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Gifts to Get Outdoors

Gifts for holiday.jpg

I fondly remember when my grandfather gave me my first Swiss Army knife for Christmas. That afternoon we collected a few sticks and he shared the whittling techniques that his father had imparted to him. There wasn’t s stick in the yard that was safe as I spent hours trying to craft the perfect spear.

The holidays are about spending time with friends and family, food and festivities, and giving thanks. This year when considering gifts for those loved ones on your list, give the gift of time and togetherness while enjoying the outdoor pursuits.

There are gifts large and small that can foster togetherness in the outdoors. Here are a few ideas to get you started on the journey towards a fun year of exploration and adventure.

Biking:

Be safe this year with a quality bike helmet. The Bell Adrenaline or Schwinn Thrasher bike helmets are high quality and multi-purpose for adults and kids.

Birding:

The trifecta gift for the birder in your life could be the binocular, book, birdfeeder combo. Alpen make a nice lightweight binocular. The Sibley’s new revised eastern and western field guides make it easy to identify birds. A bird feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited will help draw them in for year round observations.

Camping:

Nothing brings friends and family together like sitting around the campfire. Create cold weather treats in a Lodge cast iron Dutch Oven. Keep your drinks cold and your hands warm with the Yeti Rambler Colster.

Fishing:

Relax and enjoy the outdoors with your family while fishing the lakes, rivers and coastal waters of Texas. Nothing beats a new fishing pole, net, and the right set of flies or lures to bring in the fish.

Hiking:

A sturdy set of hiking poles from Leki or Black Diamond will give someone you love a little needed stability so they can keep on trekking.

Hunting:

The Moultrie Mobile game camera and field modem are great for hunting or just to observe wildlife. This wireless camera connects to a smartphone app so you can review images from the camera from the comfort of your blind, cabin or car. Well, okay the blind might not be that comfortable, but you can at least stay warmer with the Therma Cell remote control heated insoles.

Kids:

I always think of flashlights, good fitting shoes, and walkie-talkies when I think of holiday gifts for kids.

Paddling:

A lightweight pack raft can open up new horizons for combining water and land sports. Advanced Elements has 13 styles of pack rafts for the novice to advanced. A good fitting lifejacket is another good gift that says, “I love you and want you to come home in one piece.”

Reading:

“Vitaman N” by Richard Louv has over 500 things for families to do together outdoors. A subscription to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine will help you connect with cool places to get outdoor around the state.

Stocking stuffers:

The Life Straw is a must have for every camping or backpacking kit. Batteries are always needed, so perhaps consider the rechargeable solar power unit for camping or even home use. The Glacier Gloves offer sun protection and are great for fishing and hiking. And of course, I still think the classic Swiss Army knife is always the perfect outdoor accessory.

A Texas State Park Pass also makes a great gift. And remember kids 12 and younger enter free to all Texas State Parks. You can also find all sorts of places to play, explore and connect with nature near you at NatureRocksTexas.org

Original: http://texaschildreninnature.org/blog-notes/gifts-to-get-outdoors