Still looking for that special gift for an outdoor-minded loved one? Check out the 2016 Outdoor Families Gift Guide, filled with fabulous finds from leading outdoor retailers both big and small. From casual to luxurious, OFM’s Gear Team scoured the industry in search of unique, functional, and budget-friendly gifts to place under the tree this year. Happy holidays, and we wish a blessed year of adventure to you and your family.~Melissa Edge, OFM Gear Editor
Browse our Guide’s Sections:
Grown Ups
Kids
Teens
The Whole Family
Campers’ Christmas
Stocking Stuffers
OUTDOOR GEAR FOR GROWN-UPS
1. Motorola T600 H2O 2-Way Walkie Talkies
Adults need walkie talkies too! This durable model by Motorola includes emergency capabilities like a flashlight and the ability to float in water–just in case. Perfect for any adventure whether keeping in touch with friends on the slopes or giving one to your kids so you can sip campsite cocktails with peace of mind while they explore. $99
This drink-on-any-adventure wine set includes the the lightweight Vapur Vintage Wine carrier paired with the govino “go anywhere” wine glasses, a lightweight, portable way to enjoy wine, from a bbq to the beach or backcountry. $19.99
Ladies, drop hints that you’re craving the style and whimsy of Krimson Klover’s warm base layers, like this exquisite Watercolor Hand-Painted Top (rhubarb). Made from high-quality viscose, Merino and wool yarns, these fashionable yet functional tops and leggings will keep women warm and stylin’ all winter long. $99-$138 per piece.
Not all slippers are treated equally, especially when they’re crafted from the finest natural materials and most intricate artisanship. Made with from light, flexible soles and 100-percent virgin wool, these Austrian-made “comfort shoes” feel like walking barefoot, only better. Available for men and women in more than 200 models and 30 colors. $92+
If you’re a surfing, hiking, fly-fishing, mountain summiting kind of dude, Howler Bros. has something for you. Offering garments and accessories paying homage to waves, water, geography, fashion and art, each small-batch product combines the efforts of artists and craftsmen to create unique gifts for the outdoor-loving guy in your life. (Prices depend on product.)
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OUTDOOR GEAR FOR KIDS
1. Butler Boots
There’s nothing like a muddy puddle of water to invite messy child’s play. But before your kiddo leaps in and ruins her everyday shoes, cover them in a pair of bright, fun Butler Boots, the equivalent of a cozy rain jacket for feet. Just step into them wearing any pair of shoes, secure the strap, and, voila! Let the puddle-jumping fun commence. Non-toxic, earth-friendly and lightweight. For toddler/children sizes 8-12; youth 13-3. $17.99+
2. Books and More Books
Falcon books
Offering a variety of outdoor books for any age, kids will learn about National Parks from Ranger Rick, dive into the Camping Activity Book for fun ideas while camping, or read about 448 great things to do in nature before you grow up in the Kids Outdoor Adventure Book. With Falcon books, your kids should never be bored outside. $8.95+
National Geographic Kids books
From weird to wonderful, National Geographic Kids books are the perfect way to introduce your young readers to the world. Check out the latest facts from the animal world, or take a trip around the United States’ national park system. Educational reading has never been so fun. Preschool to young adult. $8-$40
3. Leatherman
Kids always want to be like Mom and Dad, and now they can with the first Leatherman tool kit. Create and explore using the 13 tools in the kit; the removable knife blade provides a safety feature for young users. $49.85
4. TreePod
This super-fun and innovative “treehouse” for kids is perfect for use just about anywhere: in your backyard, at the campsite or in your house with the easy-to-use stand. $324.99
It’s no secret that Strider is the go-to brand for toddler balance bikes. But now the company’s offerings comprise a wider age range: 18 months – 5 years, 6+ years and 13+ years. A fantastic learning tool for adults and young adults who are just learning to ride, or for riders with special needs. Prices range from $89.00- $299+
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OUTDOOR GEAR FOR TEENS
1. Aventura Gretchen Infinity Scarf
This cozy, Italian-made, knit scarf is soft and luxurious, allowing the family fashionista both sophistication and warmth. $49
Active teens and adults will appreciate this “perspiration technology headwear,” made from wicking material in fun, mod styles. Prices start around $22.
