Tis the season to celebrate the globetrotters and nature lovers among us! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect holiday gifts for the adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life, look no further. Our 2023 Christmas gift guide is packed with ideas that will make their journeys more memorable, their expeditions more exciting, and their holiday season even brighter. FTC: * This post contains affiliate links and I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase after clicking on affiliate links. If you do–thank you! It helps keep my site running.
Gregory Gear
I’ve got the perfect set up for your holiday travel. The non-nonsense Quadro Carryon 22 and the Border 18 combo. The Quadro is an ideal carryon with heavy duty zippers, organization, smooth wheels, a comfortable handle and a built-in TSA friendly lock make this baby shine. All bags should come with this stuff!
The perfect match for this is the Border 18 which makes and ideal personal item on the plane. It holds all the stuff you need in flight or in-car during a road trip. It also serves as your daypack while you’re on your trip. My favorite thing about this bag is the slot in the back to slip over your roller bag. I have a couple of packs like this but the design flaw is that they sit upright, throwing off the balance. The Border slides over the handle sideways. So smart! It also has great inner organization and of course, a pocket for your laptop. It’s perfection and would make a great gift for travelers.
Outdoor Research Coldfront II Down Vest
OR has a new down vest that is plush and luxurious called the Coldfront II Hooded Down Vest. I love the clean lines and simple look. An ultra luxe furry fleece neckline is so cozy and comfy and a 700 fill keeps you warm. This is more fashion forward than a lot of the more technical OR stuff you might be used to. You’ll have the quality and toughness that you expect with extra cute-ness.
Pistil Accessories
My favorite accessory brand, Pistil Designs, has some great gift options starting with this Isabetta Headband and Mitten set. They make the BEST Trucker hats, check out the Viva Trucker. It comes in a gorgeous Orchid purple that I’m partial to, but all their colors are beautiful and saturated which is so refreshing with all the drab color palates out there. Finally, their scarves are wonderful and besides being a perfect traveler gift, you need one for yourself for all that holiday travel. They keep you warm on flights (Pistil’s are extra big and can double as shawls), they also give you a nice pop of color with outfits. The Caramel Scarf is buttery with a gorgeous southwestern trade blanket inspired motif.
Kari Traa
Kari Traa is the go-to for base layers, especially this time of year. They are bright and festive and solid enough to be worn without other layers. This year I’m loving the Else Collection with the fun combination of Norwegian pattern and stripes. The sail gray is GORGEOUS. Soft 100% washable merino wool helps regulate your temperature and keep you dry on your snowy adventures. They are also odor resistant and perfect for travel. This Henley style Else top and matching Else pant is just fine to wear at home as winter inspired loungewear or pjs too! I think I’m going to have to grab a couple more during their Black Friday sale.
Roka Glasses
This summer I totally fell in love with Roka’s sunglasses. I couldn’t believe how light they were–I would forget they were even on my face. I was thrilled to find out that the prescription glasses are also extremely light weight and feel so comfortable. This has probably ruined me for my other glasses because now everything feels heavy compared to the Rokas. My mind was already made up about Roka but then I heard neuroscientist and ophthalmology professor Andrew Huberman talking about them in his podcast which made me appreciate them even more. Check out the Mayfield for men and women. They are pleasing to the touch with a matte finish and feel so good on my face I can’t even believe it’s possible to wear glasses this comfortable. They’d make a killer gift, and if you don’t have someone in mind, consider treating yourself.
Royal Robbins
Royal Robbins offers travel friendly clothing great for gifting to wanderlusters. I am loving the Mystic Cardigan made with merino wool and recycled materials. The gray is especially lovely and it’s perfect as a layer while traveling from on-the-plane coziness going out to dinner. For something warmer, check out the Badlands Cable Turtleneck also made from merino wool and recycled materials. This is a heavier option that provides that added warmth when you need it. Wool is great for travel because it regulates temperature and doesn’t hold odor.
Acorn Slippers
Slippers are always a sure thing for holiday gifts and Acorn has some great options. The Collapsible Heel Acorn Moc which has that cozy sherpa top, indoor-outdoor soles and that collapsable heel so you can wear them like slides. For more warmth, check out the Ela Bootie which is made from recycled materials and suede. It comes in natural and black and is as functional as it is cute with that same indoor/outdoor sole that will get you to the mailbox or dog walks.
Free Fly
Free Fly’s buttery soft bamboo fleece make a luxurious gift for men and women on your list. I love that they use organic materials and their styles are basic wardrobe staples we all need. Free Fly pieces in my closet have quickly become favorites for their comfort and function. They’re also great for travel. Check out this Bamboo Lightweight Fleece Hoodie. It’s soft and cozy and comes in some great colors. The Lightweight Bamboo Fleece Jogger Slim is a good pick for the bottoms providing comfort and just enough warmth. I’m wanting both of these in every color!
YouthLab
You know how you can get puffy when you travel? The flying, the food you’re not used to, the stress…? YouthLab’s Rollers de-puff, reduce tension, and allows for better moisture absorption. I love that these are so portable and travel friendly. They’ll perk you up when you’re dealing with jet lag and dehydrated skin that can come with flying. Germanium powder infused stones on the rollers are said to have a detoxifying effect. I find them super soothing and relaxing.
The Radiance Roller is singular and you can keep it in your bag for a refresh any time. The Revolution Roller is a dual roller that vibrates, so you get more of a massage. They are both cool to the touch and as someone who gets migraines, I find them both relieving for that. YouthLab also has an Eye & Face Massager and Acupressure Tool that utilizes red and blue light to reduce inflammation. It also has heat and vibration to stimulate blood flow. These come in gift-worthy bright pink boxes and make a great presentation.
Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Backpacker’s Pantry has the perfect stocking stuffer for your space travel aficionados–Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwiches. This is the original freeze-dried ice cream developed for NASA in the 1960’s. They come in various flavors like Neapolitan and Vanilla. Ready to eat right out of the bag, they are perfect for camping, hiking and backyard stargazing nights with the kiddos.
Fraser Fir Santa Candle
What’s Christmastime without the smell of trees? These Santa’s Naturals candles use essential oils and really do smell like a Fraser Fir. I love the retro Santa artwork. They come in the small tins, large tins and tea lights, and would be a great stocking stuffer or host gift.
