2024 Outdoorsy Girl Gift Guide: 25+ Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Women on Your List
If you are anything like me - you may have just realized this morning that the holidays are here and you have a few people left on your shopping list. Worry not, your favourite (online) outdoorsy big sister is here to help.
I have curated a few ideas to act as a starting point for any outdoor loving women on your list. Whether she is getting into (or falling back in love with) running, diving head first into hiking and backpacking or looking to cozy up and take the break we all know she deserves this season. I have got you covered.
I also threw in a few ideas with budget (both small and big) and even a few if she buys everything for herself the week before Christmas (or refuses to accept gifts).
These are all (with the exception of one - let me know when you find it) gifts that I have bought for myself over the years - that if they were caught in a fire I would, without hesitation, replace immediately and that I have purchased for he outdoors women in my life.
Happy holidays.
-Andrea
to make running (trail or road) more fun
As temperatures drop a great jacket that is the trifecta of breathable, wind resistant and warm is key. Plus - it looks great. I purchased the shell version of this jacket years ago (which is amazing for running and ski touring alike) years ago and just splurged on the insulated version and it is my go-to running layer this winter.
As someone who grew up in the sunniest city in Canada I am well aware of the struggles of keeping my head warm while the sun is in full force. A fun winter twist on my favourite running hat. A little bit of extra warmth without sacrificing a little shade in your loved one’s eyes.
A piece that will last her for years and leave an aggressive year round tan line on her wrist. I have had mine for three years now and have no need to upgrade or replace this watch. It not only covers my basic fitness tracking but also will help you plan for jet lag, give you the sunrise and set times (and lunar phase) and track your sleep all from your wrist. I would recommend the “s” version for women as the larger face sizes may not be comfortable or as accurate on smaller wrists.
My tried and true sunnies. I use these for everything from cycling to skiing to running to hiking. They got the smaller faces of women and are incredibly comfortable and protective.
Maybe not for trail running. But these are my go-to road running training shoe. They are comfortable and supportive and have carried me to run several personal best races along the way.
for hiking and backcountry camping
The best down jacket that I have (to date) ever purchased. It is made to keep you extra warm and it will. But I wear this more than any piece in my closet. From morning walks around the neighbourhood to winter road trips to cozy evenings at camp. I promise this is not only beautiful but will keep her warm (and happy).
Even in the winter the sun is strong (and if you are going on a warm vacation - even better). This midnight UPF 50 sun shirt is a staple in my closet and will keep her comfortable and protected from the sun’s damaging rays.
A super lightweight and comfortable pair of hiking pants that I also find incredibly flattering. REI Co-op knocked these out of the park. They mirror (and in a lot of ways out perform) their competitors such as the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant and the paAna Halle Straight Pants at a much more comfortable price point.
Three seasons in with this overnight bag I still love it as much as the day I got it. It is perfect for 1-2 night trips. It is incredibly comfortable and fits everything I need (and maybe too much of what I want but don’t need). It has been my go-to backpack for years.
When I thought about what you should think about getting the outdoorsy women in your life I thought about things I have picked up for my outdoorsy women. And these are an item I have gifted to more than one of my favourite ladies. They are incredibly comfortable with no break in period. This version is waterproof which makes them ideal for dewey morning grass and low level creek crossing. Also, they look great. A classic for a reason.
for cozy cabin, camps and mornings at home
A great set of base layers is key to cool temperature outdoor activities. But also great for a little pre and après adventure lounging. These versatile pieces will keep your favourite women comfortable and cozy all season long.
When all else fails - go with a classic. A super warm and coz rump blanket that is perfect for home, for camping and for cozy cabin trips.
I received my first pair of ReEmbers (back when they were just called Embers) as a Christmas gift and since it has become a staple for my gifting to loved ones. These come in a ton of colours and can be worn as a slid on with the back the week compressed or put into sport mode for a full slipper. They are warm and cozy and will make anyone on your list happy.
There is no going wrong with a classic cozy sweatshirt. I essentially lived in this sweatshirt all summer and still find myself reaching for it as winter is arriving. It is soft and warm and fits like a dream. It is also a unisex sweatshirt - so you can match!
