It’s that time of the year again….the seasons are changing and we are gearing up to keep warm and comfortable as winter hits. We also start thinking about what to gift those we love.
I hope you start with TIME first. It is the foundation of strong families and, sadly, what seems to slip away first.
We put together this guide to help you find the GEAR (and fun stuff) you need to spend that time together outside. Know that all these products come personally recommended by us and our Team.
Check out this guide and then be sure to head here for ALL our guides for 2019 – our team has worked hard to gather our very favorite recommendations.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Want more ideas? Find all our gift guides here!
Family Fun + Biking
Woom 3 Bike
The WOOM 3 is our favorite bike for preschoolers transitioning from a balance bike to pedals. The more upright stance gives young riders confidence as they learn to ride. We also love the color-coded hand brake, steering limiter and ultra light frame.
Buddy Pegs Jersey, Books & Hats
Hamax Caress
The Caress is my favorite bike seat. It is super easy to adjust, works even on my 29″ Cruiser Bike with fatter tires and is the only seat I personally feel comfortable having my child in when I bike. We recommend for children aged 1 -3 years.
Family Outdoor Fun
Hamax Outback
The Outback has bike/ski/stroll/jog capabilities with a large cockpit, adjustable handle bar and is THE easiest multifunctional stroller to switch between accessories.
We love that the skis lock into place so you can push OR pull with them.
Another bonus? Their strolling wheel is the smoothest I’ve seen even on dirt roads. Read our full review here.
Spring Free Trampoline
Truly the safest trampoline on the market, we have been extremely impressed with this one. Safety is their number one priority and it shows in the details. This is for those families that said they “would never have a trampoline” (like us!)
It works awesome in ALL weather conditions. We simply plow a path to it all winter long and let the kids (and us) continue to jump, despite snow and ice.
Slackers Ninjaline
We recommend this year after year because it is perfect for the backyard OR to bring camping.
Outdoor Education
Think Outside Boxes
My kids think THIS is the best gift idea for outdoor kids this year….and for every year. It’s hands-down our favorite subscription box option for outdoor kids and the gift that keeps giving all year long.
The tools/items included in the boxes are top-notch quality, include comprehensive learning and truly do encourage kids to get outside.
My kids reach for their pack with all their supplies again and again. Worth every penny!
Books, Books, Books!
We love books that encourage an outdoor life. Here are some of our very favorites. Also check out the following lists of others we recommend:
Winter Gear
Veyo Mittyz
Our favorite mittens for toddlers, these are cute, warm, stay on and keep little hands super warm. Best for ages 6 mo – 4.5 years.
TOBE Gear for Kids
I always say TOBE is our “bombproof gear”, made to handle serious abuse from adventurous kids (and adults!) Read our full review here.
Stripes Gear
My favorite poly-pro base layers for toddlers through adults. The stripes are adorable, they are very warm and comfortable. My biggest tip? They are not made to go in the dryer so hang dry!
Use code “mountainmama” for 10% off! No expiration date.
Level Nine Defiance Ski or Snowboard Package
L9 has the best deals in ski packages for the whole family. That coupled with the fact that they know their gear, have excellent customer service AND truly want to help families get on the slopes is why we shop with them every time we need ski gear.
Shred Dog Gear (go here for 25% off!)
My kids love their SHRED DOG gear and as a mom, I there are number of things I personally LOVE about their premium gear, such as:
- Adjust-a-Fit™ — the sleeves of both their jackets and the pant legs can be extended for growing kids but also retracted for hand-me-downs!
- Elite-level waterproofness and breathability – a lot of brands claim it, but they really deliver
- Soft and pliable so kids can easily move around and play hard but also durable with knee, cuff, and hem reinforcement on the pants
- The versatility of the layering system – the shell is great for spring skiing, the shell and puffy zipped together is a cold winter jacket, but the puffy insulator jacket is perfect for 3-season or year-round use
Wee Woollies
My kids are in Wee Woollies literally every day or night year-round. They are super soft, lightweight so great for a base layer or pajamas and keep kids warm AND cool thanks to the amazing properties of wool. Available for babies – age 10.
