Outdoor and Fitness Gifts
Gear for gardeners, hikers, runners, golfers, travelers and everyone at the gym.
What are they into?
Gardeners
All 22 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Corona ClassicCUT Bypass Hand Pruner, BP 3180 (opens in a new tab)
Corona ClassicCUT Bypass Hand Pruner, BP 3180
A reliable, resharpenable pruner for someone who keeps losing cheap ones in the mulch. Good as a spare to keep by the back door.
-
See it on Amazon: Radius Garden 102 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel (opens in a new tab)
Radius Garden 102 Ergonomic Aluminum Hand Trowel
The odd circular grip keeps the wrist straight, which matters to anyone with sore hands after an afternoon of planting bulbs.
-
See it on Amazon: Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding Knife (opens in a new tab)
Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding Knife
A Japanese digging blade with a depth gauge and serrated edge. Gardeners who get one tend to stop using their trowel entirely.
-
See it on Amazon: Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner (opens in a new tab)
Felco F-2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner
The Swiss pruner professionals use, with replaceable blades and springs. They will own it for thirty years and probably never buy it for themselves.
-
See it on Amazon: Click & Grow Smart Garden 9 (opens in a new tab)
Click & Grow Smart Garden 9
Grows herbs and greens on the kitchen counter all winter with built-in lights and pre-seeded pods. Ideal for the gardener with nothing to do until April.
Campers and hikers
All 20 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System (opens in a new tab)
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System
A tiny, light filter that screws onto a bottle or pouch. Many hikers carry one as a backup even if they own a bigger system.
-
See it on Amazon: Light My Fire Spork Original (opens in a new tab)
Light My Fire Spork Original
Spoon, fork and a serrated edge in one piece that weighs almost nothing. The classic stocking stuffer for anyone with a backpack.
-
See it on Amazon: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock (opens in a new tab)
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock
Merino socks from Vermont with a lifetime guarantee. Hikers who own one pair always want more.
-
See it on Amazon: MSR PocketRocket 2 Backpacking Stove (opens in a new tab)
MSR PocketRocket 2 Backpacking Stove
A tiny canister stove that boils water fast and folds into its own case. The default choice for backpackers moving off campfire cooking.
-
See it on Amazon: Helinox Chair One Camp Chair (opens in a new tab)
Helinox Chair One Camp Chair
A packable chair that sets up in a minute and weighs about two pounds. Far more comfortable than sitting on a log.
Runners
All 18 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Socks (opens in a new tab)
Feetures Elite Light Cushion No Show Tab Socks
Snug, targeted-compression running socks that do not bunch or slip. Runners go through socks fast and rarely buy the good ones for themselves.
-
See it on Amazon: SPIbelt Original Running Belt (opens in a new tab)
SPIbelt Original Running Belt
A slim stretch pouch for phone and keys that does not bounce. Better than a jacket pocket or an arm band.
-
See it on Amazon: Daniels' Running Formula, 4th Edition (opens in a new tab)
Daniels' Running Formula, 4th Edition
The coaching classic behind many training plans. For the runner who has started asking about tempo paces and VDOT.
-
See it on Amazon: Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp (opens in a new tab)
Petzl Actik Core Rechargeable Headlamp
A bright, rechargeable headlamp that sits stable while running. For trail runners and anyone who logs miles before sunrise.
-
See it on Amazon: Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones
Sit in front of the ears, so they can hear traffic and other runners. Many races that ban earbuds allow these.
Gym lovers
All 19 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle, 28 oz (opens in a new tab)
BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle, 28 oz
Everyone who lifts has a shaker that smells faintly of old protein. A fresh one with the wire whisk ball is a real kindness.
-
See it on Amazon: Gymreapers Lifting Straps (opens in a new tab)
Gymreapers Lifting Straps
Padded straps that let them hold heavy deadlifts and rows when grip gives out before the back does.
-
See it on Amazon: Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd Edition (opens in a new tab)
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd Edition
The standard text on the squat, deadlift and press, with detailed form cues. A reference serious lifters keep returning to.
-
See it on Amazon: Soundcore by Anker Sport X10 Wireless Earbuds (opens in a new tab)
Soundcore by Anker Sport X10 Wireless Earbuds
Rotating ear hooks keep them in during burpees and box jumps, and they are sweat resistant. Cheaper to lose than premium buds.
