I could never care less what was under the tree, besides the homemade bread my father would make, digging into my stocking was always my favorite part of Christmas morning. It was the little thoughtful things that made it into my stocking that made me feel special, the little things that define who I was or where I was headed. So this Christmas, pack your lady’s stocking to the brim with gifts to inspire travel and outdoor adventure!
1) Buff Headbands
Having collected a half dozen Buff Headbands throughout the years, I can swear by their awesomeness. Having slightly unruly curly hair, these babies have kept my hair under control and out of my eyes at very important times! Buff headbands are great for running, backpacking, and yoga, perfect for traveling when it has been several days from a hair wash, and classy enough to wear to work. They wick sweat, protect against UV rays, and look darned cute.
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2) GSI Wine Glasses
The GSI Stemless Wine Glass is like the weeble wobble of all wine glasses. The stemless design provides the glass with a low center of gravity so it is surprisingly stable on uneven surfaces like rocks, dirt, and camp tables. The bulgy bottom keeps it from tipping over even when you’re tipsy. The glasses are great for both hot and cold drinks and available in stainless steel and BPA free plastic.
Where to Buy?
3) Darn Tough Socks
It is going to be a Darn Tough Christmas at my house this year. I discovered these socks in the last year and have worn nothing since. I use the cushion socks for cycling, the no-show ultra-lights for running, and the knee socks for work. They are seriously as tough as they say and they come with a lifetime guarantee with no strings attached so the company must totally believe in their toughness. Darn Tough socks come in all sorts of styles and cushion levels and plenty of great color combos.
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4) Quick Drying Travel Undies
It wouldn’t be Christmas in my family without at least one pair of underwear in my stocking. This year I am hoping for another pair of Icebreaker’s quick drying travel underwear. Icebreaker undies are made from super soft merino wool (not itchy one bit!) which is naturally odor resistant and moisture-wicking keeping you feeling awesome on multi-day trekking trips and all life’s adventures.
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5) Bananagrams
So why is Bananagrams on a list of the best stocking stuffer ideas for the outdoor traveler? Well because this game rocks, it is small and compact and offers hours of fun especially when paired with a full GSI wine glass. You can play from one to up to ten players and it doesn’t require anything else (pen, paper, etc.) to play, just everything in the banana so it is great for travel.
Where to Buy?
6) Bars, Gels, and Almond Butter
Bars, gels, and almond butter make a great stocking filler for the outdoorsy, travel-loving gal. Check out the little packets of Justin’s Almond or Peanut Butter, they are cute and tasty and the Vanilla Almond Butter is my personal favorite.
Where to Buy?
- Your local grocery store or Whole Foods
7) Bamboo Utensil Set
The To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set is a great for work as it is for the road. The kit includes a spoon, knife, fork, and even chopsticks, all made from lightweight and super strong bamboo. All the utensils fit into a small case made from recycled plastic and there is even a built-in carabiner on the top so you can clip it to your pack. The set is available in a ton of fun colors like orange, purple, reds, and teal.
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8) Personal Coffee Press
Coffee is practically synonymous with the outdoors and a baby personal coffee maker is great for road trips, backpacking treks, and car camping fun. The GSI Personal Java Press comes with a separate mug and carafe, which lets you brew your coffee in the press portion and than pour into the insulated mug. It is compact, durable, easy to whip up some brew.
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9) Compression Socks
I would be stoked to find some new compression socks in my stocking this year or if you are creative you could use the sock as the stocking although it would be hard to pack much in there. Compression socks are great and they make a great gift idea for trail runners, they are thought to increase blood flow during activity and rest to maximize athletic performance and recovery. Compression socks can help shin splints, pulled muscles, and achilles issues and they can keep your legs feeling great during flights and long drives. I highly recommend the CEP socks since they come with a 6-month guarantee and plus they come in a bunch of cute colors and look pretty fun too.
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10) Plane Tickets, Hotel Reservations, Fun!
A co-worker of mine is considering placing the sex of her baby in an envelope for her husband this Christmas. She is six months pregnant and her and her husband originally decided to not find out what they are having, but her husband has since changed his mind and really wants to find out. I can’t think of a better way to find out what you are having than open an envelope together on Christmas morning, other than waiting for the birth I guess, and well this got me to thinking that no physical gift is better than the gift of experience. So give your significant other the gift of experience this Christmas perhaps some plate tickets to Hawaii or just a getaway to a neighboring town.