If you are celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukka, Al-Hijira, Eid-Ul-Adha or simply buying gifts for office workers this may help you out.

If you are grandma and are clueless as to what to purchase, I have decided to give you a variety of different items that may suit different outdoor folks on your list.  I tried to keep the list broad enough so that these items could please the experienced mountaineer to the recreational park user.

Stocking stuffers:   These suggestions are low cost and can be used for all ages of outdoors person.

 Food: Here is a link to a review I wrote of some yummy treats: Food for the Outdoors

This simple bowl goes a long way:  Bowl/ Storage Container

Wet bag: It seems kind of funny to say, but I used cloth diapers with my two year old and only found out about wet bags recently. They are such a convenient way to carry wet and soiled cloth diapers that I am not sure why others did not tell me about them sooner!

Paisley Baby offers two sizes of wet bags that are great for home or out of the home use.  They are 100% cotton bags lined with waterproof fabric and close with a drawstring. They're useful at the beach, the pool or for toting laundry. These bags are perfect for carrying wet and soiled items while keeping the inside of your suitcase, diaper bag, purse or swim bag dry and clean. I have a small wet bag that I carry in my purse for soiled items.  I thought it was so cute that I contacted Paisley Baby to ask them to make small snack bags for my daughter.  Now she carries her snacks in little fashionable cloth bag. It looks like a cute little purse that closes with a drawstring. They are washable and reusable; so we don't need ziplocks  or bulky plastic containers. 

To find out more:   Wet Bag by Paisley Baby

Clothing for anyone one on your list:

For Toddlers:

You want your children to love to play outdoors, so you look for products that will keep them protected from the elements.  I really believe in the importance of having your children of any age play outdoors no matter the weather.  Maybe I am biased since I grew up in Canada and we didn't have school snow days. I remember walking two miles to my school in fifth grade with snow banks higher then two cars piled on top of each other.  I walked the sidewalk, but could not see over the banks.

Outside Baby has created a Reversible Down Hooded Jacket   for children three months to 6 years.  As you know down is light and compactable so this jacket will be coming on any of our cold weather trips.  Cora does not sleep in a sleeping bag so this coat can act as her sleeping bag during the cold season.

The hood is removable but I am not sure why you would take it off.  Cora has worn the coat and uses the hood instead of a winter hat because it provides a tight seal from the outside cold.  Many people stop me on the street and say things like: “Wow, what a fancy coat for such a small person!”, but why not, Cora is comfortable and happy because of the great warmth and fit of this coat.  This coat repels water and has pockets which are essential for toddlers.  This is our Colorado winter coat.

Reversible Down Hooded Jacket

For the parent:

North Face Fleece W TKA 100 Glacier ¼ Zip :  This fleece sweater is very comfortable and has a nice cut that makes you look good even when strolling in town after your long hike or skiing expedition.  Mine is red which I also think is festive, but it is available in a lot of different colors.  They have a men’s version of the same fleece.  It is a thin fleece that is worn over a t-shirt or light shirt. With quick-drying and pill-resistant features, this lightweight pullover is a superior barrier against cool to cold conditions.  It is very soft to the touch.

Women Fleece  

Men Fleece

Other clothing you may be interested in:

Mittens 

Base layer

Pants

For the whole family who is going on an outdoor adventure:

Backpack system for day outings:

Outside Baby offers a versatile and comfortable cooler backpack. It is the Cadillac of backpacks for parents with young children.  This bag is excellent to use for: diaper bag, dropping your child off at day care, day hikes, picnics at the park, ball games, or any other daily outings mom or dad may be going on with their child.

This bag has a cooler compartment for a lunch, separate wet/dry sections, adjustable straps, bottle holder, and an integrated removable changing pad.  I am so excited about this bag because it is the perfect companion for our afternoon hikes.  As the weather gets colder, I use the changing pad as a sitting mat for Cora who is already potty trained.   Either Erik or I feel comfortable wearing this backpack in town, because of its unisex design and non ‘diaper bag with lunch cooler attached’ look.

Travel systems: Ways to carry your small ones around

Moby Wrap:  This is a cotton cloth wrap that grows with your baby.  This ergonomic system offers a variety of carrying positions, even for newborn twins, and children up to 35 pounds.  These wraps fit all size of parent and create a bonding hug between you and your baby. This wrap provides a space for discrete nursing on the go.  I find that this carrying system is very comfortable with newborn and small babies.  A good system to keep in your car for leisurely outdoor strolls or for travel if you have mastered the wrapping complexity.

Here is a link to another travel system that one of your outdoor families might love: Ergo Pack 

Footwear:

 Here is a link to reviews of different footwear:

Toddler:  Boot and Shoe  

Dad: City Shoe and Day Hike Shoe 

Mothers:

• You may start to get used to my usual “ I like gear that can be used for more than one activity.”  “ It is good on the wallet, the environment, and your gear closet.”  Merrell’s Siren Sport Shoe , is created as an all round performance shoe that works well for speed hikes, running or biking. The sole is made for stability and traction.  I own the women model that is supposedly created for our specific female stride.  I like the spacious foot bed and the mesh fabric that enable my feet to breath.  A good stable shoe for any of your daily outdoor pursuits.

• Oslo Waterproof Winter Boot ,  is stylish and the perfect boot for your tobogganing day with the kids.  You will stay warm and dry as you climb and sled down the hill, and then can be stylish as you hit your local coffee shop for hot cocoa.

For the whole family:  Help the outdoor family on your list be organized, green and able to travel in ease

Here is a link to a planner that may interest someone on your list.  Purchase of this organizer benefits a great non-for-profit organization  Day Planner by Mothers Acting Up 

Travel light: As the adventurous family on your list makes their travel plans think of offering them a gift certificate for a service like Baby's Travel Lite.  They help reduce the amount of  luggage a family needs to bring to their destination.

Green house make-over:

I was just introduced to this great service.  You could purchase a green house make-over for the outdoor lover on your list.  Most outdoor enthusiasts are into preserving our planet so this gift would be a great fit.  Green Irene offers a house make-over that will lower energy bills , save water, money and green resources.  A consultant will create a plan for your specific needs with recommendations to green your household.   Green Irene also sells some of the products so it is easy to start implementing these great suggestions.  The consultant will also brief you on safety and emergency preparedness along with ways to take advantage of tax credits and incentives in your area.  With the house make-over you will give your outdoor family a six month subscription to email and website support to help make the recommendations.

Happy Holidays and don’t spend too much money.

Heidi

P.S Our best giveaway yet: A DOWN REVERSIBLE TODDLER JACKET BY OUTSIDEBABY.COM ($100)could be yours by simply posting a story, tip, or question by December 12th.