Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

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The links in this best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link. Some items below were provided for review purposes.

Whether you make it a priority to opt outside year-round or know people who do, there’s a gift for every type of outdoor lover. My Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers is full of great items for anyone who enjoys spending more time outside than in.

Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

My Gifts for Outdoor Lovers is always inspired by my own family’s love of the great outdoors. It features gifts for beach lovers, campers and backpackers, gardeners, skiers, exercise enthusiasts, as well as those who love being out on the water, exploring new places on foot, or just like soaking up the sun,

Since I’ll be running my 10th race benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital the first weekend in December, I’ve included my must-haves for race day and post-race recovery. It’s also full of family favorites and wish list items that I’m hoping to find under the tree. I hope some of these gifts will inspire someone you love to get outside to enjoy nature a bit more and unplug in favor of digital wellbeing.

Kids Gondola Ski Lift Shirt from Crann Organics ($30)

Crann Organics doesn’t want uncomfortable clothes to get in the way of life’s adventures, so their kids clothing is made from 100% certified organic cotton. Sweatshirts, shirts, dresses, sweatpants, and leggings are breathable, soft, and are gentle on the most sensitive skin whether worn on an epic outdoor adventure, to school, or around the house. I personally love the Gondola Ski Life Shirt with eye-catching yet simple graphics in gender neutral colors and the Sea Green Sweatshirt Dress. The Sweatshirt Dress is cozy and soft which makes it feel like wearing a hug. I wish Crann Organics existed my kids were little but am glad I have younger nieces and nephews I can buy for! 

Bracelayer Knee Stabilizing Compression Pants (from $95)

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become very protective of my knees because keeping them healthy is essential for daily mobility. I want to continue to work out, run, and ski on the same runs as my kids and Bracelayer provides the support I need to keep doing what I love. Bracelayer’s Knee Stabilizing Compression Pants for men and women provide improved knee support and stability. Their leggings and pants feature built-in compression knee braces that offer unparalleled levels of stability, balance, pain relief, and recovery capabilities when compared to traditional compression tights.

Bracelayer products feature their unique Tri-Tech Support Layer, which incorporates a thin layer of medical-grade, perforated neoprene around the knees and hips. This extra layer of compression helps to relieve knee pain and to provide extra support, stability, and protection to active and recovering knees. As someone who has worn knee compression sleeves under pants and doesn’t love the bunchiness, I love how Bracelayer combines compression tights with the functionality of knee sleeves to help people with active knees through their three different product lines:

  • KX Collection: The original line of knee brace compression pants boasts a supportive layer around the knees, hips, and lumbar area. Featuring an antimicrobial StabiLuxe compression base, reflective logos, and an elastic waistband, this collection combines functionality with athletic style.
  • KS Collection: Featuring Bracelayer knee support and built on supportive and luxurious StabiLuxe+ compression fabric bases, the KS collection is complemented by discreet logos, comfortable yoga-style drawstring waistbands, and convenient pockets for your phone and essentials. I’m a big fan of the KS1 Vent 7/8 Knee Support Compression Pants for regular recovery because yay pockets!
  • Thermal Alpine Collection: Bracelayer’s Alpine Collection features fleece lined thermal compression base layers in both KX and KS styles. Bracelayer sent me a pair of the Women’s KS1 Alpine Boot Cut 7/8 Thermal Base Layer with Knee Support that are super cozy. I look forward to fully trying them out under my ski pants on the slopes this winter!

Save 35% sitewide with code BlackFriday24 and free shipping over $150

Runner’s Knee Essentials from Alleviate ($191.20, regularly $239)

In addition to Bracelayer Compression Pants, my secret weapon for recovery is Alleviate’s Runner’s Knee Essentials that includes the Massage Blade and app-based Guided Recovery Program. This specially designed blade works to reduce pain from runner’s knee by activating muscles that support the knee joint to prevent flare ups and reduce muscle tension through deep tissue work. If DIY recovery sounds a bit daunting, the app-based Guided Recovery Program walks you through using the Massage Blade and a six-level exercise program that builds strength and stability in your lower kinetic chain easily and effectively. I found that using the Massage Blade with the Guided Recovery Program for 15 minutes a day greatly helped my runner’s knee so I can keep doing what I love. Alleviate systems and bundles are 20% off on their website through December 3. No code needed. 

