Do you have outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday gift list? With just a few days left before Christmas, you might still need ideas. We’re here to help.
I love giving gifts that help someone enjoy the abundance of nature in our Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks outdoors — including Springfield! But sometimes it’s tough to find just the right thing.
That’s why I turned to some Springfield-based experts for suggestions. Most — including many “experience” gifts — can be sourced through shops or companies headquartered around Springfield. In other words, you can probably find some suggestions on Amazon or at Walmart, but we did not shop those mega-sites.
We focused on five outdoor activities: paddling, hiking, cycling, running and camping. You’ll find suggestions in dropdowns ranging from little stocking stuffers to “this is your one big gift” size. We also included experience gift and resource gift ideas. And if you want to make it easy, a gift card to one of our outdoor gear stores would be welcome by anyone who likes outdoor recreation.
I encourage readers to scan all five lists, because there’s a lot of crossover. Many ideas would apply to people who enjoy other outdoor nature pursuits. For instance, a pair of mitten-gloves meant for runners would work beautifully on a hiking trail for outdoor winter photography (Hint, hint, family!).
Ready to be inspired? You might even find something for your own wish list!
For Paddlers
Paddling an Ozarks river or lake is a popular outdoor activity — you might even call it a local tradition. And we found all kinds of gift ideas, whether your recipient rents or owns their vessel. Gary Tombridge, president of Ozark Mountain Paddlers — a local organization for paddlers of all skill levels — offered several great suggestions. So did paddler Steven Heise, a staff member at Ozark Mountain Trading Company, a local retail shop in Ozark that sells vessels and gear.
Click here for the paddlers' gift idea list
Stocking stuffers and small gear
For the kayak owner on your list, an inexpensive (less than $20) but very handy paddle clip makes a great stocking stuffer. I love mine and use it every time we float. Heise showed me two options at OMTC: the YakAttack Padlock ($13) and YakAttack Rotogrip ($17).
Another small but handy gift is a paddle leash. The Sea to Summit brand is $25 at Ozark Adventures on East Republic Road.
And a waterproof mobile phone holder makes a nice stocking stuffer. They can be found for a variety of price points online or at local outdoor stores including OMTC.
Under $50
Every floater needs a small dry bag for personal gear. Tombridge recommends the 5-liter Seal Line Baja Dry Bag (less than $25 at Ozark Adventures) for people who float. It’s the right size to hold wallets, phones, sunscreen, snacks and more.
The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag was suggested by guides and staff at 37 North, a local expedition company that offers guided outdoor experiences. The 13-liter and smaller options are less than $50 and can be found online and locally.
Over $50
Water shoes for paddlers are a must and a variety of brands can be found at local outdoor stores, including Bass Pro Shops on Campbell Avenue and Ozark Adventures. Tombrige particularly likes the Astral Loyak brand water shoes for floating and all water-related activities. They “drain well and are super grippy,” he said. Prices vary from $80-plus at Bass Pro Shops and other retail options.
A large dry bag to carry picnic and camping gear may be just what your recipient needs for extended water adventures. Heise suggests the bag he uses, a 45-liter Tuff Sack Dry Bag, $56 at OMTC.
He also showed me something I’d like for my own kayak: A slim Perception Kayaks cooler ($85) that fits just behind a seat.
For cool weather floating, gift your paddler a splash jacket. Tombridge recommends the breathable, waterproof NRS Endurance Splash Jacket. They range in colors for men and women, with prices starting over $80.
Experience and resource gifts
Tombridge recommends “A Paddlers Guide To Missouri” — “the Bible for Missouri floaters,” he said — published by the Missouri Department of Conservation. You can pick up the 2023 version for $12 at Ozark Adventures or for $9 online at MDC.
Plan a float trip experience or give your paddler a gift certificate to one of many Ozarks outfitters, whether to float the nearby James River, the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, the Niangua, or one of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. This resource from the Missouri Stream Team lists some suggested outfitters.
Take your family paddling on one of Springfield’s local or nearby lakes. You can wrap up a Springfield-Greene County Park Board gift card to rent canoes and kayaks at Lake Springfield. To rent vessels at Fellows Lake, visit the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks’ website.
