet band
To an Illuminated (Glow-in-the-Dark) Band
39. Door Wedges
A few scraps of wood and a little bit of time is all it takes to make some very handy door wedges your firefighter will be thrilled with. The simplest wedges are just triangles of wood that can be used to keep doors from closing. If you want to get really fancy check out this article at Fire Engineering and make some of the notched wooden wedges.
40. Helmet Light
There are a variety of firefighter helmet lights and light mounts available to fit every budget.
The Streamlight 68201 is compact and durable, but does not come with a helmet mount, however it can be slipped into a helmet band.
Streamlight’ Vantage LED light has an aluminum body. It comes with a helmet mount and can go above or below the helmet brim.
The Fox Fury helmet light bar puts out 72 torch lumen, runs on 4 AA batteries and the bar shape spreads light over a wider area than a conventional flashlight.
41. Flip Down Eye Shields
42. Helmet Stickers
Personalize his helmet with Reflective helmet stickers. They come in a variety of colors, and themes.
43. Helmet Camera
Help your firefighter capture the action of fighting fire in full HD with a helmet camera. Not sure what to look for in a helmet camera. Check out this helpful article.
Gifts for the Firefighter / Chef
Firefighters are some of the best cooks in the world! Give him a gift that helps his inner chef come out and you’ll get some awesome CHOW!
44. Cast Iron Cookware
Nothing beats cast iron for durability. Properly seasoned and cleaned, a cast iron pan will last 2 lifetimes.
45. Pan Handle Covers
The only drawback to cast iron cookware is that their handles get super hot. Silicone pan handle covers are a great solution.
46. Cast Iron Pan Cleaner
The easiest way to clean cast iron.
47. Cookware
This is the brand of cookware I use at home. Had it for 3 years and I love it. It is heavy duty, heat is distributed evenly, and clean up is a breeze.
48. Soup Stock Pot
During the cold weather months soup is made nearly every morning in Detroit Firehouses. It is a great warm up before heading out to do hydrants. It is also delicious.
49. Professional Knife Set
Good knifes make prep work quick and easy.
50. Knife Sharpening Steel
51. Pampered Chef Garlic Press
The best garlic press ever! I would be lost in the kitchen without it. No need to peel, just pop in the clove and press. It is also super easy to clean.
52. Hand Odor Remover
Removes onion, garlic, and fish odors from hands. Makes a great stocking stuffer for cooks.
53. Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Fantastically quick way to make a hearty grab and go breakfast in the morning.
Or get a double sandwich maker so he can make breakfast for you too.
54. Bunker Gear Apron
What firefighter wouldn’t want his own personalized bunker gear apron?
55. Super Hot Peppers
Add some HEAT to his chili with Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper with approximately heat of 2,000,000SHU!
56. Carolina Reaper Pepper Seed
For that Firehouse Cook that also gardens, Carolina Reaper pepper seeds.
Manly Gifts for Firefighters
57. The Art of Manliness Box Set
This limited-edition 2 book collection contains a wealth of information and inspiration for the modern man, packaged in a cigar box.
58. Shave Soap and Brush
59. Mustache Wax
Is there anything more manly than a handlebar mustache? Here’s the trick to keeping them curled.
60. Fake Mustaches
Some guys just can’t grow a great mustache. Help them out with these.
61. Beer Soap
Yes, there is such a thing as beer soap.
62. Hair Clippers
63. Bar Set
An essential for mixing the perfect cocktail.
64. Firefighter Flask
This stainless steel flask with a pewter maltese cross emblem oozes style.
65. Home Beer Brew Kit
Unleash his inner craft beer brewer with this home brew kit. Comes with everything needed to brew and bottle.
66. Firemen’s Brew Beer
If you can’t find it in your local stores, you can order Firemen’s Brew online. The also offer coffee and soft drinks.
67. Weber Q Portable Gas Grill
I use this grill when we go camping. It is big enough to cook for the entire family, yet still portable. The fold up rolling stand is a must.
More Gifts for Around the Firehouse
68. Firefighter’s Log Book
After a few years on the job, it is easy to forget some of the more memorable runs, how many emergencies you’ve responded to, or some to the crazy things that happen around the station. Encourage your firefighter to keep a daily log by jotting down a few notes about firehouse events ever shift. As the years go by he’ll be happy that he did.
69. Red Suspenders
Why do Firemen where red suspenders? Because they’re iconic and he got them as a Christmas gift.
70. Custom Gear Hangers
Bunker gear is heavy. Wet bunker gear is ridiculously heavy. Regular hangers just aren’t strong enough to hold wet firefighting gear when it is hung to dry. These custom gear hangers are. Designed and made by firefighters. To order contact them via email: HangingAroundtheFirehouse@gmail.com
71. SCBA Mask Bag
A mask bag helps protect the face piece of masks from getting unnecessary scratches when not in use.