They are slim fitting so sizing up a bit works just fine. If you treat them right, they’ll last through a few kids. I LOVE that they are something I can throw in with the rest of my laundry.
Jan & Jul Fleece-Lined Gear
I just discovered Jan & Jul this winter and love their fleece-lined rain gear. In fact, the suits especially totally work as snow gear if you live in a more temperate climate or are ok with layering.
They’ve been fantastic for early winter which tends to be muddy and wet AND cold here. Suits, jacket/pant separates and mittens are all available. We’ve done some serious laying-in-a-puddle testing and they have performed fantastically.
Therm Outdoor Splash Magic Jacket
Therm has fantastic gear that truly is waterproof. The Splash Magic jacket is fleece-lined (breathable option also) and has a design that shows up only when wet. Every kid thinks this is the coolest thing. Based in New Zealand, we love this company and ALL their products. Available on Amazon!
Villervalla Snow Gear
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this gear from Biddle & Bop. It is what I recommend to all my friends who are looking for great gear for their kids, but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Not only is it cute, it’s warm and super durable, has a great hood, adjustable wrist cuffs and bib straps and just overall amazing quality. And that hat – it’s THE best and warmest I have found for little kids. I am ordering more for our family!
We also recommend their shells to layer under.
Ella’s Wool TUBES and Base Layers
The Ella’s Wool TUBES wool pants can be worn on their own (no-itch at all) or as a great mid layer in the winter. I love the bright new colors this year. We have them for all our kids and use them daily to keep them warm.
Also don’t miss their base layers – they are a great heavier weight while still remaining incredibly soft and warm. Available for babies and big kids (up to size 12) too!
Hiking
Mishmi Takin Hiking Boots
My favorite hiking boots that I have ever owned, hands down. They have Incredible support and breathability, and hold up to tons of miles.
Need more hiking boot recommendations for women? Go here!
Kula Cloth
This is truly a must-have for every woman and girl who hikes and backpacks. See more about why we think so here!
Deuter Futura Pro
The perfect pack for when you need a little more than a daypack, but not as big as a multi-day pack. All the pockets you need and the Deuter comfort is top-notch.
Noso Patches
Save your gear from a slow death and/or bedazzle away with Noso Patches! Most of our jackets have at least one patch on them.
Montem Hiking Poles
A great, affordable pole to help you with balance and stability. They’re also super light and adjustable so work fine for kids too.
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Read more great 2018 Gift Guides from our Friends here:
- Gift Guide for Ski Families | Mountain Mom and Tots
- The Gift Guide For Everyone On Your List 2018 | Bring-the-kids.com
- The Best Gifts for Skiers | BraveSkiMom.com
- The Best Outdoor Gifts of 2018 | Editor’s Choice – Outdoor Families Magazine
- A Holiday Gift Guide for Active Kids (with giveaways) | Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
- The Best Adventure-Inspired Gifts for Outdoorsy People | Hiking in my Flip Flops
- The Best Gifts for Travelers | Traveling Mel
- Ethical Gifts for the Outdoor Family (+ Giveaway) | Born to be Adventurous
- Meaningful Gifts You Actually Want to Give Your Children | Wike Baby
- Holiday Gift Guide for Lovers of the Outdoors | Play Outside Guide
- Gift Guide for Adventure Travelers and Outdoor Lovers | Nomads with a Purpose
- 2018 Ultimate DIY, Handmade Guide for Your Wild Child! | Wilder Child
© 2018, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.
Pingback: Ethical Gifts for the Outdoor Family (+ Giveaway) | Born to be Adventurous
This is Awesome! And I cannot wait for the giveaways.An
Pingback: The Best Gifts for Skiers | The Brave Ski Mom
Great gear guides, I have just added a number of items to our shopping list for the family. Thanks,