If you’re looking for the best last-minute gift ideas for the biker, runner or other outdoorsy person, shop locally. That helps local businesses, and you can avoid worrying about delivery times, porch pirates or other issues.
You could still probably maybe hopefully get something this week via delivery. But, really? You want to risk it? I mean, online shopping admittedly is fantastic. You shop, search, growl at the incessant and stupid pop-up ads, shop a little more, curse at the sliders wanting your email and phone number for 10% off (pffttt, no), and finally seal the deal. You can do this at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., at home or work, at the boring party you had to attend, waiting at your child’s holiday event, or during the Hallmark movie or football game since you don’t have a screwdriver to stick in your ear. Online shopping has benefits.
Nah, shop locally and avoid all that. Go in person. Do some actual shopping, too, by remembering what someone said he or she wants, likes or needs. The crowds aren’t as bad as The Before19 Times. Get out and look around, shop, buy, wrap, toss under the tree and be merry. Your outdoorsy significant other will be appreciative.
Also, gift cards suck. That quite often says, “Eh, I didn’t remember what you liked or wanted and didn’t want to really put any effort into it so here’s a card.” I mean, c’mon. Don’t be that way. If you’re going to do that just slide the cash to ’em. Don’t be a gift carder.
Keep your receipts, though, just in case. On to the suggestions for this year’s best last-minute gift ideas!
Socks? Socks!
My wife has put me on a No Socks List after filling two drawers with different ones for road and trail running, casual and hunt-fish options (for under waders, mostly). And winter. And some others. I may be akin to an Imelda Marcos of socks.
Fortunately, that means I’ve tried a lot of them. My favorites for road and trail are the Swiftwick Flite XT. They’re designed to be comfortable and not slip in your shoes thanks to a special GripDry fiber in the heel and forefoot. I’m a Sweaty Betty when running, and foot slippage is not an issue with these. Even in summer when humidity is the worst.
Also, I’m late to the game on the Injinji toe socks but holy cats and dogs, what a great sock. These separate each toe with a little toe sock and come in different models. The wool is soft, and warm in winter. A pro bass angler I knew wore them all the time, even in summer, since Merino wool wicks and keeps feet dry and cool in summer. Put some of these on your list, too.
Cycling Ideas!
If you have a biker or cyclist on the list, a new helmet and eye-popping apparel always is a good gift idea. Safety isn’t a joke, especially today with distracted drivers who don’t care about others. We hear every year about cyclists getting hit and injured or killed by drivers who claim they didn’t see anything.
I’m certainly not a ‘fraidy cat when riding or running. But I want people to see me. If my big butt looks funny in the vivid chartreuse wind jacket or bike shirt, so be it. If someone thinks my bike lights are crazy bright, so be it. I don’t understand those who ride (or run) in dark clothing, at night or dim light, with no lights or reflective apparel.
Helmets should fit properly and be comfortable, while providing the best protection possible. If you’re unsure of a model, check with the folks at the local bike shops. They can assist with sizing, safety features and pricing. Ditto with apparel.
Lights also are cool gifts. Bontrager and Giant make great models of LED lights with static, strobe and red options. These tiny lights are bright, rechargeable and work great in all weather conditions.
Something easier or for a stocking? The Big Guy insulated water bottle from Trek is a stocking-stuffing winner, especially for long rides. Fluids stay cold thanks to the double-wall design and insulation. It might even keep a beer cold, too. Another solid pick is the Delta Adjustable Floor Stand, whether you have a road, gravel, racing, kids or other bike. I have three of these, and easily can take them on a trip in my truck if need be.
Shoes? You Betcha!
I won’t tell you “the best” shoes to get because that’s silly. Everyone’s feet are different, not to mention all the road vs. trail options in speed racing, uber-cushioned, daily trainers and so on.
Instead, I’d recommend this one time to get a gift card from the shoe store of your choice and give that. Yes, I know what I said earlier, but shoes are different. This gives the recipient the chance to go to the store and get fitted and get what they want or need. They might want cushy shoes like the Hoka Clifton 9 or Brooks Ghost Max. Or, something for stability, or perhaps something neutral.
Getting fitted and measured and doing the gait analysis is a good thing, too. At the least, find out the length and width with the Brannock device. It’s been around for 120 years and guess what? It works!
Another good option is a pair of Oofos sandals. These are fantastic for everyday wear (until the tread wears down; then they can get slippery) and recovery after long runs or rides. They’re available in thong-type sandals, slides and now even in a slip-on shoe. I’ve given these to my son, his wife, and my brother. Everyone loves them. Combine these with the Injinji socks, too, for a super-double gift.
