The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re planning to buy for someone active & outdoorsy – or someone who’s looking to become more active – check out this quick list for nine fun, affordable & meaningful ideas.

Black Diamond Trekking Poles

Anytime I hit the trails, removing these poles from my trunk makes me feel like Gollum with his Precious. I love them that much.

If you know someone who’s looking to be more active in the coming year, or someone who’s looking to upgrade their poles, the Black Diamond poles are one of my favorites.

They’re lightweight, adjustable, and thus far they’ve lasted me nearly 10 years of hiking. Granted, I haven’t used them on every hike and I typically take them on day hikes rather than challenging backpacking trips or thru-hikes. But in my opinion, they are great quality.

You can find them at most outdoor retailers like EMS and REI, or you can purchase them on Amazon.

FitKicks FitZip Illuminating Waist Pack

I happened to find this little gem at TJMaxx awhile back & I love it.  It has three flash settings, all of which are bright and in my opinion, can’t be missed.

Though it does have a pouch to carry some of your belongings, I wouldn’t bother to use it for much beyond your phone and keys.

It also doesn’t stay low on my hips & tends to ride up around my waist. Though – I typically wear it over other layers, so for me, that hasn’t been a problem. But if that would bother the person you have in mind, it’s something to consider.

It’s hit or miss whether you’ll ever see it again at TJMaxx or the like (I haven’t), but if not, you can find it on their website or via Amazon.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle

 

Not only am I not a fan of plastic bottles in general, but if you’ve ever taken them on a hike, you probably know how much they crinkle, crack & sweat.

If a fellow hiker or someone new to the game is still using plastic bottles, do them a favor & gift them with a stainless steel water bottle. Not only do they have staying power, but they actually keep water cool (or warm), they don’t build up condensation & they won’t burst open unexpectedly in your bag.

They’re easy to find at TJMaxx, outdoor retailers like Sierra Trading Post, or on Amazon.

Leatherman

Long known as the MacGyver of tools, this tiny but mighty beast is a must-have on the trails for convenience, safety and/or equipment repair.

There are a number of options available, making it a matter of preference based on the types of hikes or other outdoor activities that your giftee might enjoy. Features like a knife, saw, bottle opener, pliers, screwdriver & scissors are all useful – if not essential – when you find yourself in a bind.

You can find them locally or online at a number of outdoor gear shops, or you can pick one up on Amazon.

Her Tribe Athletics

Based in southern New Hampshire, Her Tribe Athletics is an online company led by two local women offering athletic apparel & accessories for women of all shapes & sizes.

From fun tanks & tees to non-slip headbands and reflective gear, they offer something fun yet functional for all portions of your workout.

They ship throughout the United States, and you can order any of their products through the link above. Be careful to note that at this time they do not accept returns, so be sure to size carefully when you’re purchasing as a gift.

TrailSigns

Is there a specific hike or mountain that might be special to someone you know? If so, pay Phillip Oullette at TrailSigns a visit to see if he might have just the right gift.

Based in Waltham, MA, he dovetails his love of hiking & the outdoors with his experience in sign-making. The result is a number of stunning replicas of trail signs from the northeast and Appalachian Trail – including the ability to request any number of custom orders.

Priced from $6 to $300+, you’ll find something for every budget. And based on his reviews, he has a long line of happy customers!

Don’t want to give “stuff”?

If you’re not a fan of “stuff” or the person for whom you are buying doesn’t need anything more, consider giving the gift of time and experiences instead.

Give your time

Use the gift of your time to offer to watch their kids or an ailing parent so that they can get outside for a walk or hike, or they can spend some time to get to the gym.

Unfortunately, one of the things that caregivers need most is time for self-care – but it’s the one thing that they get the least. Either because they don’t have the opportunity, or because they feel guilty taking any time for themselves. Or a bit of both.

But self-care is critical to maintaining not only your physical health, but your long-term mental health as well.

And as many have pointed out, taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean, “me first!”

It simply means, “me, too.”

Book a massage

For those who spend time outdoors & being active, our muscles can take a beating. If you’re looking for a gift of experience – and you know that they won’t mind being touched – consider booking them a 1/2-hour or 1-hour massage to keep their muscles in tip-top shape.

Not only does it reduce stress & promote relaxation, but it can reduce muscle stiffness & fatigue, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (the dreaded DOMS!), and increase range of motion.

Note that when searching for someone, a reputable massage therapist will be properly licensed (LMT).  You also want to avoid confusing “massage parlors” with massage therapy – because they’re not the same.

Though nothing will make your holiday more memorable than that time you accidentally gifted your friend with a rub’n’tug.

Create a memories box or bag

If you & a group of friends have shared a number of outdoor escapades, consider exchanging memories as gifts.

Set aside an evening or day when you can all get together – preferably with food involved because DUH.

Each of you should come prepared with 5 to 10 favorite memories written on a (separate) slip of paper. When you arrive, place them into one gift box or gift bag & shake them up. When you’re ready for the main event, take turns removing each memory one by one & reading it aloud.

It will probably take an hour or two depending upon how many memories each of you shared and how many of you there are (and how much food and drink are involved). But the laughs, good company & reminiscing about good times may be the greatest gift of the season.

For more gift ideas, you can also visit my RESOURCES page, where you’ll find links to equipment, workout gear, books, kitchen items, and some of my favorite food items.

The Reluctant Enthusiast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I earn a small commission on items that you purchase through the Amazon links included above, which does not cost you anything additional but helps support my work on this site.