Christmas Gift Guide

For us, Christmas starts with the perfect gift, one that inspires adventure in everyone who opens it. But much like adventures, the best gifts can be hard to find. That’s why we’ve searched far and wide to find gift ideas for every adventure. 

Discover our range of inspiring gifts for those who love the outdoors and give more adventure this Christmas. 

If you’re looking for something truly special for someone who loves nothing more than getting outside in all weathers, then we’ve got some great ideas. From high-performance waterproofs to electronics, we’re confident you’ll discover a whole host of options.

A technical waterproof is a must-have for anyone serious about exploring outdoors, so is sure to be a hit with the adventurer in your life. 

The best waterproof jackets keep you dry inside and out, which means they need to be waterproof and breathable, and to do this they use waterproof membrane technology. GORE-TEX® is one of the best known waterproof membranes, thanks to its durability and reliability, but there are other waterproof membranes available, and when choosing a waterproof jacket, it's just one of the things you need to consider. So for further inspiration check out our waterproof buying guide.

Staying warm in cooler conditions is all about layering, so an insulated jacket is essential for anyone who plans to continue exploring this winter. 

There are a few options to choose from when picking an insulated jacket; down, synthetic or a mix of the two. Down is a popular option thanks to its incredible warmth-to-weight ratio, but it loses its insulating properties when wet and is less effective in very wet climates. That’s where synthetic insulation comes in because although it has a lower warmth-to-weight ratio, it retains warmth even when wet and can dry incredibly quickly. 

It is also possible to get jackets which mix the two bringing you the best of both worlds. They often use synthetic fill in the arms and shoulders, as they are most likely to get wet the quickest and use down fill in the body to keep the wearer warmer.

Discover our top tips for choosing the right insulated jacket. 

For fitness fanatics, smartwatches are a perfect choice. With a smartwatch, they can track their activity and use it to plan running and walking routes. Plus, they can monitor fitness by and eye on heart rate and speed as well as checking elevation when traversing peaks.

We stock a fantastic selection of smartwatches from leading brands such as Garmin, FitBit and Suunto. 

To find out more, check out our electronics buying guide. 

If you know someone obsessed with watersports, then why not help them get started paddleboarding? Not only is paddleboarding a great way to explore some of Britain’s waterways, but it’s also incredibly good for fitness. At Cotswold Outdoor, we stock a range of paddle boards, so we have something suitable for those just getting started to those already adept at the sport. 

Why not learn more about the essentials needed to get started paddle boarding? 

Although we all love something unexpected at Christmas, sometimes what we need is the essentials. So if you’re looking for a gift that will always be appreciated, take a look at some of the options below:

There’s nothing more essential than a base layer, which when used correctly, is useful year-round. In warmer months, a base layer can be worn on its own to regulate temperature, while in cooler months, it’s the basis of a good layering system to help retain heat. 

Find out how to choose the right base layer in our guide.

A good daypack is a staple of life, whether you’re adventuring into the unknown or commuting to work. And, as daypacks are more stylish than ever, they look just as good in the city as they are practical out adventuring.

We recommend choosing a pack between 20-30 litres if versatility is key and while most daypacks have only one main compartment, you'll often find small pockets inside for valuables. But if you want to learn more, then take a look at our rucksack buying guide.

Just like a base layer, a fleece is a must-have layering piece. As a mid-layer, it acts traps heat to help retain warmth. 

There’s now plenty of styles to choose from full-zip fleeces, to quarter zips and even hoodies, so no matter what their style, you’ll find something to suit. Plus, many fleeces are now made from more sustainable materials like recycled fabrics, so it’s easy to make the right choice for the planet. 

Finally, if you were looking for a smaller gift, perhaps to pop in a stocking or as a gift for secret Santa, we have some great suggestions.

Despite their reputation, socks will never be an unwanted gift for someone who loves to get outside. That’s because the right pair of socks can make or break an adventure. Breathability is a key feature as it ensures feet stay warm and dry which can help prevent rubbing and blisters.

Take a look at our guide to socks for further inspiration. 

A belt can add a touch of style to an outfit as well as prevent the constant hitching up of trousers when you’re tackling a hike. Canvas or webbing belts provide a stylish utility look that suits outdoor trousers.

Because our extremities lose heat the quickest it’s important to wear gloves to stay warm in cold weather. We’ve got a great selection available from waterproof gloves to close-fitting fleece options, and even stock glove liners for those who really feel the elements. 

If you know someone trying to reduce their use of single-use plastic, why not get them a reusable water bottle or flask? The recipient will be able to use their gift day-to-day as well as when they’re out in the great outdoors. But most importantly, they’ll be helping the planet by cutting down unnecessary waste – so why not make the right choice this Christmas.