Christmas is on its merry way and that means we’re gearing up for the festivities and getting ready for the new year. ‘Tis the season for giving, but we’re well aware that Christmas shopping can quickly turn into a wearisome chore, transforming even the jolliest of Santa’s elves into a grumpy Scrooge. We might not be the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present or Future, but here at Fabsil, we might be able to help. If you’re struggling with gift ideas for an outdoors-obsessed friend or family member, we’ve got some suggestions and, luckily for you, we’re feeling generous. It is Christmas after all.
To make it less overwhelming, we’re breaking down our recommendations into four categories to match Fabsil’s four pillars – in the hills, on the road, in the home and on the water – offering top-notch inspiration for any pals with a penchant for getting outside and seeking adventure.
The Woodsman
This is for the friend who lives, eats and breathes the outdoors. From camping and hiking to climbing and fishing, it can be tricky nailing down a decent gift for the Woodsman in your life. Almost as tricky as tearing them away from the hills for a coffee and a catch-up. Make the annual Christmas get-together worth their while and surprise them with a gift that indulges their love of the great outdoors. Here are a couple of suggestions that would be universally well-received by adventure-seekers everywhere.
● The days are short and darkness quickly descends in rural areas, making navigation difficult. Give the gift of visibility with a powerful head torch, bright enough to light the way through the hazy fog of the Chrimbo Limbo and through to the new year. We like the Smini Black Head Torch from Silva.
● Exploration is thirsty work. Ramblers must stay hydrated on their rambles. Tried and tested, outdoor-approved drinkware can go a long way and is simultaneously a very thoughtful and very practical gift. Yeti offers a range of stylish, functional outdoor flasks, bottles and mugs.
● Fabsil! (Wait… how did that get in there?)
The Motorhead
Do you have a friend whose social media presence solely consists of pictures of their car taken from slightly different angles, offering an unnecessarily generous 360 view of their four-wheeled pride and joy? Yes, we thought so. Everybody does. The car-obsessed acquaintance has the potential to be a precarious Christmas present recipient – no gift can provide the joy that their car brings them. So, what on earth could they possibly desire? We’ve thought about this carefully and we might have just cracked the case… Gifts that complement their car!
● Understandably, they’re proud of their motors and want them to look their best, and not just on the outside. A spotless interior is also important. Why don’t you treat them to a car cleaning kit, providing them with the tools for a professional car detailing treatment? This 29-piece Gadlane Car Cleaning Set from B&Q is what clean car dreams are made of. (Also – it would be wrong of us not to mention it – if your car-crazed mate has a soft-top, Fabsil will keep that convertible in tip-top condition.)
● Classic car aficionados like to keep things old school. But if their car’s audio entertainment options are stuck in the 20th century (cassette players, poor radio signal, skippy CD players, etc.), maybe it’s time for a non-invasive upgrade. Bluetooth adapters can plug into the car and connect to a smartphone, meaning they can listen to their Spotify playlists in vehicles that are up to 50 years old. Technology is amazing.
● Why not indulge their love for their car and get them an extra-long selfie stick so they can take pictures with their beloved motor, capturing moments to remember?
The Groundskeeper
We all know somebody with green fingers, regularly pottering about in the garden shed and devoutly tending to their vegetable patch with love and affection. The garden, allotment or greenhouse are places of solace, offering a quick, accessible escape from the humdrum hecticness of modern life. There are always improvements to be made, and when buying presents for a green-fingered fanatic, you can use this to your advantage.
● Gardening is backbreaking work, requiring hours of standing, kneeling or crouching, back bent and pouring blood, sweat and tears into cultivating the perfect garden. Save their back and/or knees with a gardener’s tool seat. This multipurpose perch will come in handy, also acting as a tool bag, making sure all necessary tools are within easy reach at all times. Esschert Design Garden Tool Bag and Stool from Robert Dyas is a collapsible, lightweight seat, making for easy storage when not in use.
● Maybe your gardening friend likes to host parties or gatherings in the garden, weather permitting, of course. Whether it’s a neighbourly BBQ in the height of summer or a chilly autumnal evening gathered around a firepit, the gifting possibilities for garden gadgets and gizmos are endless. For darker evenings, a set of LED solar garden lights wouldn’t go amiss, or if mowing has become too much of a chore, an auto mower would be greatly appreciated.
● We also couldn’t resist popping in Fabsil’s Tent + Awning Cleaner to keep all their outdoor fabrics thoroughly cleaned. Perfect for garden furniture, parasols, hammocks, outdoor cushions and awnings.
The Seafarer
Are you on Christmas gift-giving terms with someone who spends so much time on the water that they might as well have gills? Sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing and most water-related activities have a very dedicated fan base. If you’re not into the world of watersports, buying a watersports-related present can be daunting. Luckily, we have a couple of ideas up our sleeves that should satisfy any water baby.
● Dry bag. Sounds simple, and you might be wondering to yourself, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ but this little accessory is so important for those on the water, helping to keep their important items dry. You can purchase a high-quality dry bag from many outdoor retailers, including Osprey, Montane and Fjällräven.
● Speaking of keeping dry, dry robes are also an excellent gift for water enthusiasts, helping them get changed easily outdoors and helping them stay warm. Check out Dryrobe for a great range of – you guessed it – dry robes!
● Another convenient little gadget for your favourite thalassophile is a waterproof watch. It’s pretty self-explanatory but being able to quickly tell the time when out on the water is pretty vital. It also saves them the faff of having to continuously get their phone or non-waterproof watch from their dry bag.
As Christmas draws near, finding the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life doesn’t have to be a stressful task. Whether they’re hiking through the hills, cruising on the road, tending to their garden or riding the waves, there are countless thoughtful and practical presents that cater to their passion for the great outdoors. So, don’t let the holiday shopping madness get you down – embrace the season of giving with a gift that speaks to their love of exploration and adventure. Merry Christmas from Fabsil!
