The last minute Christmas gift guide for outdoor families

Christmas has well and truly snuck up on us this year, EVEN with all the snow falling here in Chamonix!

For those of you who need a little last minute inspiration for gifts this Christmas, here are 10 of my favourites in this year’s Christmas gift guide. All are perfect for adventuring, outdoor families and all still available for delivery before Christmas!

1. Wild Swimming – Hidden Beaches, from £12.87 Amazon

The guys over at Wild Things Publishing know their stuff and just keep on getting it right! With a whole arsenal of Wild Guides now in their quiver, check out their Wild Swimming – Hidden Beaches guide. One of our local beaches in Devon (Broadsands) is even gracing the cover. These books will let you in on the not so known spots for you to adventure to with your family. Order in time for Christmas via Amazon Prime or pop into your local Waterstones.

2. Electric EG1K kids goggles – from £32.00 from The Board Basement

Get your littles piste ready with these cool Electric goggles. Designed specifically for kids’ smaller faces, with dual cylindrical Polycarbonate lenses and a very welcome anti-fog and anti-scratch hard coating, these lenses are the perfect present for any kids heading to the slopes this Winter. Express delivery still available for Christmas.

3. Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 day sack, from £123.95 All Outdoor

This versatile 30 litre day pack with clever anti-theft features, is perfect for both adventuring and city life. It’s become my absolute go to pack for a day out hiking or, if I’m packing super light, a week away. Loaded with pockets and nifty features including laptop sleeve, integrated rain cover and a whole host of anti theft components (reinforced slash guards, lockable zips & a pocket which blocks micro-chip readers) Pacsafe have got this design spot on. Order up until the 22nd Dec for guaranteed Christmas delivery with All Outdoor.

4. The Man Who Climbs Trees, from £14 Amazon

James Aldred is a professional tree climber by default of his trade. As a wildlife cameraman for the BBC and National Geographic, James has climbed scores of trees worldwide and has now penned his adventures in some of the most incredible trees on this planet into this book. An extremely good read. Order through Amazon Prime to bag this in time for Christmas or try your local Waterstones or W H Smiths.

5. Comp Crew or Day Skipper Practical Course – Sunsail from £574

Ever dreamed of setting sail with your family across the seas for the mother of all adventures? Get started by booking onto a RYA Comp Crew or Dayskipper practical course. Sunsail runs weekly courses from their Lefkas base in Greece as well as other European countries.  Book in April to bag super affordable prices starting at £574. I’ve done this exact course and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Think it, book it, do it!

6. Tiny Islands by Dixie Wills, from £14 Amazon Prime

I am secretly hoping this little read is in my stocking this Christmas. It’s contents hold the secret to many 2018 adventures, I can feel it in my bones. Dixie Wills, travel writer and journalist writes an eccentric account of discovering 60 of the tiniest islands in the UK. Perfect for exploring families ripe for new exploits on home turf.

7. Dry Robe (Kids) from £64.99, Dry Robe

Something no coast living child should be without. Say goodbye to post swim shivering and chattering teeth by wrapping your youngens in these cosy poncho dry robes. Designed to preserve energy and core temperature this product is a beach life game changer.

8. Backcountry Freeride week course, £995  Stentiford Snowboarding

If your other half loves snowboarding, take it to the next level and grab the last space on Stentiford Snowboarding’s backcountry freeride course in St Foy on 20-27th January. Blessed with almost unlimitless powder already, this season is set to be legendary so be part of it and ride epic backcountry terrain with one of the UK’s most famous snowboarders.

9. Popcorn Pan, buy similar from £27.95  Greenman Bushcraft

Popping corn atop of a beach fire is one of the most satisfying ways to spend a weekend. Load your backpack with one of these beauties next time you head for your next adventure. You’ve got 48 hours to order one of these bad boys for the perfect gift for an outdoors family. Last posting date: Wed 20th Dec.

10. Flint & Steel, from £4.95 The Bush Craft Store

The perfect stocking filler for little adventurers. This flint and steel set is guaranteed to keep your mini explorers seriously quiet on your next foray into the wilderness. Order by Thurs 21st for guaranteed delivery Fri 22nd Dec. Bingo.