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Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers—it’s also for anyone with a sweet tooth. Next to Halloween, it’s one of the biggest candy holidays around, particularly for chocolate. In fact, Americans reportedly purchase around 58 million pounds of the sweet stuff every year, with chocolate consistently out-selling other confectionaries, like gummies and mints. Our love for Valentine’s Day chocolate is dizzying.
Also dizzying? The amount of artisan chocolates and desserts available to shop ahead (and long after) the holiday. There are so many sugary, cloyingly sweet options out there, but we think the best Valentine’s Day chocolates are the ones that rely less on loading up on processed sugars, and have more nuanced, natural flavors. Bonus points awarded to chocolate brands that are extra mindful about ingredients and sourcing, as well as those that give back to the community in some way. (Because Valentine’s Day is about spreading love, after all.)
If you’re already drooling over a chocolatey treat this Valentine’s Day, do it with one of these brands, guaranteed to leave you and your tastebuds lovestruck.
This gift set by Seattle Chocolate will be the delight of any chocolate lover in your life. It comes with a gorgeous “Take Me Anywhere” heart-shaped box full of the brand’s beloved chocolate truffles in assorted flavors (like milk chocolate, pink bubbly, and salted almond), along with three chocolate truffle bars and three uniquely flavored Jcoco chocolate bars (mango plantain, black fig pistachio, and orange blossom espresso). Everything in it comes in limited-edition packaging designed by illustrator Erin Wallace, and 10 percent of the net profits support Girls Inc. Grocery store chocolate could never.
Dark chocolate lovers—get this trio from Raaka. Raaka operates by a transparent trade model, meaning inside of every chocolate bar wrapper, you’ll find a report detailing exactly how Raaka sourced its cacao and how it stacks up in the commodity market, so you and your lucky giftee know exactly where its tasty chocolate comes from. In this Valentine’s Day ready 3-pack, you’ll get the brand’s best-selling dark chocolates: Coconut Milk, Pink Sea Salt, and Bourbon Cask Aged.
If you’re shopping for more of a milk-chocolate person, Coco Chocolate has got you covered. Made using South American cacao, this single-origin, creamy milk chocolate bar gift includes flavors so good, you’ll want to keep them for yourself: Colombian milk, Isle of Skye Sea Salt Milk, Salted Caramel, Rhubarb & Ginger, and Orange. The only thing you’ll love more than the brand’s rich milk chocolate are the beautiful wrappers and gift box designed by French artist duo, Atelier Bingo.
This Dallas-based chocolate company makes delectable chocolate truffles in truly unique flavors. Lavender Peach, Texas Spice, Brownie Bite, and Hazelnut are just a few of the tasty varieties you’ll find in the 16-piece gift set making these truffles the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for chocolate lovers who think they’ve tried it all.
For folks who love an alternative nut butter, Hu Kitchen’s Organic Cashew Butter + Raspberry Dark Chocolate Bars are the ultimate sweet treat. They’re made with coconut sugar instead of cane sugar, and use only organic and Fair-Trade ingredients. And in addition to being totally delicious, they’re free of all the stuff you don’t want like refined sugars, dairy, soy, palm oil, emulsifiers—the works—making them a better-for-you chocolate bar.
Last year, Well+Good staffers taste-tested vegan chocolates to see which came out on top, and these tasty truffles stood out. Not only do they look like a work of art, they taste amazing too, each made with thoughtful, vegan ingredients that elevate the richness of the dark chocolate. Think: Mediterranean olive oil, Bulgarian rose water, and blood orange peel. Each box contains nine truffles, so eat them wisely.
Instead of operating within a convoluted supply chain, Beyond Good cuts out the middlemen and works directly with African farmers (93 of them, in fact, whom you can read about on the brand’s site.) The chocolate bars are made with local Madagascar ingredients and made in the brand’s Madagascar factory before being shipped to your door—pretty cool, right? This gift set includes three of Beyond Good’s small batch chocolate bars: Vanilla Bean, Fleur de Sel, and Plantain & Sea Salt.