AquaSprouts Fountain ($155.95, regularly $169.95)

Gardeners and others who love to spend time outside will appreciate the AquaSprouts Fountain. AquaSprouts Fountain adds a touch of beauty and a splash of life to any room or outdoor space with since it’s an eye-catching piece that has a water feature and a planter.  The fountain can be used as an aquaponic or hydroponic system, or a simple water garden to create a serene office space or add a splash of color to a patio in the warmer months. I love how versatile this kit is and the recipient will too!  

Treblab HD-Energy Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker ($69.97, regularly $129.97)

 

Bring the tunes to any outdoor adventure with Treblab’s HD-Energy Outdoor Portable Bluetooth Speaker. This 40 watt wireless speaker seamlessly connects to your Bluetooth phone and features up to 18 hours of playtime, is waterproof, and also serves as a power bank so you can charge your phone from it. Its size makes it perfect for providing background music when enjoying an outdoor fire pit with friends, at sports practice, or car camping.  

Splashproof Daytripper Tote and Pouches from Aloha Bags ($28.80, regularly $72)

 

Created by former flight attendants and best friends, Aloha Bags are one of my favorite items to take on outdoor adventures. Their leak-proof, splash-proof, and sand-proof totes and pouches are trusted travel companions for organizing and protecting my gear on the go. I love tucking a phone or a book inside a pouch to keep my items dry when poolside or at the beach or using them to organize things in my backpack. Their totes are lightweight and durable, making them great to carry-on or pack in your luggage. I have a Day Tripper that zips close and has a single outside zipper pocket, two inside zipper pockets, a Holo Holo Soleil, a multi-functional reversible tote with an open-top design, and pouches in different sizes. Aloha Bags are made for outdoor adventures and you can’t go wrong with anything from their product line! Check out the Deals section on the site to score a Day Tripper tote for $28.80, regularly $72

Foot Performance Essentials from Alleviate ($108.80, regularly $136)

When I first started training for half marathons, I developed Plantar Fasciitis. Wearing orthotics in my running shoes has worked for years but towards the end of the summer my PF symptoms flared up again. Fortunately, I won a Foot Performance Essentials bundle from Alleviate through a fellow runner and it has made all the difference! Foot Performance Essentials includes Performance Compression Socks to prevent fatigue and tightness, Arch Massager, and Recovery Balm. The Arch Massager is nothing short of magic. The two peaks and valley design works to massage away knots, tension, and pain in the hardest parts of my foot that my massage therapist can’t always fix in a session. I like to keep it by the couch so I can end my night with a 2-3 minute massage on both feet. It’s made a world of difference, especially when used with the Recovery Balm that also doubles as an anti-chafe stick for runs. Thanks to Alleviate’s Foot Performance Essentials, my feet feel ready to run another race benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital next weekend! Alleviate systems and bundles are 20% off on their website through December 3. No code needed. 

Skier Stoneware Dinner Collection (from $16)

West Elm’s Skier Stoneware Dinner Collection is perfect for serving a hearty breakfast before you hit the mountain for après ski. Plus for every St. Jude Holiday Skier Stoneware Dinnerware Collection product purchased, West Elm will donate 12% of the purchase price directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping to support research and treatment for pediatric cancer

Explorer Travel Blanket ($79.99)


If you’re in search of an adventure ready blanket, the Explorer Travel Blanket from Puffer Hug is the way to go. Whether you’re on a long flight, road trip, or just lounging at home, this blanket has you covered—literally. With a cozy foot pouch to keep your toes warm, a fleece-lined kangaroo zipper pocket to store your essentials, and convenient snaps to secure the blanket around your neck for hands-free napping, every feature is crafted for ease. And when it’s time to pack up, it effortlessly transforms into a compact pillow, saving you space and adding comfort to your journey. 

Naked Oats from Naked Nutrition ($29.99)

The best fuel for your body is food that supports lean muscle, stable energy, and optimal digestion and Naked Oats checks all those boxes and is delicious too. Naked Oats is a delicious and healthy way to start your day thanks to premium ingredients that require less than 30 seconds of prep time. Add two scoops of Naked Oats to 8 ounces of milk, shake, and chill five hours in the fridge to wake up to perfect overnight oats. It couldn’t be easier to have a delicious shake or oatmeal ready for you before a work, school, or a workout! Choose from 7 flavors: cinnamon roll, chocolate peanut butter banana, green apple cinnamon, blueberry cobbler, chocolate peanut butter, double chocolate, or strawberry cream. My personal favorites are cinnamon roll and blueberry cobbler!

