We all know somebody who loves to get outside in the winter, whether for skiing, skating, boarding, hiking, snowshoeing, or all of the above. Since the holidays tend to coincide with winter sports season, winter gear is always an awesome idea for holiday giving. Here are 10 perfect gifts for someone who loves winter sports.
Goggles are a key piece of gear for any winter sports enthusiast. Hence, they make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves winter sports. If you want to splurge, go big with the top-rated 4D Mag Goggles from Smith Optics. These goggles are hard to beat when it comes to comfort, lens quality, and field of vision.
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No matter what winter sport you’re involved in, keeping your head warm and your face protected from the elements is crucial. The Storm Sport Balaclava from Under Armour is an ideal head layer and makes an awesome stocking stuffer for winter sports fans. The balaclava is warm enough to be worn on its own, but lightweight enough to be used as a base layer under a helmet, hood, or hat. Speaking of which, you can pull down the facemask on the balaclava and wear it as a hood or neck gaiter—or roll the neck and mask up into a hat.
After a day on the slopes, on the trail, or on the ice, nothing hits the spot quite like a mug of hot something that warms you to the core with each sip. Your favorite snowhound will love the classic Legendary Bottle from Stanley, which will keep more than half a gallon of cocoa, coffee, or rum punch hot for up to 48 hours (In the summer, it’s also great for keeping beverages cold!).
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If you’re going to be outdoors in the winter, you need to keep your feet warm, and the best way to do that is choosing the right base layer. Smartwool PHD Socks have long been a staple for folks who love winter sports. They keep your feet warm and dry under your boots at even the most frigid temperatures.
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Winter sports are better with a soundtrack, and the best way to hear the music is through a headset designed for action, like the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds. They’re wireless, waterproof, and sweatproof. Best of all, with their low profile and long battery life, you’ll feel the music and not the earbuds.
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Warm hands make for more fun. Although certain sports call for more specialized gloves, a good pair of all-around gloves is necessary during the winter months, and the C-Touch Gloves from Carhartt fit the bill: warm, water-resistant, wallet-friendly, and touch-screen compatible. They make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who spends time outside in winter weather.
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No matter what you’re doing in the winter, you’re going to deal with slick spots and icy patches—which means traction is key consideration. Folks who walk, run or hike during the winter would love to unwrap a pair of Yaktrax traction devices. Yaktrax come in several styles designed for different activities and terrains. Check them out and choose the right pair for your winter sports lover.
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Folks who love winter sports need a warm mid layer to keep themselves dry and toasty in the cold weather and looking stylish for the apres-whatever scene. A fleece hoodie, like the Ridge from The North Face, is the perfect piece for outdoor performance and indoor chilling.
One thing that winter sports have in common is that they they all occur during winter—which means occasionally-treacherous conditions. One way to stay safe during your winter adventures, no matter how far afield or out of cell phone range you travel is to carry a satellite communicator. The Garmin inReach Mini offers worldwide coverage and GPS mapping in a compact package that would fit nicely in just about any stocking.
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There’s no better way to protect your favorite winter sports enthusiast from the elements than with a down jacket. The Regulator, from Outdoor Vitals, is a full-zip ultralight down hoodie that packs into the size of its own pocket—so you can take it anywhere—but fights off the chills when the temperatures dip down.
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