One idea might be to give a 72 hour emergency kit!
I would want to start off by making a starter kit, and include a list of items that they should include to fully stock the kit. I think sometimes it hard for people to start something on their own. This would be a great help for those that are a little nervous about getting started.
Start with something to store the kit in.
A backpack would probably be the most convenient way to store it and also it would be easier to have it ready to go or to leave it in the trunk of your car. You will need to make sure that the backpack is waterproof. I would include basic food and water supplies for each person for at least two days.
You may also want to include a first aid kit and manual. I have a flash light and matches in mine that I keep in a zip lock bag. (Got to keep it water proof just in case!)
Remember to keep it simply - don't over do it! That way you keep the cost down. There are several things you can put in the back pack that don't cost much. Prepackage meals are a great way to go, don't forgot to include the prepackage desserts!
If you are providing the emergency kit for a child you may want to include fun quiet activities for the child to complete. These activities can include sticker books, coloring books, travel games, and books to read. You may also want to include snacks that children enjoy. These could include fruit snacks, juice boxes, and crackers.
If you are not including everything in the kit, you will want to be sure to include a list of what they will need to add to make it complete. This should include prescriptions, blankets/sleeping bags, tarp/tent, tools, a radio, and a change of clothes.
This is just a thought. If you want you could even give a case of canned green beans or pancake mix! Storage containers would be an awesome gift. Maybe include some receipes or a copy of my organization chart for their food storage.
I am including a couple of receipts for you - just in case you want to include them in a gift!
Basic Wheat Bread-
3 cups white whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup gluten flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon rapid rise yeast
1 1/3 cup very warm water
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
(Turn oven on warm (125 degrees). If oven does not go that low, let oven
Heat at 200 degrees for 5 minutes. Turn off a few minutes before putting pan of bread in to rise).
Ingredients .
Note:
Mix together in bowl until dissolved: 1 1/4 cup very warm water, 3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil, 3 tablespoons
honey and 1 tablespoon yeast. Add contents of bread mix, stir together, then on a flat oiled surface, work and knead the
dough vigorously with the heels of your hands, about 3 to 4 minutes, keeping it into as tight a ball as you can while
kneading (or knead for 3 minutes with electric bread mixer), Use oil, not flour, on hands and surface for easier
handling. Dough will become more elastic-like as you proceed.
(about 2 Tablespoons). Too much flour creates a crumbly texture. 
Homemade Noodles
Ingredients:
1 C whole-wheat flour
1 large well-beaten egg
2 T milk
1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
Combine flour, egg, milk and salt to make a stiff ball of dough. On a
lightly floured surface roll dough until very thin, to about 18x20
inches. Let dry about 1-1/2 hours. Cut into 1/2 inch strips with a pizza
or pastry cutter. Store in container that is not airtight.
Drop into boiling soup or water. Cook 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 8
ounces or 3 cups and the cost is about eleven cents. 
Sugarless Apple Pie
6-8 apples, sliced
One 12 oz can frozen apple juice concentrate
2 T cornstarch
Dash of cinnamon or cardamom (optional)
2 pie crusts, uncooked
Directions:
Line pie tin with pastry, fill with apples.
Combine apple juice with cornstarch, then cook until thick.
Pour over sliced apples.
Top with crust. Bake 10 min at 375°, then 2 hours at 275°. 
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