Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

Gifts for Every Adventurer (and Budget!)

As usual, year-end has snuck up on me.  With the holidays just around the corner, we're all struggling to find the perfect gift for everyone on our 'nice' list.  Never fear - we've got gift ideas for every type of outdoors enthusiast and every price range.  Try a budget-friendly stocking stuffer to show you're thinking of them, a middle-minded gift for somebody special, or, if you're really feeling generous, a budget-busting idea sure to maximize gift recipient enjoyment - and minimize bank accounts!

The Bird Watcher
For those who love all that's feathered.

Stocking-Stuffer: If you want to bring the birds to you there's no better way than a simple bird feeder.  At home or at the cabin, a cheery locale will mean endless viewing opportunities for the aviary lover on your list.

Middle-Minded: When you're trying to catch a glimpse of that elusive feathered friend, it pays to give your eyes a little boost.  If someone on your list considers hard-to-find sightings a mater of pride, why not treat them to a pair of quality eye-enhancers like the Bushnell Powerviews.

Budget-Blowing: for the ultimate bird watching experience, treat your gift-ee to some rare sightings from their own easy chair.  The incredibly rare Blue Mutation Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot retails for approximately $300,000.  Then again, you can "watch" it every day.  So real, cost-per-viewing figure is way lower.  It's practically earning you money.

The Directionally Challenged
If getting lost is more of a inevitability than possibility, these gifts might be just the thing:

Stocking-Stuffer: If you don't know where you're at, at least know which way is which with a compass.  Simple and reliable, sometimes the old ways really are the best. (Silva Polaris)

Middle-Minded: The new DeLorme PN-60w with SPOT messenger has won more awards than you can shake a stick at.  In fact, there'll be no need for stick-shaking when you're using this handy unit, with quick and precise GPS positioning, Topo American software for full-featured travel planning and routing, customized maps, and the ability to send SPOT messages and track location worldwide.  Everything but the kitchen sink all in the palm of your hand.

Budget-Blowing: For the truly navigation-incapable, you could always take matters out of their hands entirely.  Hiring a personal chaufer to ferry them around will run you around $500-$1000 a day.  At least if they get lost, they'll have some company.

The Canoe Lover
Winter's hard for paddle enthusiasts.  Help tide them through with a canoe-themed gift or two.

Stocking-Stuffer: wanted to get them a canoe, but weren't sure how to get it under the tree?  Santa feels your pain - let them know your heart was in the right place with this fun tree ornament

Middle-Minded: for those who like to make paddling a family affair, why not gift a canoe drop seat?  It's a great way to turn a two-seat canoe into a comfortable paddle for three, or to make a regular canoe fit for solo paddling.  Anyone who's every tried to paddle from the duffer's seat knows this unassuming bit of metal and foam is actually pure luxury.

Budget-Blowing: The world's most expensive canoe is..... not even water worthy?  It's true: the dubious achievement of 'most money paid for a canoe' seems to belong to the 1991 painting "White Canoe" by artist Peter Doig. The artwork fetched an astonishing $10 Million at auction.  On the plus side, it is more portable than a full-sized boat, so the portages should be easy.

The Traveler Extraordinaire
Have they got feet that just never stop itching?  Try these gifts - if they're home for the holidays to get them!

Stocking-Stuffer: Gear security should always be travel #1.  You can't protect against everything, but show your travel-lover you've got their safety in mind with a valuables travel pouch.

Middle-Minded: When you're living out of your backpack, there's nothing more luxurious than some padding and a support strap or two. Treat your vagabond to a brand new bag with the latest in comfort and function. It might be your only chance hear the words "Wow! a rain guard!" spoken with no trace of sarcasm.

Budget-Blowing: A RTW ("Round the World") ticket will run you around $4000-$5000, but think of all the possibilities!  It'd certainly be a gift to remember.... just request that as the giver, you're exempt from sitting through the 20,000-photo sideshow upon their return.

The Dog Lover
What do you get "man's best friend"'s best friend?

Stocking-Stuffer: For the canine-walker, there is no greater frustration then to be found without a plastic bag when needed.  Solve their number-2 woes and encourage eco-friendly disposal with the Silverfoot Poo Pouch.  100% degradable bags will be right at their fingertips with this pouch small enough to clip on to a leash or backpack.

Middle-Minded: If your dog's used to coming with, it's about time their carried their own weight!  A dog backpack lets your pooch help with the load without interfering with the dog's stride or comfort.  Built to withstand the extreme punishment of a dog in the bush, in sizes to accommodate a range of canines.

Budget-Blowing: For the ultimate in doggy luxury, their pooch can lounge in style with a luxury dog kennel; 250,000 lbs will get you a sound system, temperature controlled beds, and a canine retinal scanner so Fido doesn't bring home any unexpected pals.  Because with a crib this ballin, he's going to want to host all the block parties.

The Party Animal
For those who really know how to have a good time...

Stocking-Stuffer: The Can-Panion is a great multi-use accessory, providing hands-free drink holding in your canoe, kayak, fishing boat, ATV or campfire chair.  Wherever their adventures take them, at least their beverage will be close-by.

Middle-Minded: For those who like to take the party with them, the GSI adventure travel bar makes a great companion.  Take a little spirit on the trail with this 7-piece kit featuring 2 flasks, 2 acrylic tumblers, a cocktail shaker, and a cutting board all in a handy carrying case.

Budget-blowing: At $225,000 a bottle, it's probably fair to call the Ley .925 Platinum & White Gold tequila the most expensive hangover money can buy.  On the plus side, after the liquor's gone the case should fetch more than your standard 10 cent bottle return.

The Trail Chef
It takes a special kind of talent to turn dehydrated foodstuffs into gourmet meals - show your back-country chef a little loving

Stocking-Stuffer: The holidays are a time of decadence and gluttony - it's unlikely you'll find spam or plain oatmeal among your Christmas dinner.  Remind them of simpler times with a fun trail breakfast tree ornament!

Middle-Minded: Trail cooking takes a little pizazz, a whole lot of lovin' and just the right gear.  Make them feel like they've got the comforts of a home kitchen with a streamlined and effective cookset.  New developments have made cook-sets lighter and more durable than ever, with great versatility and small pack-size.  This 'aint your parent's camping pot!

Budget-Blowing: Sometimes there's no nicer gift than to let someone take it easy for a while.  Try hiring a personal chef for your next adventure.  A weeks' worth of meals will run you around $500, plus groceries - though getting them to agree to come camping in the first place will probably run you extra.

Still not sure what to get your outdoor adventurer? Subscribe to the Blog on a Log so you don't miss our next post on great gifts under $20!

Photos via creative commons on Flickr.  Dog: jpctalbot, beer: viZZZual.com, birds: Todd Barnard, map users v1ctor, travelers: tjk, trail cook: OakleyOriginals