Budget-friendly picks for everyone on your ‘nice’ list
By Megan Wagstaff
Shopping for adventurers can get downright pricey. But before you resort to buying another pair of snowboard socks (not that we wouldn’t appreciate more Smartwools—wink, wink), consider these outdoor-inspired options anyone on your list will be happy to find under the tree. All 20 picks are under $100 and created by or available from local Utah retailers.
Wild Tree Landscape Camera Strap, $27
St. George’s Meg Brown—freelance designer and co-owner of Wild Tree—has won our hearts (and wallets) this holiday season with her stunning collection of camera straps. If your “nice” list includes a photographer, these seven landscape designs capture the spirit of the outdoors with pine trees, mountains and desert cacti. Forget neckties and knit scarves—we’d much rather unwrap one of these beauties on Christmas morning.
Wild Tree
WildTreeOutdoor.com
Chums Large Retractor ID Holder, $4.99
Sure, Chums makes sure your eyewear stays secure, but a more accurate description of what they do would be this: Chums makes sure you don’t lose your sh%#… literally. So for the roomie who can never find his season pass or constantly leaves his jacket pockets unzipped, do him a solid and gift the Retractor ID Holder. Then, say goodbye to days waiting at the top of the tram while he runs back to the car, or ordering a round of aprés bevvys at Molly Greens only to find he lost his ID.
Chums
2424 S. 2570 West, SLC, 800-222-2486, Chums.com
N.BX Tape Lights, $16
If you thought headlamps were handy, you haven’t tried the Tape Light from N.BX. Ideal as a stocking stuffer, these go-anywhere, rechargeable lights have infinite uses, not only for your camping buddies, but for dad’s toolbox and kids as well. With both high and low settings and up to 36 hours of output, unspool 18 inches of LED lights like you would a tape measure, then fully retract for compact storage. Available in six colors—why not get one for everyone in the fam?
N.BX
6100 S. Highway 66, Morgan, 800-516-3409, LiveNoBox.com
W & P Design Do Something Dice, $12
In the Vamoose spirit of “Get out. Get going. Just go.” we can’t resist the whimsical Do Something Dice found at 9th & 9th anchor The Stockist. Gift this set to the indecisive peeps in your group and make the next outing a no-brainer. With dice for dining, nightlife, sightseeing and exercise, it’s easy to choose what to do. Up the ante and roll multiple die to plan a whole day or evening on the town. Now, get going already!
The Stockist,
875 E. 900 South, SLC, 801-532-3458, TheStockistShop.com
Fullgive Cordita Leather Cord Keeper, $7.99
The fellas at Fullgive, run byScott Rawlings and headquarted in Vineyard in Utah County, have been crafting handmade leather goods and selling them on Etsy since 2009. Our personal fave for stocking stuffing is the Cordita, a stylish cord keeper perfect for wrangling wayward phone chargers and headphones, available in five colors. Also featured by local design debutantes cityhomeCollective, this gift is in high demand, so shop early.
Fullgive
Etsy.com/people/fullgive
Cotopaxi Luzon 24L Backpack, $70
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Each Cotopaxi Luzon backpack has a totally unique colorway, so no two are alike. Currently, the Luzon is on back order, but the guys at Cotopaxi promise this fan favorite will be back in stock for the holidays, complete with a hydration reservoir and spare zippered pocket for wet or dirty gear (genius) in lightweight mesh and nylon for easy stowing.
Cotopaxi
74 S. Main, SLC, 385-528-0855, Cotopaxi.com
Barebones Portable USB Charger, $20
For your friend whose phone is always dead or your spouse who’s never really off the clock, it’s hard to beat the convenience and reliability of a portable USB charger. What makes this one so great is its ergonomic, low-profile design and bonus LED light in a durable aluminum case. Originally created as a backup power source for the company’s camping lights, it works with any USB-compatible device.
