Pay attention dudes. These gifts are guaranateed to please your woman.
Hip. Edgy. Beautiful, but built to love the elements. That’s how you like your women—and that’s how they like their gifts. Still stumped? Here’s a fool-proof guide to what to give your better half this holiday season.
NO: SOFT, PINK SKIS.
Yes: Movement Spicys
She’s had it with boards that go limp underfoot. These all-condition, women’s freeride skis are just the opposite. Aggressive yet versatile, they feature a responsive wood core, meaning they’ll perform equally well on packed Front Range powder as in those deep, Summit-county back-bowl stashes. Plus they look hot.
$699: movementskis.com
NO: FAUX FUR.
Yes: Powderhorn Powdersmoke
This isn’t just another down ski jacket. It’s sleek, sexy, and state-of-the-art. Powderhorn’s one-of-a-kind ceramic-down technology helps to regulate body temperature: Warm on the lift, cool in the lodge. Oh so cool.
$495: powderhornworld.com
NO: CASHMERE SWEATER SET.
Yes: Lolë Starlight Tunic
A cozy and stretchable wool combo, this sweater-tunic keeps your tush warm yet still flatters the figure. Skating and Schnapps anyone? Available in black, aubergine, dark earth, and teal.
$100; lolewomen.com
NO: NORDIC WALKING POLES.
Yes: K2 T:Nine Alexis
No new snow? Sixty-five-degree Rocky Mountain winter day? No problem. Plug in iPod ear buds, channel your evil LA self, and hit the multiuse paths on these superfast blades. Stability design features make them perfect for cross training.
$180; K2skates.com
NO: COTTON HOODIES.
Yes: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch
This little jacket can do it all. It’s light, warm, breathable, wind- and water-resistant, and soft enough on the inside to wear without a substantial base layer. It’s perfect for trail running, hiking or nordic skiing.
$150; mountainhardwear.com
NO: SLOUCHY COTTON SOCKS.
Yes: Point6 Merino
This adventure-worthy line of socks may encourage her to take up your questionable habit of wearing the same pair several days in a row. With options for cycling, hiking, skiing or everyday wear, Point6 uses superfine compact spun merino wool and builds in arch support and mesh ventilation for durability and comfort.
$20; point6.com
NO: CHOCOLATE SANTA.
Yes: Navitas Superfood Chocolates
How romantic is it to make your sweetheart chocolates from scratch? So romantic, I don’t know a single man who ever has. So, guys, here’s a way to impress but not waste Saturday over the double-boiler when you could catch the latest Manning pass on HDTV. Pair the highest quality cocoa with exotic berries and the only thing missing is the champagne. Assembly required.
$10; navitasnaturals.com
NO: BUBBLE GUM CHAPSTICK.
Yes: W.S. Badger body balms
Good enough to eat, these USDA certified organic blends combine skin-nourishing plant-based oils—such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and olive oil—with beeswax and naturally fragrant essential oils for extra protection from winter’s drying qualities.
$15; badgerbalm.com
NO: LESSONS FROM YOU.
Yes: Eldora Women’s Tuesdays or Wednesdays
These expert-run alpine, telemark, snowboard and/or cross-country lessons are a great way for gals to learn a new snow skill (or just kick it up a notch). Full breakfast and lunch included.
$319 – $559; eldora.com/programs.women.html
Yes: Movement Spicys
She’s had it with boards that go limp underfoot. These all-condition, women’s freeride skis are just the opposite. Aggressive yet versatile, they feature a responsive wood core, meaning they’ll perform equally well on packed Front Range powder as in those deep, Summit-county back-bowl stashes. Plus they look hot. $699: movementskis.com
No: FAUX fur.
Yes: Powderhorn Powdersmoke
This isn’t just another down ski jacket. It’s sleek, sexy, and state-of-the-art. Powderhorn’s one-of-a-kind ceramic-down technology helps to regulate body temperature: Warm on the lift, cool in the lodge. Oh so cool. $495: powderhornworld.com
No: cashmere sweater set.
Yes: Lolë Starlight Tunic
A cozy and stretchable wool combo, this sweater-tunic keeps your tush warm yet still flatters the figure. Skating and Schnapps anyone? Available in black, aubergine, dark earth, and teal. $100; lolewomen.com
No: NORDIC WALKING POLES.
Yes: K2 T:Nine Alexis
No new snow? Sixty-five-degree Rocky Mountain winter day? No problem. Plug in iPod ear buds, channel your evil LA self, and hit the multiuse paths on these superfast blades. Stability design features make them perfect for cross training. $180; K2skates.com
No: COTTON HOODIES.
Yes: Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch
This little jacket can do it all. It’s light, warm, breathable, wind- and water-resistant, and soft enough on the inside to wear without a substantial base layer. It’s perfect for trail running, hiking or nordic skiing. $150; mountainhardwear.com
No: Slouchy cotton socks.
Yes: Point6 Merino
This adventure-worthy line of socks may encourage her to take up your questionable habit of wearing the same pair several days in a row. With options for cycling, hiking, skiing or everyday wear, Point6 uses superfine compact spun merino wool and builds in arch support and mesh ventilation for durability and comfort. $20; point6.com
No: CHOCOLATE SANTA.
Yes: Navitas Superfood Chocolates
How romantic is it to make your sweetheart chocolates from scratch? So romantic, I don’t know a single man who ever has. So, guys, here’s a way to impress but not waste Saturday over the double-boiler when you could catch the latest Manning pass on HDTV. Pair the highest quality cocoa with exotic berries and the only thing missing is the champagne. Assembly required. $10; navitasnaturals.com
No: BUBBLE GUM CHAPSTICK.
Yes: W.S. Badger body balms
Good enough to eat, these USDA certified organic blends combine skin-nourishing plant-based oils—such as cocoa butter, shea butter, and olive oil—with beeswax and naturally fragrant essential oils for extra protection from winter’s drying qualities. $15; badgerbalm.com
No: LESSONS FROM YOU.
Yes: Eldora Women’s Tuesdays or Wednesdays
These expert-run alpine, telemark, snowboard and/or cross-country lessons are a great way for gals to learn a new snow skill (or just kick it up a notch). Full breakfast and lunch included. $319 – $559; eldora.com/programs.women.htmlRadha Marcum is deputy editor of Delicious Living magazine and has contributed to Outside and Women’s Adventure.