72. Duct Tape
There isn’t anything you can’t fix with duct tape. Having a spare roll in your locker at the firehouse is a must.
73. Fire Engineering Magazine Subscription
Since 1887 Fire Engineering has been training America’s fire service. They are America’s oldest and most authoritative source for the latest in fire service information.
74. Rig Bag
What’s a rig bag? This is a quick grab bag that’s filled with goodies to make life a little easier when your firefighter is stuck on a fire scene for endless hours. You’ll want to choose a heavy duty bag (tool bags, or range bags are great for this) so that is can take the wear and tear of being bounced around on a fire engine. Here’s a list of suggestions of what to stock a rig bag with.
- Bottled water or Gatoraid
- Beef jerky
- Granola bars
- Aspirin
- Antacids
- Dry socks
- Dry gloves (inner wool )
- Hand warmers
- Foot warmers
- Thermal socks
- Chap stick
- Wet naps
- Kleenex
- Vicks vapor rub
- Band aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
75. Firehouse Toiletry Bag
This bag is great (I use this bag) because it has several pockets, zips closed, and will hang for easy access to contents. Here’s a few ideas of what to pack this bag with. (number 76 – 85)
76. Traveling Toothbrush Sanitizer
Battery operates, stores and sanitizes your toothbrush.
77. Sonicare Portable Toothbrush
Once you use a Sonicare it is hard to go back to a manual toothbrush. This battery operated Sonicare is great for the firehouse.
78. GoJo Hand Cleaner
Firefighting is a dirty business. GoJo is the best hand cleaner I’ve found to remove the grime.
79. Working Hands Hand Cream
Firefighters hands take a beating. Working hands hand cream can help keep them soft.
80. Finger Nail Brush
81. Nail Clippers
Tweezerman makes the best clippers and tweezers I’ve ever found.
82. Nail File
83. Burn Gel
84. Antibiotic Ointment
85. Firefighter Bandaids
Car Care Gifts
Firefighters was their rigs all the time. The right tools make the job go faster. Outfit your firefighter with these tools to make car washing at home just as easy.
86. Rolling Car Wash Bucket
Yes, I know this is a mop bucket typically used for washing floors. However, this makes the BEST car wash bucket. It is made for industrial use so it stands up to wear and tear and it rolls easily.
87. Car Wash Brush
A long handled car wash brush makes washing the car go super fast.
88. Car Wash Sponge
A good sponge finishes off that stubborn dirt.
89. Firefighter Garden Hose Nozzle
90. Firefighter Parking Only Sign
Reserve a special parking spot for that nice clean car.
91 . Car Tool Kit
This compact kit is great to throw in the trunk of the car. It comes with all the common tools needed for a quick repair at the firehouse.The tools aren’t the highest quality, but they definitely get the job done when you’re away from your workshop.
Gift for Firefighters Aching Backs and Shoulders
92. Thermacare Heat Wraps for Shoulders
Thermacare wraps give hours heat to soothe those aching muscles. Great to use when you don’t have time to sit down with a heating pad.Thermacare Heat Wraps for Backs
93. Inversion Table
Firefighters’ backs take a beating. I endured pain from a bulging disk due to a work injury. I tried traditional physical therapy with no relief, but traction therapy finally alleviated the pain.
94. Sleep Number Bed
To some people these beds are crazy expensive. If you have back issues, once you sleep on one you will think it is worth every penny. I’ve had one for years and wouldn’t give it up. Splurge and spring for the adjustable frame with massage. It is heavenly.
Gifts for Firefighters’ Entertianment
95. BURN – One Year on the Frontlines in the Battle to Save Detroit
This is a great documentary about Detroit Firefighters. It feature tons of real life fire footage captured by helmet cam. The producers, Tom and Brenna, really took their time getting to know Detroit Firefighters and the film really shows the understanding of firefighters that they developed.
96. Too Hot For BURN
This DVD features tons of great footage filmed during the making of BURN. If they put all this into the movie, the film would have been 4 hours long.
97. FDNY Pipe and Drum CD
98. Amazon Prime Membership
With Amazon Prime your firefighter can watch over 40,000 movies and TV shows, listen to over a million songs, he can borrow Kindle books and he gets free 2-day shipping on all his Amazon orders. This is such a great deal you should Start Free Trial for Yourself too.
99. Audible Audio Book Membership
Audible is a great service for readers who don’t have the time to sit down with a good book. I listen to books in the car, while I’m cleaning the station, while I’m working out. Audible also has a 30 day free trial, so sign yourself up too.