These Pascha Dark Chocolate Bars only have 4g of sugar per serving, are keto-friendly, and are allergen-free, making them a better-for-you Valentine’s Day treat for everyone in your circle. They’re made with 80-percent cacao for that intense, ultra-dark flavor, without the overwhelming bitterness of other dark chocolates. Plus, this budget-friendly 10-pack is an easy way to spread the love across your friends and family—tie a pink bow on each and pass them out like you would paper Valentine’s Day cards!
An LA favorite that’s been around since 1950, Compartés makes some of the coolest chocolate around. This gift set includes four of the brand’s gourmet chocolate bars in one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Rose, Strawberry Ahortcake, and Rosé Wine. And beyond tasting delicious, the bars have stunning packaging that you’ll be tempted to keep, making these a great Valentine’s Day chocolate gift for your design-loving friends.
This one goes out to all the folks who made sure to stop by the See’s candy shop at the mall for a free chocolate sample (at least, we did, growing up). See’s has the best classic assortment in our opinion—and not just because their chocolates immediately send us down a trip through nostalgia lane. See’s Valentine’s Day box includes milk chocolate brittle, chocolate buttercream, caramel, See’s special Scotchmallow, milk chocolate vanilla nut cream, milk chocolate molasses chips, and more. The packaging is also adorable.
You haven’t tried fancy chocolate until you’ve tried these Parisian Chocolate Pearls. They’re exactly what they sound like—tiny pearl-sized bites of velvety chocolate goodness. This Valentine’s Day appropriate set contains three collectible tins/flavors: Dark Chocolate, Crispy Chocolate and Raspberry Chocolate. And according to reviews, they’re very much worth the splurge. Enjoy a pearl or two when the craving strikes or scoop up a handful, these luxurious little candies are made for snacking.
If your Valentine’s Day plans involve a date night in, these Wine Pairing Chocolate Bars will make for a tasty dessert course. The artisanal chocolate bars are expertly crafted to be enjoyed with different wine varieties—from Chardonnay and Port to Merlot and Pinot Noir—for an elevated tasting experience. The set covers the spectrum of mild to robust flavors, and includes one milk chocolate bar, two chocolate blends, and a dark chocolate bar.
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No matter the relationship stage you’re in—dating, married, or in a situationship—Valentine’s Day can add pressure for extravagant, rom-com-worthy displays of love and devotion. But the reality isn’t always as romantic. If you’ve been with someone for a really long time, the same old heart-shaped box of chocolates and flowers might begin to feel a bit stale, and if you’re just getting started with someone new, you might be itching to gush, but fear going overboard. Truth be told, there is no “right” answer when it comes to showing your love with a gift but, in our opinion, the best V-Day presents are those you can enjoy together. Read on for over 50 suggestions for Valentine’s Day gifts for couples that will help get the inspiration flowing.
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Best Valentine's Day gifts for couples, at a glance:
What’s better than flowers on Valentine’s Day? Flowers and a vibrator. This year, the flower delivery company The Bouqs has partnered with Dame to offer this stunning “Good Vibes” arrangement. Each order of this lush, strawberry shortcake-colored bouquet includes a Dame Zig bullet vibe, which is made with soft silicone and has a fluttering tip. Siri, play “My Favorite Things.”
With positions called “Love is Blind,” “Tickle Me Elmo,” and “A Moveable Feast,” this saucy book of sex positions is guaranteed to help keep things interesting in the bedroom.
Help your lover unwind with this soothing massage oil from Lazarus Naturals. It's made with nourishing jojoba and sweet almond oils, as well as USDA Organic-certified full-spectrum CBD for added relief. Plus, it comes in a handy pump dispenser and is free of added fragrances or sketchy ingredients, so you can relax and focus your attention on delivering an excellent full-body massage.