Recovery Aids
Speaking of recovery with the Oofos, here are a couple of things to consider for other muscles, joints and working out little aches.
The new Chirp system includes different sizes of roller wheels for your spine and neck. The wheels are firm but have a soft coating of smooth or knobby texture. I saw these at The Running Event in Texas a couple of weeks ago. Chirp’s booth was buzzing whenever we went by. They also have a Chirp RPM “rolling percussive massager,” which has a wide massager and two handles. It rolls and vibrates over your muscles. Very cool.
Roll Recovery’s classic R8 massage tool is a beast but isn’t designed for feet. I love it for the “ohhh, hurts so good” feeling on my calves and thighs. However, the R3 Orthopedic Foot Roller is specifically designed for feet and it’s a super gift idea. It’s designed to put pressure on the inner, middle and outer parts of the foot. You can stretch the plantar fascia and foot muscles with as much or little pressure as desired. Sit and roll, or for more aggressive action stand and apply more pressure. It packs easily for trips, too. Running somewhere else? Take it with you. Business trip to a trade show? Ditto, and enjoy the strech later in the hotel room.
Running Vests
My Ultimate Direction vest is a Jurek model from, I think, six years ago. It’s salty and looks a little ragged, but still works like a champ. It also fits, too. Some, or seemingly most, of today’s running or trail vests are designed for smaller folks. Us bigger clydesdales need more room so we don’t look like trussed chickens in a butcher shop. I know it’s a matter of finances, but there are a lot of bigger runners, to be polite, including some thick-chested men and busty women, who need more room on top. Not everyone is a twig.
I know one day I’ll have to replace my vest but until then, we’re ridin’ together. Should your giftee need a new vest, consider the Ultimate Direction Race Vesta 6.0, which is lightweight and has a handful of solid features. It’s designed to handle today’s flexible water flasks and has a back pocket for stuffing a few other items.
Another consideration is the UltrAspire line of race vests. They’re well-crafted, smartly designed and come in several different models for various activities. They’re lightweight, have ample pockets and come in different price points. The Alpha 5.0 is a hot pick, and the Basham is even more minimal for speedgoat runners who need just a few things.
For even more road runnin’ minimalism at a fantastic price, check out the Spry 3.0 vest. It has a couple of front pockets for the hydration flasks and a gel or two. There’s a back stash pocket with magnet closure and cinch laces. This vest expands to fit a 50-inch chest — I put it on recently at Fleet Feet and was pleasantly astonished that it got that big. Finally, a vestivus for for the restofus! Seriously, check out the Spry 3.0 if you need to take a few things but not the whole pantry.
Stay Warm, Swimmers
Back in college I worked briefly with the swim team and remember the athletes on the pool deck between races in thick, knee-length parkas. The facilities were like saunas but getting in and out of the pool meant wild swings in body temps. I’m sure today’s technology with fabrics is much better and parkas likely are warmer.
If you have a swimmer in the family, a parka likely would be welcomed with a big smile. Who wouldn’t want another parka? It’s always good to have extras. Slide over to First Place Athletics on Regal Drive to check out the selection of parkas and other swim gear.
Fly Fishing, Too
Don’t overlook the fly fisherman on your list! If you don’t know of a local fly-fishing shop, search online to find one. There are a handful in the TVO footprint, especially in Tennessee. It shouldn’t be difficult to source a shop for your best last-minute gift ideas.
Good items to consider include leaders with tippet, because every fly-slinger likes tippet and leaders. Check the ones from Scientific Angler or Rio. They’ll come in different sizes and lengths. Tell the shop assistant what your giftee likes to do — fish for trout, bass, saltwater, panfish at a pond — and they should be able to get you set up. Leaders are a good pick.
If you want to step up a bit, pick out a 9-foot 8-weight fly rod. That’s a good, overall length and weight for freshwater action or trout streams. It may be overkill, to be honest, for some Appalachian trout waters but it’s still a good choice. Or, should you know that your recipient enjoys only fishing for trout, go with a 9- or 8-foot 5 or 6 weight might be a little more sporty for him or her.
Flies are easy gifts, too, and not difficult to select. Pick some that look like bugs! OK, ignore that and ask for help selecting these classics: woolly bugger, San Juan worm, elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, blue wing olive, Clouser and stimulator.
This sounds like a lot, but they all work for panfish, trout and even for some saltwater species. Pick a bunch of flies, in different sizes and a couple of colors. Your fly angler will love the thought and consideration.
These may not be your best last-minute gift ideas but they likely will spark an idea. Happy holidays to all!