3. Selk’Bag
A sleeping bag that’s not just for sleeping, you can wear it, too. Comes in a variety of colors and characters for the whole family, from Captain American to Chewbacca, and appeals to even the pickiest of teens. $79-$169
These stylish, lightweight Hundred Headlamps not only look good–offering five fashionable designs and real wood on the headlamp inlay–but they feel good, too. Perfect for the teen or tween who wants to be fashion-conscious, even in the backcountry. $29.99
5. Chaos Hats beanies
Trendy winter beanies for the style-conscious teen. Unisex, men’s and women’s sizes available. $16.99-$44.99
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OUTDOOR GEAR FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
1. Craghoppers
In addition to offering high-quality outdoor apparel for the whole family, the company’s innovative insect-shield technology, NosiLife, is integrated into the apparel, keeping harmful insects at bay. Styles like the women’s Adanya Jacket or the men’s Kiwi Long-Sleeved Shirt feature insect-repellent treatment woven into the fabric, providing up to 90-percent protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects that can cause life-threatening diseases. $40+
2. Teton Sports
Two great products from Teton Sports: The durable ComfortLite Sleeping Pad comes in junior, regular and XL sizes, and includes velcro sides for double-wide sleeping for families, as well as a non-slip base. Pair it with the company’s self-inflating pillow for a good night’s rest away from home. $18.50-$79.00.
3. Deuter Kid Comfort III backpack carrier
Offering plenty of storage, a removable drool pad, separate hands-free hydration sleeve, and adjustable harness for easy trailside adjustments, the Kid Comfort III backpack carrier is the ideal way to tote kids around with maximum comfort for both parents and the little adventurers. $299
This brand-new Karadon Backpack line of family packs from High Sierra offers a wide range of sizes from youth to adult male. The removable shoulder straps are washable (how cool is that?), and the adaptable back panel system allows for torso adjustment. Another bonus? A dedicated reservoir sleeve. $59.99 – $219.9.
5. Pakems
Look no further for camp shoes for the entire family. These packable shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and water-resistant. Perfect for camping, skiing, backpacking and more. $40-$60
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OUTDOOR GEAR FOR A CAMPER CHRISTMAS
1. Mountainsmith Rambler Youth Trekking Poles
Great durable aluminum beginner trekking poles, the Rambler set features two telescoping sections with a tension adjust at an, all at an affordable price point. Ideal for youth and smaller-framed users. $39.95
Crafted with outdoor families in mind, this all-terrain cooler offers a ton of useful features including a dry-storage area, cup holders, dual bottle openers, a mobile device stand and four-day ice retention capability. $299.99
3. Nite Ize Dog LED Ball (GlowStreak)
Don’t forget about furry family members with this GlowStreak™ LED Ball and collar tag that makes it easy to see your fetch-loving pup retrieve well into the night. $16.79
Relax in comfort with a OneMade Double Trunktech hammock, made in the USA with breathable, silky-smooth nylon and 10-foot straps, allowing you to hang this hammock from almost any anchor point. Big enough for two adults to snuggle together while the kids run amuck around camp. $119
5. HydroHeat Flameless Heat Cooker
Campfire cooking is often desirable but not always possible. So this flameless cooking system is the ideal solution. A water-activated heating pack cooks meals in specially designed cookware. Just add water and in 5 to 15 minutes, dinner is served. No flame required. $24.99 and up.
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OUTDOOR GEAR FOR STOCKING STUFFERS
1. Action Wipes
This sanity-saving “instant wash-up” is perfect for post-adventure freshening. Whether camping, hiking, traveling, or spending time at the beach, using just one wipe–made with plant-derived ingredients and pure essential oils–will clean you from head to toe. Singles or dispenser packs are available.$11.99 – $38.50
2. All Good
Natural sunscreens, lip balms, lotions/oils, hand sanitizers, and deodorants are some of the products you will find from this nature conscious company. Their products are made with all-natural, organic ingredients and are formulated to heal. (Prices depend on product.)
Whether hiking, backpacking or just taking a walk, this compact, flexible, and lightweight, 750ml Stash™ Collapsible Water Bottle keeps you hydrated without weighing you down. $17.99
4. Fox River Rockford RED HEEL® Socks
As the original manufacturer of the Rockford RED HEEL® Monkey Sock, Fox River’s monkey-themed socks will be a Christmas morning hit for both kids and adults. $11-14
Made to fit easily into a backpack or luggage, these waterproof and airtight containers can lock together, making it easy to organize the gear and food needed for any adventure. $34.99.
Gear Guide content was compiled by members of the Outdoor Families Magazine editorial team: Erin Kirkland, Heather Mundt, Jennifer Fontaine, and Melissa Edge (Gear Editor).
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