These tasty gummies are blended with full-spectrum CBD and a load of other popular aphrodisiacs, like maca, horny goat weed, and ashwagandha. Needless to say, they’re great for ~getting in the mood~ and are the libido boost no bedside table should go without.
This couples vibrator is designed to be inserted into the vagina during penetrative sex, sending stimulating vibrations to the clitoris, G-spot, and penis at the same time. And you can operate it via the remote control—which responds to you squeezing it to ramp up the intensity. It even has a touch-sensitive function that allows the Chorus to respond to your body movements!
If you and your partner want to have an even happier happy hour, this fun drinking game is the way to do it (though you could just as easily play with mocktails instead of a cocktail.) With 100 cards in the deck, this 2-person card game is sure to spark laughs and conversation. The rules are simple: follow whatever the card says, or take a drink. It’s basically the adult version of Truth or Dare, only instead of spilling secrets, you’re sipping your drink.
This solid massage bar is a must-buy Valentine’s Day gift for any couple whose love language is physical touch. In addition to nourishing dry skin, the Sex Stone functions as a lubricant in intimate situations, offering the perfect amount of glide.
Nobody actually likes those chalky heart-shaped candies, right? With this four-pack of soft modal thongs from PSD, you’re the real treat. And if the cheeky candy sayings aren’t your vibe, PSD has other Valentine’s Day prints to explore, as well as matching sets for men and women.
This silky soft pajama set is soft, sexy, and made of 100 percent Mulberry silk that’s thermoregulating to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. The best part, though, is that it’s machine washable (hold for applause). They also come in a matching men’s style that’s equally luxe.
If snuggling up on the couch with your boo is your idea of quality time, there’s literally no better throw blanket for the job (especially in frigid February). The Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket is seriously soft, made with cuddly faux fur you’ll want to run your hands over—honestly I end up petting it while it’s on my lap. Whether you choose the regular or “bubble” style, this hefty throw will quickly become your favorite.
Recreate the feeling of relaxing in a fancy hotel robe by treating you and your partner to matching Cloud Robes from Parachute. The luxe robe is made of 100-percent Turkish cotton and has a plush gauze that feels uber-soft on skin. Note: some sizes are selling out quickly, so act fast on this one!
With notes of olive wood, bergamot, and rose, this Ya Thamani Candle has a soft, inviting scent that’s grounding, romantic, and luxurious all at once—making it an instant mood-maker for your Valentine’s Day night-in.
This ultra-soothing neck and shoulder massager is the third wheel you never knew you needed. It delivers a heated deep tissue massage so good, those stress induced knots won’t stand a chance.
With over 20,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, these affordable house slippers feel like you’re walking on a cloud—which obviously means you’ll have to get your Valentine a matching pair.
For the couple that prefers baths to showers, these Fur bath beads are packed with nourishing oils like jojoba and grapeseed oil, along with the brand’s signature Fur Oil that’s beloved for its hydrating benefits that totally banish dry, itchy skin.
For couples who are also proud plant parents, treating yourselves to a new houseplant is a fool-proof Valentine’s Day gift—especially when it waters itself. Seriously, I have the happiest Fiddle Leaf Fig bush from Easyplant and all I’ve done is keep an eye on the brand’s self-watering pot. You fill up the pot’s water chamber once a month and forget about it, meaning you’ll never have to worry about not feeding it too much or too little. Anthuriums make a great gift, as they thrive in bright, indirect light and are one of the longest-blooming house plants—which means you can enjoy their gorgeous, pink blooms for longer.
One of the small but mighty ways my husband shows me he loves me is by filling up my BrüMate, which yes, sounds like something I can and should do for myself, but the Brita is heavy and sometimes I forget and ugh, whatever, it’ssweet ok?! Anyway, if you’re looking to give the gift of ice-cold hydration, this seasonal rose pattern (as well as this cute heart design) is a great pick.
