9 days until Christmas and here I am with a good bit of shopping left to do…
Much to my wife’s chagrin, I’m the guy who pushes everything off until the last minute then leaps into a panicked frenzy and complains about the stress that Christmas shopping gives me, even though one semi-logical look at the situation shows the blame sitting squarely on my shoulders.
This has actually been a smoother year for me, which doesn’t give much ease since it probably means I’m forgetting someone important, but with time ticking down and the pressure on, I decided to help out my fellow stragglers by putting together a list of gifts for the hunters and anglers in your life.
Whether they’d rather be in the duck blind or in a jon boat, these gifts are sure to be something they’ll actually want to open on Christmas Day. Plus, everything listed here can still be purchased (some in easily accessible stores) and received before the 25th.
Gifts For Hunters
First Lite Products
Hunting gear getting a bit ratty? There’s no better time to upgrade to something that will last for years with First Lite. From entire Western Rifle kits to base layers to tents and camping equipment, whatever it is your hunter needs, First Lite has it.
The shipping cut-off day for guaranteed Ground delivery by Christmas is just one day away (12/20 is the cutoff for UPS Two Day Air and 12/23 is the cutoff for Overnight) so act now to make sure your First Lite gear gets here before the 25th.
Website: firstlite.com
Recommended Product: Cody Glove ($70)
OnX Subscription
Simply put, OnX is the most trusted GPS mapping app used by millions of hunters, hikers, rock climbers, and all sorts of people who really like getting way out in the wild. OnX provides land ownership data, topographic maps, custom Waypoints, and trails for over 852 million acres of public land and their maps can even work offline, so no need to worry about losing signal way out in the woods.
Know where you stand with OnX.
Website: onxmaps.com
Cost: Premium w/ One State ($34.99/year), Premium w/ Two States ($49.99/year), Elite ($14.99/month or $99.99/year)
Find A Hunt
Are you tired of your husband, cousin, uncle, or sister talking about this being the year they get a guide and go on their dream hunt but never following through? You can make it a reality for them easier than you thought by booking through Find A Hunt, which connects hunters with any type of opportunity they can wish for.
Whether you’re looking to lease a property, book a guided excursion, or list your own ground for hunters to use, Find A Hunt is an incredible tool to create a memory that will be passed down in family lore for generations to come.
Website: findahunt.com
Buck Knives
Honestly, who doesn’t want a nice, new knife for Christmas?
Buck Knives have been an American standard since 1902 and their latest products are no different. Whether you need a fixed blade, automatic open, everyday carry, filet, or something more serious, Buck Knives has you covered.
I picked up a pretty basic Buck Knife from Walmart over 10 years ago and will freely admit that I haven’t been the kindest to it, but I’ll tell you what, that thing held up so well you’d think it was still almost new. Zero wiggling despite all the digging and prying (don’t yell at me, I know) and the blade still sharpens up easily and holds an edge well. Last year I got my brother a 119 Special that he uses for field dressing deer (worked like a charm just a few weeks back), so trust me when I say that I firmly and whole heartedly recommend Buck Knives to everyone who will listen.
Shipping times will be close if you order from their website, but you can go to your local Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, or outdoors store to check out their selection.
Website: buckknives.com
Daisy BB Gun
Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
One of the best days of my childhood was that Christmas morning when my dad told me to look behind the tree and see if something was back there. Lo and behold, just like in the Christmas Story, a Daisy BB gun was cleverly hidden and thus began the afternoons of plunking soup cans and firing off spectacular hip shots.
Again, shipping times will be tight if ordering off their website, but you can use their retail locator to find a store that sells them near you. Walmart also carries them, so that may be an easy option to pick up a Red Ryder.
Website: daisy.com
Gifts For Anglers
Shimano Caius Casting Rod Combo
Do you need to buy a gift for someone who’s still using that cheap rod and reel they got in high school? This is the year to get them a big step up in quality without paying a massive price.
Shimano’s Caius Casting Rod Combo is one of the most versatile combos out there. Clocking in at 7′ long with a 150HG reel, the Caius combo can handle a variety of techniques for bass fishers of all kinds with the performance and quality you’d expect from a brand like Shimano.
Shimano also offers a ton of other rods and reels if a custom fit is more their style (the SLX line is VERY affordable and VERY good quality), along with a top of the line selection of baits. The only thing they don’t give you is the commitment to hit the water, but with their equipment in hand, you’ll be feeling the urge to toss out a line every single day.
Googan Squad Creature Baits
I am a BIG lover of Googan’s creature baits. Give me all the Bandito Bugs, Trench Hawgs, or Krackin’ Claws you’ve got because I’ll fish those all day long and know I’m giving myself the best chance for success.
Googan also sells pretty much everything you’d need out on the water, from rods to apparel, so be sure to check those out too. Shipping will be tight, but Googan is also sold at Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and nearly all tackle stores so you can easily find a few packs to stuff a stocking.
Mystery Tacklebox
Maybe you know somebody who loves fishing but you yourself are a little on the clueless side… Introducing your new best friend, Mystery Tackle Box.
Mystery Tackle Box creates unique bait collections, allowing you to discover new baits, learn new techniques, and always have something new to throw out when the fish are being stubborn. You can buy an individual box or purchase a subscription to keep the fun going for 3, 6, or 12 months. Each Mystery Tackle Box is guaranteed to contain items of greater retail value than its cost.
If the shipping deadline is too tight for you, swing by Dick’s Sporting Goods or Walmart and scoop up a box or two.
Cost: Elite ($44.99, 6-8 items, $60 min retail value [MRV]), Pro ($32.99, 6-8 items, $40 MRV), Regular ($19.99, 4-6 items, $25 MRV)
Fishbrain
Similar to OnX for hunters, Fishbrain provides detailed maps of waterways throughout the world. You can scroll your area to find new access points, learn what fish are in each body of water, share pictures of your catch, and see which baits are working the best.
The free version of the Fishbrain App is quite solid, but giving someone Pro access comes with a lot of benefits, such as exact catch locations, lure recommendations, Navionics depth maps, local regulations, and private waypoints. I’ve been using it myself for years and can honestly say it helps way more than you think it would.
Website: fishbrain.com
Fishbrain Pro Cost: $12.99/month or $79.99/year
Fishing Booker
Similar to Find A Hunt, if you know somebody who’s been talking about taking a bucket list fishing trip for years, make this Christmas one to remember with Fishing Booker.
With charters available all across the United States and in many foreign countries, there’s a captain waiting to take them out no matter where they want to go or what they want to catch.
Website: fishingbooker.com
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