Gifts for Firehouse Games
During the down time at the firehouse firefighters enjoy playing a variety of games. Your firefighter will appreciate a gift that helps him play.
100. Pool Cue and Case
Lots of firehouses have pool tables, but often the cues are a little worse for wear. Your pool playing firefighter will look like a shark when he pulls this out of his locker.
101. Ping Pong Paddle and Balls
Ping pong games can get pretty heated at the firehouse. The competition is fierce. Giving your firefighter his own personal paddle may give him the edge he needs to dominate the game.
102. Horeshoes
103. Corn Hole Game
This game is great at home with the kids, at the firehouse or even when you’re camping. Hanging Around the Firehouse (same people who make custom gear hangers) also make custom game boards. Contact them via email at HangingAroundtheFirehouse@gmail.com
104. Whiffle Ball Accessories
Whiffle ball is great for the firehouse, because you only need a small yard to play in(unlike baseball). At Detroit’s Engine 54 whiffle ball games are serious business. They have outfitted themselves with balls, bats, bases and even marked out a field. Bat and Balls:
Big Boy Toys That Fly
Let’s face it, firefighters are all boys at heart. And nothing makes a boy happier than things that fly in the air (except, of course, things that explode).
105. Bottle Launcher
106. Balsa Wood Planes
These were a favorite when I was a kid, and I still have a great time with them.
107. Paper Airplane Motor
Gives a common paper airplane an extra boost with a powered prop!
108. Paper Airplane Motor and Smart Phone Controller
The ultimate in paper airplanes. Motorize it and control it with your phone.
109. Remote Control Helicopter
Remote control helicopters provide big fun in a small space. Great for flying indoors.
110. Remote Controlled Drone
The ultimate “Big Boy” flying toy. This one comes with an integrated 1080p HD camera that can record to an SD card or live stream to a phone. You can trick out this drone controller with this firefighter edition pinstripe and wrap kit.
Gifts for Firehouse Fun
111. WTF? Button
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in the firehouse muttering to my self, “WTF?”.
112. Horse Head Mask
This is a favorite with several Windsor (Canada) Firefighters I know. It is amazing how many laughs something as silly as a horse head mask can get.
113. Emergency Horse Sounds
Because you never know when you’re going to have an emergency that requires horse sounds. This is a great accompaniment to the horse mask. Don’t ask me to explain why fake poo and farts are funny, they just are. Trust me, these inexpensive gifts will provide hours of firehouse fun.
114. Fart Whistle
115. Fart Sound Maker – LeTooter
116. Fake Poo
Even if you have no interest in buying this fake poo, click the link for a good laugh. The descriptions calls it “Premium Fake Poop, looks fresh, and hand crafted”. I’m sure glad I was able to find hand crafted Premium Fake Poop instead of that mass produced run of the line fake poop.
Gifts of Detroit Fire Department Clothing
Offered by Detroit Firemen’s Fund Association, a 148 year old charitable organization that aids critically injured Detroit Firefighters and the families of fallen firefighters. Your purchase gets you a good gift and helps the Fund take care of our own.
117. Detroit Fire Department Official Duty Shirts
118. Detroit Fire or Detroit EMS Job Shirts
They also have sweatshirts and hoodies.
119. Detroit Fire Skull Caps and Baseball Hats
120. Detroit Fire Patches and Challenge Coins
Gifts for Firefighter Reading Pleasure
121. 38 Years – A Detroit Firefighter’s Story
A memoir written by a retired Detroit Fire Chief Bob Dombrowski.
122. Fire Horses
An action packed novel written by retired Detroit Fire Captain Robert Haig.
123. Report from Engine 82
124. Report from Ground Zero
125. Ever Night is Devil’s Night in Detroit
This book is packed with pictures of Detroit Firefighters in action taken by our friend “Chicago Dave”.
126. First In, Last Out – Leadership Lessons from New York Fire Department
127. Last Men Out – Life on the Edge at Rescue 2 Firehouse
Books About Detroit
128. Lost Detroit
129. Detroit An American Autopsy
130. 10 Little Police Chiefs – A Detroit Police Story
131. Hidden History of Detroit
Other Gifts for Firefighters
132. Fire Department Flag
133. Chocolate Fire Engine
134. Fire Helmet Party Lights
135. Fire Hydrant Drink Dispenser
136. Firefighter Gnome
If you just can’t resist the urge to give your firefighter yet another firefighter statue, get a Firefighter Gnome. At very least it is unique.
I hope this list of 136 Gifts for Firefighters helps you choose the perfect gift for your firefighter.
If you are a firefighter, don’t be shy. Share this list with your family along with the gift suggestion numbers of items you would like to receive.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.