For the couple that loves to cook together, Valentine’s Day is a solid excuse to splurge on new cookware. This wooden cutting board set from Caraway (a brand beloved by team W+G) is made with gorgeous, Forest Stewardship Council-certified birchwood, and comes with a sleek storage rack. The set’s versatile size range means you and your honey can both get to choppin’ at the same time, and each board contains indented sections for added organization while you prep.
How sweet are these heart-shaped salt and pepper shakers? Beyond being adorable and seasonally appropriate, the set comes from Le Creuset so you know they’ll last a lifetime. Pop them on your dinner table during your Valentine’s Day meal to surprise your culinary cutie.
Why is fondue so romantic? Maybe it’s the communal aspect, or the choose-your-own-adventure energy—or maybe just the simple fact that you can pop a cheese-coated grape in your lover’s mouth and that’s pretty fun. Whatever your reasons for fondu-ing, this 3qt fondue pot from Cuisinart will set you up with everything you need—just add cheese.
What’s there to say? It’s a heart-shaped waffle maker and it costs less than $10. The only way to make this a better Valentine’s Day gift is by using it to make waffles together the morning of Feb 14.
If you’re looking for an experience-led gift, Sur La Table’s virtual cooking classes are a great option. You and your Valentine will get the chance to be taught by an expert chef, and making something new (and delicious) from the comfort of your home kitchen. Besides, it beats fighting over a restaurant reservation.
If you two bond over a glass of vino, check out this cool wine accessory from Ullo. It’s a purifier that uses a filter to reduce the amount of unwanted sulfites in your pour. You can also adjust the device’s aeration to work for different types of wine (less for whites, more for reds, etc).
Here’s the sweetest way to celebrate together. With indulgent, small-batch ice cream flavors made from the creamiest, real-deal ingredients, it’s a perfect date-night treat. Whether you’re sharing straight from the pint or crafting sundaes, this bundle turns dessert into a love language—no reservations required.
If the two of you are tea drinkers, why not level up your daily brew with some luxe blends from Art of Tea? This thoughtful gift set includes a sampler of pyramid sachets, featuring 12 blends that range from the predictable (English Breakfast, Mint Green) to the exotic (Egyptian Chamomile, White Coconut Cremé). Plus, the set comes in a giftable wooden box and includes two gorgeous ceramic mugs to add to your collection.
You know what they say—couples that espresso together, stay together. Ok, maybe they don’t say that, but they should. The Bialetti Mini Express takes your traditional Moka Pot and splits it in two, brewing up two espresso shots at the same time, making it a great Valentine’s Day gift for couples who bond over their morning coffee time.
A Valentine’s Day gift that’s both cute and practical, these adorable face-shaped mugs will make you and your partner’s coffee breaks all the more special. Whether you’re sipping on coffee together or apart, this unique set will keep your loved one at top of mind.
If you and your partner are in the mood to splurge this Valentine’s Day on a kitchen gift you’ll both fall head over heels for, let it be this drip coffee maker. Not only is it a tried, tested, and true W+G team favorite, it’ll save you serious cash on trips to the coffee shop. Plus there are over 20 color options to choose from, guaranteeing you’ll find one to suit your kitchen.
For the caffeinated couple who can’t go a day without coffee, this subscription from Partner’s Coffee (the brand behind our all-time favorite instant coffee) is the Valentine’s Day gift that’ll keep your coffee cupboard stocked at all times. The Roaster’s Choice option is just that—a random coffee choice handpicked by Partner’s expert roasters, so you can experience something new every month.
For long-distance couples who want to rekindle the lost art of letter writing, this book of prompted, tear-out letters makes for a heartwarming Valentine’s Day gift to give your partner before parting. Whether they’re in need of motivation or guidance before a big decision, they’ll be able to open a handwritten letter from you for some peace of mind.
Gift your significant other a keepsake photo album they can enjoy for years to come, especially in those moments when you’re physically not together. Artifact Uprising has hundreds of customizable photo products you can create, packaging your most precious memories in an heirloom-quality gift they’ll cherish forever.