Barebones
1215 Wilmington Ave, Ste. 140, SLC, 801-649-3088, BareBonesLiving.com
Recreation Outlet Microfiber Towel, $7.99
If I had a dollar for every time I wish I had a towel in the car (wiping down boards after SUP-ing, loading up a muddy golden retriever at the dog park, spilling a dirty soda from Swig all over the center console), we’ll, I’d have enough dollars to buy this microfiber towel and it’s convenient mesh stuff sack from Utah’s favorite outdoor retail outlet. A great gift your recipient can stash in the back seat, this 24-inch by 48-inch backup towel is guaranteed to get used.
Recreation Outlet
Multiple locations, RecreationOutlet.com
Skullcandy Vert Clip-Anywhere Wireless Earbuds, $79.99
Remember when Skullcandy headphones first came on the scene and every shredder was rocking the brand’s classic Icon design? Let’s introduce you to the 2019 favorite, the Vert. These low-profile, high-end earbuds feature Bluetooth technology, but unlike Apple earbuds that will inevitably get lost (try finding those in the snow), the Vert clips on anywhere—jackets, goggle straps, backpacks—to ensure that when the recipient of this gift gets to the bottom of the hill, their headphones will, too.
Skullcandy
6301 N. Landmark Drive, Park City, 888-697-5855, SkullCandy.com
Hand Out Gloves FUGAZI Sport Mitten, $75
You know when you buy a gift for someone and then regret not buying one for yourself? This is that gift. Jake Sullivan and his crew over at Hand Out Gloves have completely changed the game when it comes to keeping your hands warm on the hill. Take the new FUGAZI Sport Mitten for example, with patented zipper technology to free all five fingers when your phone rings on the lift without having to worry about dropping your mitt, plus a convenient pass pocket on the wrist for easy scanning at the gate.
Hand Out Gloves
Multiple locations, 385-240-1112, HandOutGloves.com
Gregory Stash Duffel Bags, starting at $52.46
Ah, the duffel bag. The most overlooked and underappreciated of all luggage. And yet, how many times have you wished for one when packing for a weekend getaway or looking for a convenient way to “stash” all your extra gear? Cue the Stash, available in four different sizes, from local bag pros Gregory Mountain Products. With a lifetime guarantee and ballistic fabric panel on the bottom, nobody has to worry about rips and tears. And with backpack-style shoulder straps, it’s the most comfortable duffle any of your friends or family could want.
Gregory Mountain Products
4640 S. Holladay Village Plaza, No. 210, SLC, 877-477-4292,
GregoryPacks.com
Samak Smoke House Adventure Cooler Gift, $55
Samak Smoke House, located at the base of the Uintas in Kamas, have given the traditional holiday gift basket an outdoorsy twist by packing their famous Samak Stickies homemade granola bars, local jerky, dried fruit, pistachios and your choice of Country Biscotti or Pine Nut Harvest Cookies in a reusable cooler any adventurer on your list will enjoy. Bonus: If you make the drive there, the folks at Samak will customize a gift package for you while you enjoy a steaming hot latte by the fire.
Samak Smoke House
1937 Mirror Lake Highway, Kamas,
435-783-4880, SamakSmokeHouse.com
ProBar Meal Variety Pack, $39.99
Lunchtime on the slopes presents the dilemma of coughing up $20 for a sandwich vs. carrying around a PB&J in a Ziplock your pocket (spoiler alert: It will be squished and half frozen by the time you eat it). That’s why you need to give the snow bunnies on your list ProBar. These guys make a damn good meal supplement that delivers lasting energy in 12 flavors we promise taste better than any other bar out there. Hey, if it’s good enough to be a partner of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, it’s good enough for us.
