10 Gifts for the Non-Outdoorsy Person in Your Life
A few essentials can make even the most reluctant want to venture out
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Research proves that spending time in nature makes us happier and more creative. But to many, getting outside can be foreign and intimidating. It doesn’t need to be that way, and having the right gear—whether it's comfortable, easy to use, or affordable—can really help. So if you’re searching for gift ideas for the non-outdoorsy person in your life, consider these products, which will help encourage them to head out more.
Buff Wool Buff ($30)
Being cold sucks, and most body heat is lost from the head, shoulders, and neck. The Wool Buff covers and insulates those areas, and it’s made from durable merino that wicks moisture from sweat and breath condensation, so it dries quickly.
ExOfficio Give-N-Go Underwear (From $18)
Has a loved one ever gone on a hike with cotton underwear? Yeah, the chafing and the lack of moisture management isn’t any fun. But you can wear this underwear for days on end, thanks to a polyester-blend material that glides easily along the skin and antimicrobial properties that help fend off the stink. Pack a couple for a camping trip, and you’re all set.
REI Co-op Camp Dome 2 Tent ($100)
The Camp Dome isn’t the flashiest shelter out there, but for a hundred bucks, it has everything necessary to enjoy a protected night under the stars. It’s fully waterproof when you have the fly on, features large mesh windows for bug protection, and offers enough room for two adults. If your loved one hasn’t pitched a tent before, the Camp Dome will be easy for them, thanks to its one-pole construction and color-coded assembly.
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Tubbs Flex STP Snowshoes ($100)
Snowshoeing is a fun, easy way to get outside in the winter. The Flex STPs are compatible with most hiking boots and have side-rail traction and toe traction to help newbies stay upright in icy conditions.
Black Diamond Astro 175 Headlamp ($20)
Daylight is minimal in the winter, but that’s no excuse to skip a postwork walk. The Astro 175 headlamp has a bright, 175-lumen beam, and it turns on and off, brightens, and dims via just one button.
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks ($18)
Give the beginner trekker in your family a pair of socks that they won’t be sad about. The Hiker Quarter Cushions are made from a merino-nylon blend for extra comfort. Additional padding in the midfoot and heel help protect feet from blisters and hot spots.
REI Co-op Essential Rain Jacket ($70)
Here’s a happy medium between the high-end, über-expensive rain shell and the stifling yellow rain slicker. The budget-friendly Essential rain jacket is fully waterproof and has a three-piece hood to move with your head, with adjustable drawcords for a better fit.
Osprey Daylite Daypack ($50)
A solid daypack is the foundation of any good day in the woods. The Daylite is minimalist, with just enough room for what you need. It holds 13 liters worth of gear, has an exterior zip pocket, and is designed with an interior sleeve to hold a hydration bladder.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket ($100)
Quality insulation doesn’t have to be expensive. Case in point: the REI Co-op 650 Down jacket. It weighs just 10.5 ounces and packs into its own pocket when you don’t need it. It’s a perfect midlayer for colder winter pursuits, thanks to the 650-fill down insulation, and it’s lightweight enough to be a good stand-alone piece in milder weather.
Deuter Kid Comfort Air Child Carrier ($240)
Have a new parent on your list this year? A child carrier will allow them to get outside with their baby. The Kid Comfort has several compartments that will store a small diaper bag and snacks. And the shoulder straps and hip belt are adjustable, so both Mom and Dad can wear it.