The ultimate outdoor gifts guide

Who doesn’t know the situation: a holiday or birthday is coming up and you want to make an outdoor enthusiast friend happy. That’s often not so easy, as outdoor fans are usually already well equipped, and it’s easy to lose track of what they might still need. That’s why we’ve put together a list of original outdoor gifts where you’re sure to find the perfect present for your loved ones.

You can’t go wrong with these useful outdoor gifts

When choosing outdoor gifts, there are a few classic items you can rely on. These gadgets are always useful, making them a safe bet for occasions like Christmas or birthdays.

• Rain jackets are needed on almost every outdoor adventure. The advantage of gifting outdoor jackets is that they don’t always have to fit perfectly. That makes them a better gift choice than many other clothing items.

• Another gadget that’s essential for any outdoor sport is the right pair of sunglasses. In the NAKED Optics online shop, we offer a wide range of models. Check it out!

• Among the best outdoor gifts are also various water bottles. You can never have too many of these. Particularly interesting are different sizes or so-called hydration vests, which let you keep your drink close at hand.

• For those who enjoy being outdoors for several days, power banks are a good choice. Make sure to pick ones with sufficient power or those that can be recharged with solar energy.

Top outdoor gifts on a small budget

Even if you’re short on cash right now, there are still some great budget-friendly outdoor gifts for your friends.

• Anyone who enjoys being outdoors will always appreciate warming accessories. Headbands, multifunctional scarves, or socks make great outdoor gifts for both men and women.

• Of course, safety is key in any outdoor sport. That’s why first-aid kits are always a welcome gift idea.

• Caps are a safe choice when searching for the perfect outdoor gift. They not only protect from the sun, but many with outdoor designs can also be worn every day and let wearers show off their passion.

• To be prepared for all situations in the wild, tools like pocket knives or a Leatherman are the perfect companions—and useful gifts.

• For anyone wanting to play it safe when gifting, gift cards are always an option.

Stand out with these unique outdoor gifts

Admittedly, you’ve probably heard of most of the above suggestions—or maybe even gifted them before. That’s why we’ve got some more unusual gift ideas here.

• Converting a van is a common dream among outdoor lovers. But did you know you can rent them too? A weekend in a camper van is the perfect outdoor gift.

• A gift winter sports fans will love: ski day passes—especially for new ski resorts your friend or family member might not know yet.

• A particularly original outdoor gift: pillows! Yes, you read that right. Anyone who spends nights outdoors will thank you. Just make sure not to get any random pillow—choose lightweight travel pillows.

• A popular luxury often missed on outdoor adventures is a proper cup of coffee. But that doesn’t have to be the case anymore! There are now very small and lightweight coffee makers—making them the ideal gift for caffeine-loving outdoor fans.

These are not good gifts for the outdoors

Whether an outdoor gadget makes a good gift always depends on the recipient. Still, there are a few things you should probably avoid. Here are our tips:

• Don’t gift shoes. While it may seem obvious—since every outdoor activity has the right shoe—it’s essential that people choose their own shoes for comfort reasons.

• The same goes for outdoor clothing. The closer the clothing should fit to the body, the worse it is as a gift. As an alternative, invite your friends on a shopping trip where they can pick out the right gear themselves.

• When gifting outdoor gear, always keep weight in mind. Those who are often outdoors always try to pack as light as possible. So consider how heavy the gadget is in a backpack, and when in doubt, go for the lighter option.

If you’re looking for more gift inspiration, you can check out our gift guide for runners, cyclists, and skiers here.

Credits: Florian Dorn