I know Christmas isn’t here yet but it’s coming quickly and it sure takes time to get ready. Even though I hate buying presents for my teenage kids, just to buy presents, I LOVE to give gifts that will be used, will bring joy and can help make amazing memories. I want my kids to get off their devices and get outside more. And to be kids- exploring, hiking, learning and enjoying the world. I want them to be brave and to try new things.

So, Christmas is coming and what are you giving your teenagers this year? If you haven’t decided but also want to get your kids outside more, doing more, exploring more, and loving life more, I have some great ideas for you! Check out the gift list and links below that will inspire adventure and help create amazing memories. I hope you’ll comment to share your favorites with me! Happy adventuring and memory making!

Adventure

• Parachute hammock – Get out and hammock
• Good hammock straps – Makes setting up hammock much easier
• Hiking daypack – A small water backpack to hold snacks, camera, hammock and water
• Water bladder – Easy way to carry and access water on a hike and fits into daypack
• State Park pass – A pass to lakes, hiking, camping, and the world
• National Park pass – Doesn’t get any better than this
• Kayak – Super fun way to exercise and enjoy the water
• Paddle board – Very trendy and super exciting
• Fishing pass – Get them out fishing
• Fishing pole and supplies – Tackle box and stuff to fill it up
• Backpacking supplies – Backpack, lightweight sleeping bag, tent, Jetboil, hammock
• Bike – Don’t forget the helmet
• Rip Stick – Hours of endless exercise and fun
• Pogo Stick – Have you tried it lately? It’s addicting!
• Razer scooter – Get it in their favorite color
• Geo cashing – Go exploring for treasure

Games

• Pickle ball paddle and balls– Mix between tennis and ping-pong
• Hacky sack – Small enough to fit into your pocket, take it anywhere
• Frisbee – Ultimate Frisbee is the best
• Can Jam – Fun Frisbee game
• Frisbee golf  – Another great Frisbee game
• Legos – Be creative
• Volleyball – Take it anywhere, especially the sand

Clothing

• Baseball hat – Support your favorite team
• Chaco sandals – Perfect water and hiking sandals, plus they are trendy and cool
• Windbreaker –  Lightweight jacket that can double as a rain poncho
• Good shoes – Get good running shoes, they can double for hiking shoes
• Bucket hat – Fun and cool way to provide sun protection
• Hiking socks – Keep those blisters away

Gadgets

• GPS Garmin watch – Keep track of the distance you hike or run
• Camera – Capture those moments forever
• Camera backpack  – Will help safely carry the camera on all adventures
• Art supplies – Drawing, painting, pencils, paint, spirograph (my favorite)
• Hydro Flask water bottle – Will keep water cool for days
• Large bean bag – Perfect place to take a nap
• Pocket knife – Useful for most outdoor activities
• Survival stuff – Flint, steel, compass, rope
• Ukulele – It’s little and you can take it anywhere

Learning

• Gift card for books – Take a book out on your next hammocking adventure
• Summer Camp, EFY or science camp tickets – Educational and exciting
• Map of trails in the area – Knowing where to go is the first step
• Community Ed classes – Science, computer coding, photography, art, writing, cooking and sewing classes
• Summer science camp – Head up to the mountain to learn
• Library card – Best way to learn is by reading
• Science kits – Kiwi Crate is awesome to teach hands on about science, technology, engineering, art and math (my 13 year old’s favorite gift last year as it was the gift that kept coming all year-long)

Experiences

• Sporting event tickets – Take me out to the ballgame
• Play tickets – Give the gift of culture
• Hot air balloon ride – This looks so fun!
• Concert tickets – Will always make a great memory
• Gym pass – The gift of health. Remember that strong is the new skinny!

I hope this list will help you think outside the box and get your kids outside and learning! Get those amazing  teenagers exploring and hiking and reading and camping and do you know what they will find? Peace and happiness and joy and love and confidence. Aren’t these the gifts you really want your kids to get for Christmas?