Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14. Notice how we said that right up front? Write it down, put it in your phone — write it backward on your forehead if you have to. If you take nothing else away from this nifty gear roundup, let it be that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14.
Now, if you’re on the hunt for some gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Whether for your mom, wife, partner, or friend, one of these outdoor gifts is sure to make the outdoorsy woman in your life happy.
We’ve included four gift categories in this collection: Family Fun, Apparel, Workout & Recovery, and Outdoor Accessories. No matter which gift you choose, be sure it’s accompanied by a personal touch (a card or cut flowers, whatever Mom will enjoy!).
Family Fun
While you can’t go wrong sending Mom on a solo spa day, the best gifts are those the whole family can enjoy. From backyard campouts to lazy afternoon hammock naps, good gifts help create priceless memories.
Solo Stove Surround
A backyard fire pit is a de facto centerpiece for s’mores, storytelling, and summer night cuddles.
Made of powder-coated steel and UV-resistant fabric, Solo Stove’s Surround ($450) creates a safety barrier that protects against accidental bumps and burns — invaluable peace of mind for parents and pet owners. The 360-degree Surround also includes a flat, heat-resistant rim that provides the perfect place to set s’mores and drinks.
While the Surround is designed to fit over Solo Stove’s smokeless fire pits, it could work with other fire pits too.
Shop NowHala Gear Hala Rado Standup Paddleboard
The meditative joy of standup paddling is a great way to enjoy the warm season. Whether Mom is a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Hala Rado ($1,349) is a high-quality SUP that performs well on both whitewater and flatwater.
We love this board’s reinforced grab handles on the nose and rear. It has an impressively high weight capacity (325 pounds) compared to many other SUPs. Plus, the retractable fin system is next level.
Check out more of our favorite SUPs.
Shop NowYellow Leaf Signature Hammock
Yellow Leaf’s hand-woven hammocks are a lovely addition to backyard hangs and car camping trips. Made from soft, durable yarn, this hammock ($199) comes in two sizes — classic and family.
The family size boats a whopping 550 pounds of weight capacity, just enough for Mom and the kids to curl up in the sun for an afternoon nap.
Shop NowRumpl Travel Blanket
Rumpl’s travel-size Deepwater Blanket ($85) packs down to the size of a Nalgene. It’s ideal for air travel and impromptu picnics.
One of our testers uses the unfurled Deepwater as a home base at the park with her kids. While frolicking with the other youngsters, there’s nothing better than retreating to Mom for a quick break and a snack on a soft blanket.
The DWR finish sheds moisture and prevents stains, and the polyester face fabric is silky smooth against the skin. Every Deepwater is made with a percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic.
Shop NowApparel
A good piece of clothing can offer the warm familiarity of an old friend. These are some of our all-time favorite layers, and we think they’d make fine gifts for moms everywhere.
From activewear to cozy joggers, these items can help Mom enjoy her favorite activities — from surfing barrels to reading on the couch.
Patagonia Women’s R1 Air Hoody
The R1 Air Hoody ($169) is the ideal midlayer for high-output activity. For ski touring to rock climbing, this nifty full-zip breathes and insulates in equal measure.
Mom will surely appreciate the extended cut of the R1, which covers the entire torso and hips. Even after several decades, the R1 rules the fleece kingdom.
Shop NowIbex Nomad Joggers
We worked and lounged in these joggers all winter, and they’re as comfortable as it gets. Made from 95% merino wool French terry, the Nomad joggers ($165) are soft and velvety, yet not overly warm. The tapered fit and sleek fabric makes the Nomad far more elegant than the average pair of sweats.
These joggers are highly versatile for everything from campfire hangs to afternoon jogs.
Shop NowMarmot ’96 Active Anorak
This stylish anorak jacket from Marmot ($125) is inspired by the retro baggy windbreakers of the ’90s. The elastic hem and cuffs should help seal out frigid air, and the oversized front kangaroo pocket offers tons of storage. Plus, it stores easily in its own pocket.
Shop NowVuori Dune Swimsuit Top & Bottoms
Designed for paddling, surfing, and active use, the Vuori Dune swimsuit provides comfort, sun protection, and a secure fit. With long sleeves, a mock neck, and a UPF 30 rating, the Dune top deflects UV rays during long days of SUPing, snorkeling, or catching waves.
The top ($89) and bottoms — in bikini ($68) or shorts ($84) — are sold separately.
