Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 12. If there’s an outdoorsy mom in your life, here are 10 Mother’s Day gift ideas from an outdoorsy mom of two who happens to also test outdoor gear.
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1. Hammock
If the outdoorsy mom in your life doesn’t already own a hammock, she should. Hammocks make camping better, and they’re a fantastic way to relax in the backyard or anywhere there’s a couple of appropriately spaced trees.
For an ultralight option, possibly for backpacking, camping, or just general travel, go for VOITED’s Ultralight Travel Hammock. This hammock packs up in a tiny roll-top stuff sack, and it’s feather light—a little less than 15 ounces. The fabric is soft, and the pattern is cute. I have the colorful checkered pattern called “Cheeckers.”
VOITED’s ultralight hammock is also a winner because it’s made from 100% recycled Ripstop Nylon. It comes with everything you need to set it up, except the trees.
If a double hammock makes more sense for the mom in your life, check out the Wise Owl Outfitters Double Hammock. This economical hammock comes in a range of colors and two sizes—medium for a single person and large for two people.
Also check out these options for camping hammocks.
2. Hiking Shoes
Some moms have a hard time splurging on gear for themselves—myself included. If you’re shopping for a mom who loves hiking, consider treating her to a pair of versatile hiking shoes that’ll get her excited to hit the trails this spring and summer.
My latest favorites come from XERO Shoes; they’re the new Scrambler Mid II lightweight waterproof hiking boots. These boots truly are lightweight and waterproof. They’re grippy, comfortable, and made from renewable plant-based materials.
These are still relatively new, so you have to buy straight from XERO Shoes if you want the new version of the Scrambler Mids, but you can pick up the previous generation version at REI and on Amazon.
Also check out our top picks for hiking water shoes.
3. Trekking Poles
Hiking moms might also love a new pair of trekking poles. LEKI’s Makalu FX Carbon folding poles are the real deal. They fold up easily and fit into a handy mesh storage bag, plus they’re lightweight without compromising on quality and sturdiness.
I love that these poles offer a comfortable grip, that they’re so impossibly light (thanks to its hollow core technology), and that they adjust to a wide range of heights. Each pole folds into three sections, which makes it easy to bring these on hiking and camping trips, even when you’re trying to pack light.
Note: While I haven’t tried them, LEKI’s Cressida FX Carbon poles are designed for women. They have a shorter adjustable length and a more compact grip compared to the Makalu FX Carbon set.
See more trekking pole recommendations here.
4. Camping Slippers
A pair of camping slippers would make a great gift for outdoorsy moms who don’t tend to splurge on themselves but who deserve a little TLC. I recently got a pair of CloudTouch slippers from VOITED, and I love them so much. (I may or may not be wearing them right now.)
Perfect for wearing around the campsite and for wearing around the house, these slippers have a soft, fluffy lining made from 100% recycled polyester fabric. It feels like wool but is quick drying and machine washable.
5. Tumbler
If the outdoorsy mom in your life is anything like me, she tends to bang up her water bottle from constant use. Maybe it’s time for a new one? The 20-ounce YETI Rambler is a fantastic drink receptacle for outdoor activities or just everyday life.
I have to admit, the one we own is actually my husband’s, because I bought it for him. But I use it sometimes and feel jealous. It’s perfect for hot coffee while camping or keeping an electrolyte drink cold when you’re spending all day at the creek.
This YETI tumbler comes in different sizes and a ton of colors. If you buy it on YETI’s website, you can even get it customized.
6. Camping Chair
When it comes to camping chairs, two in particular have won me over: the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker and the Kelty Low Loveseat. The GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the best thing if you’re camping with a baby, but even if you’re not, it’s really nice to rock and relax in front of the campfire. Mom deserves it.
The Kelty Low Loveseat is perfect for camping as a family, because you can seat at least two people (we fit all four of us in it, but our kids are small). While it’s easy to pick up some cheap folding chairs and call it good, a quality camping chair is a nice little luxury to have (or gift).
See all of our camping chair recommendations here.
7. Camping Blanket
What’s cozy and guaranteed to make any camping trip better? The perfect blanket. I have two favorites. The first is big enough for the whole family, the Kelty Biggie blanket. The Kelty Biggie is lightweight but offers an extra layer of warmth when you need it most. We use our Kelty Biggie as a sleeping layer on chilly nights, but it’s also great for lounging around the campfire.
I’m also in love with the VOITED CloudTouch four-in-one blanket. It’s incredibly soft and warm, and you can use it as a blanket, wear it as a cape, snap it up and sleep in it like a sleeping bag, or stuff it into the built-in pocket and use it as a pillow. We have the Jasper pattern, and it comes in a ton of other attractive colors and patterns as well.
Check out all of our recommendations for best camping blankets.
8. Mushroom ‘Coffee’
If you’re buying for a mom who loves coffee, gift her something new to try—mushroom “coffee.” I enjoy making lattés with MUD\WTR’s Morning Ritual Starter Kit. It’s a satisfying drink that doesn’t give you a caffeine crash.
Another option is Everyday Dose. I haven’t tried this one yet, but my starter kit is in the mail, and I’m looking forward to seeing what they’re all about.
See our MUD\WTR review here.
9. Massage
If you’re running low on time or can’t seem to choose among the Mother’s Day gift ideas above, you can’t go wrong with gifting a massage. The outdoorsy mom in your life may not be high maintenance, but you can bet she won’t mind relaxing for an hour!
10. REI Gift Card
Finally, you can always let the mom in your life pick out her own gear with an REI gift card. I personally would love this gift for Mother’s Day! I recently gifted one of REI’s e-gift cards, and it was quite easy. You can buy an e-gift card in advance and select the day you want REI to deliver it to the recipient’s email address. Select the perfect design, add a sweet Mother’s Day message, and you’re good to go.
Outdoorsy moms, what other Mother’s Day gift ideas would you add to this list?
