Gift ideas easy to come by for outdoor adventures

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving of 2023 is already behind us, and Christmas is only weeks away. I expect that some have already wrapped up their Christmas shopping for the year and are coasting along, awaiting the festivities.

However, I also suspect there are many, like myself, who are far from completing their list. In fact, I’ll go one step farther and suggest that some of us will not finish shopping until just hours before Christmas.

That in mind, I always write an article, usually immediately after the Thanksgiving holidays, sharing possible gift ideas for that outdoor enthusiast in our lives.

There are some items that I mention on an annual basis. But I also try to add a few new possibilities into the mix as well. Well this year is hardly any different. And we’ll begin with the staples that I feature year in and year out.

Let’s start with undergarments. How about socks? Well, all I can say is socks are one of those items that you get what you pay for. I’ll be the first to admit that it pains me to dish out twenty or thirty bucks for a pair of socks. And I refuse to pay anything close for those I use on a day-to-day basis.

But on the other hand, I am more than willing to pay a hefty price for those that I plan to use during physical outdoor activities, especially during the winter months. Anybody who spends much time in the outdoors would likely be quick to agree that durable and comfortable socks, with wicking capabilities, are more than just a luxury. And those that are capable of retaining heat, even when wet, are most appreciated.

OK, how about under britches? Again, it is important to choose makes that are capable of wicking moisture from the body. Undergarments also come in various weights. Those who are most likely to constantly be on the move can get by with a far lighter product than can those who will likely remain still for long periods.

I actually have underwear that I use for specific activities. I predominantly use my most heavy underwear when I plan to remain on a deer stand for several hours, or as sleepwear during winter camping excursions.

I resort to the lighter products when I plan to be on the move. In fact, these are the times when I am most apt to resort to a lightweight mid layer as well, especially during the seasons when the daytime highs are far more tolerable than the daytime lows.

Gloves are an intricate part of the outdoor enthusiasts attire. This is yet another item that can prove quite costly. Of course, I have a waterproof pair of gloves stuck back for specific activities. However, I am perfectly content with brown cotton gloves on most occasions. These models seem to keep my hands relatively warm. And the best part? They hardly cost more than a couple of bucks.

As for keeping one’s noggin’ warm, ball caps seem to suffice in most conditions. However, I am all about beanies during the coldest of temperatures, especially on those windy days when I will remain still for long periods. Beanies are available in various materials. But I am sold on those that are constructed of a thick, high quality fleece.

I suppose many share my sentiments in the sense that they are very particular about the shoes and boots they wear. That being said, I would suggest simply providing that special outdoors person with a gift certificate and allowing them to pick out their own footwear.

In fact, I would strongly suggest a gift card for most fishing and hunting gear, as hunters and anglers have very specific needs.

Although some have specific needs, I can think of a couple of items that could prove beneficial to pretty much anybody who spends time in the wonderful outdoors. In fact, the first of these items might also prove beneficial to their loved ones, as well.

I purchased a satellite communicator a couple of years ago and have yet to regret the purchase. Although not something that I use on a regular basis, it is nice to know that I can contact my wife, via text, even from areas where cell signal is weak, or even non-existent. And I suspect my wife finds comfort in knowing that I am never out of reach of her, or emergency personnel. In fact, these units are equipped with an SOS button that automatically contacts and gives my coordinates to emergency services.

Although one must subscribe to a monthly plan, these devices and the service are well worth the money spent.

Everybody should also have a means of starting a fire on all occasions. There are a number of products available on the market. Of course it is of importance that one chooses a make and model that is effective, even when wet.

Of course, a good selection of batteries might prove most helpful. And speaking of batteries, one might also consider a head lamp as a stocking stuffer. And a first aid kit might occasionally come in handy as well.

The above items are but a few that one might consider for that special outdoors person in their life. Hopefully, some of these suggestions will help in your quest to provide for them what they might need.

But even those that are most hard to buy for will likely appreciate just about any gift, as long as they know that it was chosen specifically for them with love.