It’s that time again for our annual holiday gift guide to help give you ideas for the outdoor adventurers on your list (both big and small)! Check out these hand-picked gifts that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, and then get ready for a year full of outdoor adventures together!
The Gift of Comfort on the Trail
Merrell
As more and more research emerges on the importance of shoes that won’t inhibit the proper growth and development of little feet, some shoe companies are designing shoes for just that purpose. Our favorite is the brand new line from Merrell called the Merrell Bare Steps™ collection, which promotes proper foot development while also accommodating rapid foot growth and wide foot widths. To top it off, this line, which comes in both a sneaker and a boot, provides a barefoot feel that kids love while also being easy for parents to slip on squirmy feet. Check out the Merrell Bare Steps™ collection here and read up on tips for choosing the right shoes for beginning walkers and toddlers.
Photo by Amy Diebold.
Chasing Windmills
One of the best gifts you can give your children is the gift of warmth and comfort, both on and off the trail. Chasing Windmills makes merino wool baselayers that are comfortable yet technical, beautiful yet simple, and just as ready for a good snuggle as play in nature. Merino wool is a natural fiber that is temperature regulating, quick drying, antimicrobial, breathable and just plain cozy. The best part is their long johns double as pajamas so you can cross those holiday jammies off your list too!
Photo by Kayla Petering.
QALO
Let’s face it, a teething, unhappy baby can make for a rough hike to say the least! That’s where a high-quality teether can mean the difference between cutting your hike short or going the extra mile. Our favorite is the new line of teething necklaces from QALO that features 100% food-grade silicone shapes that are perfect for sore gums. Each necklace is always BPA, PVC, Phthalate, Cadmium, Lead and Heavy Metal-Free, and they come in a variety of styles that both mom and dad will love.
Photo by Deanna Curry.
Sunday Afternoons
Every year on Giving Tuesday, people take the time to help others through the gift of giving. Communities, families, companies and organizations come together to give back, whether it’s through time, donations or voice. This Giving Tuesday, donate $30 or more and as an added bonus, receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid’s play hat. This adorable hat is water repellent, stain resistant, size-adjustable, and has a UPF 50+ Certified Sun Rating. The campaign is now open, so check it out today!
Photo by Bailey Ludlam.
Hike it Baby Busy Hiker Shirt
Check out the brand new Hike it Baby Busy Hiker shirt! This gorgeous shirt boasts a design that embraces what it’s like to be out on the trails with our kiddos: we may not always get to our destination using the shortest, most obvious path, but the journey is sure to be rewarding! These 100% premium soft cotton shirts come in infant, toddler, and adult sizes, with multiple color options and even a long-sleeve option to choose from. The campaign is open until December 1, 2018, so be sure to pick yours up soon!
Photo by Jessica Human.
The Gift of Learning and Experiences
Imagine Childhood
One of the most rewarding gifts we can give our kids is the gift of meaningful experiences by providing the tools, time and space to build the magic and memories that inform and guide us for the rest of our lives. Imagine Childhood aims to do just that. This family-owned and operated company specializes in earth-friendly goods, crafts and activity tutorials, and educational supplies that support and nurture the magic of childhood. Their collection focuses on products that inspire children to create, imagine and explore. With an emphasis on quality materials, their toys and tools are made for real kids and real adventures. You can check out their 2018-2019 Lookbook filled with inspiring and thoughtful gifts, many of which are $25 or less. The blog also contains free crafts, activities and recipes, and their recent book, IMAGINE CHILDHOOD: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play- 25 Projects that spark curiosity and adventure provides even more crafts and activities that invite wonder and play into the lives of our children.
Photo courtesy of Imagine Childhood.
Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures
Coming to you from Hike it Baby founder Shanti Hodges, Hike it Baby: 100 Awesome Outdoor Adventures with Babies and Toddlers shares 100 trails across the U.S. that you can take with babies and toddlers (really!), along with everything you need to know about exploring the natural world. Sourced from real families using Hike it Baby’s trail-tested system, this book helps families get out there in their comfort zone, yet feel like hardcore adventurers! Whether you’ve always wanted to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, splash around in gentle Northwest waterfalls or scramble up rocks in the desert surrounded by Joshua Trees, this book shows you how to plan a truly memorable journey together.
Photo courtesy of Subaru.
Oregon and Washington: 50 Hikes with Kids
Calling all parents, caregivers and educators living in or visiting the Northwest who want to spark a love of nature in your children! Written by Wendy Gorton, Oregon and Washington: 50 Hikes with Kids highlights hikes that are perfect for little legs that are all under four miles and have an elevation gain of 900 feet or less. Every hike description includes trustworthy directions; a detailed map; hike length and elevation gain; bathroom access; and where to grab a bite to eat nearby. To top it off, full-color photographs highlight the fun things to see along the trail, making this book a fun, informative read for adults and kids alike.
Photo courtesy of Wendy Gorton.
The Gift of Safety
Adventure Medical Kits
Whether you are venturing out for a quick hike with your Hike it Baby crew or planning a family backpacking adventure, a first-aid kit is essential to keep in your hiking bag (especially if your toddler tends to find every rock and tree root to trip over). Pre-assembled kits can take the guesswork out of what to include in your kit, and personalized items (such as medications) are easy to add yourself. The size of your party and length of your outdoor adventure will dictate the size of your kit. We recommend a pre-packaged kit from Adventure Medical Kits, which has a variety of kits to choose from depending on your activity. The kits have organized pockets for different medical needs along with a map that shows where everything is in the kit, making administering aid fast and easy.
Photo by Kristin Hinnant.
Babyganics
Did you know that you can get sunburned even in the winter months? While technically less radiation reaches the earth in winter months, the radiation that does penetrate the atmosphere is still damaging, especially to little ones. Dermatologists recommend mineral-based sunscreens for children and infants (and anyone with sensitive skin) since they are less likely to irritate the skin. Babyganics offers protection in the form of a lotion, spray or stick, depending on your preference (and whichever form is easiest for you to apply to a squirming child).
Photo by Deanna Curry.
The Gift for the Whole Family
Rad Power Bikes
The RadWagon electric cargo bike from Rad Power Bikes™ handles just like a standard-sized bike yet can handle big cargo loads, hauls from the grocery store and your most valuable cargo! With the RadWagon, families are able to spend more quality time together compared to taking the same trip in a car, and your kids will have more fun too. Enjoy the scenic route to the park, stop for a sweet treat and talk about the things you see along your journey. With a 350-lb. payload capacity, enough cargo room for two children and an expansive lineup of accessories, you can easily outfit your RadWagon to meet your family’s exact needs.
Photo by Andrea Leoncavallo.
The Gift of Choice
Hike it Baby Membership
Share your love of the outdoors by giving the gift of a Hike it Baby membership to a friend or loved one! This is a great way to encourage a friend, family member, or co-worker to get outside more in the year ahead!
L.L.Bean Giftcard
Not exactly sure what to get that special someone on your list that is difficult to shop for? Share the joy of the outdoors this season with an L.L.Bean Gift Card! These cards can be sent via e-mail or mail, and can be redeemed towards thousands of great L.L.Bean products including clothing, gear, and home goods so that even the pickiest of friends will find exactly what they are looking for!
National or State Parks Pass
Here is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year! Grab a National or State parks pass and have the kids help you choose a place to go. This is also a great way to give back to the places that you love and visit, and helps instill a love of the outdoors for the whole family!
Making a List, Checking it Twice …
Here at Hike it Baby, we believe that the best gifts are those that get us away from the screens and into the great outdoors! So this year, give your loved ones the gift of adventure and memories that last a lifetime with any of the great gifts listed here!
