November 13, 2019
Found in “Gear”
We all know one: the person who seems to have everything. Maybe they’re a gear-hound who always buys the latest gadget as soon as it’s released. Or they’ve got a garage full of equipment for every activity, from mountain biking to kayaking to backcountry skiing. Or maybe you’re just stumped for gift ideas and are looking for a little help.
Rest assured: it only seems like they have it all. From tiny-but-mighty presents to spark your next adventure together to “OMG! I love it!” options that make a splash, here are 21 gift ideas for the person who has everything.
1. Heated gloves
Give the gift of never having to worry about frozen hands, all day long. The Kombi heated gloves last up to 8 hours, and the heat surrounds fingers, thumbs and backs of hands. Awesome for anyone who has ski goals this season.
2. A whole year of adventures
One gift, a lifetime of memories. With a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, both of you (along with the rest of the family) can explore our country’s stunning national parks and historical landmarks. Road trip up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, explore the fjords of Gros Morne or take in stunning views of Canada’s highest peak in Kluane.
3. Decadent hot chocolate
“Great as-is, and with a little amaretto, you can pretend you’re at your favorite restaurant,” writes one reviewer of Camino Dark Hot Chocolate. Or add a little extra sweetness to their cup with the maple hot chocolate flavour. Both flavours are Fair Trade Certified and organic – what’s not to love?
4. A race entry
Looking for a gift for a committed runner or someone who has a running resolution? Give the present a start line. Pick them up an entry to a race (maybe even a virtual one) on their local roads and trails.
5. Some of the best rechargeables
Bike lights, GPS devices and flashlights – they all need power. Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries can be recharged up to 2100 times and retain more than 70% of their capacity after 10 years. An awesome way to keep your giftee fully charged.
6. A gift card to try something new
Sure, their gear closet is full, but they’re always keen to try out a new activity. Load an e-gift card with the cost of a one-day rental for snowshoes or a SUP, and help them fall in love with a new pastime.
7. Avalanche training course
If they’re ready to seek out untouched powder beyond the boundaries of their local ski hill, the most important piece of equipment they’ll need is the knowledge to keep themselves and their buddies safe. Sign them up for an avalanche training course from Avalanche Canada or Avalanche Québec so they’ll be prepared. Plus, during the course they can rent avalanche safety gear for free from MEC.
8. Flip flop socks
They probably have ski socks, running socks and biking socks. But do they have flip flop socks? Help them extend sandal season, thanks to cozy fleece.
9. DIY massage
Anyone who’s active probably needs to stretch and roll more. Give them the Hyperice Vyper GO Vibrating Roller and they’ll be able to roll their muscles anytime they want. It’s easy to take on ski trips and vacation, too.
10. Fuel for the season
Runners, hikers, travellers and people who get bored of plain water all agree: Nuun electrolyte drink tabs are a tasty way to rehydrate when they’re working hard.
11. Repair tape
This grippy repair tape is worth its weight in gold, and won’t leave residue like duct tape. When they tear a hole in their tent fly, sleeping pad or down jacket halfway through a trip, they’ll be glad your gift will help them patch it up.
12. Video evidence
If they don’t document their sweetest jumps and epic exploits in 4K60 video, did they even happen? The GoPro Hero7 Black delivers crisp, clean, immersive footage, no matter how dusty or wet the adventure.
13. Coffee = always popular
A fresh batch of beans is something you can never have enough of. Equal Exchange coffee is organic and part of a co-operative that works directly with farmers, so it’s a feel-good taste-good combo.
14. A bike tune up
Know someone who gets around town by bike or who would ride more if their bike didn’t squeak? Give them an MEC gift card for the value of a bike tune-up to keep them flying down the road or along the trails.
15. A ski tune up
Prime time for skiing and riding is just around the corner. Get them set for the season with a gift card for the value of a ski or board tune up for their set-up – downhill, cross-country or alpine touring.
16. Grab and go first aid
A fantastic first aid kit is one of those things that people will be grateful to receive, even if they don’t use it right away. VSSL First Aid is an excellent addition to emergency kits, hiking and camping supplies and keeping handy in a vehicle. Everything packs neatly into the red tube.
17. Fuel for the next trip
They might have an awesome camp stove, but it isn’t going to run itself. Pick up a few canisters or a bottle of fuel so they can keep the flames hot and the tasty meals coming.
Bonus: Toss in a JetBoil Jet Gauge to help them check how much fuel is left in those partial canisters in their gear bin or shed. It makes an excellent stocking stuffer.
18. Jacket to last 61 years
Like all Cotopaxi gear, this Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is guaranteed to last 61 years (the average lifespan of a person living in the developing world). It also sheds light rain and is highly packable.
19. TLC for their gear
Every waterproof-breathable jacket or pair of pants needs some love to keep it working well over time. Waterproofing supplies – either wash-in or spray – restores the durable water repellency finish of their favourite wet-weather clothing.
20. Cushy insoles
Know someone who wears their Blundstone boots on repeat? (They’re definitely popular with MEC staffers.) These sheepskin footbeds add a layer of fluffy merino wool for chilly days, so they can keep slipping on their Blunnies when temps drop.
21. Chocolate
If you’ve made it this far and you’re still not sure, chocolate is always a safe bet. Pick up a few seasonal Fair Trade Certified bars like Chauo that’ll be sure to impress. Or go big and give them a bar for every week in 2020!
A big thank you to MEC staffer Amil for showing off all kinds of gear in these photos, from flip-flop fleece socks to race bibs and lots more.
Adventures for all, guaranteed
Everything you buy from MEC is covered by our Rocksolid Guarantee (it’s kind of legendary). And if you see a better deal anywhere in Canada – we’ll price match it.
