I love getting gifts for people… it’s definitely one of my love languages. My husband… well, he *says* he struggles with it, but he actually does a good job now that I’ve learned the secret: *clears throat* sending him links to exactly what I’d like. If you, like him, struggle a little with figuring out what to get your active friend or partner for the holidays, here’s a gift guide for outdoorsy people!
Depending on whether you’re thinking of spending just a few dollars or a few hundred bucks, there should be something for every budget on this list.
Gifts for Active People
- Biolite Headlamp – I love this thing because it doesn’t bounce like traditional headlamps. It’s perfect for nighttime trail runs, backpacking, rock climbing at night, and travel.
- Backpacking Chair – Although I really love my Chair Zero by Helinox, my friend has the REI brand and I can’t actually tell the different. Yes, they cost more than a cheap camping chair… but if that special someone in your life is a backcountry camper, they’re going to appreciate that this tiny thing weighs about a pound.
- Jetboil – This bad boy is my favorite backcountry cooking device ever. I like it way more than my teeny nothing-ounce stove thing that clamps directly onto the fuel canister. We also bring it to the crags with us when we’re rock climbing in cold weather.
- GSI Outdoors Personal JavaPress – Some campers and backpackers are fine with instant coffee. Others need their French Press. This little coffee maker has backpacked the Grand Canyon with me when I’ve snubbed my nose at instant coffee.
- GSI Camping Cookset – No gift guide for outdoorsy people would be complete without with this item. I have a version of this with just the dishes. Our friends that we go backpacking with have this one. I love mine, but if I could steal theirs… I TOTALLY WOULD.
- INKnBURN – Seriously, their active wear is the best. If you don’t feel like spending money on a shirt or capris, they also make all kinds of beautiful, colorful accessories. I’ve already done a designated blog post on why I swear by this company if you want to know why I recommend it!
- NUUN Electrolyte Tablets – The perfect stocking stuffer!
- Power Bank – I really like the ones by Anker. They’ve held up for years.
- Utility Carabiners – I have yet to meet an outdoor lover who didn’t also like carabiners for hanging gear off their packs. If that special someone you’re shopping for is a rock climber, they’re probably going to prefer ones rated for climbing. These are my favorite. This is definitely one of my go-to gifts for active people!
- Hammer Gel – There are tons of energy gels on the market. I prefer this one because I can choke them down relatively easy, and I really like the huckleberry and raspberry flavors. Pro tip: get the single serving size.
- Tailwind Recovery Drink Packets – I can’t stand recovery drinks. I actually like this one. It’s vegan, gluten-free, blah blah blah. In particular, I like the chocolate flavored one.
- GU Stroopwafel – Look, active people need a lot of fuel. This is a great early-morning energy boost and goes great with coffee.
- Balega Blister Resist Socks – I got my mom a pair of these for Christmas one year and she hasn’t looked back. She hikes the Camino de Santiago every chance she gets, and she complains about her feet constantly. She doesn’t complain about these, so that should tell you something. They come in different ankle heights. I personally love the no-show ones when I’m running, and I usually wear the ones in this photo for hiking.
- Appalachian Gear Company Hoodie, Beanie, or Gaiter – Yeah, merino wool is nice and all, BUT LET ME TALK YOUR EAR OFF ABOUT ALPACA! I wear these hoodies backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, canyoneering, running, and as a layer the second I feel an autumn breeze hit the air. They’re a little on the pricey side, but it’s for a good reason: this gear is ah-ma-zing! Bonus: They don’t stink. I mean ever. Okay if I’m being honest… I may not have washed one of my hoodies ever, and I might be doing it as a bit of a science experiment. I’M JUST GOING TO OWN THIS TRUTH.
- Goodr Sunglasses – They’re lightweight. They’re cute. And they don’t slip off your head even when you fall during ultramarathons. And they’re affordable. This is one of my go-to gifts for active people for sure.
- Therabands – Don’t worry. That active person in your life knows what to do with them. And if they don’t, they’ll Google it.
- Pro-Tec Spiky Massage Ball – This tiny torture device was a godsend when I developed planter fasciitis. I ended up gifting one to my brother, who is also a runner. Everyone I know who has one has found it super useful.
- Katadyn Water Filter – I will forever recommend this water bottle with a built-in filter because it’s the best, and it really does make the perfect gift for outdoorsy people!
- Collapsible Water Bottle – I LOVE this one by Platypus. I bring mine rock climbing and backpacking, and it was perfect when I went to Costa Rica recently.
- Pro-Tec Roller Massage – Working out equals the necessity for recovery. This thing, like the spiky ball, HURTS SO GOOD. It’s perfect for rolling out your IT band and sore leg muscles.
- Picnic Blanket – I keep one of these in my car at all times, and I kind of think it’s the perfect gift for outdoor lovers in general. I’ve used it on road trips, at the park, on the beach, and in the mountains. It’s great to have a waterproof side on the ground and soft fabric to sit on.
- GoPro – This is one is on the pricey side, but it’s one of my favorite gifts I have received!
- Beanie – This one is trending. It’s cute and has kind of a dumb pom-pom on it, but I wear it and like it.
- Eagle Creek Compression Bags – I’m low-key obsessed with these things. They weigh nothing and keep everything organized in my backpack or suitcase. They’re the perfect gift for outdoor lovers and travelers.
Gifts for Women and People Who Sit to Pee
- Kula Cloth – This is the perfect gift for outdoorsy women or anyone who squats in the woods. They’re great for long trail runs, backpacking and hiking, and any time that special someone in your life has to hide behind a tree.
- pStyle – If you don’t have the ability to stand while peeing naturally, this device can be incredibly useful. I’m not going to lie… I suck at using it. Standing and peeing feels too foreign to me. However, I have friends who swear by this thing!
- Sun Valley Down Parka by Eddie Bauer – Look, I know it’s not incredibly packable, but I’ve been wearing parkas like this from Eddie Bauer for about a decade, and I’m still madly in love with them.
