The holidays are the perfect time to inspire adventure. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned hiker, a New Hampshire peak-bagger, an outdoor-loving family, or a little explorer just starting their journey, this guide is filled with items I truly love and use. As a New England-based adventurer and mom, I’m always looking for gear that’s practical, durable, and brings more joy (and confidence!) to time outside. These are trail-tested favorites that make getting outdoors easier, safer, and more fun - for everyone on your list.
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| These are my picks for best gifts this year. Ones that are found through my Amazon List are affiliate links. |
Freelance Adventurer Gift Guide 2025
Thoughtful, trail-tested gifts for explorers, families, and New Hampshire adventurers.
Hike More, Worry Less
Gear that brings confidence, safety, and peace of mind to every adventure.
Mosaic Personal Alarm
A small but powerful tool for solo hikers, travelers, and early-morning runners. Loud, discreet, and helps you feel more secure on the trail.
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| I keep this small alarm on me when I'm hiking alone or with kids. |
Orange Safety Vest
An essential during hunting season, especially on New England trails. Affordable, packable, and available in both adult and kids sizes.
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| Give safety for a fall New England hiker with this affordable piece of gear. |
Hike Safe Card (NH)
One of the best gifts for anyone who hikes in New Hampshire. Helps support rescue operations and protects hikers from liability for search-and-rescue costs.
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| Anyone who hikes in NH should have this - and you can purchase it for a loved one. |
Adventure With Kids
Gifts that make family adventures easier, more fun, and more connected.
Long-Range Walkie Talkies
Perfect for giving kids freedom at the campground or on nature walks—while parents stay connected without giving out a phone.
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| These walkie talkies are our go-to for camping! |
Kid Digital Camera
A fun, durable way for young explorers to document their own adventures. Encourages creativity and keeps them engaged on hikes, road trips, or in the backyard.
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| Hiking is more fun for kids when they are the family photographer! |
Seacoast Hikes & Nature Walks Ebook (My Book!)
Ten family-friendly hikes across NH and Maine. Complete all ten and earn a patch + bumper sticker - the perfect motivation for little adventurers.
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| Finish the ten family-friendly hikes in this book and earn a patch! |
Celebrate New Hampshire
Gifts that highlight the place we love exploring most.
3D Wall Map of the NH 4000-Footers
We have this at home and adore it. A beautiful, tactile map for peak-baggers—whether they're working on the list or celebrating finishing it.
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We have this map in our house. Perfect for a NH 48 hiker! |
AMC Membership
Supports wild places and trail maintenance across the region. Members also enjoy hut and gear discounts, a great magazine, and access to guided hikes.
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| Give the gift of AMC membership! |
Campfire Comforts
Relaxation, creativity, and cozy nights outdoors.
Kelty Low-Love Loveseat
My all-time favorite camp chair. Perfect for stargazing, reading by the fire, or sharing morning cocoa at camp.
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| My favorite camping accessory! It would make the best Christmas gift! |
Audible Subscription
Such a great gift for travelers and readers. This year I listened on flights, in the tent, and now on my commute. Recent favorites: The Women, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and current listen Project Hail Mary.
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| Last year, I asked for an audible subscription - It's a great gift! |
Intro to Embroidery - Pendant Making Kit
A relaxing, creative campfire activity - fun for adults or kids, and easy to pack. Make great handmade gifts too!
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| I've enjoyed this easy embroidery and making pendants for friends and family. |
Hiker Favorites
Trail-tested essentials every hiker loves and always uses.
Darn Tough Socks
My forever favorite hiking socks—made in Vermont, incredibly durable, and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The perfect stocking stuffer.
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| Last year I gifted 15 pairs of darn toughs! And this year I'm asking for them. |
Carhartt Cuffed Beanie
A warm, classic essential for winter hikes. I’m gifting these to my whole family this year and embroidering custom designs!
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| I have purchased 20 of these favorite hats for gifts this year! |
Nalgene Water Bottle
A simple, indestructible staple for any hiker. Lightweight, BPA-free, and great for stickers and trail badges. You can’t go wrong gifting a Nalgene.
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| A classic - you can't go wrong! Give some fun stickers to put on it too. |
Bringing the Dog Along
For the four-legged adventure buddies.
Dog Rescue Sling
A must-have for hikers with dogs. After experiencing a canine injury on trail myself, I don’t hike without one. Allows you to safely carry your dog if they’re hurt.
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| Give this to the dog-friendly hiker on your list. It's an essential piece of safety gear. |
Dog Doo Tube
A simple, brilliant solution for packing out dog waste — keeps it sealed until you reach a trash bin. A surprisingly perfect stocking stuffer.
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| This smell proof tube will carry out poop so your dog walker friend doesn't leave it on the trail. |
The Season of Giving!
Wherever your adventures take you this season - snowy trails, cozy campfires, or road trips through New England - I hope these gifts spark inspiration and help your loved ones explore more confidently in the year ahead. If you pick up anything from this list, let me know what you chose! And if you're looking for even more outdoor ideas, you can always find gear tips, family hikes, and real-life adventure stories over on @freelanceadventurer and last years gift guide on the Freelance Adventurer blog. This list contains some affiliates through Amazon but not all. Thanks for supporting me.
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