Ultimate Gift Guide for Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Do you have a hiker in your life who deserves the best Christmas gift? No idea what to get them, but you do know that you’re on a budget? Then this article is for you- I’m going to suggest the 11 best things to get a hiker for Christmas, all for $20 and under. Ready for some outdoorsy inspiration?
Practical Gifts
If you’re a gifter who likes to give people what they need, then this section of the guide is for you! Here are the best gifts that are first and foremost; necessary.
Under $10:
The Best Spork Ever from UCO
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Do not underestimate the magic of the SPORK. Except this is more than a spork, it also has a knife sharp enough to cut through meat and a spoon big enough to enjoy your favorite soup with. I’ve used this spork for years, and I cannot recommend it enough. It has a spoon, a fork, and a knife all in one, it’s made out of titanium so it’s strong, and it has holes that you can use as lashing points to tie to the outside of your pack (shock cord tether included). It’s sturdy but lightweight, very versatile, and can be used in your daily life to cut out the use of plastic utensils. Get one for your hiker, and then get one for yourself because it’s seriously that good.
2. Energizer Headlamp
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A headlamp is one of those items that go on every single hiking trip, making this the perfect practical gift for the hiker in your life. I like the Energizer brand because they’re super bright, last for hours, and have a very large range of head sizes that it can fit. This one from Amazon even comes with batteries, making the purchase an easy stocking stuffer or main gift!
3. Insect Repelling Bandana
Come springtime and summer, the bugs are out in full force on the trails. I’ve been bringing this bandana with me on hikes for years, and it never disappoints. Sure it’s not perfect, but there is a noticeable difference concerning the bugs when I have this tied around my neck. It does a reasonably good job keeping the bugs away, and I don’t have to put on bug spray which I detest. It works really well, and the color and the sweat-soaking capabilities are a great bonus!
Under $25:
4. Smartwool Hiking Socks
Every hiker needs a few pairs of high-quality, merino wool socks that they can rely on year after year, and Smartwool checks those boxes. I only hike in SmartWool socks, and that’s because they are so comfortable, so durable, and such high quality that I have no problem paying $25 for a pair of socks! What’s amazing about these is that they have extra cushion on the sole of your foot so that it absorbs some of the shocks of walking on rocks, and they have a nice tall ankle so that my hiking boots don’t rub against my shins. And since looks do matter, I also love that they offer different colorways, so that it can match whatever color scheme you have going on. Whether these are stocking stuffers or the star of the show, they’re guaranteed to make someone smile.
5. Packable Waterproof Blanket
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Every hiker, camper, and outdoor enthusiast NEEDS this blanket! Made from down alternative it’s super warm and super packable, and even comes with a stuff sack for easy storage and to bring on the road. It’s made out of waterproof material on both sides, making this the perfect companion for ski and board trips, having a picnic, or bringing along on a camping trip.
6. Buff
I’ve had a Buff for years, and it goes on every hiking trip I take. These are especially great for summer hiking at high altitude, as it has UV protection built into the fabric, and it’s super lightweight and cooling properties. On days when you’re hiking in the heat and need protection, but don’t want to be too hot, this is the answer. It can be worn as a neck gator, as a head kerchief, or as a sweatband; the options are limited only by your imagination. And with so many options for prints and patterns, you’re sure to find the one that’s perfect for the recipient.
Under $35:
7. Quick Drying Mini Face Towel
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This quick-drying mini towel is a serious game changer. I didn’t know how useful one of these babies could be until I brought one along on my Half Dome hike. Although this is a “mini”, it’s still a good-sized towel. I was able to use it to dry off both my feet at the same time when I had to numb the pain I was in in the river. These dry so quickly, that in ten minutes I was able to wipe the sweat from my brow with a dry towel. Now that I’ve brought one of these along on a big hike, I don’t think I’ll be taking any more hikes without one. I just had no idea how useful it could be to have a towel with you that dries quickly and absorbs water easily. And again, Nomadix offers cool patterns.
8. Hydroflask Insulated Mug with Lid
This is a seriously versatile and downright useful mug. At surface level this is just a cup, but I promise you it’s so much more. It’s insulated, so this will keep your cup of warm liquid warm for an hour or more even with the lid off. And speaking of the lid; if you want to walk around with a mug but you odn’t want to worry about spilling, just slide the cover over the opening and you’re free to roam. I also use this to make oatmeal at work. I put the instant oatmeal in the cup, add hot water, put the lid on, and in less than 5 minutes I have a cup of warm oatmeal. This is one of my most prized possessions, and I don’t go on a camping trip without it! Paired with the UCO spork you could have yourself the perfect gift!
