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88Nine's 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide: day six, gifts for the outdoor explorer

Chances are you or someone you are buying a gift for loves the outdoors. The abundant parks, trails, waterways and forests are some of the best things Wisconsin has to offer. On the sixth day of 88Nine's 12 Days Christmas Gift Guide, we selected some gift ideas for the outdoor explorer in your life. 

Check out the gifts below.

Buff Headgear, $20

Ear warmer, balaclava, neck warmer, hair tie. These things are multifunctional and adaptable, so you can sport it in whatever way suits you best.  They are wind resistant to keep you warm, and moisture wicking to keep you dry. Buffs are used by runners, hunters, boaters and hikers alike. They are one of those simple items you don’t think about, but once you have one, you can’t live without it. You can find Buffs online, and also at major outdoor retailers or local running stores such as InStep or Performance Running Outfitters.

 

Park People Membership, $40

With over 135 parks in the county, chances are you’ve been to a Milwaukee County Park at least once in your life. Did you know you can become a member? The Park People Membership lasts all year and benefits the maintenance, revitalization and management of the County Parks. As an added perk, each membership includes a coupon booklet to get you (or your giftee) out to enjoy different parks, including a round of golf, a pint of beer at the Traveling Beer Garden, entry into Cool Waters, Botanical Gardens and Red Arrow Ice Rink.

 

Kayak or Paddleboard Rentals, $35-$65 from Milwaukee Kayak

If you're seeking something more summer-oriented, why not gift a day to explore Milwaukee by water. A gift certificate to Milwaukee Kayakcan offer your giftee a daily rental or guided tour either by Kayak or Paddle Board.  

 

Luci Solar Powered Light, $19.95

These inflatable lights are so handy and surprisingly bright. They are lightweight, durable, waterproof and collapse down to just 1 inch when you need to pack them away. Luci lights do not require batteries, and are always ready to go (as long as you have some sun). These can work on the backyard patio, around the campsite or for your next full moon bike ride.

Luci lights also operate on a buy one, give one model, so every light purchased helps send another light to search and rescue groups, disaster relief missions or families who live without access to electricity.

To check them out in person, you can find these lights at REI.

Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker, $28 (for vehicles with WI license plates)

If you want to get away for a hike at Lapham Peak State Park or hit up a campground next year, this will come in handy. One sticker grants access to all Wisconsin State Parks for 2018. Without a sticker, you’ll be required to pay each time you visit a park.

Annual park stickers and passes can be purchased by calling the DNR at 888-936-7463 or as part of a gift package from the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

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Oxford Pennant "Get Lost" Pin, $8.00

Even the most rugged outdoorsman (or woman), can still rock their gear in style. These lapel pins, custom crafted from Lost Lust Supply, based in Portland, can let your giftee express themselves through designs inspired by animals, outdoor gear or wise words to live by.

 

Cairn Monthly Subscription Box, $29.95/mo

For the outdoor junkie who has everything, here’s an easy way to help them discover new gear. The Cairn subscription boxoperates similar to a lot of those other subscription programs, but what’s nice about this one is that all the products are full sized and by reviewing the items, subscribers can earn points to use towards discounts on future gear.