NoxGear Phone Holder ($27.95, regularly $49.95)

One year I ran a half marathon with my Samsung S22+ in a waist belt. I thought it was secure but the day after the race I had a huge bruise and lots of soreness where the corner bumped against the small of my back for 13.1 miles. Not wanting to risk this injury again, I bought NoxGear’s Phone Holder. Designed to be worn on the left hand, the phone attaches with silicone straps that hold it in place. Two adjustable Velcro straps secure the holder to your left wrist and over the knuckles on your left hand. I loved how accessible my phone to take a photo or pause my Spotify playlist while running. I also like how there’s a hidden compartment to store my ID and credit card and the small stretchy pouch at the end can easily accommodate lip balm or energy gel. I personally purchased this product and have no regrets because it’s been my favorite way to hold my phone during long runs and races from the first time I ever used it.

Mozy Wearable Outdoor Thermal Wrap ($103.20, regularly $129)

Cheering kids on from the sidelines is a lot more comfortable with the Mozy Wearable Outdoor Thermal Wrap. Last spring I got a Mozy and it’s something I wish I had years ago to stay warm at fall soccer and early spring baseball games due. I loved that it kept me warm when the sun dipped too low in the sky and dry during a high school baseball game where the torrential downpour should have paused the game. Mozy Wrap is foldable, has a wrist strap for easy carrying, a big pocket for your phone or other belongings, and a carabiner clip to hold keys. Mozy is perfect around a fire pit, on camping trips, or when you need an extra layer between you and freezing cold bleachers. Flexible sizing means that one Mozy fits almost all body types.

Sportube Series 2 Ski Case ($224.95)

Our family has been thinking about getting a Sportube Ski Case for years and after finally buying one last year, we realized how much of a game changer it is. The adjustable hard travel case can hold equipment for various sports, features a lock, wheels, handle, and padded ends. We purchased the Series 2 Ski Case that holds two sets of skis and poles but there is also a Series 1 (good for 1 set of skis and poles) and a Series 3 that holds up to three sets of skis and poles. Any Sportube Ski Case makes a great gift for skiers who prefer to pack and fly with their skis on ski vacations. Now that we have one, I honestly don’t know why we waited so long to buy one! We love that our Sportube protects our skis and we’ve decorated it with stickers from our favorite mountains so it’s easy to spot among others at the oversize baggage claim. 

Alter Ego Hat ($59 get 10% off with code TechSavvyMama)

If you know me, you know I always exercise wearing a hat but not all hats are the same. I recently discovered Alter Ego Running whose hats come in various sizes which perfectly fit my small head. With different sizes to choose from and no shortage of designs, hat shapes, and styles, it’s easy to find an Alter Ego hat for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. Just visit the main page of their site and scroll down to the Find Your Fit section to learn about the different fits and shape features. I am an Alter Ego Ambassador which means I get free products and the opportunity to purchase products at a discount. I was not required to include Alter Ego in this gift guide but wanted to share their stuff because I love it!

Vintage Holiday Bamboo Blanket from BellaBuBear ($29.50, regularly $59)

Nothing is cozier than a soft blanket in the winter months and the Vintage Holiday Bamboo Blanket from BellaBuBear is exactly that. Measuring 45×60” and featuring a double layer reversible design, this blanket is crafted from a blend of rayon from bamboo and spandex. This makes it breathable, thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic, and moisture-absorbing, so it’s ideal for all climates and seasons.

Buzz Patch Mosquito Patch Stickers for Kids ($11.95, regularly $14.95)

As a mosquito magnet, I love the idea of BuzzPatch. This mosquito repellant sticker is made with all natural, plant-based essential oils so it’s non-toxic and DEET free. It provides instant and effective protection in the first 8 hours but continues to be effective for 24-72 hours. Kids love the colorful, cute smiley patterns that are comfortable to wear and fast to apply. Parents love that they can keep their babies, toddlers, and kids protected from mosquitos without the harmful chemicals. Each package of 60 Buzz Patches come in a small package so they’re perfect to take with you on outdoor adventures. They’re great for hiking, vacation, backyard, camping, patio, and parks but if you do get bitten, BuzzPatches Magic Itch Relief Patches can help soothe itchy skin fast with natural ingredients.

