From a pocket-sized flower press to a retro home-movie camcorder, these are the gifts they never knew they needed.
(Photo: Canva)
Published November 3, 2026 01:07PM
Some might argue that the person who already has everything is the hardest to shop for. But we disagree. It’s an opportunity to throw practicality out the window and find something so offbeat, clever, or downright whimsical that they’d never think to buy it themselves. That’s what makes shopping for them so fun. Consider it your chance to give something unexpected, such as the 12 gifts below.
Under $60
Ripstop by the Roll DIY Zipper Pouch Kit (From $12)
They might have all the gear, but have they ever made their own gear? When the weather is crappy and the daylight wanes, this DIY zipper pouch is just the thing to keep them busy. Ripstop by the Roll provides the Dyneema fabric, YKK coil zipper and slider, and drawcord (thread not included), and it’s up to them to put everything together. Choose from three sizes.
Kikkerland Flower Press ($12)
For the nature lover who always points out the tiniest alpine flowers on hikes, this pocket-sized notebook for pressing botanical treasures is the perfect stocking stuffer. The cream-colored pages fold accordion-style for a double layer so moisture doesn’t leak through, and a tight elastic band wraps around the whole journal for secure compression.
Skida Scarflette ($55)
Who knew a triangle of fabric could be so versatile? Made from Polartec Alpha microfleece, this scarf is cozy enough to boost warmth but slim enough to slide under layers on the coldest days. It’s wide enough to wrap multiple times around the neck, or once around the shoulders or head. The edges are bound in one of Skida’s signature patterns—leopard print or florals—for a subtle boost of personality.
Black Diamond RockLock Magnetron Carabiner ($55)
It’s back! After a six-year hiatus, your climbing-obsessed loved one will be delighted to know this beloved magnetic locking carabiner is in production again. Unlike locking carabiners that require users to twist a screw tight, the Magnetron locks automatically when the gate is closed. The first rerun sold out, but restocks arrived just in time for gifting season.
$61 to $200
The Outdoor Archive Book ($69)
Published in 2025, this gorgeous coffee table book presents magazines, catalogs, and other printed materials from the past 100 years of the outdoor industry. Iconic brands featured include Snow Peak, The North Face, and Columbia, with a foreword from photographer Chris Burkard. Anyone who’s a nerd about gear will leave this book out, flip through its 384 pages obsessively, and return to it for endless inspiration.
Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair ($70)
The Hex 2.0 is a chair, a stadium seat, a sleeping pad, and a kneeling mat, all in one. With both straps clipped together to create a supportive seat, the eight-millimeter high-density cored closed-cell foam provides insulation and comfort off the ground. A DWR coating ensures moisture from the wet ground or bleachers doesn’t seep up and ruin your day. It’s compact and lightweight enough to roll up and carry in a daypack or toss in the car for a tailgate.
Snow Peak Autumn Stacking Mug Set ($110)
We guarantee the recipient already owns a camp mug—or two or three. They probably wouldn’t spend $110 on another one themselves. But that’s exactly why you should. Snow Peak’s matching golden set, inspired by autumn leaves, is equally at home around the campfire or on the kitchen counter, making everyday tea and coffee feel a little more special.
Camp Snap CS8 Point and Shoot Video Camcorder ($199)
Everyone has a camera in their pocket, but how often do those videos make it out of the camera roll? The Camp Snap camcorder gives everyday moments the nostalgic treatment of an old-school home movie. Without a playback screen, the person behind the lens has to trust their instincts, just like back in the day. But a USB-C connection makes transferring footage easy. Perhaps this is the encouragement your loved one needs to finally make that ski film.
Over $200
BD x Norda 000 Trail Shoes ($295)
Surely your loved one already has a pair of tried-and-true trail shoes. But do they have these trail shoes? The collaboration between Québec footwear brand Norda and climbing gear maker Black Diamond was one of the year’s most exciting partnerships, and this limited-edition shoe is its crown jewel. Here’s your chance to give someone something they might have admired from afar but wouldn’t necessarily splurge on themselves.
RUX Waterproof Duffel Box ($390)
All their gear has to go somewhere, and hopefully in an organized manner. The RUX Waterproof Duffel Box keeps everything contained in one durable, grab-and-go bag for impromptu trips to wherever. Its zipperless roll-top design expands or compresses to accommodate whatever they’re packing, while interior soft organizers keep smaller essentials from getting lost in the shuffle. The 840-denier TPU-coated nylon on the outside is absolutely bombproof.
Dale of Norway 1994 Lillehammer Wool Sweater ($390)
Sorry, Grandma. We’ve got the knitwear covered this year. Dale of Norway re-created its 1994 Olympic ski sweater with the same Norwegian craftsmanship, but a thinner, softer 100 percent wool yarn in a unisex fit. This cozy layer is also a little piece of ski history for the powder chaser and forecast checker in your life.
REI x BEAMS Expedition Parka ($599)
Collaborations make especially good gifts, particularly when they’re limited to just 500 pieces. Japanese retailer BEAMS teamed up with REI to reimagine a parka inspired by the co-op’s original 1986 design, unearthed in its archives. For the person who loves a good vintage find, this is about as good as it gets.