Shop Top Shop BottomsOutdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Pre-, during, and post-pregnancy, climbing moms are crushing these days. The breezy Ferrosi pants ($99) are some of our favorite women’s climbing pants of 2023.
They have the key features we look for in climbing pants: a side zip pocket and ankle drawcord round out the design. With a no-frills cut and great fabric, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are a classic choice for hikers and climbers alike.
Shop NowFitness & Recovery
Motherhood is physically strenuous. Carrying a small human around for nine months is a feat of athletic endurance. And the labor certainly doesn’t end when the baby is born.
When you throw in other pursuits like running, biking, swimming, hunting, and hiking, it’s abundantly clear that moms can benefit from at-home recovery tools. These products can treat sore muscles and facilitate general wellness.
Chirp Wheel Pro Massage Roller
This high-tech roller targets stiff muscles with three vibrating massage modes. The wheel’s 5-inch width is designed to fit between the shoulder blades and ease tension by elongating the spine. An outer foam layer adds comfort without sacrificing the resistance required for targeting tough knots.
The Chirp Wheel Pro is currently available for $100, or $50 off.
Shop NowTRX HOME2 System
TRX suspension bands are a staple of nearly every gym. With a relatively easy setup and minimal space required, this set of TRX bands ($230) serves as an effective home gym.
The set comes with a door-mounted anchor, so Mom won’t need any special equipment to get started. In addition to bodyweight lifts and strengthening exercises, these bands are also an effective stretching aid.
Shop NowTuronic GM5 Massage Gun
In recent years, massage guns have become popular tools for post-workout recovery. We’ve been using the Turonic GM5 ($160) to alleviate aches and pains for several months, and, in our experience, it’s on par with any similar product on the market. And it comes at a reasonable price.
If Mom is a runner, skier, or any other type of athlete prone to soreness, she’ll appreciate the GM5’s numerous modes and attachments.
Shop NowAccessories
These nifty outdoor accessories have been handpicked and recommended by the many mothers on the GearJunkie team. Paired with a nice card and a day of quality time, these practical items are perfect for the adventure-loving mom.
Dometic Wine Tumbler
Just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you have to drink warm chardonnay or cold merlot. Dometic’s insulated vacuum-sealed wine tumbler ($15) can help keep Mom’s favorite wine at the ideal temperature — even on a summer afternoon.
The included plastic lid prevents splashes. Several sizes are available, all of which are dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.
Shop NowArcade Splice Slim Belt
Arcade specializes in slightly stretchy, easy-to-buckle belts. We’ve tested numerous styles from Arcade, and we find them handy and comfortable for active uses including backpacking and climbing.
The Splice Slim ($32) is a svelte belt with a 1.25-inch diameter and a pleasant lavender hue. The tan buckle adds a nice color contrast and a quick release.
Shop NowBajio Eldora Sunglasses
These wrap-around frames from Bajio ($209) are great for folks with smaller faces. Built-in “sun ledges” keep peripheral UV exposure to a minimum, and the oleophobic lens coating resists oil and dirt.
We’ve tested a variety of Bajio frames, and we’re consistently impressed with their lens quality and durability. Though primarily designed for fishing, the Eldora glasses are plenty styling for a picnic or stroll through the city.
Shop NowOsprey DayLite Sling
According to one of our testers, the Osprey Daylite compact sling ($45) makes a great kids’ pack or diaper bag. It’s comfortable on hikes, and the strap is easily adjustable so both parents can carry it. Breathable spacer mesh material sits against the skin to reduce sweating. It’s available in several cute colors.
Shop NowTifosi Smirk Sunglasses
Sunglasses tend to get banged up, especially when used for outdoor recreation. For climbing, biking, and other rugged adventures, it makes sense to have a pair of frames you can knock around. Tifosi’s Smirk glasses are just $30, so there’s no need to worry about scratches and dings.
Despite the low price, the Smirk offers a durable polycarbonate lens with “100% UVA and UVB protection.”
Shop NowOpinel Gardening Kit
Mother’s Day is the perfect time of year to get this year’s garden up and running. This toolset from knife specialists Opinel ($79) has everything Mom needs for pruning, planting, sawing, and harvesting.
The quality stainless steel blades are made to hold up against dirt, moisture, and sunshine for many seasons to come. If you’re lucky, you just might reap the benefits of this gift come harvest time.
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