The holiday season is upon us, and if you’re having trouble thinking of what to give the adventure lover in your life, you’re not alone. Whether you’re exchanging gifts with an avid climber, weekend whitewater rafter, or someone who is just breaking into the outdoor adventure sphere—this guide is here to help you make sure the perfect gift ends up under the tree.
For the Hiker That Doesn’t Want Much
We all have that person in our lives who always says they don’t want gifts. Maybe they just don’t want to burden you with shopping, or maybe they have a full life with no room for extra clutter.
Something small: Create a care package of small, simple items that can be picked up at a local department store and are useful or can be used up. Anyone who spends time in the woods always has room for chocolate, energy bars, soap, wool socks, and a warm beanie for hitting the trails in the winter.
Something fun: Encourage them in planning their next adventure with “Hiking West Virginia: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures.”
For the Gear Junkie Who Has it All
If you’re searching for a gift for an avid outdoors person who loves gear but seems to have everything they need, get creative by giving them a gift that is out of their normal wheelhouse.
Something small: If your outdoor pal is most often found persuing a certain outdoor activity—and has all the gear they need for their go-to sport—give them something to try out a new sport. Think climbing shoes for a kayaker.
Something fun: Plan an outing that gives them the chance to use the gear they already have or book a trip that lets them try out a new sport. Sometimes booking a rafting trip (book now and give them the “gift certificate” for later) is the perfect break from the trails for a devoted mountain biker or vice versa.
For the Contemplative Nature Lover
As cold days set in, the adventure enthusiast in your life may be spending more time inside than they would like.
Something small: Keep them inspired with adventure books such as Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods,” National Geographic’s “Destinations of a Lifetime,” or “She Explores: Stories of Life-Changing Adventures on the Road and in the Wild.”
Something fun: Gift a winter getaway by booking a weekend in a lodge in the West Virginia woods. Your loved one will enjoy a break from daily life and the chance to enjoy nature from the comfort of a warm cabin.
For the Newbie Who Needs Everything
If you have someone in your life who has recently fallen in love with the outdoors, or who you think is poised on the edge of becoming an outdoor adventurer but needs a little boost, the holidays are the perfect opportunity to get them started.
Something small: Help them embrace their passion for the outdoors with essentials such as a pair of hiking boots or must-have camping gear—think a camp stove or tent.
Something fun: Introduce the newbie to more outdoor sports by booking two different half-day adventures such as an “introduction to whitewater kayaking” course and a half-day Summersville Lake adventure that combines paddling, climbing, and relaxing. The mix gives them a taste of several different activities so they can get a feel for what they love most.