For couples who love a night in, this gorgeous 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle from Piecework makes for a fun (and challenging) Valentine’s Day activity. Warning: the art is so pretty, it’s heartbreaking to take these puzzles apart once they’re complete!
If you and your sweetheart like a little friendly competition, give the gift of a fast-paced card game. My husband and I are newly addicted to Dutch Blitz, which is a little bit Egyptian Ratscrew, a little bit Solitaire, and a lot of fun. I recommend raising the stakes by offering up a back massage to the winner.
This Valentine’s Day Lego set makes for a fun way to spend time together on the 14th without having to sort through a gazillion pieces—ok there are still 250 pieces, but that’s not nearly as many as most Lego sets and it can absolutely be completed in an evening. Plus, once it’s finished, you can hang it on your front door or anywhere in your home for a little seasonal decor!
Suds up your sweetheart with this set of gel-infused sponges from Spongelle. The heart-shaped design holds a dermatologist-tested formula of glycerin and botanical ingredients like edelweiss and vetiver extract. Choose from two fragrance sets: Beloved Lily and pink camilla, or sweet orchid and scarlet blush.
For couples that live together, a fancy hand soap is kind of a big deal. Even if your partner claims not to care, once they’ve tried an Aesop soap, they’ll recognize it as the treat that it is. The Reverence Wash has finely ground pumice for a satisfying, exfoliating effect, and smells like vetiver, petitgrain, and bergamot.
For sheets that smell as sexy as they feel, you’ll want this Dedcool Room + Linen Spray. The brand’s best-selling “Taunt” scent has notes of florals and cassis, bergamot, and fresh dew, along with warming amber and vanilla—creating a sensual aroma that’ll make your bed even more inviting. To take things up a notch, we recommend pairing it with the matching laundry detergent.
If you think a robot vacuum isn’t romantic enough for Valentine’s Day, think again. Equipped with the brand’s patented Dirt Detect technology, this genius vacuum cleaner detects and cleans up messes, so you and your partner don’t have to. So you two can spend more time on what matters most—each other. And did we mention it’s on sale for 35 percent off?
Every couple has “their” song—turn your favorite song into wall art with this personalized song lyric print. Just add your name, song title, and artist before adding to your cart, and you’ll get a custom, keepsake-worthy print shipped to your door and ready to frame.
Vinyl-collecting couples, this Victrola portable record player deserves a place in your shopping cart. It blends retro with modern style, as it’s equipped to play all your favorite records or connect to your Bluetooth devices when you want to stream something else. The best part? It packs up easy thanks to the suitcase-inspired design that allows you to take your tunes anywhere.
With a name like Lover’s Bracelet, you know this minimalist gold chain bracelet makes for a beautiful couple’s gift. It’s made with 100 percent recycled 14K gold and a touch wider and weighter than Catbird’s other chains, for a look that makes a statement alone, or paired with other pieces. Snag one for you and your Valentine for a sweet matching moment.
Inspired by the breathing techniques of ancient Japanese Komusō monks, this Mindful Breathing Necklace helps calm anxiety, so you can stay present. Just inhale normally, and exhale through the straw pendant for a mini meditation throughout the day.
Spoiler alert: my husband will be receiving this set of McConnell’s Ice Creams for Valentine’s Day, and I plan to be very involved in the enjoyment of his gift. The set includes five 16oz pints of ice cream in delicious and unique flavors like Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Sea Salt Cookies & Cream. Also, don’t sleep on the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate—it’s out of this world.
The ideal way to top off your Valentine’s Day date night, this mouthwatering sampler pack from New York’s iconic Magnolia Bakery includes two cups of its famous chocolate covered strawberry pudding (which is made fresh and ships the same day it’s made), and two Valentine’s Day cupcakes.
Instead of going the heart shaped box of chocolate route, make a heartwarming memory with your Valentine by making your own chocolate truffles instead. This easy to follow kit includes everything you need—from the French dark chocolate morsels to all the tasty add-ins like Himalayan salt, coconut flakes, vanilla, and more.
