2016 Christmas Gift Ideas List: Captain’s Column 12.22.16
By angelamontana

Posted: December 22, 2016

There are only 3 days left. Time is quickly running out for you to do your Christmas shopping! Every year I provide a list of gift ideas for that person on your gift list that enjoys the great Montana outdoors. Every year the list changes with new gadgets but also stays the same with some popular gift ideas that never go out of style. Whether the person on your list skis, snowmobiles, hunts, hikes, fishes, or does it all I am sure the list will be helpful in your last minute gift shopping. We all have heard “I need to buy a Christmas gift for so and so and he or she already has everything”. For that person a gift card always works well. Another tip to help you this holiday season. Attach a dollar amount to the people on your gift list. It might help you get your shopping done quicker. For example you might have a person on your list you want to spend up to $10 on or another person you feel comfortable spending up to $50 on or maybe you have no limit. In any case here is a list of some gift ideas that might just give you a head start.

  • A box of shot shells-the best waterfowl hunting is still ahead
  • A Fly fishing vest-the more pockets the better
  • A Pair of Navigator Headphones
  • A gas card with the price of gas $50-$75 will go a long way
  • A Thule cargo box or ski rack
  • A hunting or fillet knife
  • A pair of two way radios
  • A pair of warm socks or warm gloves for skiing or ice fishing
  • A Smoker for fish and wild game or maybe brine and seasoning if they already have a smoker
  • A pair of trekking poles-great for hiking
  • A Leatherman tool
  • Four or five crank baits good for bass, trout, walleye, or northern pike
  • A welcome mat with an outdoor theme for home or cabin
  • A sportsman sled to haul gear
  • A sport utility shovel-never know when it will help you out of a jam
  • Binoculars-every outdoor person uses them for many things
  • A bucket with a nice swivel seat, good for a waterfowl blind or for ice fishing.
  • A 12-volt operated electric air pump for low tires or rafts
  • A pair of nice cozy slippers
  • Tip-ups if the angler on your list likes to ice fish for walleye or pike
  • An emergency kit for their car
  • Snowshoes- great for hiking the high country
  • A fanny pack to keep gloves and stocking hats all in one place
  • An ice strainer (it helps them clear ice out of their ice fishing hole)
  • A tripod for spotting scope or camera
  • A fitness watch to help them keep track of their health
  • A state of the art hunting back pack that is hydration compatible
  • A gift box of sausage and jerky from Hi Country Snack Foods
  • Thermos
  • Traction cleats for their boots when they walk on the ice
  • A day lift ticket to a local ski resort
  • A hunting dog collar, toy, dog dish, or dog parka
  • A box of hand, toe, and foot warmers
  • A rangefinder up to 1000 yards
  • A gift card for a restaurant
  • If they own a RV then a gift card at an RV store will always come in handy
  • If they like to work on things a gift card to a parts or hardware store

Have fun shopping–I hope the list helps, and have a Merry Christmas!

(Written by the Captain – aka Mark Ward)
New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing