Holiday Gift Guide 2011
By Jenny Willden, Melissa McGibbon and Rachael Hodson
Spoil a loved one, or just stuff a stocking, with these unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. Pick the type of person you’re shopping for below, then choose a gift. The most affordable items are listed first with budget busters at the end. For more options visit sportsguidemag.com.
Globetrotters
GoPicnic® Ready-to-Eat Meals
Ensure loved ones eat healthy on long flights or drives with GoPicnic’s shelf stable, organic boxed meals. With five varieties to choose from, everyone can enjoy these wholesome fiber- and protein-packed foods. The Hummus + Crackers pack features dip, seed crackers, dried edamame, dried fruit, nuts and dark chocolate. $5 gopicnic.com
Lug Tango Travel Wallet
Minimize travel stress with this smart, spacious wallet. A boarding pass flap keeps tickets accessible and passports, cards, pen and cash all have their own spot. The wrist strap and zipper secures valuables. $29 luglife.com
Kiva Designs Compress-It™ Cubes
Help travelers save on checked bag fees by compressing clothing to half its size with packing cubes. They’re also great for organizing electronic gear or toys while traveling. $30 kivadesigns.com
SmartWool Ultra Comfy Sock Trio
Pre-boxed for easy gifting, luxurious wool socks are great for travel and everyday wear. Each box includes three different wool blend pairs in a variety of colors and styles. $50 smartwool.com
Merrell Women’s Adventure Rest Precipice Jacket
Functional for backpacking in the Uintas or Europe, this jacket is filled with earth-friendly PrimaLoft® Eco™ insulation and has a DWR finish and hood to keep you dry. Transforms into a neck pillow when you’re not wearing it. $129 merrell.com
ExOfficio Men’s Storm Logic Jacket
This packable jacket is a frequent flyer’s dream. With dedicated interior pockets for glasses, passport, tickets and the ability to convert it from jacket to plush neck pillow, you won’t want to give it away. $150 exofficio.com
Dakine 65L Split Roller and EQ Bag
Luggage is always a popular gift, especially if it’s as functional as it is good looking. This Dakine duo is made of durable 600 D Polyester and will suit any traveler’s needs. The roller’s clamshell-style opening allows for easy access and fits enough for a week away or three. The EQ Bag is a great carry-on with U-shaped zip for easy access and a padded shoulder strap. Roller $185, EQ Bag $35 dakine.comLittle Rascals
Exxel Outdoors Disney 4-piece Kid’s Camp Set
A surefire way to entice kids to bag the game controller and explore their backyard is by slapping their favorite Disney characters onto sleeping bags and tents. Sturdy fiberglass shock-corded tent poles prop up this water repellent tent while the mesh ceiling opens up the sky for stargazing. The sleeping bag is warm enough for summer nights, and it comes with a backpack/stuffsack and flashlight. $30 target.com
Julbo Looping 1 Sunglasses
Let baby flip and flop these sunglasses all day long. The reversible frames have no uncomfortable hingesand are made for newborns to 18-month-olds. The wraparound style provides complete coverage and an elastic strap keeps them in place. $32 julbousa.com
Hi-Tec Big Fit Kid’s Hiking Shoes
Save on kids shoes with the innovative Big Fit system, which is comprised of an insole and volume adjuster inside the boot. As the child’s feet grow, remove the volume adjuster and gain an extra 2/3 size, adding about three extra months of use to the shoes. $35 hi-tec.com
Motorola Talkabout® MJ270R Radios
Whether they’re calling Star Command or Dad, your kids will freak having their very own walkie-talkies in their hands. Blip from up to 27 miles away, and unlike cell phones, you won’t have to worry about dropping them in the snow or losing your signal. The radios come equipped with NOAA weather channels, a built-in flashlight and emergency alert siren. Plus you get two free, colored faceplates. $47 per pair walmart.com
Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 Digital Camera
No need to worry when your little Ansel Adams reaches for the digital camera. For just a few dollars more than you’d pay for play cameras, you’ll get a worry-free camera that takes decent photos. It’s not ruggedized, but it is sand, dirt and waterproof (up to 10 feet), and sized just right for tiny hands. Shoots 12MP, takes AA batteries and uses SD memory cards. The controls are simple enough for a 5-year-old, but bigger kids will dig the instant upload to their favorite photo-sharing websites. $55 store.kodak.com
Leki Drifter Vario S Ski Poles
They beg and beg and beg, and it’s finally time for their first set of ski poles. Maximize your yield with the Drifter Vario S. Adjustable from 36–48 inches; you won’t have to buy them another pair until high school. $99 thesportloft.com
Chaco Loyalist EcotreadTM
Start ‘em early. You don’t have to wait for summertime to get your little explorers their own set of Chacos. The Loyalist for girls and the PedSheds for boys will take busy feet on first adventures. The suede leather shoes are built with the same arch support and long-lasting, non-marking sole that elevated the brand. $120 chacos.comTechaholics
FUSE InTuneTM Headphones
Stuff a stocking with genre-specific, fully optimized headphones. The Rap set features extra bass and the Pop set pumps the mid-range up. Available in Jazz/Classical, Rap/Hip Hop, Rock/Blues/Country and Pop/Easy Listening, these headphones make a big difference in your favorite jams’ sound quality. $25 fuseplusyou.com
Pelican® i1015 Case
Tired of replacing that broken phone? Protect iPhones from mayhem with a crushproof, airtight Pelican case. Guaranteed for life, this case guards gadgets from dust, splashes and drops, but not full water immersion. Fits iPhoneTM, iPod ClassicTM and iPod TouchTM. $40 pelican-case.com
G-Form Extreme EdgeTM for iPadTM
Drop a bowling ball on an iPadTM worry free…if it’s in this G-Form sleeve. Don’t believe us? Watch their YouTube test for proof. Made of soft, flexible, water resistant PORON® XRD™ and proprietary G-Form materials, this sleeve change its molecular structure on impact to absorb shock and prevent damage. $60 g-form.com
Sony Walkman NWZ-W260
Ditch the cord and hit the gym with Sony’s latest MP3 player. Water and sweat resistant, the player’s built into the headphones for cord-free cardio. In a hurry? Just a three-minute charge yields a full hour of playback. 2GB $60, 4GB $80 sony.com
LifeProof™ iPhoneTM 4/4S Case
Shield an expensive phone from rain, snow, spills and drops with this sleek, slim case. Weighing less than an ounce and adding only 1/16” to phone, it allows access to the touchscreen and is completely waterproof. Perfect for shooting video or pictures while skiing or swimming. $70 lifeproof.com
Drift HD Camera
Let your adrenaline junkie capture their POV superhero moments by attaching this camera to a pair of goggles or a helmet. This small, but powerful, video camera has rotating lens, remote control, playback LCD screen and a night mode. $369 driftinnovation.comBackcountry Explorers
Eagles Nest Outfitters Twilights
Add mood lighting to a tent or hammock with this string of 23 battery-operated LED lights. Plenty bright for a tent, they’re a lightweight, space-saving alternative to lanterns. Also perfect for decorating mini Christmas trees. $19 eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com
Princeton Tec® Customized Fuel Headlamp
Pink and purple, all black or rainbow? Let your friend decide with a custom headlamp gift card. These compact 43 lumen lamps are made in the USA and are fully color customizable. Just have them visit Princeton Tec’s site, pick the colors and eagerly await the deliveryman’s arrival. $35 princetontec.com
Spenco FLOW Warm Insoles
Warmer feet make for happier hikers. Keep your family’s toes thawed using these insoles with a reflective thermal barrier foil layer to retain body heat and air channels to circulate warm air. $35 spenco.com
Primus Express Lander Stove
Minimalist backpackers will shout with glee if this lightweight stove is under the tree. Weighing just 6.2 ounces, the Express Lander folds to fit in the palm of your hand and functions in temperatures as cold as 0 degrees F. It’s a cinch to operate, and you can get a refillable fuel canister to reduce waste. $79 primuscamping.com
High Peak Trango 65 Backpack
Whether camping for the weekend or trekking through the Alps, this spacious, hydration compatible pack is ready for adventure. Features adjustable sizing from extra small to large, separate sleeping bag compartment, ice ax loop and compressions straps. Weighs three pounds six ounces. $140 highpeakusa.com
Sierra Designs Pyro 15 Sleeping Bag
Award winning and roomy, this toasty 600-fill down sleeping bag is a gift that keeps on giving. Features Core Comfort Technology, which puts extra fill over the torso and around feet for warmth without excessive bulk. Compresses small with a no-snag zipper that glides like butter. $249 sierradesigns.comPavement Predators
Joshua Tree Embrocations
Jumpstart cold muscles for training or competition with natural warming creams. Three potencies and aromas are available, each endorsed by pro cyclists: Eucalyptus No Heat (Adam Craig), Spiced Mid Heat (Kelli Emmett) and Citrus Full Heat (Brian Matter). The hands-free applicator lets you apply on the go. $12 jtreelife.com
RoadID Slim
Stuff your favorite runner’s stocking with a personalized RoadID for safety and peace of mind. Each band is engraved with their emergency contact information so first responders can contact loved ones quickly. $16 roadid.com
FuelBelt Revenge R20
Free your hands, and run with water, gels and other essentials using this one-size-fits-all belt. Features molded holsters for quick, one-handed entry and exit and a zip pocket for stowing valuables. $42 fuelbelt.com
Pearl Izumi Arm and Leg Warmers
Welcome gifts for any cyclist, Pearl Izumi’s thermal fleece warmers are toasty, but won’t overheat you. The anatomic design eliminates bunching for a precise fit while a nylon face sheds water in storms. Arm $30, Leg $45 pearlizumi.com
CW-X Stabilyx Insulated Tights
Don’t let cold weather ruin outdoor training plans. These tights use temperature-regulating fabric and have Support Web™ bands to stabilize the knee and reduce vibration. They ride a bit high, but this design supports your core for a more efficient stride. $120 cw-x.com
PrAna Kari Jacket
Keep your bike commuter warm in the stylish wool blend Kari. This hooded jacket is lined with soft fleece for cozy riding without a mid-layer, and looks cute enough to sport in a chilly office. $165 prana.comWinter Worshipers
CLIF BAR Seasonal Flavors
Spiced Pumpkin, Peppermint Stick and Iced Gingerbread...no, this isn’t the menu for your next holiday party, they’re Clif Bar’s tasty winter flavors. Made from organic ingredients with a blend of carbs, protein and fiber, these healthy treats are fuel for long ski days. CLIF BAR donates 1% percent of seasonal bar sales to Winter Wildlands Alliance. $1.39 each clifbar.com
Chaos Adrenaline2 Dri-release Skully
Most body heat is lost from the top of your head; so covering your skull in winter is a no brainer. Get this Dri-release wool liner for someone that freezes on the slopes. It’s best worn under a helmet or hat to hold heat while eliminating odor and perspiration. $17 chaoshats.com
FITS® Light Ski Socks
Socks are a standard holiday gift, but FITS® Merino wool socks are anything but average. Their deep heel pocket, smooth toe seam, durable fabric and contoured leg make them stand out from other brands. The Light socks offer extra cushioning in heel, toe and shin for comfort in boots. $22 fitssock.com
POW Men’s Sultan GTX Gloves
Your man will pack a punch on the slopes in his new POW GORE-TEX® powered gloves. Made of goatskin leather with a GORE-TEX® insert, hands stay dry and there’s a soft thumb for wiping snot. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather is included to keep gloves waterproof longer. Ladies will love the Verlot GTX Mitt. $100 powgloves.com
SmartWool Midweight Pattern Hooded Top
Keep the chill off your lady with this stylish, wicking wool hoody that’s a perfect baselayer. The fitted hood keeps ears warm under a ski helmet while thumbholes provide full wrist coverage. $115 smartwool.com
Smith Women’s Phase Goggles
Sick of being nagged about foggy goggles? Get her the fog-free Phases with patented Vaporator lens technology for optimal vision and happier ski days. Based on the popular men’s Phenom, these spherical beauties prevent distortion, and the silicone strap keeps them snug for a stable ride. $130 smithoptics.com
Merrell Men’s Shadow Mountain Coat
Take on the slopes or the city with this handsome coat made from stylish herringbone fabric. Low-bulk insulation and a mesh back panel regulate heat, and the waterproof chest pocket protects your electronic goods. $189 merrell.comLast Minute Shopping:
Patagonia Down Sweater
Give the gift of simulated sleeping bag comfort with this ultralight windproof down sweater. The 800-fill goose down is highly compressible, tear-resistant, and delivers high-loft warmth at a very reasonable price. Patagonia will even recycle your old puffy for you—check out their Common Threads Initiative. $250 patagonia.com
Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones
For the audiophile who needs high quality headphones that offer unrivaled comfort and performance the Sennheiser HD 558 Headphones are perfect. They are lightweight and have plush velour padding and are outfitted with Sennheiser’s innovative E.A.R. technology which ensures accurate channeling of audio signals into the wearer’s ears. $249 sennheiserusa.com
Athleta Half-Mile Hoodie
For the ladies who want high performance and equally high style, check out Athleta’s lightest-weight sport performance jacket. Its moisture wicking, breathable, and semi-fitted so it’s cut to flatter. It features thumbholes and a rear pouch pocket for stashing necessities. $89 athleta.com
Athleta Isle Half Mitts
If you’re in search of stocking stuffers for the everyday active woman, get these Isle Half Mitts by Athleta. She’ll surely adore these stylish accessories are made from soft cashmere to keep her hands warm. $30 athleta.com
Athleta Button Beanie
Finding a beanie that fits well and is cute can be tough. Athleta’s crochet Button Beanie is an easy choice. It goes with everything and is inspired for adventure traveling, climbing and hiking. $29 athleta.com
