Gift Guide for the Outdoorsy Homebody

November 30, 2024 - Small Business Saturday

Welcome to my 2024 Gift Guide! I created this guide to highlight some of my small business favorites(*), and share the items I love(^), as well as what’s on my wishlist (+) for this year! This gift guide showcases small creators and local businesses, but also some other items I use regularly and recommend. This guide will help you shop for your outdoorsy homebody friend or family member. This is someone who enjoys spending time in nature but is also comfortable relaxing or tackling tasks at home. There are six categories to this guide: cozy, relax, home, everyday, outdoors, and experiences. This blog contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive some commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Why shop local and small?

When you venture downtown or to your local craft fair, you are keeping money in the hands and pockets of people in your community. When you shop on Amazon or at Target, for example, you are sending your money someplace else or giving it to a massive company. Keeping your money local directly benefits families and other local businesses. Those businesses can then afford to hire help, support or partner with other local businesses, support school initiatives, make charitable donations, or make other positive contributions in your community. When you support a small shop or local artist, you are directly supporting their family and livelihood, while receiving a service or good that is truly unique!

How to shop local and small:

Farmers’ markets and craft fairs can be the spot for quality, cherished gifts. When I go to a market, I take note of the vendors there and what they offer. I'll then collect their information and keep their work in mind for when the holidays roll around! Another place to find local artists is your town Facebook group. Sometimes people post their art there or ask community members to recommend local businesses; don’t be afraid to seek out people in your town who may take commissions! Another way that I find small businesses is on TikTok and Instagram. On TikTok, I simply search for what I’m looking for and see what videos and creators pop up! On Instagram, I try to find events or markets that have an official page and follow the vendors. I am then able to see their followers and search through local artists that way! You can also use the same approach on Facebook by searching for a city’s farmers’ market or specific event and checking out their vendor list! Another way I seek out local businesses is by visiting a local chamber of commerce website and looking at its member list. The last two ways I discover local shops and artists to support are through word of mouth and simply exploring shops in my town! An amazing event in Tucson is coming up soon December 13th-15th! Check out the Fourth Avenue Street Fair on Instagram.

COZY

Coffeepot Crochet is a Michigan-based crochet artist with so many cozy items on their website! Some of my favorites are their cardigans, various crop tops and the most adorable bags ever! I also love the No Weenies Beanies in peachberry! Find them @coffeepotcrochet on Instagram or check out their website. 40% off everything November 29th through December 2nd.

I have these and enjoy wearing them! Find them on Instagram or online.

I've been loving these lately! Find them at your local Tractor Supply or online.

My current favorite warm sock, which can be found online or at Tractor Supply.

RELAX

I met Lynnea of DarcMoon at the Palisade Farmers’ Market while living in town. I own 2 bracelets and 1 mala choker necklace from DarcMoon and I have also gifted mala kits to my family in the past! DarcMoon has been heavily involved in the Grand Junction community through community ‘Art Drop’ giveaways and also by hosting a teen artist at their Farmers’ Market booth each week! Mala beads are used during meditation in a variety of ways to set intentions and recite a mantra. Read here about how to use your mala beads! DarcMoon has so many amazing collections to shop from; there is something for everyone! Seek out the perfect mala on Instagram or shop online. 25% off site-wide for Small Business Saturday 6am-midnight MST.

This coloring book is by a freelance artist and art teacher based in Springfield, Missouri and would be sure to keep me busy while I'm cozy indoors this winter! Visit the artist, Ashley Laren, on Instagram or check out their website. 20% off site-wide until December 2nd with code SHOPSMALL20.

I met Teas 2 Please at the Palisade Farmers’ market. Teas 2 Please offers herbal handcrafted artisan teas and they all smell and taste so good!! Teas 2 Please grows various things in their garden and mixes their own blends to make their teas truly one of a kind! Paired with the stainless steel tea strainer that I listed below, this would make a relaxing gift! I love to drink my tea on a cold day and really enjoy the process of making it, along with every sip! Find Teas 2 Please on Instagram or visit their online store.

