When it comes to the holiday season, finding the perfect gift for the outdoorsy gal in your life can feel like quite the adventure. Whether she’s a trailblazer tackling rugged paths or a nature lover at heart, this gift guide is your ultimate resource for thoughtful presents that she’ll truly appreciate. From functional gear that enhances her outdoor experiences to cozy favorites that keep her comfortable on and off the trails, our recommendations offer something for every type of adventure seeker. Get ready to elevate her exploration with these must-have items that make her journeys as epic as the landscapes she explores.
Before we get started — confession — we love these gifts SO much that for many of them we’ve become affiliates. Meaning, that when you order a little something that we recommend from here, you also give us a gift by helping to support the site and everything we do and stand for here at FBG at no additional cost to you. So thank you!
The Dreamiest Hoodie
Say hello to my little friend, the Scuba Full-Zip Hoodie by lululemon ($118) Full disclosure, I have this hoodie in all 👏🏻 the 👏🏻 colors 👏🏻 and there’s a reason for that — it’s freakin’ amazeballs. It zips high like a cocoon around your neck and face – like a warm hug for your head – blocking out the chill like no other hoodie I’ve ever worn. It’s perfect for layering up for chilly hikes and early morning dog walks. Oh yeah, and the warm kangaroos packet plus the thumbholes keeps your hands cozy warm too.
B.Y.O.Doggo Hiking Pack
If your outdoorsy gal favorite hiking buddy is her dog, she needs this Mega Hip Pack from Wilderdog ($48). It’s my go-to doggy gear hauler. It easily holds two water bottles, snacks a plenty for both humans and canines, a big smart phone, keys, a collapsible bowl, poop bags, and then some. And my favorite feature is the rugged D-ring on the side that lets me tie off the leash and go hands free. Since it can be worn comfortably in the front or back, I reach for this even on shorter walks around the neighborhood since I know it’s already packed with everything I’ll need.
The Grippiest, Most Capable Hiking Shoes
People ask me all the time what hiking boots I wear. Lean in a little closer, friend, as I share my secret … I don’t wear hiking boots. I wear these — the Cascadia Trail Running Shoes by Brooks ($140). Yes these are also what I run trails in that’s how I know they are perfect for hiking too. Grippy, light, and supportive enough for technical trails. I’ve even used these to run and hike on the Appalachian Trail — which is pretty darn rocky — and they protected my feet really well.
Cozy Up to the Smells of Nature
One thing’s certain about us outdoorsy gals … when we aren’t outdoors, we’re dreaming of being out there. So now you can give the gift of the scents of nature with this National Park Wood Wick Candle by Good & Well Supply Company ($36). Choose from Grand Canyon, Redwood, Yosemite, or Zion. With these all-natural soy candles she’ll never be far from her favorite places.
Dry, Blister Free Feet
For the outdoorsy girlies, a good pair of socks is *chef’s kiss*. Trust me, I’ve tired a few and it’s always a struggle to find the right combination of thickness, breathability, and durability. These Traverse Hiking Socks by ToughCutie ($24) are pretty perfect in my opinion. Made for women’s feet, these rugged socks do the job whether the job is long hikes, trail runs, or evenings by the campfire. They are crew height to keep her ankles covered and the breathable Merino wool/durable nylon will keep her feet dry and blister free. She gets cushion where she needs it and well-placed compression for all-day support.
The Puffy Blankie
Have you ever wished you could wrap your camp blanket around you like a cape so you didn’t have to hold the ends together? No, Just me? Okay, well, the Puffer Blanket by Rumpl ($119) converts to a cape with its cape clip so you can wear it hands-free. And I think that’s hella cool. Know what’s even cooler? Each blanket reclaims over 60 discarded plastic bottles! Bonus points for being machine washable, odor-repelling, water-resistant, and durable.
Unconventional Travel Journal
Don’t know her size? Don’t want to ask? Don’t want to guess? Get this –>the National Parks Bucket List Water Bottle ($58). This reusable stainless steel bottle has a leakproof straw and features all 63 national parks in the USA. And as she checks a park of her bucket list, she can fill in the space on her bottle with a weatherproof sticker (so they’ll last) for that park to keep track of her adventures. Plus, 5% of the money from every bottle purchased goes to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to support our national parks for years to come.
Safety First
Ya’ll! Did you know that first aid kit expire???? So even if she has one in her car or backpack from last year, she could always use another one. And this one’s super cool. It’s the Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit by Adventure Medical Kits ($70) and it’s got her covered for a whole bunch of potential mishaps out there — wounds, bleeding, blisters, allergies, upset stomach, pain, and fevers. Let her know that you care about her safety and save her from realizing too late that her old kit is expired!
The Gift of Exploration
Still not seeing something you like for the outdoorsy gal on your list? Can’t go wrong with the AllTrails+ gift subscription ($36). This is perfect too if you need a gift fast and can’t wait for it to ship because you can send it to her via email or print it out and hand deliver it. This membership rocks because it allows her to download the map to her phone so she doesn’t have to worry about losing access to the trail map if she loses cell service. And the safety features of wrong turn alerts and live sharing to keep her peeps in the know about her location are really awesome.
Alright, adventurous girlies, what’s on your holiday gift list? —Alison