-
See it on Amazon: TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer (opens in a new tab)
TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer
Straps that anchor to a door or tree for a full bodyweight workout. Great for travel and for lifters who want more core work.
Yoga lovers
All 18 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block (opens in a new tab)
Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
A dense, stable block that does not squish under weight like the cheap ones. Most people need a pair for restorative poses.
-
See it on Amazon: Gaiam Cotton Yoga Strap (opens in a new tab)
Gaiam Cotton Yoga Strap
A simple D-ring strap that helps with hamstring stretches and binds. Small, cheap, and used every session.
-
See it on Amazon: Yoga Anatomy, Third Edition (opens in a new tab)
Yoga Anatomy, Third Edition
Detailed anatomical drawings of what each pose does to muscles and joints. A favorite with teachers in training.
-
See it on Amazon: Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster (opens in a new tab)
Hugger Mugger Standard Yoga Bolster
A firm cotton bolster for restorative and yin yoga. Turns a living room floor into a proper studio setup.
-
See it on Amazon: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm (opens in a new tab)
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 6mm
The dense, heavy mat many teachers use, with a lifetime guarantee. It lasts for years of daily practice.
Golfers
All 19 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Frogger Amphibian Golf Towel (opens in a new tab)
Frogger Amphibian Golf Towel
A towel with a wet side and a dry side that clips to the bag. Cleans clubs and hands without needing a second towel.
-
See it on Amazon: Pitchfix Original 2.0 Divot Repair Tool (opens in a new tab)
Pitchfix Original 2.0 Divot Repair Tool
A spring-loaded pitch mark repairer with a removable ball marker. Nicer than the free plastic forks they collect.
-
See it on Amazon: Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls, 12 Pack (opens in a new tab)
Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls, 12 Pack
Low-compression balls that suit average swing speeds and feel soft around the greens. A safe pick for weekend golfers.
-
See it on Amazon: Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls, 12 Pack (opens in a new tab)
Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls, 12 Pack
The ball most serious golfers play. They rarely buy it in bulk for themselves, so a dozen is welcome.
-
See it on Amazon: Bushnell Tour V6 Golf Laser Rangefinder (opens in a new tab)
Bushnell Tour V6 Golf Laser Rangefinder
Locks on to the flag and gives an exact yardage, with a magnetic mount for the cart. Fewer guesses, faster rounds.
People who fish
All 20 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: Booms Fishing E1 Fishing Pliers (opens in a new tab)
Booms Fishing E1 Fishing Pliers
Aluminum pliers with braid cutters and a split-ring tip, plus a lanyard and sheath. Replaces the rusty pliers in the tackle bag.
-
See it on Amazon: Booms Fishing CC1 Fishing Line Cutter (opens in a new tab)
Booms Fishing CC1 Fishing Line Cutter
A retractable clipper that cuts braid cleanly and clips to a vest. A cheap, useful stocking stuffer.
-
See it on Amazon: Plano 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag (opens in a new tab)
Plano 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag
A soft bag that holds several utility boxes and a pocket for pliers. Easier to carry than a hard box.
-
See it on Amazon: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo (opens in a new tab)
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
A nearly unbreakable rod and reel combo. Good as a spare, for the grandkids, or for a beginner.
-
See it on Amazon: PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel (opens in a new tab)
PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel
A sturdy, sealed metal reel that handles saltwater and big fish. A well-known upgrade from a basic combo.
Travelers
All 19 ideas →-
See it on Amazon: MZOO Sleep Eye Mask (opens in a new tab)
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask
A contoured mask that blocks light without pressing on the eyes. Makes overnight flights and bright hotel rooms bearable.
-
See it on Amazon: Loop Quiet Ear Plugs (opens in a new tab)
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
Soft reusable earplugs that dull engine and snoring noise. Look nicer and last longer than foam ones.
-
See it on Amazon: Apple AirTag (opens in a new tab)
Apple AirTag
Dropped in a checked bag, it shows where the bag actually is. For iPhone owners who have lost luggage before.
-
See it on Amazon: Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter (opens in a new tab)
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
Lets AirPods and other wireless headphones connect to plane entertainment screens. Small, and useful on every long-haul flight.
-
See it on Amazon: Kindle Paperwhite (opens in a new tab)
Kindle Paperwhite
Thousands of books in a slim, glare-free reader with weeks of battery. Saves space in the carry-on.