12 Days of Safety: Safety-Minded Holiday Gift Giving

From twinkling lights to the smell of pine and peppermint, it is evident that the holiday season is now upon us. As many are in search of the perfect gift for that special someone, it is important to always keep safety at the forefront. While you get your shopping list ready and check it twice, here are some ideas to serve up a side of safety and health with each gift, with 12 Days of Safe Gift Giving.

Safe Gift Giving for Youth

Here are some suggested safe gift-giving ideas for children of all ages.

1.     For the young child getting a new bicycle: Consider a new helmet and reflectors.

2.     For the older child getting a new ATV or UTV: Add a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet, other safety gear, and enroll them in a safety course. Remember, one size does not fit all when selecting equipment and the PPE.

3.     For the student athlete (or even a coach): First aid kits, water bottles, and other safety gear can make for a great gift.

4.     For the avid hunter (for both the young and young at heart): They would welcome warm clothing, hand or feet warmers, a gun lock or safe, and high visibility clothing.

5.     For the new teen driver: Consider an emergency car kit, flashlights, a glass breaking device, or a snow and ice scrapper if winter weather is a concern.

6.     For the college student: Personal safety items, wireless power banks, to charge phones and devices, or even an umbrella can be useful, safe gifts.

Whether big or small, toys or games are often a favorite among many children; however, placing extra thought into toy safety should always be a priority during purchase.

• Always read the directions for a toy together as a family so everyone is on the same page and knows the necessary precautions.

• Remember, even age-appropriate toys, such as sewing, baking and science kits, or sensory toys, often require adult supervision.

• Use extreme caution with toys containing magnets, button batteries, balloons, or toys with small parts. Instruct older children to role model safe toy behavior by always keeping tiny toys out of reach for younger children. 

• Be aware of your surroundings when playing with toys that fly so you do not injure an unsuspecting person or destroy another’s property while at play.

Safe Gift Giving for Family & Friends

Let’s continue our list with safe and healthy gift-giving ideas for family and friends.

7.     For the family with the new home: From smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to fire extinguishers and fire blankets, or even security monitoring doorbells or cameras, consider potential lifesaving items they may have neglected to purchase.

8.     For the new or expectant parents: Give items to help childproof the home, like outlet covers, cabinet locks, knob covers, baby gates, etc.

9.     For the busy mom or grandma (or even a teacher): Consider wellness gifts, like journals, self-care items, or a gift certificate to a spa or salon.

10.  For dad or grandpa: Upgrade seasoned or damaged items, like old tools, faulty ladders, etc.

11.  For the hard-working farmer: Provide them with items like new hearing and eye protection, dust masks, high visibility vest, or slip resistant boots.

12.  For the outdoor enthusiast: Consider things like skin care kits (with sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm), survival kits, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, and if they like to boat, a lifejacket.

Protecting the Future Generation

Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of children and adults with age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences.

As we reflect during this season of gifting, I am sure we can all agree that the greatest, most precious gift of all is sustaining life. Right now, you can help us bring potential life-saving knowledge to even more children across North America. During our 2025 Days of Giving, your support can enhance our mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. With your gift, we can make more communities safer for children and families—one PAF Safety Day at a time. Donate today at https://www.progressiveag.org/donate2025