2015 Gift Guide for Outdoor Families

I don’t often hold back on buying good winter gear because I think being warm and comfortable is the best way to enjoy winter.  BUT the holidays always seem like a good reason to replace an aging item or invest in something new.  Since I always enjoy reading what other families recommend as outdoorsy gifts, here are some winter themed items that we’ve enjoyed so much I’d recommend!

1. Kombi Moose Mitts

If you’re a parent of a young toddler and your kid likes wearing mitts…wait, does that even exist?! Surely it must but I’m guessing many can relate to the difficulty of keeping mitts on.  These moose mitts have been a huge help in getting Little Bear to keep mittens on.  They’re most effective when talked up (“Do you want to take your moose hiking?”) and I love that they’re warm and water repellent.

2. Good quality toddler winter boots.

In my experience, good footwear is key for outdoor toddler play.  While there is a large variety of winter boots for older toddlers or preschoolers, it can be difficult to find a warm, waterproof and lightweight boot for a young toddler.  Our favourite boot is the Ecco Snowride which has a gore-tex lining and is insulated.  While we love the boot, what I would really recommend is going to a specialty kid’s shoe store.  A good store will listen to what you’d like to use the boots for, how much you’d like to spend and measure your toddler’s foot and assess the boot fit. My favourite Calgary store is Little Footprints.

3. Patagonia base layers

These might be my favourite and most recommended item.  They’re warm and wick moisture away, and while they run big, they fit a large range of sizes properly.  We bought Little Bear a set in size 12 when she was 13 months and they still fit at 22 months.  I imagine they would have fit her prior to 13 months as well.  I love that the top is a onesie so her back is never exposed when she wears a jacket.  There are also extra snaps in the crotch you can open up for more length.

4. Patagonia down sweater

My husband and I wear our down sweaters year round in Calgary (as do many of our friends) so we thought Little Bear could use one too.  We bought a 2T for her at 18 months and while large, it was still wearable.  It’s thin, warm, not too puffy for car seats, and you can layer under it for colder weather.  To save money, look for last season’s models (we did this) or try to buy it secondhand.

5. MEC Cocoon insulated pants

We bought these in 2T for Little Bear at 20 months and while large, the cuffs roll up well and stay up.  They are great to slip on over leggings for a quick walk or over base layers for a longer hike.  They’re inexpensive and easier to slip on/off for dry, cold weather.

 

6. Thermos Bottle

A post-ski hot chocolate on the way home has always been my thing but now I make sure I bring some, along with mini marshmallows for the whole family.  If you want hot chocolate and not warm or cold chocolate, make sure you look for a thermos with a screw on lid.  If the thermos will be out in the cold (ie not indoors) a good tip is to pour hot water in it, let it sit for 2-3 min, pour the water out and then make your hot chocolate in it.

7. Tula toddler carrier

I love that this carrier is made for toddlers and packs down into a backpack.  Also, because the carrier is up against your body, it’s warm for your child.  We’ve found that with the cooler weather, we use this more often than our backpack carrier since Little Bear doesn’t like to be carried much and this provides a warm break.

8. Kahtoola microspikes

We use our spikes so much in the winter that they are now permanent residents of our car trunk.  Many of the trails you’d take a baby or toddler on are at lower elevations or are well travelled, both of which make them prone to getting packed and slippery. A good set up spikes makes carrying babies/toddlers that much easier with no fear of slipping. These spikes seem to hold up to the most wear and tear, don’t slip off and are comfortable.

Want to check out more gift guides?

• Rain or Shine Mamma – Holiday Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsy Kid (+giveaway)
• Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies – Holiday Gift Guide for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing (+giveaway)
• Tales of a Mountain Mama – Gift Guide for Outdoor Families 2015 (+giveaway)
• Play Outside Guide – Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide & Giveaway (+giveaway)
• Moms Who Hike – Holiday Gift Guide  (+giveaway)
• Hike Like a Woman – Holiday Gift Guide (+giveaway)
• Mountain Mom and Tots – Best Gear of the Year
• OutdoorsyMama – 15 Things Your Outdoorsy Mama REALLY Wants for the Holidays! Gift Guide
• Adventurous Parents – 5 Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy and On-The-Go Toddlers (+giveaway)
• Brave Ski Mom – The 2015 BSM Holiday Gift Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders (+giveaway)
• Outdoors Mom – A Gift Guide For The “OutdoorsMom”
• Wild Tales Of – 2015 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Young Traveler and Outdoor Adventurer
• RockiesChick – Holiday guide for the little explorers
• Wilder Child – Unique and Handmade Holiday Gifts for Your Little Nature Lover (+giveaway)
• Nature for Kids – Rad Gifts For Outdoorsy Kids

Posted by Sarah on November 18, 2015

https://rockiesgirl.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/2015-gift-guide-for-outdoor-families/