For the couple that could do serious damage in a candy store, this Sugarfina Bento Box is positively loaded with all of the gourmet candy varieties they could hope for—from champagne gummy bears to dark chocolate caramels.
Whether you have a pool nearby or are jet-setting somewhere warm together, these heart-shaped pool floats from Funboy make a really fun Valentine’s Day gift. Not only are they super cute, they’re made from upcycled production scraps (see ya never, landfill!) so you can feel great about your purchase. Choose a single heart tube, or snag a 3-pack ($69) so you can float together.
For the couple with an ever-expanding bucket list, this scratchable world map will help you keep tabs on all the destinations you’ve visited. Plus, it doubles as wall art.
For the couple that loves a day outdoors, this Yeti Cooler makes for an ideal V-day investment. On top of its ultra-durable design, the personal sized cooler easily accommodates enough drinks and ice for two people, making it a must-pack for romantic hikes, picnics, or days at the beach.
For the selfie-savvy couple who loves making memories, this Fujifilm instant camera has a built-in one-touch selfie mode and mirror that make it a welcome addition on vacations, date nights, and group hangs. The only thing you’ll love more than getting a photo printed in an instant is the compact camera’s retro aesthetic.
Gifts are great and all, but the honest truth is that time spent with your partner is the best gift of them all. As we said above, we think that the best Valentine’s Day gifts for couples are the ones that you can enjoy together, and that pave the way for more meaningful quality time.
For example, if you and your partners are foodies who love to cook new recipes at home, new cookware or matching aprons will make cooking meals together even more special. If you’re homebodies who love to lounge and practice self-care together, a comfy robe, slippers, and blanket would all make delightful Valentine’s Day gifts. And if you can’t keep your hands off each other, there are countless sexy gift options out there that’ll set sparks flying in the bedroom, from vibrators to sensual massage oils. To spare you the headache of having to track these gifts down yourself, we rounded up the very best Valentine’s Day gifts for couples that you can shop right now (which we’d gently recommend, as V-day is less than a month away!)
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Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission
Hiking, for a relatively simple activity, requires a lot of gear, and many hikers geek out about their favorite products and brands. So they should be easy to shop for, right? With so many options, it’s easy to get decision fatigue. Whether you’re shopping for seasoned trekkers who have explored the most remote trails or beginners taking their first steps into the world of hiking, finding the perfect gift can be quite a journey in itself.
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If you’ve got a hiking enthusiast on your gift list, you know they’re a unique breed—always chasing the next summit, sunrise, or secluded trail. Finding the perfect gift for them can feel like its own uphill climb. Whether they’re conquering mountains or taking leisurely nature walks, we’ve gathered a list of the best gifts for hikers to delight any trail-loving adventurer. From practical must-haves to fun luxuries, these picks will have your favorite hiker ready to hit the trail (and thinking of you at every mile marker).
The 25 best gifts for hikers they’ll love on and off the trails
Treat your favorite winter hikers, skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoorsy friends to a pair of toasty base layers for the holidays. These leggings from Icebreaker are made from 100 percent merino wool that’s soft, warm, and completely thermoregulating, making them perfect for staying cozy outside.
There’s no need to worry about the wool being itchy—they’re buttery soft and feature flatlock seams to eliminate any chafing on the trails. The best part? They’re odor-resistant, so they can wear them over and over again without having to wash them, and no one will know (or smell) the difference.
Available sizes: 5-11, in half sizes and two widths
A good pair of boots is a must-have for any avid hiker, and Danner’s Mountain Leaf 600 are about as comfortable as boots come. They’re perfectly classic (hello, brown-and-red color combo) yet functionally modern with a grippy outsole, waterproof liners, and durable cushioning.
And while boot fit can be hit-or-miss, the casual design of these accommodates a range of feet so as long as you know your giftee’s shoe size, you won’t be playing a guessing game.
