Happy Holiday’s readers. Thank you so much for showing up each month to read my latest recommendations on where to travel and how to get the most out of your adventure. Ahead of this Black Friday I thought I’d mail out this year’s top picks for the adventure seeker in your life. In case you are new to this series here was last year’s gift guide and the year before. I still stand by all my previous recommendations so if you don’t see anything this year that sparks joy you can check out what I have enjoyed giving in the past.
For this year I thought I’d break my suggestions down based on cost. Without further ado here’s gifts on a bougie budget to kick us off.
Bougie Budget Gifts:
For the jewelry lover: Golden Road Crafted. If you love turquoise, you’ll adore Golden Road Crafted. These pieces are handmade buy a husband and wife team in Tucson, Arizona. She doesn’t do customs and her website typically sells out when her collections launch, but she does have some pieces currently available on her website. Her next launch is December 3rd and she gives early access to her mailing list to purchase items. I have two of her pieces and I have my eye on her bolo’s and more cuffs.
Plane tickets: If you have someone in your life who loves to travel then consider gifting them wings. While it may be a hassle to buy someone a plane ticket for their destination, consider a gift card which airlines like Southwest and Delta offer. You could also offer to purchase TSA pre check or cover the cost of Global Entry although there are no gift cards for those purchases.
An Adventure Retreat: One of the best gifts my husband ever bought me was a yoga retreat to Costa Rica. Even if you can’t cover the whole cost, if you know someone in your life has been coveting a retreat spot you can always pay their deposit or offer to split the cost. I have a retreat to South Africa in August 2024 that would make anyone swoon. If a retreat isn’t up their alley, consider putting together a staycation. You can book a night at a fancy hotel with a spa and book your loved one a spa treatment or find a local resort with a spa and book a weekend getaway. Want a bougie spa recommendation? Miraval is located in three states and is highly rated. For a nice option that won’t break the bank, look for the Graduate Brand of Hotels.
A 4 pack of ski days: If you’re buying for someone who doesn’t have a pass, but loves to ski, a 4 pass to a ski resort is a great gift. These can be easily purchased and allows the recipient to enjoy days on the slopes without having to commit to an entire season. For an added bonus you could purchase a new ski jacket or bibs to go with the 4 pack. I highly recommend Stio’s ski jackets and accessories for the cold. You can use my code yogimagee for a discount, although right now the site is having a huge sale with many items 40% off. If the person you are buying for has children they are getting into skiing, consider buying the child a lesson which usually comes with a day pass. That way the parents can ski and the child can get a lesson from a pro they are probably more inclined to listen to!
For the mid-size budget
If you’re on somewhat of a budget, but still don’t mind spending some money on a gift for a loved one then here’s my top recommendations
For the runner or hiker, you can’t go wrong with a new pair of hiking boots or shoes. If you ask anyone that hits the trails they’ll be inclined to tell you their favorite brand or pair. Most everyone loves receiving a new pair of shoes and they will get a lot of use.
A new pack: My husband doesn’t like to carry a backpack hiking, but he always needs something for hydration. I bought him this Dakine pack for mountain biking and it has quickly become his favorite. He uses it for walks around the neighborhood, bike rides and hikes where he only wants to carry water and snacks. I have to confess I have stolen this a time or two from him as well and we bring it on vacations where we know we will be taking hikes or walking a lot. For those who are getting into backpacking or day hiking, you can find a variety at any REI and their staff members are very helpful in helping you find the right size and fit for the right activity.
Concert tickets: For the past few years for my mom’s birthday I have bought us concert tickets so we will have an event to look forward to together. If your loved one doesn’t like concerts and prefers running then consider purchasing entry to a local 5k (or whatever distance you’re comfortable with). This way you have an activity to do together and something to look forward to. Not into concerts or running? Consider a 3-month Regal Movie theater subscription. Or if there’s a local trampoline spot you can always buy a monthly pass or give a gift card. My sister gave my daughter a $100 gift card to Get Air and it lasted months!
For the outdoorsy person that has everything: Subscription boxes. Crate Joy has a list of all of the best from Wild Woman Box to Battlbox and there’s something for everyone. You can usually choose the duration of the subscription and then they recipient can choose to extend it. This is a great way for the recipient to receive a variety of gear each month and there’s usually samples of products they can try.
For the Budget Conscious
Ok, let’s be honest, times are tough and maybe you just don’t have the funds to purchase a South African Safari or even a new sleeping bag. Here’s gifts I recommend that will look like you spent a lot without going into debt.
Magazine subscription to Outside, Runner’s World, Men’s Health, even Consumer’s Report are all great reading and a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday.
Socks: Ok so hiking socks and running socks aren’t exactly glamorous, but everyone needs them and they appreciate getting them as a gift.
Camping pillow: Sea to Summit is a great brand but a bit of a splurge. My mom got me one years ago and it comes in handy on every backpacking trip. I also love a good pack towel that I can clip to my pack and use it for wet feet or to dry off my camera lens.
For those who want to make their own gifts
So if you’re really on a tight budget then these are gifts I’ve done in the past that have always been appreciated!
Homemade bath bombs or scrub
Homemade extracts, cooking oils or smoked salts/meat seasonings
Homemade soaps
Thrifting! Last year I went to Goodwill and bought a bunch of Christmas plates and baked goods and put them on there to give to neighbors. I also bought some old jewelry boxes and spray paint and then got some little barbie clothes to put in there for my nieces. You can also thrift tea or coffee cups and give them as gifts paired with fancy tea or coffee. I have also given fun wine glasses or fancy martini glasses with bottles of alcohol. There are so many items at thrift stores waiting for new homes and a new life.
I hope this gift giving guide helped give you some ideas for what you can give most anyone on your list this holiday season. Remember, it’s not the gift itself it is the thought you put into it. So remembering a special item that someone saw that they said they wanted in passing, can turn into a very special item to unbox this holiday season.
If nothing else, plan an adventure day! This is always a hit in my household or I have a “Charlotte’s Day of fun” where I put two items on a card (two lunch choices, two activity choices, two treat choices) and let my daughter blind pick. This is a great date night activity as well!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and look for more adventure ideas to carry you through the winter to come!