The holiday season can be hectic. Every year, I try to buy gifts earlier, but it seems as though Christmas just has a way of sneaking up. I still have a little last-minute shopping to do. If you also have a few gifts left to buy, and any of those are for a person who likes to fish, hunt, camp, or enjoys the outdoors in other ways, I have a few ideas for you.
These gifts are fairly universal, and most outdoors enthusiasts would be happy to find any of them under their tree. All of these should be available locally or printed as certificates. Wrap certificates in a big box. “Foolers,” as my grandpa called them, are fun. Most importantly, each of these offers a secondary gift – a reason to get outside, to learn something new, or to spend time together.
Navigation and Field Tools
It’s nice once in a while to pretend like it’s 1995 when we still needed maps to find where we were headed. Mapping apps are awesome, but then again, you’re back on a device. Gazetteers, atlases, and folding maps of specific states or certain areas are still great gifts. So is a quality compass. My dad had a folding shovel from the Army he gave me as a kid. Today, I have a modern version. It comes in handy often. I suggest a folding shovel as a gift they probably don’t already have. Also, multi-tools are great. Don’t worry if they already have one. You can’t have too many. A lightweight tarp creates an instant place to sit down, can shield you from the sun or rain, can be used to keep areas clean, and can be used to transport game animals. A good-quality tarp is essential, but many people don’t have a nice one.
High-Quality Outdoor Socks and Base Layers
I know I’m an old soul because I cared about quality socks at way too young of an age. The older we get, the more we like comfort. High-quality wool socks are where it’s at. They regulate temperature, manage moisture, and prevent blisters. They’re warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Good-quality socks are needed for hunting, hiking, fishing, and travel. Long underwear has come light-years from the old white thermals. Merino wool and microfibers are comfortable, warm, lightweight, and wicking. A great gift because it’ll be used during three seasons, and we need more than one set.
Outdoor Classes and Lessons
You can cut down the time it takes to learn a skill by attending classes or taking lessons. Fly fishing comes to mind. If you pick up a fly rod and just go for it, you’ll be able to cast well enough to fish fairly quickly, but it’ll take a lot longer to become proficient. If you go to a few casting classes or take some lessons, you’ll progress much faster because the instructor will help you learn the right skills, build confidence, and possibly gain a community. The same goes for archery lessons, golf lessons, or even guitar lessons. Yes, guitar, because playing one by a campfire is cool. Wish I could do it.
Getaways and Guide Trips
Experiences are more valuable than things. We usually need things to use on the experience, but not always. You can go with a guide or rent a retreat. Both provide short-term use of another’s gear. Not much beats a cabin rental in the woods for a long weekend. Wrap that up under the tree, and whoever opens it is going to be happy. Now, adding a guided trip would sweeten the pot. Or maybe you don’t rent the cabin, but you go fishing with a professional guide for a day. Or book a guided turkey hunt or mountain climbing experience. Just book what your person loves and do it with them, even if you normally wouldn’t. Let them have it all – time with you doing what they love.
Handmade Outdoor Equipment
A custom-made fishing rod is a really cool gift. So is a handmade traditional bow. Those are for the boys and girls who have been really good this year. Other cool customs may be a leather rifle sling with hand-etched words or a scene, a handmade duck, deer, or turkey call, or hand-tied flies from a known tier. A gift certificate to a taxidermist is also they won’t see coming. This gift gives hope for the future, like holding a lottery ticket that will be cashed in someday after having some good luck. Custom-made gear will be cherished for years and forever associated with the person who gave it to them.
As we rush toward Christmas morning, it’s worth remembering that gifts are not the reason for the season. The true meaning of Christmas is found in goodness and love, kindness and hope. Therefore, I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this Christmas with people you love and care about, and that you all find some time to enjoy the magnificent outdoors around you.
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler
driftwoodoutdoors@gmail.com
Pic: Last minute Christmas gift ideas include guided fishing trips and outdoor skills lessons.
For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast HERE or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
