Dec. 8, 2013—'Tis the season to get generous. Win brownie points forever with your outdoorsy sweetie and pals by getting them cool stuff that will make them happy. Here are some local gift ideas we like.
Darn Tough Socks
Everyone knows how important good socks are, mostly because we all know how crappy bad socks are. Freezing toes, blisters, slippage, the way they wear thin at the back of the heel ... these are signs of lesser hosiery, and they should be banished to distant memory. The Vermont company that makes these merino wool socks guarantees them for life. You wear them out, you package them up, fill out a form, and wait for a new pair to arrive. That is not just Yankee ingenuity, it's a gift from the gods. At Sawyer Land and Sea Supply, 402 Ingalls St, Santa Cruz. $19.
BaaBaa Merino Wool Base Layer Pullover
Sir Edmund Hillary summited Mount Everest in wool and leather, and research has confirmed that wool, gabardine, silk and cotton make dandy climbing gear on the world's tallest mountain. So we feel confident recommending super-soft merino wool as a way to stay warm and toasty in the California winter, whether you're hiking, cycling, whale watching or just having a brew on the outside patio. At Bicycle Trip, 1001 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. $69.99.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Subtitled From lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail, this 2012 memoir of the author's life-changing 1995 trek may be responsible for more traffic this last summer on the famous montane superhighway than any other. And for that reason some people will hate it. But if you have a certain someone in your life, especially a certain lady someone, who's a little bored and a little stuck and could stand to be reintroduced to the concept of adventure, this book just might be the ticket. At all reasonable bookstores, notably Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. $15.95.
Adventure Out Gift Certificate
25 percent off through Dec. 25 Santa Cruz-based Adventure Out gets people out in nature, testing their own limits. They'll teach your favorite adventurenik how to rock climb, surf, mountain bike, build a fire using sticks and leaves, dig a snow camp in the Sierras, survive in the desert and forage for seafood on the Lost Coast. There's a huge range of offerings and price points, from $99 to $400—and right now your dollars can purchase extra fun thanks to a 25 percent off deal on gift certificates through Christmas. Learn more at Adventure Out.
Magic Tarp-It
Portland-based outfittter Poler has great stuff made with imagination and humor for real people who want to get outside. "Half tarp, half space blanket, half magic," the Magic Tarpit acts like a lightweight shelter for you and all your stuff when shelter is what you need. Basically a tarp lined with a space blanket and fashioned with a hood and pockets, it also features grommets so you can cinch it down over your bike or backpack. At Sawyer Land and Sea, 402 Ingalls, Santa Cruz. $25.
Patagonia R1 Pullover for Men or Women
This classic zippered pullover by the ultimate name in outdoor gear is a must-have item. Warm but breathable and graced with miraculous wicking powers, it's the layer you'll want to have close at hand for almost any activity in every season. And the damn things wear like iron—Ms. Hilltromper's turns 10 this year and it's still going strong. In lovely and amazing colors. At Patagonia Outlet Santa Cruz, 415 River St, Santa Cruz. $90 (down from $130).
Michael Schwab Tin of Chocolates
You can never go wrong with chocolate, especially when proceeds support operations at Santa Cruz area parks. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks sells milk, dark and darker chocolate in gorgeous tins bearing Michael Schwab's iconic images of beloved Santa Cruz state parks like Nisene Marks and Wilder Ranch. Find a Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Park Store near you (remember to check the hours). $8.50.
Totally Tubular East Cliff Zip
Lauren Junker's formula for reusing old bicycle tires results in chic, one-of-a-kind bags and purses. The East Cliff Zip ($26) is small—about the size of a CD, but square—and perfect for carrying a few key personal effects, storing your makeup in your purse, etc. Upcycled upholstery makes for a cute interior, and a sturdy zipper completes the package. Totally Tubular also now has a line of very stylish bags and wallets made from vintage car upholstery. In colors like aqua and avocado, with the old familiar textures and stitching, they are a beautiful blast from the past. Totally Tubular bags are found at Epicenter Cycling on Mission Street, the Spokesman, Artisans, The Craft Gallery Annex in Capitola and online.
Handmade Wild Edibles or Save Upper Campus Calendar
Avid backpacker and hiker Leonie Sherman's beautiful handmade calendars—given as gifts until this year, when her public demanded she make more of them available—feature gorgeous, simple illustrations of native plants, birds, salamanders and more accompanied by informative text or recipes. Says Sherman, "I make these calendars because I am in love with our area." Find the Wild Edibles calendar at Windmill Cafe (21231 East Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz) or Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave, Capitola. Find the Save Upper Campus calendar at River Cafe, Logos and Papervision in Santa Cruz. $10-15.
Nature Resource Books
Every nature nerd longs for more books on flora and fauna. The Nature Store at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park has a vast selection of books on plants and animals—and birds. Lots on birds, including some resources for rank beginners. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 North Big Trees Rd, Felton. Gift shop: 831.335.3174.
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