Outdoorsy Gifts for Every Type of Adventurer
By Lucy Grande • November 8, 2024
Outdoorsy Gifts for Every Type of Adventurer
Hey there, adventurers and gift-givers! It’s that time of year when the holidays come knocking, and we’re here with a bag of outdoor goodies that would make Mother Nature herself jealous. Whether you’re shopping for an adrenaline junkie, a nature enthusiast, or that person who thinks “camping” means three days of zen on a river, we’ve got you covered with outdoorsy gifts for every type of adventurer that won’t just sit and collect dust. Let’s break it down!
Unique Gifts For the Nature Lover
#1 Multi-Day Rafting Trip
A multi-day rafting trip is an immersion into nature’s finest. Imagine days spent gliding down a river, where each bend reveals untouched landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests. From sunrise to starlit skies, they’ll experience the natural world in a way that few trips offer—completely immersed and away from the noise of everyday life. Rafting lets us feel the rhythm of the river, spot wildlife up close, and have a chance to sleep under the stars! It’s the kind of gift that combines adventure and a retreat all in one. Our favorite nature-focused trip? The stunning Yampa River, which runs through one of the rarest wildernesses left to explore in the United States.
November & December are the most popular months to shop for a multi-day trip. Look out for our sales & promotions to get the best deals on your 2025 multi-day trips. Our First Wave Sale is almost over, so be sure to check out the eligible Yampa River trips (and all of our other multi day rafting trips) before promotions end on 11/16!
#2 Hiking Guide to Their Favorite Spots
For the friend who lives on the trail, the perfect gift is a detailed hiking guide to their favorite region, or one they’ve always dreamed of exploring. You could create (or buy) a “treasure map” filled with top trails, secret scenic overlooks, and insider tips on where to spot wildlife or catch an incredible sunset! The hikes these guides include can range from a must-see hikes to lesser-known paths for those who love a quieter experience.
#3 Binoculars
For the nature lover who wants to get a closer look at the world around them, a high-quality pair of lightweight binoculars is a game-changer. The Nocs Provision’s Standard Issue Waterproof 10 x 25 Binoculars are a great choice – whether they’re used to spot rare birds perched in a distant tree or simply soak in the panoramic views from a mountain peak, these binoculars will allow you to experience nature up close and personal!
Adventure Gifts For the Adrenaline Junkie
#1 Cataract Canyon Rafting Trip
Give them the ultimate thrill on the mighty Colorado River! This trip is a mix of heart-pounding rapids and jaw-dropping canyon views. It’s the gift of wild, unforgettable memories (and photos to back it up). Whether they choose a 3-day adrenaline rush or a leisurely 6-day exploration, Cataract Canyon offers something for every adventurer. Longer trips provide ample opportunities for off-river excursions, where they can explore ancient ruins, petrified wood fields, and hidden side canyons. Check out all of our Cataract Canyon rafting trips and let your loved one experience the magic of the Colorado River firsthand!
#2 Skydiving
Send them soaring to new heights, literally! There’s nothing like the rush of a free-fall over breathtaking landscapes. The perfect gift for anyone who wants to kiss solid ground goodbye, and say hello to a new thrilling hobby. Our guides highly recommend Skydive Moab – it’s the perfect way to see the stunning canyon country the region is known for. Moab is a well-known adventure hub, so your adventure-seeking loved one can easily seek out additional thrills – like white water rafting!
#3 Go Pro or an adventure camera
Help them relive their wild moments with an adventure camera that can keep up! From whitewater to cliff dives, they’ll capture every thrill for endless replays. GoPro even has a handy Gift Guide to help you choose the best option for your adrenaline-loving friend!
Relaxing Gifts For the Wellness Warrior
#1 Gates of Lodore Wellness Retreat
A rafting adventure that’s more than just rapids, this retreat combines scenic beauty with guided relaxation for a balanced experience that soothes the spirit. There are a number of wellness practices integrated into the trip, including yoga, meditation, forest bathing, and other modalities to center oneself. The hosts are lovers of the outdoors, highly experienced yogis, and all-around lovely people to unwind in the wild with! Learn more about our Gates of Lodore Wellness Retreat and all the ways your loved one will enjoy the nature of this river canyon.
