Last Minute Shopping for the Outdoor Enthusiast

Last minute shopping is something I’ve become familiar with over the years. And I don’t discriminate, this isn’t limited to just the Holidays. I find myself scrambling last minute around birthdays, anniversaries, hell… pretty much anything that requires a gift. I like to think it is because I am a busy guy and have trouble pulling the trigger on purchases. But Jess would probably say it is because I am disorganized.

Last Minute Shipping

If you are buying something online this late in the game, you will usually be stuck shelling out big bucks on shipping. But there are exceptions to this. More and more it seems that retailers are willing to offer shipping deals in the 11th hour for people like us. Check out your online retailer of choice and chances are you might find something. For example, I found these shipping options/deals today.

However, if you can’t find a deal on last minute shipping, I would avoid ordering online. In my experience it almost never makes sense to do this, unless you are in a real tight spot or simply can not find an equivalent gift elsewhere. Just to give you an example, if you wanted to buy an $80 item at REI right now, and you had to use next day air to get it in time, you’d be paying around $30 dollars in shipping. I know shopping at an actual store can be a pain, but 30 bucks on an 80 dollar gift just doesn’t make sense. Get in the car and drive to an REI instead.

Off the Beaten Path

Sometimes there is just no avoiding it. You have to brave the crowds and join others in a last minute shopping frenzy. When this is the case I almost always try to avoid the major spots first, saving that mall or big box plaza as a last resort. This is easier said than done depending on where you live, but almost all areas have smaller, more local shopping options available to them. So instead of hitting up Sports Authority for a pair of skis, see if there is a locally run ski shop near you… instead of hitting up that mega camping store, see if there is a local outfitter. They may not have as wide of a selection as the big stores, but prices are usually comparable and the knowledge and customer service you get can far outweigh other options. And it will be a less crowded, more pleasant experience at this time of year!

If All Else Fails, Gift Card It

I know… sometimes it feels lame giving Gift Certificates. Almost like you are saying, “Here, I couldn’t be bothered to think of something to give you, so go get it yourself”

But I think Gift Cards get a bad rep. I for one LOVE getting them, and I think most outdoor gear junkies probably do too. The thing is, most of us are pretty particular about our gear. For example, we don’t just want a camping stove, we usually want a specific one. So unless you are a mind reader, or we have told you exactly what we want, the chances of getting us the wrong item is pretty high. Gift Certificates solve that problem wonderfully – and they can be delivered instantly via email… making them an almost perfect last minute gift.

So, take my word for it, and don’t feel bad about giving the outdoor enthusiast in your life a Gift Card. A few of my favorites include:

REI Gift Cards

EMS Gift Certificates

Backcountry.com Gift Certificates