With Thanksgiving out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. And what better present to give a loved one than a flashlight? Not only is it a practical gift, but one day it could get them out of a very sticky situation or even save their life.
Whether it’s providing the illumination to change a blown tire by the side of the road, fending off a would-be attacker, or simply lighting up a keyhole in a dark door, a flashlight is an invaluable tool and will be appreciated by anyone lucky enough to receive one.
We’ve broken down our list into price categories, so you can easily browse by how much you want to spend. So bit back, relax, and enjoy our Christmas flashlight gift guide. And remember: it’s better to give than to receive (unless you’re receiving a flashlight, that is!).
Under $10
10 Pack Mini LED Keychain Flashlights
You really can’t go wrong with these keychain flashlights. No, they’re not the most powerful lights in the world, but that’s not the point. They’re tiny, cute, fit on a keychain, and you can get 10 of them for less than five bucks! What’s not to love?!
UltraFire 7w Mini Cree Led Flashlight
A real step-up in output here to 300 lumens (which, remarkably, works out to about a penny a lumen!), but is still so cheap that it’s practically disposable. Buy one for a relative and another for yourself. Heck, but one for every relative you have and five for yourself!
OxyLED MD20 Adjustable Focus LED Flashlight
Just squeezing into under the 10 dollar threshold is the OxyLED MD20, which comes with a rechargeable 14500 lithium ion battery and charger. It boasts high and low modes (max 250 lumens output) plus a strobe mode. And its zoom goes from floodlight to spotlight, making it a versatile little performer.
Under $25
MyLight HL000001 HUGlight – LED Hands-Free Flexible Light
A few pennies cheaper, and this would fall into the Under $10 category. Basically, this is a flashlight designed to wrap around your neck and be used hands-free. The pair of lamps can produce either white or red light (perfect for maintaining your night vision and can be operated individually. Perfect for any situation where you need a flashlight for close-up work such as reading or craftwork.
Streamlight 85177 CR123A Lithium Batteries, 12-Pack
If you know that your target gift recipient already has a flashlight (or, better still, if you’re buying them one), then batteries are always a great option. Obviously, check that you’re buying the right size for their light.
PowerCap 4LED Beanie
OK, so this one’s a bit of a novelty. But hey, it’s Christmas! What better way to show your love for someone than keeping their head warm and providing 48 lumens of bright white illumination at the same time? Other than that, what’s to say? It’s a hat with a headlamp built in..
Under $50
Streamlight 88031 ProTac 2LTactical Flashlight
In this price range, we’re moving into much more serious, capable flashlights, and the Streamlight ProTac 2L is a perfect example. For around $40, you get 260 lumens output for three hours, or a useable 13 lumens for 50 hours. There are different user-programmable modes, activated from the rubber push-button tail switch. It’s a lot of flashlight for the money.
Stanley SL10LEDS LED Spotlight
We don’t often talk about spotlights here on BestFlashlightReport, probably because we generally don’t use them very much ourselves. But there’s no doubting that they’re extremely popular, and very useful around the house, etc. This Stanley model is tough, reliable, pumps out a maximum 2,200 lumens and runs on lithium-ion batteries. AC and DC charging cords are included, to allow recharging at home or inside a vehicle.
Under $100
Streamlight 88047 ProTac HL3 Flashlight
Another step-up in quality here, and another Streamlight ProTac on the list. The HL3 packs quite a punch (literally!) with 1,100 lumens output and a strike bezel. Powered by three CR123A lithium batteries, it’s a serious choice for serious flashlight enthusiasts.
Fenix PD35 TAC Tactical Flashlight
The Fenix brand is associated with quality and the PD35 TAC is no disappointment in that regard. Powered by two CR123A batteries, it can output 1,000 lumens for 1 hr 10 mins. With six power modes, a low voltage reminder and an intelligent memory circuit that recalls the last mode used, it’s as capable of use in law enforcement as it is around the house. A great flashlight.
NiteCore MH20 USB Rechargeable Flashlight
The Nitecore MH20 features a lot of innovations in its small, pocket-size form. As well as sporting a micro USB socket on its head to allow charging of its 18650 battery, it has a built-in blue power indicator to show remaining battery life. This also doubles as a handy location indicator when the flashlight is in standby mode. Rated at 1,000 lumens, the MH20 also comes with a USB cable, holster, clip and lanyard.
$100+
EagleTac G25C2 MK II XMTactical Flashlight
The EagleTac G25C2 is a lot of flashlight, but the price is rising rapidly. If you’re buying this for someone, you must really like them… A more heavy-duty model, sporting a nasty strike bezel and outputting around 1,200 lumens, the G25C2 is a favorite of law enforcement personnel. Very bright, very tough, it will meet the requirements of all but the pickiest flashlight fans.
FENIX TK75 4000 Lumen 2015 Edition bundle
OK, we’re up to territory where most people are never going to venture for a flashlight, but this is the deluxe end of the spectrum and you get what you pay for. In this bundle, your $250 will get you 4,000 (yes, 4,000!) lumens of power, with a runtime on low power of 11 days! You’ll also get four 18650 and eight CR123A batteries, plus a charger and car adapter. And your loved one will be able to light up the whole neighborhood to let everyone know what a great present they got. Happy holidays!