For Hikers
I love to hike and, over time, I’ve swapped beginner gear for better tools of the trail. Whether your hiking recipient is just getting started or has been hiking for a while, one of these gift ideas may be just the thing they need.
Click here for the hikers’ gift idea list
Stocking stuffers and small gear gifts
Tombridge, also an avid hiker, likes his Sun Company Tempacomp, a compass and thermometer that clips on a backpack with a carabiner. At $13, it makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Bass Pro Shops also has Coghlan’s 4-in-1 Whistle, a clip-on $7 stocking stuffer with a thermometer, compass and magnifier.
Does your hiker stay out all day or like to hike long distances? Make sure they have a Lifestraw emergency water filter. Widely available for $10-$20, this would tuck right into a stocking (and makes water drinkable no matter where you are, Tombridge says).
Under $50
Staff and adventure guides at 37 North shared some of their favorite hiking gear gift ideas, including wool hiking socks in various heights, weights and cushion — a must for anyone who treks the trails or camps overnight. Tombridge favors Darn Tough Hiking Socks, around $26 a pair with a lifetime warranty. Smartwool socks, found locally at Ozark Adventures, also come in a variety of weights and colors for less than $25.
Trekking poles are handy for hiking rocky and rooty trails with elevation. Bass Pro Shops carries several brands in their camping gear area that make especially great starter sets (ranging from $25-$50).
While certainly not limited to hiking, a warm neck gaiter makes a great gift for anyone who spends time outdoors. Ozark Adventures carries the Turtlefur brand in a variety of colors ($18).
Over $50
A hydration system is a must and 37 North guides particularly like the CamelBak options. They range in price, with the Octane 12 Hydration Pack (with a 2-liter reservoir) at just under $100. CamelBak packs are widely available online and locally at Ozark Adventures, Bass Pro Shops and other retail stores.
Base layer clothing — typically costing more than $50 for quality brands — makes a great gift for winter hikers. You can find tops and pant liners at Ozark Adventures, Bass Pro Shops and other outdoor retailers.
Foldable trekking poles ($100-plus) that fold up easily to stash in your backpack are an upgrade for hikers over starter pole options. I love my Black Diamond brand poles, a gift from my husband, but I still have my old starter pair (just in case).
Experience and resource gifts
A wealth of hiking books written by local experienced outdoor enthusiasts make great gifts. If you only get one, make it “Arkansas Waterfalls” ($25) — my go-to! — by hiker-photographer Tim Ernst. I also have his “Arkansas Hiking Trails” book ($20). Those two books and other titles by Ernst can be found online, at local bookstores and in a collection at Ozark Adventures.
Online apps can make finding and following that trail much easier. Tombridge uses the pro version of the AllTrails app and suggests a subscription ($36 per year) would make a great gift for hikers in the Ozarks.
Tombridge also recommends the Buffalo River Area Trails Illustrated Map Pack from National Geographic ($25). It details the entire length of the Buffalo National River and associated hiking trails, he said.
Experience gifts are the best! If your recipient would enjoy hiking (or paddling or biking and more) experiences with expert guides in a fun group activity, wrap up a gift card or gift membership for 37 North.
Or gift your family a guided hike experience with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Outdoor Initiatives program. Hikes planned for January and February are $25 per person with transportation provided.
For Cyclists
I asked Angela Jackson and Kristy Taylor, two founders of the Cycle Connect 417 women’s cycling group, to share a few suggestions for the cyclist on your list. (Learn more about Cycle Connect 417 in this Daily Citizen story.) Both also work for Küat, a company that makes bike and outdoor gear racks.
Click here for the cyclists’ gift idea list
Stocking stuffers and small gear gifts
Practical bike maintenance or safety gear is always welcomed by cyclists, and there are many small, stocking-sized items at local bike shops or online outlets. Taylor likes Silica Chain Lube ($16 for a 2-ounce bottle) for keeping her bike in working order.
Jackson suggests giving a gift card to any of Springfield’s bike shops. “If you happen to know the recipient's favorite shop, that helps,” Jackson said.
You can never have enough water bottles for your bike. A&B Cycle on South National has this Trek Voda Flow option ($12-$14).