I enjoy this tea strainer  with my loose leaf Teas 2 Please tea and a favorite mug!

These are options for your partner or family member who likes to garden but is also interested in a healthier alternative to traditional methods or the penjamin. The Mighty has been a constant in my life for many years now and I highly recommend it! The Crafty is a smaller option. This is a German company and the maker of the volcano (iykyk); I truly recommend their products! 5% discount until December 4th with code BONUS5.

^Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park by Conor Knighton

This is a book my mom sent to me as a gift. I really loved it! I greatly enjoyed the structure of the book by theme and pairing a few National Parks that fit each theme. I learned a lot of neat facts reading this book and I would definitely give it a second read over! If you have a friend who enjoys visiting National Parks, this one is for them!

These are high on my 2024 wish list; they look so fun and calming. I'm most interested in the Crags Magnetic Fidget Putty and the Magnet Balls. I think these would make a nice gift for anyone who fidgets a lot, maybe with their hair or jewelry, or someone who has anxiety, or bites their nails. 

HOME

I met Modern Knot at the Kearney Area Farmers’ Market this summer in Kearney, Nebraska. What caught my eye at the market were their crochet hanging disco balls and crochet pumpkins! Modern Knot makes crochet goods to keep warm in winter and also fun things to make your home feel more cozy too! View their work on Instagram or visit their shop online.

I met Meagan from Watercoloredgypsy at the Palisade Farmers’ Market a few years back. I have enjoyed purchasing their annual Lunar Calendar. Each year is a new design and theme. I love to order a few extra prints to gift and one to keep visible throughout the year for myself. This year's desert flower theme is too perfect! Find this year's calendar or contact Meagan for watercolor or gouache commissions on Instagram.

This art is for your desert-loving friend! This shop is the artistic creation of a fellow full-time RVer. My favorites are their Superbloom poster and Poppy sticker! Find them on Instagram or shop online.

I met Bad Cat Hot Sauce at the Taos, New Mexico farmers’ market and whew, I was glad to find them! They are new to the hot sauce business and farmers’ market scene as of just this year! Their hot sauce is sure to wow the hot sauce lover in your life; New Mexico knows their peppers! On their Etsy, they have a holiday gift box set containing 5oz bottles of each of their 4 flavors of sauce. Check them out on Instagram or their online shop.

I met Julie from Northwoods Art Studio at the Munising Farmers’ Market last fall. Julie is a very talented artist offering prints, magnets, cards and originals of the Upper Peninsula's stunning landscapes! If you are looking for art showcasing Pictured Rocks, Lake Superior or the Marquette area, check out their website.

I met Vicki of Native Roots Crafts at the Westside Flannel Festival this year in Manistique, Michigan. Vicki is a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I purchased a lovely handmade dreamcatcher. Native Roots Crafts offers Handmade tribal crafts such as dreamcatchers, gorgeous medicine pouches, feather fans, chokers and mini headdresses. You can contact Vicki by email at nativerootscraftsbyvicki@yahoo.com or on her Facebook page.

I met Kayla from The Colorful Kayak through Tiktok a few years ago. This turned into us meeting and going on an epic Arches National Park adventure together! I have a few pieces of Kayla’s original work and I cherish each one! This holiday season, The Colorful Kayak will again be offering their signature custom holiday ornament! Orders will be opening in December and I would not wait to get your personalized ornament made! Check out all of Kayla’s work on Instagram or online.

This is a local store I visited in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Since we recently ran out, my partner ordered more online for my birthday from their shop! I love to have a good supply of olive oils; think about the chef in your life!

I met JPD Wood Products at the Saint Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers’ Market earlier this year. We purchased their solid and stunning Teak Wood Cutting Board with a Juice Groove at the farmers’ market and we use it often in the RV! JPD Wood Products also makes wooden children's toys, countertop lazy susans, and more! Find them on Instagram or order online.

This is a dehydrated sourdough starter packet that one can rehydrate to become your very own sourdough baby! My mom tried this kit before and then sent me some as well! This would be a fun gift for someone who wants to make their own sourdough bread but is intimidated by making and maintaining a starter. This package with directions makes everything super simple!

