2016 Holiday Gift Guide

By Shelby Cranshaw

Dec 7, 2016

Hot coffee
Photo by Matthew Baugh.

Whether you're shopping for your favorite sustainability nerd or a backcountry fashionista, here are some gift ideas for anyone on your list.

For your beloved backcountry chef

Spices
Photo from Pixabay.

Gift them new spices for a spice kit or a bottle of hot sauce. Try something different like curry, za’atar, ginger, or a masala blend. A perfect stocking stuffer!

For the new backcountry adventurer

Wilderness First Aid class
Photo by Luis Camargo.

Give the gift of preparedness with a Wilderness First Aid class. It’s never a bad idea to have a little backcountry medicine knowledge.

For the one in training

Shoes for exercise
Photo from Public Domain Net.

Do you know someone who can’t get outside as much as they’d like in the winter, but is trying to stay in shape for an upcoming trip? Give the gift of fitness with a new class to try or a climbing gym membership.

For the backcountry fashionista

Hats
Photo by Talbot Callister.

A hat is in style every season. Gift a sun hat, trucker hat, or winter hat...you can’t really go wrong (and Paul Petzoldt would approve).

For the new backcountry cook

Gourmet food while camping
Photo courtesy of Alex Chang - Cornell Leadership Expedition.

Write down your favorite backcountry recipe and gift it with the ingredients all ready to go!

For the one with cold feet

Cozy socks
Photo by bark.

Happy feet make outdoor adventures all the more enjoyable. Gift a pair of wool socks, or down or synthetic booties for toasty feet.

For your favorite coffee lover

Hot coffee
Photo by Matthew Baugh.

Know someone who’s tired of cowboy coffee? Give them some high quality instant coffee. This stuff should pass any coffee snob’s test.

For the sustainability nerd

Sewing patches
Photo from Pixabay.

Encourage friends or family to patch instead of purchase by gifting some funky repair patches. Who said a repair can’t be stylish?

For the one who needs to get outside more

Outside with family and friends
Photo by Lindsay Nohl.

Plan a day trip. Take your loved ones hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, or any other outdoor activity that you love. Give the gift of fresh air and quality time in the outdoors. Who knows? It could be a gift that keeps on giving!

Happy holidays from all of us at NOLS!

Find apparel, equipment, books, and more on the NOLS Store.

Written By

Shelby Cranshaw

Shelby is currently taking a gap year-and-a-half. After completing her Fall Semester in Patagonia, she caught the NOLS bug and became the 2016 Fall PR and Marketing intern at our world headquarters in Lander, Wyoming (she's a Wilderness First Aid grad, too!).

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