Under $50
Jackson says a great gift from a local small business started by Rachel Todd is the Sew Bueno Burrito Bag ($40), a durable, attractive bag in a variety of colors created specifically for a bike’s handlebars. You can purchase one directly from the Sew Bueno website or at Sunshine Bike Shop on East Sunshine Street. A newer product is the Buns Seat Bag ($42), which fits under the bike seat. Sew Bueno also offers lifestyle bags including a belt pack and cross-body bag for less than $50 (with more options starting at $55).
For winter riding, Jackson also suggests gloves and shoe covers. She particularly likes the Pearl Izumi brand (available online and at local bike shops) with a variety of warmth levels and color options. You can find several under $50, but some cost more than that. She suggests looking for options with reflectors for safety.
I like a simple rubber wraparound phone holder, an inexpensive gift for a cyclist and easy to take on and off your handlebars. There are various brands, including the Nite Ize Wraptor bar mount holder, for less than $30 at Bicycle Outlet on South Fremont Avenue.
Over $50
Taylor suggests the RackDock ($89) from Küat, an easy storage solution for a hitch rack (“as opposed to tripping over it in your garage,” she said). It can hold up to a four-bike rack and is easy to install.
Speaking of bike racks, Jackson and Taylor both favor the Küat Sherpa 2.0 bike rack. At $629, it’s a price point that may be best for a family or group gift. Jackson likes it because at 32 pounds “it’s small, sexy, lightweight, affordable and comes with all the accessories you need. It has really appealed to our ladies in Cycle Connect 417!” Taylor says it’s also easy to assemble and to take on and off your vehicle. And it comes in three colors. The rack is available directly from Küat and through bike shops and online retailers.
For added safety, Jackson suggests the Garmin Varia Bike Lights ($300). They work with a Garmin Edge bike computer, says Jackson, whose husband has one, “so you will want to make sure they have the Garmin brand already,” she adds. “Basically, you can see on your bike computer screen when a car is approaching you from behind. It's a bright light as well so you're getting peace of mind both in knowing when a car is approaching and having that car clearly see you.”
Taylor personally recommends the Wild Rye brand for women’s cycling clothing (a company started by a woman for women), with a wide variety at many price points.
Experience and resource gifts
Offer to pay for a cyclist’s next local charity ride entry fee. There are several fun ones that happen every year.
Check with your cyclist’s favorite shop about gift cards for tune-up services.
To help your cyclist stay in riding form during winter, buy a punch card or gift card so they can attend indoor group cycling classes at Chesterfield Family Center.
Or if you’re just getting started, gift your family a bike rental experience around the Ozarks. Adventure Bicycle Company in Springfield rents bikes, as do some other local bike shops. Explore Branson trails by renting from Bike Branson. Or take the family to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in the Table Rock Lake area for up to a six-mile ride experience with pretty outdoor scenes and lots of waterfalls along a paved trail.
For Runners
I’m not a runner but I know people who are, including friend and colleague Jackie Rehwald, a reporter for the Daily Citizen. She had a few gift ideas on her list and suggested Eric Johnson, owner of Fleet Feet on East Republic Road, would be a good resource. Between them, we rounded up some handy suggestions, many of which can be found locally at Fleet Feet in addition to other general retail outlets.
Click here for the runners’ gift idea list
Stocking stuffers and small gear gifts
Running socks are a clear stocking winner for the runner in your life. They range in style and price, starting around $15 for the no-show style. Rewald suggests giving warm socks (pricier) for winter running.
A variety of personal light options to strap on wrists or attach to clothing for runners and walkers make great stocking stuffers. They are small and you can find them in retail stores or online for under $20.
Under $50
Polarized Goodr Sunglasses are non-slip in a variety of colors and fun frame styles, priced between $25 and $45. The most popular frame in general, Johnson says, is A Ginger's Soul (black frame). The most popular frame to give as a gift is Flamingos on a Booze Cruise (pink frame).
You can’t go wrong with a Sprint Hat. The breathable running hats come in lots of fun designs, from turtles to donuts to veggies (just be sure you know your recipient’s interests!). They range from $32-$35.
