Gifts for the outdoor enthusiast

If being outdoors is quality time for you, then giving outdoor-inspired gifts to clients who share your passion makes sense. A minimum order of 48 branded knit toques from 4imprint.ca will cost $324, plus taxes and shipping. Branded baseball caps have a minimum order of 100, and an order of basic or economy caps will cost $309, plus taxes and shipping.

But giving clients branded merchandise isn’t memorable. And they likely won’t wear it, especially if they’d rather promote their favourite athletic brand or team. Try these options instead.

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Low cost, high impact $18/client

Outdoor enthusiasts swear by merino wool socks for comfort. At Mountain Equipment Co-op, a package with two pairs of merino wool hiking socks costs $18.

A waterproof pouch is practical and multifunctional. It can store documents or maps, and substitute for a pillow when it’s filled with air. At $11.50, the price is right. Add a fire lighting kit for $20, and you have a gift an outdoor enthusiast will remember you for. Both are available at Mountain Equipment Co-op. For a unique gift, Lee Valley Tools sells a Campfire Backwarmer that’ll channel heat from a fire to help clients stay warm. It costs $21.50.

Medium cost, high impact $249/client

The Fitbit Surge tracks activity, heart rate and blood pressure and has a built-in GPS and WiFi. Users can link with others to form their own fitness groups.

It costs about $250, and lower-priced models are also available.

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Imagine charging your electronic devices while you cook dinner. The Biolite CampStove converts energy from its woodfire so clients can charge their tablets and phones. It’s available for $140 (shipping is extra).

For thrill-seeking clients, a two-day whitewater rafting adventure on the Ottawa River costs $200 to $300 per person, and includes meals, camping (bring your own tent), a professional guide, safety equipment and Ottawa River rafting time. Transportation to Ottawa is extra.

High cost, high impact $3,840/client

For ski fanatics, there’s nothing like the lure of fresh powder in the Rockies. Send A-list clients on a heli-skiing adventure to B.C. or Alberta.

A two-day heli-ski adventure, including accommodation, equipment and meals, is $3,840 to $4,040 per person. Transportation to Calgary International Airport and transfer to the lodge in Golden, B.C. (2.5-hour drive from Calgary) is extra. And, for an extreme adventure, send clients rafting in the Yukon.

For $3,890 per person, travellers enjoy an 11-day hiking and river excursion through the North. Airfare to Whitehorse, Yukon is extra. There are also shorter trips available, but travel times are limited, due to weather.

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Lisa MacColl is an Ontario-based financial writer.