Shopping for a speedgoat? Keen’s NXIS Speed Trail Sneakers will have them blazing through trails, thanks to their featherlight design and sporty profile. The bottom sports a serious tread for better grip as they walk and run, while the protective toe plate will keep them safe from the occasional stub. Just a warning: good luck keeping up.
Cute and functional hiking pants? Sign us up. These cargo-style pants are water-repellent with an adjustable velcro waist belt and flexible four-way stretch material for freedom of movement. While most hiking pants aren’t roomy enough to accommodate strong legs, these are a breath of fresh air.
This jacket is a splurge, but for serious hikers and backpackers, it’s one of the most compact, functional pieces you could get. It feels like a lightweight windbreaker but offers the total waterproof protection of high-end rain jackets.
True to its name, this jacket packs up to the size of an orange so it barely takes up any space and weighs only 6 ounces. (And if you’re shopping for a thru-hiker, they’ve probably talked your ear off about the importance of keeping pack-weight low.)
These camp slippers are the perfect accessory for people who spend long days outside. Your giftee can slip them on after a hike or just wear them around the house when winter hits. What sets these apart from house slippers is the lugged, rubber sole that grips dirt or rocks: I wore mine all last winter while camping and around town, and the soles look as good as new.
The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is more than a communication device; it’s a safety lifeline that will give you peace of mind just as much as your giftee. No matter where they roam, the hiker on your list will have a reliable connection to send a message in case of emergency—or just to check in on an extended trip—even when cell phone reception is miles away. Keep in mind it does require an active subscription to use, so consider adding on an annual package, too.
Are you shopping for a hiker who doesn’t know what’s good for them? Trekking poles. As a former backpacking guide, so many hikers that I know denied that they needed them for years, but once they started using them, it was game over.
They reduce strain on joints, allowing hikers to travel farther, and pain-free (as well as exert less energy on the uphill, which we could all use some help with.) This pair from Leki is affordable, lightweight, and has ergonomic cork grips that feel natural in the hand.
For the hiker that’s still lugging around that uncomfortable backpack without a waist belt, it may be time for an upgrade. Osprey is one of the most highly rated backpack brands because of its supportive harness systems that disperse weight and give the shoulders some much-needed relief. This one is the perfect size for day hikers who like to be prepared with layers and plenty of snacks and comes equipped with a rain cover so they can hike in any weather.
If the hiker on your list already has the 10 essentials, you can have a little more fun with your gift-giving. And this backpack cooler is sure to get the party started because it can hold up to 20 cans of their favorite boozy beverage or sparkling water. The straps are padded for comfortable carrying, and in classic Yeti fashion, the material is so durable that no matter how heavy handed your giftee is, they couldn’t damage this beast.
One of the 10 hiking essentials is a light source, and this Black Diamond headlamp is much more practical than a flashlight because it allows your giftee to go hands-free. It has a rechargeable battery and multiple settings, like strobe and red light. Pro tip: Grab it in a bright color like alloy, octane, or lilac so it’s easy to find in the dark.
Hydration is key, whether they’re embarking on a month-long thru-hike or taking a walk around the block. For savvy sipping, you can’t go wrong with Rtic’s line of insulated tumblers and water bottles, which are double-wall vacuumed sealed for all-day insulation.
Even better, most designs—like the new Everyday Tumbler—are completely spill-proof thanks to the built-in lid gaskets. The cherry on top, though, is the customization option; select tumblers can be printed with names, monograms, and artwork for a personalized touch.
Safety is key on the trails. Enter, Leatherman’s sophisticated Signal multitool, which has everything they need to get outside safely. Its compact design houses 19 essential tools, ensuring they’re equipped for any challenge that comes their way.
The stainless steel construction guarantees durability, while the striking colorways and accents (aqua and orange! cobalt and red!) add a festive touch to their gear ensemble. But what truly sets it apart is its preparedness for the unexpected; from a ferrocerium fire starter to a safety whistle, the Signal is a testament to both form and function.
