- A good compass and the knowledge in how to use it. Do you have a local orienteering group that does events? Do you or the beneficiary of said stocking tend to get lost or go cross-eyed looking at a map? A membership to said group is, likely, really inexpensive and that compass will last a lifetime.
- A good, small flashlight. I have two Surefire G2X Pros permanently mounted in my truck...one on the visor and one in the camper. Or even a good keychain light. I'm shocked at how often I use it in dark lots, or just to get a quick blast of light when I drop a pretzel into the seat/center console void of infinite darkness.
- Use GoPros? Find what mount they'd get use out of.
- Bear spray...because bears...and people...and dogs...and angry cows.
- Use backpacking meals? A nice, extendable spoon/spork. By extendable, I mean EXTENDABLE, like Optimus's sliding long spoon. You can actually reach the bottom of any bag with it.
- Gas canisters for whatever compact cooking system one uses are always appreciated.
- A good folding knife. No need to break the bank. While I realize that's completely subjective, my wife and I both carry Benchmade's Bugout and absolutely love them; particularly for the cost ($150ish). There are plenty of good knives for far less...or a helluva lot more! Just be sure to get something you're not going to get busted with in the areas you frequent...or plan to (e.g. no assisted-opening knives in the Great White North).
- The tried and true gift certificate to a specific shop so they don't blow it buying a toilet brush on Amazon or some nonsense. Shopping for that new camera? B&H Photo (hey, hon, if you're reading this...just sayin').
- A quality piece of small clothing. Gloves (realizing this can be hard to get the sizing right), a nice merino wool beanie... Wanna splurge and surprise someone? A nice, packable vest/jacket that can smoosh down into its own pocket...it'll fit in a stocking and wow someone. Additionally...a set of gloves to just keep in the door for dirty work.
- A set of mini padlocks from Master or something that are all keyed alike for securing traction boards on their mounting pins, the propane tank holder, a cable lock, etc.
- Carabiners...because they have a bazillion uses and always tend to go the way of socks in the dryer.
- Have a water bladder with a bite valve? Extra bite pieces as it's only a matter of time.
