Finding the perfect Christmas gift for the cadet in your life can be challenging, especially if you're looking for something both practical and meaningful. Whether it's stocking fillers or bigger presents, these unique and thoughtful items will suit any cadet's needs. Here's our top selection of 20 gifts that are sure to make this Christmas one to remember.

1. Tactical Stocking MTP

Start the festive season with a touch of military flair by gifting this durable MTP Tactical Stocking. Made from tough 500D Cordura type woven fabric, this stocking is built to withstand any conditions. Perfect for holding all those smaller presents, it features a large main compartment with double zip access and a front pocket secured with hook-and-loop closures. What's more, the MOLLE-compatible webbing and nylon D-ring accessory holders allow for additional pouches and attachments. For an extra personal touch, you can add ID patches or blood group patches (not included), making it both functional and fun for any cadet.

2. Condor Grenade Keychain Pouch (Olive)

The Condor Grenade Keychain Pouch is a quirky yet practical gift that any cadet will love. This versatile pouch is shaped like a grenade, and its compact design makes it perfect for holding small items such as keys, coins, or other essential everyday objects. Equipped with a hardened zip and top circular carabiner, it can easily be attached to a belt, bergen, or rucksack, making it ideal for quick access in the field. Inside, there’s a mesh pocket for coins, a zip pocket for additional storage, and 5 key clips to keep everything organised. A great talking point and a useful addition to any cadet’s gear.

3. Roll-Up Hanging Badge Display Board

For cadets who love to show off their collection of badges and patches, the Roll-Up Hanging Badge Display Board is the perfect gift. This lightweight and portable display board is made from robust 600 denier polyester fabric, designed to protect and display a wide variety of military badges. The hook-and-loop panel allows for easy attachment of patches, and the board features corner grommets for easy hanging in offices, mess halls, or dorms. When not in use, it rolls up neatly and secures with a strap, making it a space-saving and practical gift for any cadet.

4. Velcro Patch Badge Collection Book

This Velcro Patch Badge Collection Book is an essential gift for cadets who love to collect and organise their badges. It includes five double-sided Velcro pages to securely hold patches and TRFs, which can be removed if needed and displayed on walls. Made with triple metal grommets, the book is durable and built to last. It also features a Velcro panel on the front for a name patch and is fastened with a sturdy strap closure. Compact yet spacious, this book will keep a cadet’s badge collection neat and easy to browse.

5. Danger Mines Recognition Playing Cards

The Danger Mines Recognition Playing Cards are both educational and entertaining. Designed to raise awareness of the different types of mines that may be encountered in conflict zones, these cards serve as an informative tool for cadets in training. Each suit represents a category of mines, and the cards include images, specifications, and details to help cadets better understand these threats. They can also be used in traditional card games or as a variation of ‘Top Trumps’, making them an ideal stocking filler for any cadet interested in learning about mine risk education.

6. IED Awareness Playing Cards

Similar to the danger mines deck, the IED Awareness Playing Cards are a thoughtful gift for cadets learning about battlefield safety. This standard 52-card set includes information and images of various improvised explosive devices (IEDs), giving insight into the dangerous conditions soldiers face in conflict zones. Developed with the input of UK Explosive Ordnance experts, the cards highlight key details about the types of IEDs used in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other regions, making it a valuable educational resource. Fun and functional, this deck is an excellent gift for any aspiring cadet.

7. Paracord Survival Bracelet with Compass (Olive Green)

The Paracord Survival Bracelet is a compact and handy gift that packs a lot of utility into a small package. Made from seven-strand commercial-grade paracord, this bracelet can be unravelled to provide over two metres of useful cord in emergency situations. It also features a discreet military button compass, perfect for navigation or escape and evasion exercises. With its quick-release buckle, this survival bracelet is not only functional but also stylish, making it an ideal stocking filler for any cadet who enjoys outdoor adventures.

8. Viper Tactical Survival Kit

This Viper Tactical Survival Kit is the perfect Christmas gift for cadets who love being prepared. The kit comes in a compact, hard-shell case and contains 14 essential items for emergency situations, including a folding pocket knife, button compass, mini fire steel, fishing kit, and high-visibility whistle. With its handy lanyard hole, the case is easy to carry, and the built-in mirror in the lid can be used for emergency signalling. This survival kit is a thoughtful and practical gift, making it an excellent choice for any outdoor-loving cadet.

9. BCB Elite Explorers Kit

Packed with over 50 essential first aid and survival items, the BCB Elite Explorers Kit is the ultimate gift for any cadet. The contents are stored in a tough 500D nylon pouch, which features multiple compartments to help organise gear. Included in the kit are a 24-in-1 multitool, dog tags, a fire steel and striker, a first aid kit, and much more. With its high visibility handle and belt loops, this kit is perfect for expeditions, survival training, or any outdoor adventure. It’s an excellent gift for cadets who love being fully prepared in the field.

10. Bushcraft Outdoor Cooking Set

For cadets who love the outdoors, the Bushcraft Outdoor Cooking Set is a must-have. This compact, self-contained personal cooking kit includes aluminium mess tins, Fire Dragon Gel, Steridex, a folding cooker, and a lightweight knife, fork, and spoon set. Ideal for expeditions or survival scenarios, it also comes with a military can opener and a mini fireball flint and striker for making fires. The entire kit weighs just 954g and packs neatly into a small bag, making it easy to carry on any outdoor adventure. This practical cooking set will be a hit with cadets who enjoy camping or field exercises.

