There are two kinds of stocking stuffers.
The ones someone actually wants.
And the ones that end up forgotten in a drawer by January.
We're aiming for the first kind.
If you've got a cyclist, outdoor enthusiast or generally hard-to-shop-for adventurer on your Christmas list, skip the random filler. There are plenty of small gifts they'll actually use, and you don't have to know everything about their hobby to find something good.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
You Can Never Have Too Many Water Bottles
Yes, they probably already own a water bottle.
That's fine.
Cyclists have somehow managed to turn water bottles into something you can never have too many of.
One stays on the bike. One is in the dishwasher. One disappeared into the back seat six months ago. One is their favorite and absolutely cannot be replaced despite looking like it's survived several major historical events.
A new bottle is useful, easy to wrap and fits nicely into the "I know you like bikes but don't know what bike parts you need" category.
Good Socks Are a Real Gift
At some point in adulthood, socks stop being a disappointing Christmas gift.
Cycling socks make an especially easy stocking stuffer because they're practical without requiring you to understand someone's entire bike setup.
They're also one of those pieces of gear riders can always use more of.
Find a pair that fits their personality, tuck them in the stocking and you're done.
Easy.
Tire Sealant: Weird Gift, Great Stocking Stuffer
Nothing says Merry Christmas quite like tire sealant.
Okay, stay with us.
If the cyclist in your life runs a tubeless setup, sealant is something they'll actually need and eventually replace.
It's not glamorous.
It's not particularly festive.
But they'll use it.
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that make someone say, "Oh, I actually needed this."
Tubes Are the Same Way
A spare tube isn't going to win the award for prettiest gift under the tree.
It might, however, save someone's ride.
If you know what size they need, tubes are an inexpensive and useful addition to a cycling stocking.
If you don't know what size they need, don't guess.
Take a picture of the markings on their tire or come talk to us. We'll help you figure it out.
Give Them a Little More Power
A portable power bank is useful well beyond cycling.
Long rides, camping trips, travel, days on the trail or just forgetting to charge your phone before leaving the house... we've all been there.
For someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, having backup power tucked into a bag can be incredibly useful.
It's one of those gifts that works for the cyclist, camper, traveler and "I'm going somewhere this weekend, I'll figure out where later" person on your list.
Don't Underestimate Comfort
Know someone who spends hours in the saddle?
Help them be a little more comfortable.
Body chamois products and other cycling comfort essentials aren't exactly the gifts you see dramatically revealed in Christmas commercials.
Cyclists understand.
Comfort matters when you're putting in miles, and these are the kinds of products riders go through and need to replace.
Practical wins again.
Lights Make a Great Small Gift
Bike lights are another gift that works for just about every rider.
Even cyclists who don't intentionally ride at night can find themselves finishing a ride later than planned or riding in low-light conditions.
Extra visibility is never a bad thing.
Lights can also be one of the more fun ways to personalize a bike, especially for younger riders.
Useful and fun?
We'll take it.
Give Their Bike Some Personality
Not every stocking stuffer has to be maintenance gear.
A fun bell, new bar tape or another small accessory can give a bike a completely different personality.
This is where you can have a little fun.
Pick something that matches them.
Or don't.
Sometimes the best bike accessory is the completely ridiculous one they would never buy for themselves.
Small Maintenance Gear Adds Up
If you're shopping for someone who likes working on their own bike, small maintenance items can make excellent gifts.
Think about the things riders regularly use, replace or keep on hand:
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Tire sealant
-
Tubes
-
Chain-care products
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Small bike accessories
-
Maintenance essentials
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Lights
You can even combine several inexpensive items into your own little bike-care kit.
It's considerably more useful than another novelty coffee mug.
Unless it's a really good coffee mug.
Then get both.
What About Someone Who Isn't a Cyclist?
We've got those people covered, too.
Stocking stuffers don't have to involve a bicycle.
Look for things they can use while camping, fishing, traveling or spending time outside. Water bottles, power banks, socks and other practical outdoor gear work for plenty of people who wouldn't know a derailleur from a doorbell.
The goal isn't to buy them "outdoor stuff."
It's to think about what they actually like doing and find something they'll use while doing it.
Still Have Absolutely No Idea?
Get a gift card.
Seriously.
There is no shame in admitting that the cyclist in your life knows significantly more about cycling gear than you do.
A Gio's Outdoors gift card lets them pick exactly what they need.
And unlike buying a very specific bike component based entirely on a vague conversation you overheard three months ago, it's extremely difficult to get the size wrong.
Build a Better Stocking
You don't have to spend a fortune to give someone a stocking full of things they'll actually enjoy.
Start with one or two useful items.
Add something fun.
Throw in something they wouldn't necessarily buy for themselves.
And suddenly you've got a pretty great gift for the person who would rather spend Christmas morning planning their next ride, trail, fishing trip or adventure.
Need some help putting it together?
Stop by Gio's Outdoors in Smithville, Raymore or Leavenworth. Tell us who you're shopping for, what they like to do and your budget, and we'll help you find some ideas.
Because the best stocking stuffers shouldn't end up in the junk drawer.
They should end up on the next adventure.
GO Adventure.
