What to Gift (WTG)?! Outside-the-Box Gift Ideas

We wake up each and every day on a mission to make the most original, comfortable, durable shoes. But it's not about what's inside the shoebox ... it's where you go and what you do in our shoes, sandals, and boots that matters most to us. Seeing our fans outside with their friends and family is the best gift for us.

And we know you feel the same way about the gifts you get for the folks you care about. So we pulled together some of our favorite "pairings" to help you create your own get-outside-and-do-stuff-together gift boxes.

For Having Fun Outside

Disc golf, cornhole, geocaching ... they all turn outside time into spontaneous fun time for all ages while exploring a neighborhood park or camping. And your giftees can keep everything they need at the ready in their trunk or roofbox. A carry bag for discs, and a microfiber towel to wipe them off, are great accessories for a disc golf set, and we love all the portable cornhole options out there — from a mini set that can fit in a backpack, to collapsible versions. (Dad hat = glare-free throwing.)

Our shoe picks:  
Targhee hiking shoes and kids' Knotch Hollow sneakers bring all-around comfort and protection for varied play terrain. Disc golfers are also loving our new NXIS EVO hiking shoe.

Ways to give bigger:
National Forest Foundation gift membership
Leave No Trace gift membership
SheJumps monthly membership

For Eating Well Outside

Know a camper who's ready to up their culinary game? There are so many ways to pull together an amazing camp cooking gift package. And, heck, you'll probably benefit from all the yummy creations! Our own KEEN head chef David gave us all a head start on ideas, and a cast iron pan is at the top of his list. We love the versatility of a compact folding table that comes in handy when you're not at a campsite, too. 

Our shoe picks:  
Howser is for comfy camping and cooking

Ways to give bigger:
Meals on Wheels People donation 
Mudbone Grown donation
National Black Food & Justice Alliance donation

For Extra TLC Outside

Outside is our place to recharge, and that's something we've all appreciated even more (and needed even more!) during the pandemic. The best care package we know includes all the basics for kicking back and breathing in more fresh air. Pamper the ones you love with the sound of Ponderosa trees swaying in the wind while they sway the day away in a hammock. A favorite book is a great add-on. We always love seeing what The Book of Answers has to say when we're feeling a bit stressed.

Our shoe picks:  
Slip-ons are the name of the chillax game, like Yogui Garcia and Kaci.

Ways to give bigger:
Hike it Baby gift membership
Wild Diversity monthly membership

For Big Memories Outside

There are mega stores filled with fishing gear and gizmos, but we pulled together a few of our faves for tacking some fishing on to other outside adventures, like standup paddleboarding, biking, and hiking. With a telescopic rod (fly or reel) and collapsible net, you can fit it all in a backpack and pull out your gear when you find a great spot. A DIY fishing lures book can give your fisherpeople a new hobby during the winter, too. And, hey, a good luck charm can't hurt!

Our shoe picks:  
The original hybrid sandal, Newport, ready to hike, bike, paddle, and wade.

Ways to give bigger:
Wild Salmon Center gift membership
Soul River donation
C.A.S.T. for Kids donation

For Exploring Outside

It seems like everyone is buying a van lately. But even wagon and SUV owners can get in on the vanlife fun and make car camping comfier. A portable solar kit is such a nice-to-have item for recharging gadgets. We love geeking out a bit with ours. Another luxury is freshly ground coffee beans. A manual grinder gives your giftee a little morning arm workout, too, with zero carbon footprint (we like the stainless steel ones). Speaking of carbon footprints, a carbon offset for an upcoming road trip could really start your friends' and family's adventure off on a positive note.

Our shoe picks:  
UNEEK is an all-around fave, and is so versatile and comfortable.

Ways to give bigger:
A carbon offset program, such as TerraPass
Outside Safe Space donation

For Fitness Outside

Our favorite gym is always outside. And we love seeing so many folks discovering the joy of outside fitness. You don't have to be a runner to get your heart rate up and muscles working a little harder. Just pick up the pace on the trail. Know someone who wants to bring a little more sweat to their outside time? Our new hiker sneaker with flex, Tempo Flex, was made for quick sunrise or afterwork hikes. Your outside fitness lover would probably also love a hydration pack and foam roller and a stocking full of energy chews. We also think mismatched socks are the best. 

Our shoe picks:  
Our new light, fast, and flexy hiker sneakers, Tempo Flex

Ways to give bigger:
American Trails donation
Athlete Ally donation
50 Legs donation

For Floating Outside

Who do you love floating down the river of life with? :) Gear 'em up for real rivers, too. Whether or not they have a SUP or kayak of their own, or opt for rentals, there are lots of gifts that can make a day on the water more enjoyable. Hybrid sandals that protect toes while getting to the water are must-haves for us. We also know folks whose keys are at the bottom of the Puget Sound and whose phone was destroyed on the Tualatin River. Those are not makings of a fun day on the water. Being towed on an inflatable rainbow unicorn definitely is!

Our shoe picks:  
Hybrid water sandals SOLR and kids' Seacamp

Ways to give bigger:
American Whitewater donation
Conservation Alliance donation

For Powder Days Outside

No need to hibernate in the winter. We can all stay outside when it gets cold. Scandinavians call this "friluftsliv," which basically means open-air living. And when it snows, we love to dial that friluftsliv up. Being warmer keeps everyone happier out there. And so does a good snowball fight! Adding an outdoor preparedness class to your gift could be a great way to get new winter revelers out there. 

Our shoe picks:  
Warm, waterproof winter boots, like Revel IV and Winterport Neo

Ways to give bigger:
Protect Our Winters donation
Winter Wildlands Alliance donation