I’ve received eight messages from people who would like to give a special ham radio person—their spouse, partner, parent, child, or friend—a gift but don’t know what.

I get these messages every year, and while I’m typically busy in December, I enjoy answering them because it means that I can take a gift decision in a significantly positive direction for someone. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy being Santa’s helper, am I right?

No one who contacted me was looking for a radio suggestion–they were looking for accessories that maybe the other person wouldn’t spend the time or money on themselves. We talked about this in the latest Ham Radio Workbench episode. In fact, sometimes the best gift is a high-quality accessory that one might not buy for oneself.

Below, I’ve included the list of things I’ve been suggesting this year.

Remember that most of these ideas assume that a special person in your life likes to play radio outdoors (i.e., Parks On The Air or Summits On The Air).

We’ll also keep the price at or below $150 (roughly).

Note that many of these links are affiliate links that support QRPer.com. Since this post is somewhat time-sensitive, I will not link to an affiliate site if its price is higher or its shipping status (at the time of posting) is more extended. Here we go:

A quality pre-built antenna

There are hundreds of varieties of antennas on the market, so if you’re unsure if the gift recipient has an antenna tuner, it’s best to stick with a resonant antenna like the super-popular End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW).

• PackTenna 20 Meter EFHW: Almost all field radios have 20 meters, and this short antenna is efficient and super easy to deploy. PackTenna makes a very high-quality antenna that will last for many years.  PackTenna also *just* added some 40 meter extension wires to inventory as well–this would give the 20 Meter EFHW more versatility.
• Tufteln EFHW: If you know that the ham in your life runs low power (good chance if they read QRPer.com), check out this EFHW by Tufteln. If you’re uncertain, use this higher-power version of the same antenna.

A quality cable assembly

Many hams will not spend their hard-earned money on a high-quality cable assembly. Instead, they will buy something cheap from Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress. I love ABR cables because they are super high quality and will last much longer and perform better than cheaper options.

If you buy one of these cables from ABR, use our coupon code ABR10QRPER at checkout to save an additional 10%.

• ABR Industries 25’ RG-316 cable assembly with three in-line ferrites: I use this cable assembly more than any other, including ones I’ve built myself.  It’s high quality, includes an RF choke, and has BNC connectors on both ends.
• High-Visibility Jacket ABR240-UF with PL-259s and 5 Ferrites: This cable is an excellent option because it has a high-visibility jacket. Choose a 20- or 30-foot length—I tend to use 20 feet myself. This cable is heavier than the one above, so don’t choose it if you know the person will use it on long hikes.

Field tools and EDC accessories

I like to take these items to the field when activating or camping.

• Leatherman Signal Multitool ($140): I use this tool more than any other and carry it by clipping it inside my left pocket. It has good pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, blades, and even a whistle and flint for starting fires. I never leave home without it.
• Nitecore NU25 Rechargeable Headlamp ($40): I don’t think a field kit is complete unless it includes a headlamp. If you’re out on a trail and are running late as the sun sets, a good headlamp will save your bacon. It also frees up your hands when packing field gear in the dark. I even use mine when working on soldering projects requiring good lighting.
• Weaver arborist throw line/weight ($30) and storage bag ($18): a good arborist throw line is the best way to deploy a wire antenna in a tree. I use this particular line, weight, and bag more than any other. If you buy this combination for someone, send them to this article, which explains how to pack up the throw line with ease.
• Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Camping Lantern: I love this rechargeable lantern. It’s not backpack-friendly, but it is the perfect companion for late-night park activations or simply camping with the family. The lamp has a warm light that can be pretty bright. It even has a hand-crank to recharge it in an emergency. (See this lantern in the photo above.)

A Morse Code Key

If you know that the ham radio operator in your life is a Morse Code or CW operator, you really can’t go wrong by buying a key. There are multitudes of keys out there, but since we’re so close to the Holidays, you will need to purchase something that can be shipped and received in time. Please check out the delivery times for these. Again, I’m attempting to keep the price point below $150 US.

• CW Morse Outdoor Double Paddle With Steel Base: This makes for a very stable key to place on a picnic table. They also make a less expensive “Pocket” version (sans base).
• CW Morse SP4 N0SA SOTA Paddles: This is a durable and very lightweight machined key.
• KM4CFT Iambic Paddle Kit: This paddle works brilliantly and is quite affordable. It is a kit, but is very easy to assemble.
• N6ARA TinyPaddle Jack: This is a wonderful micro key that can be tucked away in a pack as a backup. I actually use one of these as my main key for one of my field kits.

Have you run out of time to buy your gift? No worries—I have a great idea.

My backpack is one of the most essential items I take to the field. People often ask me which brand, model, and size they should buy, but it’s tricky because proper hiking backpacks must fit the person wearing them.

My suggestion is to make a certificate for your loved one, telling them you’ll take them to an outdoor supply retailer like REI (US), SAIL (Canada), Decathlon (UK), or, perhaps better yet, your locally owned camping supply store and help them select a backpack.

The important part is that you want to take them to a shop where they can be properly fitted for a backpack. They should also bring some of their radio gear to ensure it fits inside.

Keep in mind that quality backpacks are costly. A good daypack can cost between $100 and $250.

Happy Gifting!

Thoughtful gifts like quality antennas, durable cables, field tools, or Morse code keys can make a big impact for the ham radio enthusiast in your life. These practical accessories show your support for their passion. I hope these suggestions help you find the perfect gift to make their holiday season special. Happy gifting!