Splash-proof and ready for action, these binoculars are the ultimate outdoor sidekick. Whether your pal is into birdwatching or just loves a good ol’ mountain panorama, these binoculars take their hiking game to the next level. And if you’re really in a pinch, you won’t have to worry about wrapping them—each binocular comes in its own drawstring pouch complete with a neck strap and lens cloth.
Not only does a campfire keep you warm, but it’s great for cooking your favorite outdoorsy foods—who doesn’t love eating burgers and hot dogs in the middle of the woods? Plus, It’s lightweight at 1.4 pounds for easy travel.
All you need to light this stainless steel campfire is twigs and kindling, and it’s low smoke and long lasting once the fire gets going. It has a ton of airflow, so it can boil water in less than 10 minutes, too.
For the stargazing enthusiast, this small, portable scope helps you quickly identify more than 1,500 stars visible to the naked eye. It comes with a book, 50 Things to See in the Sky, which tells you all you need to know about the science behind things like why the sky is blue, solar eclipses, and much more.
When it comes to outdoor adventures, I never go anywhere without a Buff because of its versatility. I mean, a neck warmer, face mask, and headband all in one? Talk about a multi-functional gift. But I’ll admit it’s not the most exciting present to unwrap (it’s basically the equivalent to gifting socks—only the most practical giftees on your list will be elated), so it can also make a great stocking stuffer.
Socks are a great gift for hikers because 1) every hiker needs a good pair of socks (or five), and 2) hikers never want to buy them. This pair from Smartwool is my absolute favorite because they offer a bit of cushion without feeling too bulky or warm. They fit like a glove—no awkward bunching around the heel or extra fabric to create blisters. Plus, they’re not just your basic hiking socks; they have a cute floral print that somehow looks good with all of my shoes.
It’s true that many hikers care more about the outdoors than indoors. So if their home needs a little love, get them an illustrated poster of their favorite national park or hiking destination. From Yellowstone National Park to Big Sur to the White Mountains, this collection has something for everyone in a colorful, screen-printed style. And this gift will become a household staple for many years to come: Each poster is printed on museum-grade archival paper that never yellows or fades.
Extremities are one of the first things to get cold, so a good pair of glove liners should be a first line of defense. These glove liners are all about warmth but still have a slim, discreet profile so it’s easy to complete tasks like unzipping a backpack or sending a quick text.
For the eco-friendly hiker on your list who prefers to ditch the plastic, Hydro Flask’s food jar comes in clutch for carrying a hot meal while on the trail. Perfect for oatmeal, soup, or a steaming bowl of chili when they reach the summit, this container is leak-proof and will keep food hot (or cold) for hours.
Keep their ears warm on and off the trails with this fleece headband from Hoka. While other headbands get scratchy and uncomfortable, this one is made from the softest fleece, so they can wear for hours in comfort. And the panels are big enough to *actually* cover their ears without slipping or sliding all over the place. It’s the little things.
A festive gift for any adventurer, this lantern is pretty much a portable party. Solar-powered and collapsible, it’s eco-friendly, space-saving, and just plain fun—choose from eight colors or a multicolor fade to set the mood at your campsite. Bonus: It packs down into virtually nothing and collapses in on itself for easy storage, hence the name “crush” light.
This book is the ultimate hiking inpso. Filled with breathtaking photography, important travel info, things to do, and the 411 on an area’s wildlife, you’ll find 100 hikes you’ll want to add to your bucket list. There’s something for everyone, as this book features everything from short day hikes to multi-week adventures.
For when you’re not hiking (read: cozied up on the couch researching your next trail), light this natural soy wax candle to conjure up the scents of the forest. The top notes are pine, cassis, and fresh waters, the middle notes are jasmine, cedarwood, and rosebud, and the bottom notes are sandalwood, moss, and ivy. This candle has a burn time of 60 to 80 hours.
