You’re already ahead of the gift-giving game, because you’ve figured out that your favorite lady is into the outdoors. Only problem? The closest you like to get to nature is watching it pass beneath you as you fly from one big city to another. While you want to give your outdoor-loving aunt/mom/daughter/friend a gift that they will love and actually use, you really have no idea where to start. Don’t worry, you won’t have to venture into the woods, just check out this guide to buying the perfect present for the outdoorsy woman in your life.
Choose Quality Products
The first thing to keep in mind is that while people who love nature may strike you as laid back or minimalist, when it comes to outdoor gear they definitely value quality. And it makes sense; many outdoor products are a matter of safety. If you’re headed into the backcountry at night, you would need to carry a reliable flashlight (or GPS, sleeping bag, etc.). The website of an outdoor retailer is a great place to research products because they sell pretty much everything an outdoorswoman might need; and at this time of year you can typically find holiday deals. You can read reviews and feedback about products from outdoorswomen who’ve made a similar purchase, so you can be sure you’re choosing a quality item.
Gift Ideas
Of course, when someone is really into a hobby, you run the risk of buying them something that they already have or don’t need. Trust us, every outdoorsperson already has a plethora of cool water bottles, so even if you find the “perfect” Nalgene, odds are it’s just going to get shoved in a cabinet and forgotten. Look for something that they may already have, but will need to replace, or something they would never buy for themselves. Here are few ideas for the outdoor woman in your life:
- Socks –Socks may strike you as a boring gift, but anyone who spends time outdoors knows the value in a good pair of socks. Outdoor activity can be hard on the feet, and technical socks can save you from blisters, soggy feet and cold toes. Smartwool makes a great quality socks from temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking wool, and feature extra padding in areas where the foot strikes the ground.
- Go-Pro –For the outdoor adventurer, a GoPro Action-Camera will be a huge hit, and are likely something your outdoor gal won’t splurge on for herself. These tiny, powerful cameras can go anywhere and record high-quality video (including time-lapse and looping video), allowing her to relive those adventures over and over.
- National Park Pass –Something every outdoorswoman will love and use over and over throughout the year is an annual pass to the over 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, national wildlife refuges and national forests and grasslands. Each pass covers one vehicle or up to four adults.
- Local Guides –When you’re outdoorsy, you can never learn enough about the natural environment, especially your local area. Give your outdoor lover about flora and fauna found in their area — they’ll love spotting something new the next time they venture out into the great outdoors.