9 Last Minute Gifts to Buy From Your Local Gear Shop
If you’re in need of a last minute holiday gift, don’t risk delivery delays or supply chain issues. Head over to your local gear shop where you can support a small business and get that immediate gift gratification. We’ve rounded up our top gear shop picks that are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!
1. Treat Your Loved One to a Tune-up or Custom Boot Fit
Gear tune-ups are important, but always an annoying thing to pay for. If your friend or family doesn’t DIY their tune-ups, treating them to one for their skis, snowboard, or mountain bike is an awesome gift. Or, if they’re always complaining about their ski boots hurting, send them over to a boot fitter and pay for the service. You can’t go wrong either way!
Custom boot fitting at Boot Mechanics in Golden, CO
2. Packable Hammock
No matter who you need a gift for, a packable hammock is sure to be a hit. These are easy-to-use — all you need is two anchor points (think trees). A packable hammock is perfect for your friend to nap in at camp or even set up in their backyard. Grab straps and carabiners as an added bonus.
Top pick: ENO DoubleNest
Three hammocks are better than one
3. Water Bottle
Everyone needs a water bottle, or five, in their life. There’s nothing better than a fresh water bottle to head into a new year of adventures! Gear shops typically have great selections of bottles so you’re sure to find something you’re looking for.
Top pick: Nalgene 32oz and EcoVessel 24oz
4. Camping Pillow
Camping pillows are not just for tents. For any type of traveler, these pillows are a must-have. They’re great during road trips or plane rides when you need to catch some ZzZs. Or when the budget hotel pillows are a little stiff, having an alternative option is key for all the picky sleepers out there.
Top pick: Klymit Drift Camping Travel Pillow
If you’re in a pinch, a dog also works as a pillow
5. Gear Ties
Gear ties are an awesome gift for any hiker, camper, biker, skier, climber, organizer, OCDer, DIYer, or traveler. We are addicted to the large assortment of gear ties Nite Ize has to offer. You can never have too many, so they’re a great gift for anyone!
Top pick: Nite Ize Gear Tie Assorted ProPacks
Perfect for hanging shoes or wet clothes from your backpack!
6. Small Camping Items
Forks, bowls, spatulas, cups and other essential camping items are great gifts! Even if your friend or family already has a full kitchen set, it’s great to have a second set in case someone forgets something or you lose something. Better yet, level-up their camping chef game with a full set of cooking utensils and gadgets!
Top pick: GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set 24
7. Adventure Snacks
Head to your neighborhood retail shop to buy trail and slopes snacks locally. No need to get these bad boys shipped across the country as gear shops are typically stocked to the brim with all the goodies you need!
Top pick: Honey Stinger Cracker Bars and Bobo’s Oat Bites
8. Sleeping Bag Liner
If you’ve never had a sleeping bag liner, you’re missing out. Not only do they keep your sleeping bag fresh and clean after a long day on the trail, they also can help keep you warm while you sleep! Most gear shops will have these in stock and they’re a great item for anyone who spends time under the stars.
Top pick: Therm-a-Rest Sleep Liner
9. Shop-Branded Gear
Having a hard time coming up with a gift for someone? You can’t go wrong with a local shop branded t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hat. They’re never going out of style and your loved ones can always use another an extra tee in their closet.
Local Denver Gear Shop, Feral, has lots of branded gear to choose from
These days most of us turn to purchasing holiday gifts online, but don’t forget about that awesome little gear shop down the street. Chances are you could walk in there and find a helpful employee who could help put together the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Here’s some extra beta on local gear shops we think are rad…one of these might just be in your area!
If you’re an Outdoor Prolink Pro, you can get these gifts at outdoorprolink.com. If you work in the outdoor industry and aren’t an Outdoor Prolink member, sign up here!
About the Gear Tester
Kelly Knauf leads the marketing team at Outdoor Prolink. She is a mountain lover, outdoor enthusiast, and professional snack packer. By day she answers emails and writes content, by night she's plotting her next camping trip or snowboarding adventure.