11. British Army Ration Packs

Looking for a unique gift idea? The British Army Ration Packs are a practical and fun option. These ration packs are designed to provide soldiers with the nutrition and energy they need while in the field, and they make a great novelty gift for cadets. Each pack contains a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks to keep cadets fuelled during long days of training or expeditions. Available in several meal options, these ration packs are sure to make any cadet’s Christmas a little more tactical.

12. Dog Tags

Personalised dog tags are a timeless gift for cadets and soldiers alike. These stainless-steel tags can be customised with the recipient’s name, service number, and other details. In addition to being a great keepsake, dog tags are also a practical piece of kit used to identify military personnel. Cadets will appreciate the authenticity and personal touch of this gift, making it a great choice for Christmas.

13. Wash Bags

Cadets on the go will appreciate a high-quality wash bag to keep their toiletries organised and accessible. These durable wash bags are made from tough, water-resistant materials and feature multiple compartments for storing essential personal hygiene items. Compact and easy to carry, these wash bags are perfect for field training, expeditions, or travel, making them a thoughtful and practical gift for any cadet.

14. Bergens and Holdalls

Whether for training exercises or weekend expeditions, a reliable bergen or holdall is an essential piece of kit for any cadet. These rugged bags are designed to withstand the toughest conditions and provide ample storage for all your gear. Featuring multiple compartments, adjustable straps, and MOLLE compatibility, a bergen or holdall makes a fantastic Christmas gift that will last for years to come.

15. Survival Tools

The gift of a reliable survival tool can make all the difference in a cadet's outdoor experience. From multi-tools to folding knives, the Survival Tools collection offers a range of high-quality items designed to aid in survival situations. These tools are compact, lightweight, and versatile, making them the perfect addition to any cadet’s kit.

16. Fishing Kit Universal NATO

This NATO-approved, military-spec fishing kit is a must-have for cadets who enjoy survival training or spending time in the wilderness. Designed for use by NATO forces, this versatile kit is perfect for freshwater and sea fishing in emergency situations. It includes all the essentials: 30 meters of olive green fishing line, 4 fly hooks, 4 medium hooks, 8 small hooks, 24 split shots, and 4 swivels, all packaged in a compact, lightweight design (only 65g) that’s easy to carry. Measuring just 19cm x 6cm x 2cm, it easily fits into a survival kit or backpack without taking up valuable space. Whether for training exercises or actual survival scenarios, this fishing kit offers practical value for any cadet or outdoor enthusiast.

17. MTP Basha Kit

The MTP Basha Kit provides everything cadets need to construct a reliable shelter when out in the field. This kit includes a multi-purpose, waterproof basha, two basha poles, a pack of tent pegs, and two pairs of bungees—ensuring cadets can easily set up a camouflaged shelter to protect themselves from rain, sun, and other elements. The basha itself doubles as a tarpaulin, ground sheet, or waterproof cover, making it incredibly versatile. The Twist Lock Extending Bivi Pole is designed for quick setup, extending from 50 to 90 cm with a simple twist, and includes secure points for threading through grommet holes. Made from lightweight aluminium, these basha poles are durable yet easy to transport. This all-in-one kit is an essential piece of gear for any cadet undertaking field exercises or outdoor expeditions.

18. Combat Pro Boot MOD Brown Bundle (Size 7-13)

For new cadets starting their journey, the Combat Pro Boot MOD Brown Bundle offers everything they need to hit the ground running—literally. One of the first essential purchases for any cadet is a durable, reliable pair of boots, and the Combat Pro boot is designed specifically for cadet forces personnel, combining superior performance with outstanding value. These boots feature a 100% genuine leather upper, including a full-grain leather toe, ensuring long-lasting durability. Additionally, the advanced PU/rubber outsole delivers excellent grip, even in wet and muddy conditions, making these boots suitable for all-weather training.

To complement the boots, the bundle includes specially designed cadet socks. These wool-rich socks provide essential warmth while the reinforced heel and toe add extra durability. Their synthetic yarn blend ensures not only comfort but also easy washability—an often overlooked but vital feature for cadets on frequent training exercises.

Keeping boots polished is crucial for both maintaining their condition and adhering to uniform standards, so the bundle also includes a complete polishing kit. This kit comes with everything a cadet needs: a tin of polish, an on-and-off brush, a polishing cloth, and spare laces. It’s the perfect addition to ensure boots are inspection-ready at all times.

Lastly, the pack includes a pair of trouser twists (also known as Twistees), ideal for keeping uniform trousers neatly tucked into boots. This bundle is an all-in-one solution that will fully equip new cadets, making it a highly practical and thoughtful Christmas gift for any recruit starting their cadet journey.

19. 24-in-1 Multitool

The 24-in-1 Multitool is an essential piece of kit for any cadet. This compact tool features 24 different functions, including pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and bottle openers, all housed in a durable, lightweight design. Whether used during training, expeditions, or day-to-day tasks, this multitool is a practical and thoughtful Christmas gift for cadets.

20. Cadet Direct Gift Voucher (£30)

When in doubt, a Cadet Direct Gift Voucher is the perfect present, allowing the recipient to choose exactly what they need. With so many high-quality products available at Cadet Direct, this voucher ensures your cadet will find something they love, making it a thoughtful and convenient gift choice.

These top 20 Christmas gifts and stocking fillers are sure to bring joy and practicality to any cadet's festive season. From essential survival gear to fun accessories, these items will be appreciated long after the holiday season ends.