In this Retro WON, the Writing Huntress gives you suggestions for Christmas gifts for the outdoors guy who has everything.
Dear Writing Huntress,
Both my dad and boyfriend are hunters. They own everything when it comes to hunting, including gear and guns. I’m trying to get them something different this year for Christmas, something that is fun, but also something they will actually use. What should I get the guys who have everything?
Sincerely,
Sad Santa in Sinking Spring
Ask Writing Huntress is sponsored by SportDOG.
Dear Sad Santa,
I can sympathize with your plight. I am married to a man who literally has it all when it comes to gear and guns.
You can always get your father and boyfriend gift cards, but, let’s face it, gift cards are boring. Hence, I suggest you take the long and terrible drive to your nearest computer and check out the Bass Pro Shops website.
North Carolina was our home for 2 years and, conveniently, the Concord Mills location was just minutes from our house. Inevitably, I did 2-years’ worth of Christmas shopping there.
Bass Pro Shops put on quite a show from their online deals to the in-store Santa’s Wonderland.
Now that we live in the middle of nowhere, I’m facing the same quandary that you are, Santa. This is where the glory and majesty of technology comes in. Sure, you can’t visit Santa’s Wonderland in person, but you can score deals for some nifty gifts online.
In order to give you the best list possible, I have taken submissions from not only my hubby, but also from our hunting buddies who range in age from 25- to 60-years old. According to the census taken, the gifts they’d like to see under the tree are as follows:
Warm foot coverings
Hunters know the virtue of a good, warm pair of socks; so don’t be nervous about getting your guys a pair of Yate World’s Warmest Pocket Sock for Men ($14.99). If things are desperately cold in the foot department, ThermaCELL Heated Rechargeable Insoles ($119.99) are the way to go.
The ability to shoot long distances
If either your boyfriend or father shoots long distances, think about getting him the Burris Eliminator LaserScope ($649.99). My husband has been pining for one, himself.
The Burris Eliminator scope.
The ultimate in clandestine comfort
Every time we would visit Bass Pro in Concord, hubby and I would rest our weary shopping selves on matching camouflage recliners ($499.99 to $799.99). Likewise, of the gentlemen polled, 10 out of 10 would love a recliner for Christmas.
Cabin decorations
Big bucks and duck mounts are stunning wall art, but don’t forget the plethora of framed prints and other wall décor offered on the Bass Pro website. If your hunny is a little on the romantic side, get him the personalized Whitetail Love print ($89.99). Your dad may have antlers on the wall, but I’m fairly sure they don’t spell out his name. The Bass Pro exclusive Antler Letter print ($149.99) is a perfect addition to his trophy room.
The Antler Letter print from Bass Pro Shops.
Some Sort of manly meat cooker
Sportsmen the world over seem to venerate grills with overzealousness. Celebrate this trait by spoiling the men in your life with the Browning Ceramic Charcoal Grill ($549.77). It will cook their deer, duck, pheasant and the like for Christmas dinner.
Fire
The best part of going to deer camp is sitting around a roaring fire after a successful hunt. Make your deer camp experience glow next season using Landmann USA Patio Lights Fire Pit with Deer and Tracks ($139).
A dog and a training collar
If you’ve read this column before, then you know that I adore my SportDOG blind bag ($59.95). I also love and use SportDOG’s line of dog training tools. If you don’t have a duck or upland dog, you can always adopt 1 to go with SportDOG’s line of training collars ($5.99 to $499.99)!
Writing Huntress shows off her SportDOG pride. And her “guns.”
Sad Santa, turn that frown upside down! You’ll do just fine making this Christmas memorable for your hunting men.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a homemade gift, buy a box of red, green and yellow shotgun shells. Shoot them, then wrap the shell casing around the matching colored lights and you’ve got shotgun shell lights for your tree! You can also make a shotgun shell wreath.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hunting,
WH
This Retro WON column was published first on Dec. 3, 2013.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