Winter running requires good gloves. The best-selling $40 Craft Hybrid Weather Glove, with a fold-over flap to go from glove to mitten, is a versatile option for running and any cold-weather outdoor activity.
Over $50
Johnson also suggests the Vuori Performance Jogger for women, a buttery soft jogger ($94) that comes in a variety of colors at Fleet Feet.
And the shop’s Shokz OpenRun Headphones ($130) have bone conduction technology so you can hear your surroundings while listening to music, he says — a safer option for runners and walkers than some alternatives and more comfortable than regular headphones.
Experience and resource gifts
The best experience gift for a runner is to pay the fee for one of Springfield’s many charity run/walk races. Fleet Feet is a great resource for many of those.
Another idea is to give a gift card to a diner or healthy drink establishment on the route your recipient typically runs.
For Campers
As new travel trailer owners, we camped all summer and into the fall. The Ozarks has a variety of great campgrounds within two hours of Springfield. Stocking the camper, we added gadgets and gear that would make nice gifts for the campers on your gift list. We also asked Carley Joy, co-owner of Joy Ride RV Rental in Springfield, for a couple of gift ideas from her family’s camping experiences.
Click here for the campers’ gift idea list
Stocking stuffers and small gear gifts
You can never have enough lighting options once night falls around the campground. We like battery-powered collapsible flashlight lanterns you can put on the picnic table or hang near the grill. You can find them for as little as $10 or less online at Bass Pro Shops (for instance this Cabela’s brand) and other retail outlets.
Anything to hook, tie, connect or hang is helpful at a campsite. We can never have enough flexible gear ties or carabiner clips of all sizes — perfect for stockings and broadly available at retail stores with outdoor gear (bonus: also great for hiking!). We also discovered this Coghlan’s Anchor Clip Set at Bass Pro (under $15) for hanging items on a thin cord.
For the camp kitchen, we discovered this handy camping spice keeper, GSI Outdoors Spice Rocket, for under $16 at Ozark Adventures.
Under $50 gifts
Tombridge — who camps in addition to hiking, paddling and cycling — recommends the Petzl Tikka headlamp for using around the campground, on a trail and even around the house. The Petzl headlamps vary in lumens and price, starting at $25 at Ozark Adventures.
Joy shared a few camping favorites in her family. They like electric heated socks for cold-weather camping (starting around $40, or more than $50 for versions with app control). You can find them at Bass Pro Shops and other retail stores with camping gear.
They also keep a portable electric fire blower handy. They run $10-$50 (depending on how fancy) at Bass Pro Shops and other retail outlets.
We can’t have enough solar lighting and especially like solar rope lights you can wrap around trees or string around the campsite boundary. Widely available, they average $15-$25 for one string depending on size.
Over $50
Joy says her family always packs a Blackstone Tabletop Griddle, which heats via propane. Widely available, we found they range roughly $100 and up depending on the style.
We also have a small portable propane firepit on our future list. If a campground doesn’t allow typical wood campfires (like the Buffalo Outdoor Center RV Park) or if there’s a burn ban, you can at least get the campfire ambiance with a propane alternative. We found them to start at around $100.
While exploring the new local Howler Company store on South Glenstone Avenue, owner Max Penny showed me a great gift option for campers, hikers, bikers and anyone doing outdoor activities.
The Waterproof Hooded Puffer Blanket by 686 Adventure Company ($65) is a great way to warm up during winter outdoor fun of any kind, but we think it would make a great camp gear addition.
And a Kelty camp chair at Howler ($75) would be a durable addition to the campsite. (Learn more about the new Howler store in this Daily Citizen story.)
Experience and resource gifts
Give your family the gift of trying out a travel trailer camping experience with a rental from Joyride RV Rental. They have a fleet of campers that range from teardrop style to bunkhouse in various weights and sizes. (Learn more about the local rental business in this Daily Citizen story.)
Offer to pay campground fees for the campers on your list. Or plan a family trip! There are too many campgrounds to list within two hours of Springfield in the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks. Two good website resources are Missouri State Parks and Arkansas State Parks which have a variety of campsites for tents, trailers and RVs.