9. Lifestraw Water Filtration System
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This is an absolute must-have for backpackers- full stop. This is lightweight and super packable, so you aren’t losing much space in your bag and you’re not adding a ton of weight. However, this just might save your life. Yes, that’s a dramatic statement but seriously, this is wonderfully useful to have on long day hikes or backpacking trips. Water is very heavy, so when you bring this along you’re reducing the water weight in your pack by being able to filter fresh water while on the trail. This filters a lot of water at once, you use gravity to make the water flow quicker, and it filters well. Don’t walk, run to the checkout with this dead useful Lifestraw bladder.
Fun Gifts
Maybe you’re not at all practical, and you want to get a gift for your outdoor lover that they don’t NEED, but that they will certainly enjoy.
Under $15:
10. Hiking Journal
This is the most unique hiking journal that I’ve found to date, as it’s more than recording the highlights and stats of hikes. Inside this journal are plank pages for your hiking stats, and it includes thoughtful prompts to get you thinking deeper about why you’re getting outside. The prompts are thought provoking and fun to fill in, and it’s a really fun way to write about hiking. There are also pages dedicated to education, including common animal prints, how to identify clouds, and how to navigate using the starts. This is more than a journal, it’s a companion to an outdoor lover's lifestyle.
11. Fun Hiking-Themed Socks
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When you get to a certain age, socks are the most appreciated gift. Especially fun ones like these, as they’re a good laugh and they’re cute! What I love about these is all the color options there are, and what is printed on the soles of your feet, it’s so unique!
12. A Guide to Forest Bathing
This book teaches us how to be present while in nature, and discusses all of the wonderful benefits that come with that presence of mind and spirit. Nature has a unique ability to heal all of us, and those of us who choose to spend time outdoors know this. We are especially drawn to the healing magic of the natural world, and this book will help us nature lovers appreciate it in a new way. This book discusses what forest bathing is, why it could change your life, and provides space to journal about your thoughts and experiences. Books have the power to change lives, so consider this as a great gift option.
Under $25:
13. National Park Candle
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Candles are one my favorite gifts to give and to get because they say “you deserve the small luxuries”, and that’s a message that I always want to send to my loved ones. What’s unique about this candle is that is captures the scent of the Grand Tetons, a national park that we’re all obsessed with. So give the gift of simple pleasures with this soy wax candle.
14. Basecamp Card Game
This game is unique because it’s a classic deck of cards, but it also has fun, family-friendly questions to get your basecamp laughing up a storm. It comes in a tin case to protect the cards against damage, it’s waterproof, lightweight, and easy to pack anywhere. Backpacking and camping can get a little boring, but with this game, the whole family is sure to be entertained. So really, this is a gift that keeps giving!
15. National Park Cookbook
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This is a fun cookbook as it gives recipes for each national park. They’re not necessarily camping-friendly, but this would be a fun and exciting addition to any adventurer’s collection! It also has beautiful, professional photographs of America’s most favorite parks, so even just looking through the pages may fill you with inspiration and excitement to start planning the next adventure.
Under $35:
16. Classic Teva Sandals
Teva’s are about as crunchy as it gets folks! These are great for wearing around basecamp and hiking because they have straps so they’re more secure, they have great traction, and you can wear them with socks. They’re light and easy to pack for camp shoes when backpacking and might save you on a water crossing. And once you switch them out for your water crossing, your recipient can dry their feet off with the Nomadix mini towel! The perfect coup de grace.
17. Polarized Sunglasses
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Polarized sunglasses are an absolute must-have for hiking, especially in sunny places like Joshua Tree National Park or Death Valley. The polarization will protect your vision, and the cute frames will keep you stylish. I’ve been wearing IOcean sunglasses for years, and I love that they’re affordable, there are many different styles, and I love the polarized lenses. It's worth every penny; I even have a small collection going! I take these on every hike, and the recipient will love them too.
18. Reusable Silicone Bags
Single-use plastic is incredibly bad for the environment and ourselves, and this set of reusable silicone bags is the perfect answer. These are perfect for packing your trail mix and nuts, and even a sandwich. They’re not something that you necessarily want to buy for yourself, however, so they’re the perfect gift!
The list could go on forever, but we’re going to stop here! We hope that this guide provided you with some ideas or inspiration about how to delight the outdoor lover in your life and that you had as much reading along as we did creating it. Is there anything on this list that you’re going to gift? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for some outdoor inspiration, join the newsletter to get curated outdoor content every month. Have fun out there folks!
-Rebecca
