The Outdoor Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for the Ladies

It’s that time again! Valentine’s Day!!!  For many, it conjures up images of flowers, chocolate, jewelry, perfume, and possibly some romance.  For others, it’s a time of last minute scrambling, thinking creatively for that perfect gift, or pulling strings to get into that ‘A-list’ Five Star restaurant.  I definitely fall into the second category.  As always, it’s the 11th hour, and I have to figure out how to be the best-est husband in the world.

Do you go with the latest and greatest tech gadgets, a fancy night out at a posh hotel, or do you speak to the more practical and active side of your loved one. I truly enjoy a great meal at my favorite sushi place or steak restaurant, but let’s be honest, after a few hours you have a nice memory and a full belly. BRING ON the great and active outdoor world to sweep your lady off her feet.

Here’s a few ideas that will stand up to the test of time, and you may be surprised at how appreciative she will be.

Great Thoughtful Gifts this Valentine’s Day For Under $50

FITS Ultra Light Runner No Show – $14.99

FITS Ultra Light Runner No Show

Gordini Stash Lite Glove – $35

We think these gloves are great! Super comfortable, light and versatile.  Fantastic for running, spring skiing, driving, and everyday activities. With a little bit of movement and activity, the heat created by these gloves is phenomenal. Buy Now

Gordini Stash Lite Touch Gloves

Check out the full review HERE

Pavepara Arm and Leg Warmers – $30 – $50

A unique product with function and style. The Pavepara collection has great items for the lady in your life with a fitness inspired lifestyle.  Buy Now

Pavepara Arm and Leg Warmers

Check out the full scoop HERE

Skida Alpine Hat – $36

The ladies from Skida in Burlington, Vermont create some seriously stylish performance products. Their ski-inspired designs feature fresh patterns that look great while still being highly functional for the athletic or outdoorsy type. Buy Now.

Skida Alpine Hat

See full review HERE.

Kahtoola NANOSpikes – $49.95

Calling all runners: Winter training made possible with Kahtoola’s NANOspikes, an ultralight, low profile winter traction device. The evolved spike design bites into icy sidewalks or roads. With 10 Tungsten Carbide spikes on each one, they serve to really help the performance out on ice, mud, and snow. Get your lady out on the trails, but keep her safe and sound. Buy now.

Kahtoola NANOspikes

For more information check out the full review HERE

Step It Up With Gifts From $50 – $150

Skirt Sports Lioness – $65

“I Just Want To Feel Pretty.”  Skirt Sports was founded on that simple premise and created a line of cute, flattering, high-performance running apparel.  The Skirt Sports line of apparel delivers performance, great fit, and style. Make that someone special in your life look and feel pretty this Valentine’s Day.  For the entire line and purchase please visit: www.skirtsports.com

Skirt Sport Lioness

Garmin VivoFit – $99

You can wear a plain watch, or you can wear a Garmin vivofit band and take steps to improve your health. The Garmin vivofit provides the date and time, much like your basic watch, but it can also do so much more. She’ll be thinking of you all day long as she tracks her movement to stay fit and healthy. Buy now.

Garmin Vivofit

For a detailed review please see HERE

Pearl Izumi Fly Softshell Run Pant – $110

The perfect winter running pant. Stay outside, dry and comfortable in the foulest of weather conditions. The Fly Softshell Run Pant protects and temperature-regulates while allowing for natural range of motion.  It has stretch Thermal Windblocking fabric panels provides optimal wind protection, warmth and breathability for high aerobic outputs. The Thermal Fleece fabric is strategically paneled to deliver superior breathability, moisture transfer and warmth. Buy Now.

Pearl Izumi Women’s Fly Softshell Run Pant

TomTom Runner GPS running Watch – $129

The TomTom Runner is a lightweight ultra-slim design. with a battery life of up to 19 hours, your girl can keep track of her latest achievements.  Buy now.

TomTom Runner

The North Face ThermoBall Remix Vest – $149

The North Face ThermoBall Remix Vest is perfect as an extra layer on a cool fall or spring day, or over a base-layer as an added insulating layer for winter conditions. This vest keeps your core toasty without making you look or feel like a marshmallow. I think she will appreciate the warmth and comfort provided by this fine North Face outerlayer. Buy now.

The North Face ThermoBall Remix Vest

Check out all the fine features and full review HERE.

Hit a Home Run This Valentine’s Day With Gifts Over $150.

Hanwag Saponi Lady GTX – $220

This versatile lightweight hiking boot will surely keep your lady happy and comfortable on any hike. Reaching a remote secluded mountain or forest spot for a  picnic could be quite romantic. Soft cushioning, GoreTex lining, and a Vibram Nemo sole will provide all the comfort she needs, but getting her there in style will surely score you bonus points. Buy now.

Hanwag Saponi Lady GTX

Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed Duo Syn – $250

Talk about some wilderness snuggle time. Camping in the great outdoors has never seemed so plush, warm, and comfortable. The Backcountry Double Sleeping Bag has an integrated comforter, self sealing foot vent, and a sleeping pad sleeve to securely fasten your bag to the pad. And obviously, the “double” part means for optimal closeness. The rest is up to you! Buy now.

Sierra Designs Backcountry Duo Syn Sleeping Bag

Suunto Guiding Star – $300

Ok, I had to throw at least one piece of shiny glittering piece of jewelry this Valentine’s Day.  A clear Nordic winter night with Polaris steady to the north, the guide for explorers since ancient times, has been the inspiration for the first Suunto jewel. The Suunto Guiding Star is a functional piece of jewelry with clean lines and two faces: on the front is a real compass with Polaris in the north, and on the back stars of the Nordic sky.

This limited edition jewel made of sterling silver was designed by Finnish jewelry designer Lina Simons and crafted in Finland in cooperation between Suunto and Kalevala Jewelry, both founded in Finland in the 1930s. Buy Now

Suunto Guiding Star

Outdoor Research Floodlight Jacket – $395

Keeping your lady warm and comfortable is nice and all, but also keeping her dry is what will keep her happy.  Keeping down insulation dry is nearly impossible in constantly damp environments. With pure untreated 800+ fill down, the Floodlight Jacket is wrapped in waterproof, breathable Pertex® Shield+ fabric. This ingenious design ensures water never touches the down, completely blocks the wind and traps body heat in even the most inhospitable conditions. An ideal jacket for hiking, climbing or ski-touring in sodden environments, throwing on the Floodlight is a surefire way to stay warm and dry.

Outdoor Research Floodlight Jacket

If all else fails….

Qualia’s Great Barrier Reef Luxury Resort – $Priceless

If after all that active and cold weather running around, she’s still not happy.  You may have to ‘resort’ to drastic measures this Valentine’s Day. A getaway to the other side of the world to be pampered in exquisite luxury may be in order. Qualia’s exquisitely designed pavilions promise privacy and luxury on Hamilton Island’s secluded northern tip. Each of qualia’s 60 light-filled pavilions faces the water, surrounded by tropical bushland with uninterrupted views over the sea.

Qualia Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

For more information please visit: www.qualia.com.au