#2 Solar Shower
A pop-up shower they can bring to the campsite! These compact showers are perfect for the wellness lover who wants to stay clean and relax in the heart of nature. Solar showers come in all shapes and sizes – the Coleman Solar Shower is a great simple option that won’t break the bank! If you’re looking for true luxury, RinseKit offers pressurized, high tech shower kits! The size & ease of use will make it an essential part of every future adventure.
#3 Hot Springs Pass
Nothing says relaxation like soaking in nature’s own mineral spa. Finding a hot spring near you or planning a trip to visit one is the perfect gift for the relaxation lover in your life. They can enjoy a hot soak under the stars or falling snow – the ultimate post-adventure luxury. Our personal favorite spot to warm up (and cool down) is the Durango Hot Springs! Located just outside of town with 32 pools (and 2 cold plunges), this spot is a must-stop when visiting Durango at any time of year.
Immersive Gifts For the History Buff
#1 Mesa Verde Tour Tickets
Gifting a visit to Mesa Verde National Park is like giving your loved one a ticket to the past. This extraordinary park offers a window into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who called these cliffs home over 700 years ago. With each step, they’ll be transported through centuries, walking in the footsteps of one of North America’s earliest cultures. For any history lover, a guided tour of Mesa Verde isn’t just a gift—it’s a memory that will resonate for years to come.
#2 Map of Historic Sites in Their Area
A perfect homemade gift for your history-loving friend is a map highlighting historic sites, hikes, and landmarks in their favorite region! It will fuel their exploration, and give them new places, events, and people to learn about. You can even mark specific places that connect to their interests, like ancient ruins, historic trading posts, or notable trails once used by Indigenous tribes or early settlers.
#3 Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Train Tickets
A classic railroad journey that combines history with scenic beauty, the Durango-Silverton train winds through the rugged, breathtaking San Juan Mountains. With views of the timeless scenery of the Colorado wilderness, your friend will feel a direct connection to the past – the train runs on the same steam-powered tracks that miners and settlers traveled over 140 years ago! Those interested in the history of the San Juan’s might consider our Trails & Rails package, as it combines a one-way train ride with an incredible jeep tour into the mountains and historic mines ruins that surround the railroad.
Outdoorsy Gifts For the Foodie
#1 Fully Catered Camping on a Rafting Trip
Gift them a campfire meal without the hassle! Our multi-day rafting trips are fully catered – our guides are expert outdoor chefs and will amaze your foodie friend with what they can whip up in nature. This may just be our opinion, but good food always tastes better when enjoyed in nature with family and friends. All of our multi day rafting trips have delicious, filling menus – and select launches happen to be on sale! Check out our First Wave Sale before it ends on 11/11.
#2 Travel Spice Kit
Camping doesn’t mean you have to forgo comfort & flavor. If you’re looking to give a homemade gift, consider creating a simple spice kit specifically designed for camping, with compact containers for essentials like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and more. You can also find these online, but making one yourself means you can tailor the spices to the specific tastes of the receiver!
#3 Dutch Oven
A versatile piece of gear for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, this cast-iron powerhouse isn’t just a piece of cookware; it’s the key to unlocking gourmet meals in the great outdoors. With a Dutch oven, you can go from basic burgers to stews, bread, cobblers, and even pizza—all while soaking in the scenery!
Holiday Gift Ideas For Everyone
#1 Adventure Gift Certificate
Let them pick their own outdoor escape! With a gift certificate, they can book a trip that’s calling to them – from heart-racing rapids and quiet riverside camps to thrilling rides through pristine alpine mountains!
#2 Weather-Resistant Picnic Blanket
Cozy on one side, waterproof on the other! It’s perfect for all activities from picnics and beach days to mountain naps and cozying up by the campfire. Looking for the best option on the market? The Nemo Victory Blanket has a water-resistant bottom and can be used as an emergency tarp if needed.
#3 Warm Socks
The secret to a happy adventurer? Cozy, durable socks that keep their feet warm and dry. They may seem simple, but they’re a game-changer when it comes to comfort on and off the trail. A Mid to Wild guide-tested favorite is Darn Tough – their socks keep our staff warm and comfy no matter where they work!
So, there you have it, folks! A treasure trove of outdoorsy gifts for every type of adventurer on your list, and delight even the pickiest outdoors person! From heart-pounding thrills to serene nature escapes, we’ve got you covered. Give the gift of unforgettable memories this holiday season!