Single-origin, fair-trade coffee beans and cold brew grounds roasted locally in Mesa, Arizona! Check out their Instagram or shop online. 25% off starting Friday.

This is the vacuum sealer I use for so much in the kitchen! If someone in your life is still using ziplock bags in their freezer, I’m sure they would enjoy this kitchen tool to prevent freezer burn!

This is a simple and cute character that is a Danish decor symbol of cheer and optimism. I have seen them in homes across Iceland and Denmark. I have one but could always use more! There is a design for every person’s style! 

I was recently gifted this gun safe by Onnais through a giveaway and wow, it is fancy! I would recommend this for anyone who owns a handgun and would like a secure lockbox with a keypad and also quick fingerprint access. This could also make a useful gift in a home office to secure important documents. 

This may seem silly and extra but if you or a partner has cold feet at their desk, this is the answer. 

EVERYDAY

I met Big Head Leather at an event called the Santa Fe Art Walk in 2022. My partner purchased one of their minimalist wallets and still uses it as his main wallet today. My favorites are their Luna Wallet and Wedge Wallet in Bosque colors. Check out their work online.

I met Wolf Den Soaps at a market in Tucson, Arizona. I cannot say enough good things about their products! I truly stand behind the brand, the ingredients, textures and scents. After about 2 years of trying various deodorants, Wolf Den Soaps deodorant has become essential in my life. Wolf Den Soaps donates part of their profits to a local animal shelter and I love to support that mission! Find Wolf Den Soaps on Instagram or online.

I met Gianelle from Wild Beginnings when I lived in Palisade, Colorado. We met through Instagram and quickly became friends in real life. Wild Beginnings offers nature-inspired, storytelling earrings, raw crystal jewelry, key chains, dried lavender wands, and more! If you have a friend who would rather be a fairy, Wild Beginnings has something for them! Find them on Instagram.

I first heard of Frybread Cosmetics when I moved to Taos, New Mexico over the summer. I visited the Taos Pueblo one day and an artist told me about his daughter’s business. Just a few weeks later, I went to the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow and Frybread Cosmetics had a stand! Frybread cosmetics offers a range of lip glosses, tinted lip glosses, and eyeshadow palettes. Everything is formulated, handmade in small batches, designed and made in New Mexico. Find Frybread Costmetics on Instagram.

I met Julia from Blumen with Jules when we were paired to be roommates in a house of 24 people years back. Turns out we made a great match for roommates and friends! Julia is a multi-talented individual with many skill sets! Through Blumen with Jules, she offers spring Garden Consultations and Planning/Design help, private dance lessons at her in-home studio and a variety of handmade works. Blumen with Jules focuses on beadwork and jewelry, crochet goods, sewing, pottery, herbal tinctures and salves, wood burning and custom artwork! Contact Julia for a beautifully made tote bag or beaded jewelry designs! View her work on Instagram or check out her commission form. Commission requests should be sent to Blumen with Jules before 12/16!

When I was in college at Michigan State and after, I lived for years down the road from this shop. The shop has mainly jewelry but also scarves, cardigans, purses, other accessories and a bit of home decor. This local business has a necklace or ring for any friend! They carry charms and rings of all designs: shapes, letters, animals, and various symbols. For a special gift, check out Mad Eagle! 

OUTDOORS

I first met Courtney from Rad Rocks Climbing when she subbed in my classroom in Grand Junction, Colorado (forever grateful!). Rad Rocks focuses on handmade, unique, and sustainable rock climbing gear for your next climbing adventure. I once purchased a Grateful Dead themed Chalk Bag as a gift for a friend and the quality was top-notch! If you don’t have someone in your life who is into climbing, Rad Rocks also has stylish Dog Treat Bags! Find Rad Rocks Climbing on Instagram or online.

I first met the Maple Syrup Hunk at the Marquette Farmers' Market. I love concept of maple syrup to-go packets for that energy boost outdoors! I bought a few and savored each one. Contact Maple Syrup Hunk at maplesyruphunk@gmail.com or visit their shop online.

