6 Christmas gift ideas for an outdoorsy family

If you’re anything like me, you love Christmas but every year you feel slightly nauseous at the over the top commercialism of it all. Gift-wise, we only give to kids in the family. I always do a charity donation usually to Crisis instead of gifting adults – most of us have everything we need surely?! I do struggle to know what get kids too, as they really do have everything. Still, it would be a bit miserly to not give them anything at all wouldn’t it? We try to save any big presents till Christmas and then not overly spoil them throughout the year.

What to buy nephews, nieces and other family members though? Well, if you are buying gifts then I think it really is best to make it practical and at least facilitate an experience if not be an experiential gift instead of yet another thing, another possession, more plastic crap.

I just read that back – I sound so miserable. I’m not, I promise. I love Christmas, but I reckon it’s important to put some thought into gifts in a world where we have so much stuff…

So after trying to get more active as a family ourselves recently, I thought I would compile a feature on gifts for outdoorsy families, whether it’s a parent, or a kid – or something that the whole family can enjoy.

• A Yompers Calendar (Peak District Walk-a-Month)

Full disclosure – I am proud to say my Dad, Mike Cummins, provided the photography for these calendars. The calendar features 12 tear out, child-friendly length walks (up to 6 miles) all over the Peak District. I think aiming for one walk per month is very doable, and if you know someone who lives in or around the Peaks this is a lovely gift idea for them.

If you fancy a chance to win one of these, head over to my Facebook page to enter!

• National Trust Membership

Even if the family you have in mind lives in a city then it really does make a lovely gift, as the NT has properties and sites all over the country. This is is gift that will keep on giving, come rain or shine, throughout the year. I love my NT card and we use it all the time. It really does inspire you to get out and see the countryside.

• Countryfile Magazine subscription

I love a magazine subscription! I’ve had several over the years, all gifts. It’s really nice to have some ‘me time’ and sit with a coffee and flick through a good old mag. This one has walks, country stuff, basically all the things you would see in the show but in a magazine – perfect for any John Craven fans!

• Muddy Puddles outerwear
  

Of course, there are so many brands that do great outdoor wear for kids and adults. One in particular for kids that I like and have bought from before (Bea’s school coat is from there) is Muddy Puddles. Great for ski holidays, school coats, wellies – anything to do with getting outside really.

• Let your kids go wild outside, by Fiona Bird
  

Sometimes you need to be inspired with the kids to get outside. This book was sent to me a while back and it is wonderful – full of genuinely great ideas when it comes to getting out of doors with little ones.

• Fjallraven Rucksacks

I have spotted these lovely rucksacks out and about recently a lot. And I want, basically! They are expensive but they are so lovely! This would make a really nice gift for a parent – I have seen little kids’ ones too.