Being a Mom isn’t what it used to be. Way back in the (really, not that long ago) Dark Ages, it seemed like we were expected to turn in our Adventure Cards once we gave birth; I guess we were supposed to stay indoors and knit or play Bridge or something. Not anymore. Today’s Moms are out there skiing, hiking, climbing, biking, and having all sorts of outdoor fun. So the old standby Mother’s Day presents, perfume and flowers, just don’t seem to cut it (we still like brunch, though).
In short, we need to explore other options. Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind for your mom — or maybe there’s something someone should get you.
GSI Outdoor Stainless Stemless Wine Glass
Few items say outdoor chic quite like the GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Stemless Wine Glass. The sleek stainless steel is virtually indestructible, and the unique kick-stand shape helps prevent the glass from tipping over. From outdoor concert venues to remote backcountry vistas, this is the ideal vessel for your favorite vintage.
Patagonia Nano Air jacket
Patagonia’s Nano-Air® Jacket blends durability, warmth, and strength into a mid layer perfect for any aerobic activity. The slim-fitting jacket features Patagonia’s Full Range Insulation, which blends the warmth and breathability of synthetic insulation with the stretch and flexibility of fleece to keep Mom warm, comfortable, and mobile as she treks, climbs, and skis. DWR treatment helps excess water bead up and roll away, rather than sit on the jacket’s surface and slowly sink into the insulation when Mom gets wet.Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
LARQ: A Germ-Killing, Water-Purifying Bottle
Sometimes a regular old water bottle won’t cut it. The LARQ Bottle PureVis™ is the world’s first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. It uses PureVis technology to eliminate up to 99% of bio-contaminants such as E. coli from both the water and the bottle. Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.
Powder Days by Heather Hansman
I recommended this in the Ski Diva 2021 Holiday Gift Guide, so if you didn’t buy it as a gift then, here’s your chance now. Written by Outside writer and ski journalist Heather Hansman. Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns, and the Future of Chasing Snow is a look at the hidden history of American skiing. Hopping from Vermont to Colorado, Montana to West Virginia, Hansman profiles people who have built their lives around skiing. She also delves into skiing’s problematic elements and investigates how the sport is evolving in response to climate change. It’s a fascinating book, and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves skiing. You can read my interview with Heather here.
Solo Stove Fire Pit
Whether Mom is a camper or just likes to chill out in the backyard, nothing beats hanging out around a portable fire pit, like the ones from Solo Stove. Solo’s fire pits are small, lightweight, and easy to set up. Plus the wood-burning flames get 400° hotter than conventional fires, eliminating smoke and creating fine ashes. .
Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 helps connect the dots between activity, sleep, and stress so you can make the best decisions for your body, mind, and health. It all starts with a 6-month Premium membership and Daily Readiness, a score based on activity, sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) that helps optimize your workout routine. It has 21 activity modes, six of which you can add to your on-device favorites list via the app. Within the app, you can also determine which smartphone notifications you’d like to buzz on your wrist. The Charge 5 has on-wrist ECG (electrocardiogram) and built-in GPS, which allows for real-time pace and distance data without requiring a phone connection.
BIC Sport Beach Air Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard with Paddle
A great choice for anyone looking for a portable, compact, durable and lightweight board, the BIC Sport Beach Air 10 ft. 6 in. inflatable stand up paddleboard comes with a paddle, pump and everything you need to get out on the water. The Board features best-in-class performance thanks to 6″ thick drop-stitch construction and a 15 psi inflation limit. It inflates quickly and easily, comes with premium Removable Center Fins, and features a 10″ US universal fin box.
Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America
For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. This edition combines the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds (1992) and the Peterson Field Guide to Western Birds (1992) in a single volume. Features include online access to video podcasts and range-maps. The text covers both Canada and the US, so it’s more inclusive than many guides.
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker
Mom can get nice and comfy in front of the campfire in this portable rocker from GCI. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker has a smooth rocking action on any surface in the outdoors and features padded armrests, a built-in beverage holder, and a convenient carry handle. It’s easy to fold up, weighs just 13 pounds, and supports up to 250 pounds.
Goodr Sunglasses
Goodr’s affordable polarized running sunglasses are no slip, no bounce, and all polarized, making them the perfect choice for the active Mom. The frame is snug and lightweight, with a comfortable fit to prevent bouncing while running. Enhanced silicone inserts have a special grip coating to help eliminate slippage when you’re breaking a sweat. Available in a wide variety of styles and lens colors.