Elseware Unplug is an employee-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, where most of their products are carefully handmade. I recently bought this watercolor set for myself to take on the go. It is a small bamboo travel box with 18 pans of watercolor paints inside. I thought this set up would be a compact and fun way to spend more time outside observing nature and practicing a new creative hobby! 

I recently purchased these snowshoes (men's and women's) used. Although I haven't gotten the chance to take them out just yet, I know they are going to be perfect and so fun!

If your friend is outdoorsy, they will want a headlamp! It took me a long time to get to this point but now that I’m here, I’ve never looked back; my phone does not even compare. Also, forget paying $60 for a headlamp at REI; this one is 450 lumen and works so well!

These Rumpl blanket patterns are all so cool. I'm loving Yellowstone,  Cascade Fade and Night Hikes. I can imagine them being warm beside a campsite or in the tent!

Get on the water with an inflatable SUP!

EXPERIENCES

Here are some fun activities that could be booked ahead of time or gifted as an ‘IOU’ for a later date! Planning an experience with someone, even if it's not an activity you can immediately go do, is a thoughtful and creative way to give a more personalized gift and show someone you're thinking of them and their interests! Gifting an experience is another way to support local economies and shop small!

In 2023, my brother and I rented a double kayak from Palisade Cycle and Shuttle in Palisade, CO. If you rent from them, you can easily access the Colorado River. We strapped the kayak in my truck bed and went to Crawford State Park. From there we kayaked the reservoir together with beautiful mountain views! 

This fall, my partner and I rented a double kayak for about 4 hours from Northland Outfitters in Germfask, Michigan. We started at the rental shop, kayaked down the Manistique River and we were later picked up from the end location!

Even though Summer 2025 feels far away, campsites book up! Figure out where you and your partner or camping bestie want to go and book ahead or gift the plans ahead of time! I definitely have some places in mind and now is the time to think ahead. For booking Michigan State Parks, eGift cards can be purchased online or by calling their central office at 517-284-6110.

XC skiing has become a favorite hobby in just one season. Look for a local Nordic Ski Club who may hold a ‘Learn to XC Ski’ clinic! In 2023, my partner and I learned to ski for free through the Grand Mesa Nordic Council! We went to their clinic and after, I was able to find used gear so I could hit the trails whenever I wanted! We also learned to downhill ski through the Bob Beverly Free Learn To Ski Program at Powderhorn Resort in Mesa, Colorado. Check with your local ski resort for any learn-to-ski classes!

This is something I’d love to do more of and there are so many options. I recently went to a Community Block Printing event hosted by Wilde.Ink in Arroyo Seco, NM. Check out your local yarn, pottery, stained glass or print studio; they often host small group classes that you could book ahead!

If there’s a dish you’ve been wanting to learn to cook or a sport you’ve been wanting to jump into, hire someone to teach you and a friend! This is a smart way to easily gain access to insider tips or to grow past any potential nerves with expert help! Here are some activities you may consider hiring someone to learn from: mountain biking, ice fishing, fly fishing, shooting, rock climbing, via ferrata, skiing, sailing, snowmobiling, photography, and so many other hobbies. If you are in the Flint, Michigan area, Blumen with Jules offers private dance lessons for those wishing to learn ballet, pointe, contemporary, modern or strength/conditioning!

I am definitely an animal lover and I know some of you are too! Some options for time with animals could be planning a date to visit a sanctuary or farm, or giving horse riding lessons or a dog training course. In East Lansing, Michigan, there is a cafe called Constellation Cat Cafe you could visit for kitty cuddles! In Palisade, Colorado, one of my favorite activities is to visit Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and go on an alpaca walk and fiber works tour! Two non-profits offering an educational animal experience are The Creature Conservancy in Ann Arbor, Michigan and the Howell Nature Center in Howell, Michigan.

Thank you for viewing my gift guide and taking a look at some of my favorite small businesses! Be sure to shop small this holiday season! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! 

-Jess