Want to give the perfect gift for a skier or snowboarder? Try a gift basket, customized especially for that special person. Here are some ideas on how to fill the basket with useful items.
Begin with the basket.
You can use pretty much anything as a container if you use a little imagination. Try a laundry basket for the teenager who wades through clothing on the floor, or a duffel bag for the college student who returns home with laundry. You could use a pretty wicker basket lined with fabric or even a large plastic storage container. Line your basket with a comfy fleece throw blanket for warming up with after the skiing is over. Basically, you want to package your items in something that can be re-used in a practical way, and consider the basket itself part of the gift.
Go with the essentials.
A gift certificate to a ski resort, including lodging and lift ticket, is the ultimate basket stuffer, but if you need to scale down a bit, try these ideas:
A gift certificate for a lift ticket or for the equipment rentals will help cover costs. Thick socks that wick moisture away from the skin are always useful for the winter sports fan. Flexible gloves and individual packets of hand and foot warmers are a must-have. A bottle of sunscreen is a good idea. Add a couple of tubes of good quality lip balm that also contains sunscreen. If your skier or snowboarder is just starting out, a gift certificate to a skiwear-clothing store would be a great idea. Generally, employees of these types of stores are quite knowledgeable about appropriate equipment for beginners and can provide a wealth of information.
Add some fun.
Tuck in a bumper sticker that is skiing-related, or even a custom license plate holder that says something like, "My other car is a snowboard" or "I'd rather be skiing". There are some trendy fleece snowboard hats out right now that will make your boarder stand out in a crowd. If the gift recipient will be driving to the ski area, tack on a small can of de-icer for the car and an ice scraper for the windshield. Why not add some energy in the form of a good quality trail mix or health food bar? Yogurt-covered pretzels are a good form of energy, as are an assortment of shelled nuts or seeds. Chewing gum is also a great little add-on to help clear the ears from altitude pressure.
Also include a disposable camera, so the memories can be shared.
Don't forget après ski.
Après ski means "after ski". When the day on the slopes is over, it's time to relax. Treat your skier with some goodies such as hot chocolate or hot toddy mix tucked inside a mug from a ski area. For that beginner on your list, make it fun by adding in some foot soak or muscle cream and some bandages, along with a homemade certificate for a back or foot rub. Add some warm, funky socks or silly slippers to warm up those frozen feet, and you have an entire snow-themed basket that is guaranteed to bring happiness to any skier or snowboarder.