ProBar
Multiple locations, 800-921-2294, TheProBar.com
All You Can Greek: Food, Life, Travel by Eleni Saltas, $30
Food is an integral part of the adventurer’s lifestyle. Not only is it fuel for the next summit, food can embody the terroir of a nostalgic locale, favorite region, or, in Eleni Saltas’ case, her heritage. The daughter of our publisher, John Saltas, Eleni wrote All You Can Greek as both a travel guide and cookbook. It features not only mouthwatering recipes for skordalia and Eleni’s yiayia’s orzo but it’s filled with gorgeous photos and must-see lists, including top Greek beaches and historic sights. As an exercise and sport science major who puts healthy foods high on her list, Saltas’ dishes are our go-to Mediterranean faves for a long life. Yamas!
The King’s English Bookshop
1511 S. 1500 East, SLC, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com
Wild West Jerky Holiday Sampler, $55
Shopping for a carnivore this season? You can’t go amiss with chewy, salty, mouthwatering jerky. The only problem is deciding which flavor to choose. Luckily, our friends at Wild West Jerky pick for you with The Holiday Sampler, featuring nine 2-ounce portions of bestsellers like honey BBQ buffalo, lemon peppered elk, Mesquite venison, cracked pepper turkey, BBQ pork, and, of course, natural beef jerky. Is your stomach growling yet?
Wild West Jerky
100 N. 100 East, Levan, 801-638-6880, WildWestJerky.com
Klymit Moon Dog Bed, starting at $69.95
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of camping without a sleeping pad, you know it makes for a long, rocky and cold night. The good folks at Kaysville-based Klymit have taken their sleeping pad game a step further with the Moon Dog Bed, an inflatable cushion for your furry friends with a machine-washable, polyester fleece cover and raised side rails to help keep your pup warm and cozy … because you know your sleeping pad isn’t big enough for the both of you.
Klymit Outlet
457 Deseret Drive, Kaysville, 801-648-7189, Klymit.com
Gibbs Smith National Park Puzzle, $19.99
Growing up, after the holiday dinner dishes were cleared off the dining room table, my mom
would get out her newest puzzle. Adopt this tradition for your nearest and dearest outdoor lovers when you gift the 1,000-piece National Parks puzzle, which includes vintage-inspired artwork and highlights two of Utah’s own national parks, Zion and Arches. We also love it as an addition to your RV for your next rained-out camping trip.
Liberty Mountain
9816 S. Jordan Gateway, South Jordan, 801-307-9200,
LibertyMountain.com
New World Distillery Oomaw Gin, $31.99
Nested between Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts in the cozy town of Eden you’ll find a hidden gem of a distillery, New World, and their multiple award winning Oomaw Gin. With its juniper-forward flavor lovingly crafted by founder Ashly Cross, it’s our top holiday pick (move over, bourbon). Grab a bottle at a liquor store near you, or head to the source and shop from the Dark Skies compliant, solar powered distillery, open Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for tastings and sales.
New World Distillery
4795 E. 2900 North, Eden, 385-244-0144, NewWorldDistillery.com
The Kura Door Kura Massage, starting at $90
If someone on your shopping list spends their days making powder turns, they likely could use a massage for all those sore muscles. But because you’re a smart local, you know better than to book an overpriced appointment at a resort spa. For you, there’s the Kura Door, one of the gems of the Avenues. Open until 9:30 p.m., arrive early to take advantage of the spa’s steam room and sauna (unbeatable on a chilly night) before a rubdown with warm oil and essential botanicals.
The Kura Door
1136 Third Ave., SLC, 801-364-2400, TheKuraDoor.com
Utah Cannabis Co. CBD Muscle Rub, $39.95
We all have that one person on our list that is the hardest person to shop for … then Utah Cannabis Co. came along. Whether you’re buying for a die-hard skier, a triathlon trainee or someone whose knees just aren’t what they used to be, Santa highly recommends this soothing and relaxing butter with 500 mg of third-party-tested CBD. Bonus ingredients include a moisturizing shea butter base, arnica and comfrey for a THC-free muscle rub that’s this year’s must-have gift. There’s no storefront yet, so order online now.
Utah Cannabis Co.
129 E. 13800 South, Ste. E-2, Box 236, Draper,
801-419-7442, UTCannabisCo.com
