Here's a list of tried and true, gift ideas for the Southeast Outdoor Family. We've made a concerted effort to make sure everything can be found at local Juneau retailers or are made in Alaska. We've also given online shopping options for reasonable prices or harder to find gear. All gift ideas listed are items that will endure and can be passed down if grown out of. It is my strong belief that if we want to protect nature, we need to spend our money wisely and buy good items once instead of cheap items many times over.
Is there anything you would add to the list? Please post it in the comments section. We'd love to hear it!
1. Nomar Tote - MADE IN ALASKA! This bag keeps your stuff dry! It is perfect to take on the boat, to the beach, to the cabin or any outdoor adventure. It's like the old L.L.Bean canvas tote, but waterproof and you can wipe it clean inside and out. The wide mouth zipper closure is fantastic for easily accessing gear, especially the stuff that migrates to the bottom. It also has handy external pockets. We use ours just about every day. It is indestructible! Nomar has a whole line of dry bags and they make kid fleece jackets too!
2. Rain gear - We all have rain gear if we want to get outside regularly living here, but extra gear is great, especially for the kids to have a pair to wear when the other pair is drying out. It's a year round staple. This is a good time to get the next size up. My kids often wear their rain gear over many layers instead of snow gear. Mommy N Me Wear, near the airport, carries the whole line of Oakiwear. Foggy Mountain Shop and Nugget Alaskan Outfitters are great places to get rain gear for the parents.
3. Nets - for exploring tide pools. We found this great net at the Imagination Station, here in Juneau, a while back. Oakiwear, the rainsuit makers, also have some great ones with extendible handles.
4. Baselayers/PJs - polypro or merino baselayers have double lives as jammies in our house. Stay away from cotton as it keeps moisture close to the skin. REI Outlet online is a great place to find reasonably priced sets. I also saw some in the infant and kids' section of Fred Meyers called Cuddle Duds. We of course love our merino Wee Wollies.
6. Ice Skates - we have some of the world's best pond and backcountry skating in the world! Skates are also a great hand-me down investment for younger siblings in the future. Play it Again Sports is a great place to find some new and used.
7. Socks - moisture wicking socks are the perennial stocking stuffer in most every outdoor family. Like baselayers avoid cotton. Choose synthetic or wool brands to draw moisture away from the feet and to dry fast. Again I found REI Outlet online to be a great deal. I've also found fantastic prices at Western Auto Marine in Lemon Creek.
8. Sled - A great way to hike across frozen lakes with the kids or take to the hills.
9. Helmet - Give the gift of safety. A great helmet is a must for ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, biking, skateboarding. Many are multi-purpose. Parents are important role models, wearing helmets is just as important for you too!
10. Sleeping Bag - A necessity for camping in the living room, the tent, the boat, a cabin, a fort. Many manufacturers make extendable ones that grow with you child.
11. Make a Cabin Reservation - There are many fantastic public use cabins in the area to rent from Eagle Beach to Douglas and beyond. Reservations must be made months in advance. Have something to look forward too.
12. Make a Activity Coupon Booklet - Last, but not least, my favorite... Make a booklet of coupons good for 1 Hike, 1 Ice Skating Expedition, 1 Fishing Trip etc. Throw it in the stocking. It's a fun way to have the kids choose the weekend destination and to hold you accountable!
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