By Emma Grace Brown

Letting other people buy gear for you is tricky. Finding the right fit takes trial and error, then there are questions of style and color, not to mention whether your aunt understands the difference between a hardshell and a softshell. Plus, the gear you’re dreaming of could be costly, and the newest GoPro isn’t exactly in everyone’s holiday budget.

At the same time, you want to get something you can actually use, not another scented candle or pajama set. And that means filling your wish list with things you really want — just maybe not that obscure piece of equipment nobody’s heard of. Here are some favorites that are sure to be a safe bet:

A tripod you can mount anywhere

You get to the summit and pull out your camera for a triumphant self-portrait, but your mountaintop selfies fail to capture the full beauty of the scene. However, you don’t exactly want to lug a tripod uphill for miles either. Solution? The GorillaPod, a handy portable tripod that mounts to uneven surfaces, letting you capture the perfect shot without hunting for a flat rock to set your camera on. Use it for epic self-portraits, all-inclusive group shots and stunning photos of the starry sky.

A first aid kit for your dog

If you’re a smart hiker, camper, climber or mountaineer, you carry a first aid kit for yourself. But are you prepared if your four-legged friend gets hurt in the backcountry? Dog first aid kits include supplies you won’t find in a human kit, like hydrogen peroxide or a tick removal tool, which makes them a must for camping with dogs.

A really great pocket knife

You can’t say enough good things about the trusty pocket knife. From cutting tinder to slicing your way out of emergencies, there’s no shortage of uses for a sturdy blade. To pick the right one, you need to consider its materials, opening mechanism, blade style and size. Not sure where to start? This guide from Outside Online will guide you to the best knife for you.

Life-changing socks

Socks might be the cliché lame holiday gift, but if you scoff at this suggestion, it’s because you’ve never worn really good socks. Think there’s nothing that could make you spend $20 for a pair of socks? Once you discover the odor-free comfort and cushion of truly great hiking socks, you’ll never go back. And since all of the sock companies that Wirecutter recommends offer lifetime guarantees, you won’t have to.

A backcountry safety net

A personal locator beacon is one of those things you hope you never need, but you’re sure glad to have one when you do. Used only in true emergencies, these devices send an SOS signal with your GPS coordinates to emergency rescue services. Some similar devices include additional capabilities, such as two-way communication with rescue teams and messaging to family and friends. Each device has its own pros and cons, so be sure you understand the options before adding this one to your wish list.

A convenient dining set

If you’re like a lot of campers, you’ve eaten one too many meals straight out of a foil pouch. Upgrade mealtime with a set of collapsible bowls that are so lightweight you won’t even notice them in your pack. The Sea to Summit X-Set is an excellent camping dishware option made out of food-grade silicone. And the best part? When you’re not using them, the bowls double as food and water dishes for your pup.

Sprucing up your yard

You don’t always have to take a camping trip or go for a hike to spend more time outdoors. If you’d prefer to spend time outdoors closer to home, you can add a backyard landscaping service to your wishlist to enhance your outdoor space. It’s easy to find dependable services when you search for “outdoor landscaping near me” and compare ratings for local landscapers. A landscaper can beautify your lawn, plant new trees and scrubs, remove debris, and much more, and with the right yard modifications, you may even raise your home’s value. 

Sure, you could ask for a gift card for the fifth holiday season in a row. But why kill the excitement when you could get something you really want instead? When you fill your wish list with outdoor toys you can’t wait to receive, you make holiday shopping easier for everyone — and the unwrapping that much more rewarding.

More tips here!

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