Goodr Sunglasses ($25-35)

While on a tropical work trip with my husband years ago, I was gifted a pair of Iced by Yeti Goodrs and our family has never been without Goodrs ever since. Everyone in our family has a favorite pair and style. I have multiple pairs and have worn them during our time in the Caribbean, on every adventure our family had in Alaska, while sailing the Florida Keys with a group of Scouts, around town, and on hikes with the dogs. I’m never without them and have multiple pairs to choose from. I love my Iced by Yetis for their reflective mirrored lenses, comfortable fit, the fact that they never ever slip (yes, even when coated in sunscreen for a week on a boat in the Florida Keys), and how the polarized lenses reduce glare and protect my eyes from UVA and UVB rays whether I’m walking the dog, on the beach, or kayaking in Alaska. My love for my Goodrs runs deep- so deep that I’m always stalking the Goodr site to see what pair I might need next!

Koala 2.0 Phone Harness ($34.50)

Last year I bought each member of our family Koala harnesses for Christmas and they’ve been one of the most worthwhile gifts! I’ve always been the one who worries about her phone slipping through her cold fingers while taking photos from the ski lift but with the Koala securely tethering my phone to my jacket, I haven’t had to worry.

The Koala 2.0 is for anyone who has ever worried about dropping their phone from a ski lift, off the side of the mountain while taking a photo of the view, in the water during a kayak adventure, or just because drops happen. I recently purchased Koala 2.0 for my entire family because  The Koala 2.0 slips around the corners of your phone and features a 3 foot cable that you can clip to your backpack or jacket to secure your phone if it happens to slip from your fingers. I love that the cable is long enough to hold away from you to take a group selfie when you reach the top but isn’t too long to add bulk to your pocket or get tangled when clipped to a backpack. Yes, there are cheaper versions on Amazon but I love that Koala 2.0 offers a lifetime warranty. The price of the Koala is worth it because it’s much less and more convenient than losing a phone while on an adventure.

Mabel’s Labels ($38.50 for the Starter Label Pack)

If you were to come over and look around our house, you’d spot Mabel’s Labels on absolutely everything! Laptop cables, portable chargers, headlamps, mess kits, jackets, skis, ski poles, ski helmets, bike locks, and even our canoe and paddleboard (and more!) have Mabel’s Labels stuck to them! Mabel’s Labels ensures our family’s gear gets back to us when lent out and doesn’t get mixed up with others’, especially when our skis and poles get piled up with others on racks outside the lodge. We also always know whose gear is whose, even in our own house!

Nuun Hydration Tablets  ($7.49 for a tube of 10)

Outdoor lovers and fitness enthusiasts know that water is only so helpful to staying hydrated. The truth is when you sweat, your body loses important electrolytes so even if you’re drinking water, you can still exhibit signs of dehydration which is why you need Nuun Hydration Tablets. I’ve been using Nuun for as long as I can remember to keep myself healthy and hydrated. Their tablets come 10 to a tube and with only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories. There are lots of delicious flavors (like Grape, Kiwi Strawberry, Blueberry Tangerine, Kona Cola-a fan fave) and so many more to choose from. While all Nuun products are designed to replenish important electrolytes, within the Nuun family there are tablets designed to give you a boost after a workout (Sport), help you stay healthy (Immunity or Vitamin), promote rest at the end of the day (Rest), or even super charge you with the addition of caffeine (Energy). My 17 year old loves the Lemon Lime to help him stay hydrated when hiking, backpacking, or skiing. I rely on the Sport line (Raspberry Lemonade is my fave!) to replenish electrolytes after a run or following an OrangeTheory workout. I also really love incorporating Immunity (love using Spiced Cider with hot water right now!) into what I consume daily to stay healthy during cold and flu season or to give my body a boost when I feel a cold coming on. Full disclosure- I’ve been a Nuun Ambassador for the past 5 years but have using their products for much longer. They are my hydration solution of choice over all the other brands!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

Below is the entire list of what you can look forward to this year. These links will go live as guides are published so bookmark or pin this post now so you can come back to it as you do your holiday shopping since I’ll be updating it often!

FAVORITE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES FROM LAST YEAR

In case you wanted to start making your shopping lists now, here’s a look at last year’s gift guides that are full of great ideas:

 

Note to PR: I am happy to accept items for review to consider for specialty guides which will publish through December. Please be specific about the products you’d like me to consider reviewing in your pitch and if you’re able to offer a reader giveaway. Giveaway items will be directly shipped to readers upon conclusion of the giveaway. Thanks for understanding I’m on a short deadline to publish gift guides and do not have the bandwidth to return samples during this extremely busy time of the year or send links once posts are live.