No cabin morning would be complete without coffee (at least no cabin morning you would want to be at with me) - pick up a bag of her favourite beans and this portable coffee maker - great for home and camping too - and this Christmas gift for her makes everyones mornings a little better.
gifts under $25
There is no shortage of great camp mugs out there (or in my kitchen). But this one is my go-to and will be hers too. It keeps her coffee warm for hours and the textured matte finish is great at covering up the odd scratch from (if she is anything like me) the odd drop or spill.
I can not name someone who hikes and could not use new socks. I like the lower crew length because they fit above my boot (so my boot shaft does not chafe my ankles) but not obnoxiously tight and constrict my calves. They are great and always come out in super cute colours and patterns.
The only item on the list that I do not personally use but have had recommended to me more times than I care to count by many women I admire. Her very own pee cloth - don’t ask questions. It will make her feel a lot more comfortable in the backcountry.
The number of times I talk about this spoon… and/or donate it to whoever I run into at camp. I have started ordering these in bulk I feel so strongly that everyone needs one. If your outdoor lady eats dehydrated meals she needs this. The long handle keeps our hand safe from getting food all over it and the silicone tip acts as a spatula to get every last bit of goodness out of your MRE.
Alright, this one is actually $26. But I think it is worth the splurge. I ordered the Grand Canyon version as it was the site of my very first backpacking trip but it comes in a handful of US National Park designs and is a really great tool that every outdoorswoman should have.
and a few over $250 (views not included)
We are into the splurge category now. I wanted the Topstone 1 but it was out of stock and purchased the 2 for myself this summer and not only have I fallen in love with gravel cycling… but at least three people who have borrowed mine for a ride have gone on to purchase their own.
Bonus : this bike rack is incredible (because I needed a way tog et my impulse purchase back home to Canada and she may too)
After I make a big (expensive) purchase I always ask myself “if I lost these today would I re-buy them” and these are without fail a resounding yes. If someone on your list is an athlete, is running, training, doing a physically demanding job… these will be more than appreciated. They are an at-home, on-demand massage. They helped me recover from my races and prepare me for all that I ask of my body.
The only thing your perpetually chilly loved one will want more than a down jacket is a full down suit. I bought these for camping and hut trips and ski adventures… and I find myself wearing them while drinking coffee in the morning. They are incredibly warm and cozy and perfect for winters up north.
Name an outdoorsy lady that would not love a new tent. I had this one recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I highly value and I have not regretted it for one second. It is lightweight and easy to use with ample headspace and internal pockets galore. All of the trinkets have a a home in this tent.
This also does come in a non-auto shape - but if she loves car camping and long road trips (especially solo) this is the splurge gift for her. This mat makes the back of my car feel like the Ritz. A mix of foam and air makes this incredibly comfortable without sacrificing support.
for the no gifts (sometimes hard to) please
Pick up an annual interagency pass and explore a new National Park - we always put off visiting the National Parks near home (can I tell you how many Calgarians I know who ave never visited Banff!!) - pick up a park pass and head out into nature together.
Plan a Road-trip - this one may be more of a labour of love. Put in the hard work of planning and preparing a trip with her in mind.
And if planning isn’t really your strong suit - look into REI Adventures . REI Adventures takes all of the planning out of it. Head out on a trip with your favourite outdoorsy lady. Go local or international. Learn a new skill. This was how my mom and I got into backpacking - by taking a guided trip into the Grand Canyon!
Gear Tune-up - does your lady love to ride a bike but loathes the maintenance (guilty as charged). Surprise her by getting her bike tuned up and ready for the summer season, same goes with skis or snowboards. And if you are an REI member - you save 20% on bike & snow shop services, click here for all of the details and to find an REI service centre near you.
Book a unique weekend away - HipCamp. With cool properties all over the US and Canada (you can check out five of my favourites in California here) - you don’t need to go far to get away.
REI Classes and Events - learn new skills (maybe without the travel of the above adventures). Nothing brings people together faster than being terrible at something… together. Climbing, mountain biking, sailing… all top of my list of things I know I will be awful at but would love to learn some day.
Donate to a cause close to her heart - this will be a little bit more personal, think of something she loves and is passionate about and then donate in her name.
*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Thank you for your support!
