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It will be a surprise to absolutely nobody that we spend a huge amount of time outdoors as a family. Between spending time at the beach and open water swimming, or a family walk, we are definitely an outdoor family. We are hoping to achieve the 1000 outdoor hours challenge next year too – To be honest, we probably easily do this already but don’t document it.
This got me thinking about gifts for outdoor families – We are outside in all weathers and you know the saying, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’. Hopefully, you will find some gift suggestions in this post for the outdoor person in your life.
Whilst we try our hardest to support small local businesses at Christmas, we also balance this with independent small businesses that offer online shopping.
The Snug Bud
Regular readers will know that I spend an enormous amount of time at the side of a football pitch. Being a soccer mum is not much fun in the winter when it’s cold and wet. The Snug Bud could be the answer to all of my prayers though – This hot water bottle is designed to be worn across the body either underneath or on top of your coat, perfect for both adults and children.
It really well made and slimline but so warm just where you need it. Available in a choice of designs, you can transform all of your outdoor activities this winter, banishing the cold and feeling like you’re still snuggled up at home. The Snug Bud is supplied with a 2-litre natural rubber hot water bottle encased in a soft-shell cover bag, which can be worn over or under jackets, perfect for dog walks, camping, walking or even some added warmth at home.
RRP £59.95.
Vistaprint Personalised Products
Vistaprint also got in touch to offer us some goodies that we may find useful on our outings. We choose to personalise some products (in the hope that they are less likely to get lost).
We chose the Eevo-Therm Stainless Steel Bottle – 500 ml (RRP £29.68 for one unit) as we never go anywhere without a drink. A personalised Notebook (RRP £5.09 for one unit) and Pen is a must for outdoor adventures as that is when we tend to do our best planning for future expeditions. I’ve already had compliments about my pen at work. Obviously all of our goodies need carrying around so we also chose this Grey Backpack (£43.01 for one unit) as we’ve been after one for ages.
I used to think that Vistaprint was only suitable for businesses that put in large orders but was really pleased that single items could be ordered. It is obviously cheaper when you are ordering at scale but definitely worth exploring items that you need just one of. Design, ordering and delivery was really smooth, making sure we’ll definitely use their service again for gift ideas. Their range is huge and some fantastic prices.
Toffs Replica Football Shirts and Jackets
I’m so excited to gift this Replica England Harrington jacket this Christmas. TOFFS sell a massive range of more than 1,000 retro replica football and rugby shirts, giving nostalgic supporters a huge selection of shirts modelled after iconic designs worn by the greatest teams throughout the ages, including outfield shirts and also goalkeeper jerseys. Additionally, TOFFS sell original retro football shirts that take inspiration from historic kits, but with their own unique spin.
This Navy England Harrington jacket retails at £66.00.
Fit Flop Boots
I just love these Women’s Boots at FitFlop. These Shearling Boots are available in tan, brown and black and just so comfortable. Perfect for our winter walks or standing pitch side on the 4G. RRP £155 – They will last me for ages as they are so well made and don’t scrunch up (IYKYK)
VASO Travel Mugs
People who know us will recognise that we are never without our trust mug of coffee when pitch side or tracking around the countryside. We were kindly sent these Reusable Insulated Coffee Mugs from Glassstraw (RRP £14.99) which are so ergonomically friendly to use. Really comfortable on the hands and keep your drinks hot for ages.
Have a look out on the Glassstraw website for their range of reusable champagne flutes and wine tumblers, which is quite frankly what our winter walks should be aspiring to! (And yes, they actually sell reusable glass straws too!)
Grangers Waterproof Clothing Protector
We were sent these Grangers items to try for our outdoor wear and did not realise how handy they would be. The Footwear Repel Plus (Spray-on waterproof treatment whatever the weather RRP £9.50) has been fantastic for our aging walking boots (I’m hoping mine don’t fall apart this year) and the Clothing Repel (Cleans and keeps waterproof whilst saving water RRP £11.95) has saved the day for both Dermot and my waterproof coat (See, us Northerners even get the big coats out sometimes!)
We have recently been working with Lighthouse clothing on their winter outdoor wear campaign and love their choice of clothes. I chose this Eva Navy long padded jacket (RRP £79.99) which is super warm (you can see I had to unzip before even reaching the beach on this picture!), this super comfy Ivy navy and white striped jersey dress (RRP £49.99) and this Hannah Bobble Hat (£14.99), that I’ve not been seen without this winter.
Anyone with a sport child will know that the best way to keep them occupied is to take a football everywhere with you. T can keep herself occupied by doing keepy uppies when we have a well needed break and you never get the ‘I’m bored’ wail. We are never to be found without a football or rugby ball in our boot.
I will continue to add to this post throughout the year as we add to our waterproof collection. I think it is important not just to feature new items as I always need to know how something lasts. One thing that we have bought 3 of now, are DryRobes. Definitely the popular purchase of the year but so handy. We are very much open water people so these are completely perfect for when you get out of the water and for getting changed under (I’ve discovered this year that long sleeved tops are impossible to get back on after a swim though!) Also, super handy for when you fancy reading your book, spectating the others on the paddle board. RRP £165 – We have only tried the original DryRobe brand so cannot comment on the quality of other types.
Of course, being outdoors is great but sometimes getting home and snug can be just as perfect. Especially if you arrive home to these Ylur slippers, part of a range from Simba, who we have been working with throughout the year.
