Blog - Give the Gift of Holiday Adventure

Give the Gift of Holiday Adventure

A pile of gifts wrapped in sparkly, festive holiday paper sits under the tree (or near the menorah). For weeks, you stare at the boxes, brimming with curiosity. And finally, the big moment arrives. You reach for a present, rip off the wrapping paper like a kid on a sugar rush, and.. oh. It’s another novelty mug. Or a sweater that would have been better suited for last week's ugly sweater party than on regular rotation in your closet. You force a smile. Then stuff it in the back of your closet, where it will probably head to the thrifty during your next spring clean.

But what if you gave something that didn’t collect dust or cause disappointment? Something that doesn’t just exist but creates long-lasting joy? This year, ditch the forgettable knick knacks and give the gift of adventure.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Invest in adventure to spread holiday magic year-round. Gifting an outdoor experience or gear that inspires it is like giving someone the key to happiness (and some cardio). When you gift adventure, you’re not just giving a random object; you’re creating moments and meaningful family fun. And you’ll remember those moments far longer than a gift you never wanted. Unlike that regrettable fruitcake, adventure doesn’t get tossed out or regifted. Instead, it’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, adventure comes with bonus perks you can enjoy all year long. Getting outside improves mood, reduces stress, and increases Vitamin D absorption.

Memory Makers:

“Stuff” doesn’t really stick. Studies show that happiness that comes from material gifts is short-lived. But experiences? Those not only stick, they make an impact. Shared experiences foster connection, trust, and a deep sense of belonging. You can’t put a price tag on the hoots, hollers, and pure joy with your friends on a powder day or the camaraderie of cheering your family on during a mountain bike ride.

According to psychologist Emma Seppala's book “The Happiness Track,” longer-lasting happiness comes from “experiences that have more meaning and purpose, experiences that are beyond our own self.” Ultimately, shared experiences lead to greater happiness and richer memories. So, while a physical gift shows you care, gifting an experience (and spending time together during that experience) attaches meaning. And memories are the currency of a life well-lived.

Create More Meaningful Relationships:

The key to a long life lies in the depth of our relationships. It’s not about how many friends you have; it’s about the moments you share with the ones who matter most. Meaningful relationships allow us to develop emotional empathy and to better understand each other. In turn, these connections give our own lives more meaning.

So, how do you gift quality time? Simple. Choose gifts that encourage shared experiences that will deepen relationships. Got a partner who won’t hit the slopes because they’re afraid of cold toes? Thermic-heated ski socks to the rescue, and now they’re you’re powder pal. Do you have a sibling who keeps borrowing your goggles? Get them their own low-light lenses, and you’ll have a storm-day buddy. A pair of low-light goggles is thoughtful and practical. Is your friend always late because of soggy boots that were left in the car? A portable boot dryer solves that problem—and earns you eternal gratitude.

These aren’t just gifts; they’re catalysts for adventure and tools for sparking joy.

Support Sustainability:

Adventure is awesome. Waste? Not so much.

We’re all for giving gifts that inspire outdoor fun. But did you know that man-made PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are often used in outdoor products? These man-made chemicals wreak havoc on the planet and stick around, well, forever. But you can be a part of the change by not purchasing presents that will get sent to the landfill.

Shop smarter by buying sustainable, high-quality brands that care about the environment. Not only are you shopping with your conscience, but you’re purchasing a product that will last years and reduce waste. Consider your gear an investment, and you’ll find that your cost-per-wear is probably lower than most other items in your closet.

Brands like Flylow, Black Diamond, and Armada (to name a few) are paving the way to a cleaner planet with a commitment to reducing their environmental impact through responsible production, working with sustainable materials, and giving back to communities. (Hint: Kind carries all these awesome brands!)
Bonus points: Colorado is leading the fight against PFAS, with a partial ban starting January 1, 2025, and a full ban in place by 2028.

Kind Supports Your Adventurous Pursuits:

At Kind Bikes and Skis, we want to make adventure easy, accessible, sustainable, and unforgettable. We’re big believers in quality over quantity, so we stock brands that stand up to your toughest adventures and ensure you are getting the right gear that fits your needs so you buy once.

That is, unless you’ve got a kid growing like a tumbleweed. But we have programs for that, too. Because we know that childhood isn’t the most sustainable venture we’ve participated in. Kind offers kid’s seasonal ski rentals and a kid’s trade-up program where you receive up to 50% of the original sale towards purchasing a new bike. (Psst: we stock Woom bikes, which we believe are the best for littles because they’re lightweight and ergonomically correct).

Kind Bikes and Skis - Storm Bike Park

Adventure isn’t one size fits all. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit for your next big memory.

Make This Year's Gifts Count:

This holiday season, ditch the dust collectors and give something that truly matters: adventure. Instead, shop smarter for a gift that creates memories and will outlast any wrapping paper.

When you give the gift of adventure, you’re giving more than just a moment. You’re giving connection and joy. The best things in life aren’t things—they’re experiences shared with the people you love.