Author Archives: lydias

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I am not very talented at making generic present suggestions because so much of what goes into gift buying for me are the specific personality traits and interests of the recipients.

Some people would love tickets to a baseball game or a lightweight kettle they can bring with them on backcountry hiking trips, for example, while others might find it exciting to get a gift card to a beloved local coffee shop or a new book from their favourite author.

The last time we had this prompt, I talked about what to buy for minimalists who don’t want a lot of stuff they then have to dust or look after.

This year I’m going to give some gift ideas for nature lovers as I happen to be one of those folks who loves spending time outdoors surrounded by plants and (docile) wildlife.

1) Their favourite sunscreen, bug spray, anti-itch cream, or lotion.

Obviously, check ahead of time to see which products they prefer and if they’re comfortable with this, but I love getting practical gifts like this.

2) A subscription to a weather app

You do not want to be wandering out into the forest and possibly out of communication range if tornadoes, thunderstorms, or blizzards are in the forecast!

3) Shelf-stable snacks

Dried fruit or vegetables, crackers, trail mix, dried meat,  ingredients for s’mores, and similar items  are much appreciated after working up an appetite outdoors.

4) A new water bottle 

Make it something sturdy that won’t shatter into a thousand pieces if it is accidentally dropped.

5) A gift card to their favourite grocery store or outdoorsy store

This is such a flexible idea that can work for people of any age or fitness level. I like outdoor picnics, for example, and would be thrilled to splurge on a few fancy food options if I had a gift card to a grocery store. Someone who hikes out in the wilderness for days on end might prefer to use their gift card towards new hiking boots,  a tent, or a million other options you can find that you didn’t know existed at stores that specialize in hiking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities.

6) Companionship

If you’re able to, offer to go with them on one of their adventures. Some types of outdoor activities are simply not safe to do alone at all, and most of them are much more fun with a friend or a group of people.

7) A sun hat

My dad bought me a great new sun hat  last spring. I was able to get so much use out of it this year, and it’s a good idea to use multiple layers of protection against the sun on a bright or hot day.

8) Camera accessories 

My phone takes pretty great photos, but there are so many accessories that serious photographers could use to take even better ones.

9) Stories

Is it really a campfire or a bonfire if nobody has any stories to tell? I’d argue no. The more stories everyone shows up with, the better. They can be from fiction or nonfiction books as well as from real life.

10) A small first aid kit

Obviously, I hope that no one ever needs to use it, but I always carry some basic supplies with me if I’m going anywhere other than downtown Toronto. It has come in handy once or twice, too!