Shopping Gifts for a Firefighter?
Finding the right gift ideas for firefighters who run towards danger takes thought. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned veteran, a fresh academy grad, or a firefighter who’s become family, gear that’s built to last and made intentionally from the highest quality materials goes a long way.
At Axe and Awl Leatherworks, we handcraft heirloom-quality leather goods designed and tested with real field use in mind. These gifts don’t just look fly- they work hard, too.
From firefighter accessories to practical tools that keep up with the job, here are our top gift picks for the firefighter in your life.
Firefighter Gift Guide:
Phenix Custom Leather Helmet Builder
This is it- the crown jewel, the best firefighting helmet on the market, the kind of gift they’ll remember forever. We are honored to supply Phenix Fire Helmets to our community. This elevated gift has the potential to be a whole experience. We recommend bringing your firefighter by our brick and mortar in Waynesville, NC and sipping a cold draft beer while our retail associates get precise measurements guaranteeing the perfect fit. Make a day trip of it- check out our staff picks for other things to do in Haywood County while you’re here.
The Comrade Leather Toiletry Bag
A bathroom firefighter gift to complement your firefighter’s bathroom humor. It’s a stereotype, but this could be a set up for a very elevated poop joke with the right greeting card attached. Call our workshop for ideas, many of our leather crafters used to be first responders and have plenty of poop jokes to go around. (828) 246-0996 Option 1 😉
Custom Leather Chin Strap
Personalize this chin strap with initials, station numbers, a last name- whatever, it’s that custom touch that makes a gift feel that much more personal. Bonus points for making the leather crafters laugh by ordering a funny nickname, or just “Daddy”.
One Piece Leather Chin Strap
Simply put, a chin strap that is simple, rugged, and effective.
Two Piece Leather Chin Strap
A chin strap that is simple, rugged, and effective PLUS has a quick release connection.
Leather Glove Straps
Nothing says n00b like misplacing your gloves mid-shift. These leather glove straps keep gloves close and accessible, no digging through gear required. Perfect for the kind of person who chants, “phone, keys, wallet” every time they leave their house.
Long Adjustable Glove Strap
For those who attach their glove strap to their pants.
Short Adjustable Glove Strap
For those who attach their glove strap to their coat.
Leather SCBA Mask Bag
Protect one of the most necessary items of firefighting gear that exists- the SCBA mask. This mask is responsible for providing clean breathable air in all the hazardous environments your firefighter will encounter. It serves as a barrier between the lungs and toxic fumes, so it deserves protection itself when not in use. Our SCBA mask bag is heavy duty with no frills- it’s built to last and get the job done while looking suave doing it. Adding the optional custom name plate will not only make it stand out, but also serves the utilitarian role of holding a hood or gloves. This bag is ready to take a beating so your firefighter’s lifeline SCBA mask doesn’t have to.
Leather SCBA Quick Release Shackle
When you firefighter’s SCBA mask is on the job, it may need to be deployed at a moment’s notice. Our leather SCBA quick release shackle attaches your firefighter’s SCBA mask to their coat. When time is everything, this shackle shines (and I’m not talking about the heavy-duty hardware we use to build it, although that’s also true). It holds their mask securely and can be deployed quickly- even with gloved hands.
Leather Inverted Flashlight Strap
Flashlights are mission-critical. Our leather flashlight holder is designed to carry your firefighter’s flashlight in a secure downward facing position. It can be clipped to turnout gear, a SCBA harness, or a radio strap and kept out of the way until it’s needed and can be accessed at a moment’s notice.
Leather Box Light Rig
Flashlights are so important to firefighters, so we make more than one option for their securement. The leather box light rig incorporates a rated COBRA quick-release buckle allowing for swift deployment when seconds matter. This rig’s durable design and quick-release function make it an essential upgrade for any firefighter. It is designed to accommodate belts, webbing slings, or harnesses up to 1.75” wide, boasting versatility in attachment options.
Custom Leather Radio Strap
A classic gift idea for firefighters. When communication is everything, a well-made radio strap is a must. Our custom leather radio strap keeps your firefighter’s lifeline close without getting in the way whether they’re on a call or at the station. It’s designed to sit securely under turnout gear and can be personalized with names, numbers, or a variety of image stamps. They can also be painted in any color scheme because not only do we like to keep traditions alive, we know your firefighter is one-of-a-kind! That’s why you’re reading this.
Thanks for taking care of those that take care of us all!
This list will provide you with some insight into great gift ideas for firefighters needed to survive and thrive in their role. How do we know? Our team is more than a group of talented craftspeople, many of us were either firefighters or first responders before landing in our workshop in Western North Carolina. We value the same things your firefighter does, and know first-hand what works best for the job.
Looking for More Firefighter Gift Ideas?
Check out our friends Hook & Irons Co for all things apparel designed for firefighters! Or check out our gift guide of lifestyle products below.
