The National Parks: America's Best Idea
© Craig Mellish, Florentine Films
Four DVDS that include the six-episode series directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan, as well as outtakes and music. Taking more than six years to shoot, the documentary showcases the country's most spectacular landmarks. The audience takes a historical journey through the national parks system – from Acadia to Yellowstone, the Everglades to the Grand Canyon, and more.
Different from other national park documentaries, Burns focuses his attention on the people than the lands themselves. The parks system was created by bold individuals – leaders understood the importance of preservation and conservation. It's perfect for the historian in your life!
Sponsor a Wild Place
© Sierra Club
Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Check out Sierra Club's "Sponsor a Wild Place" program. There are 10 locations to choose from, ranging from Everglades National Park to Giant Sequoia National Monument, and sponsorships are either $25, $50, or $100. Your generous donation will support the Sierra Club’s work, including its conservation efforts on behalf of the park and other wild places, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
If the satisfaction of preserving America's wild legacy wasn't enough, the recipient will also receive gifts! Along with an electronic card, your gift includes a certificate of sponsorship and items such as a plush animal, a full color fact sheet, a full color photo, and a durable rucksack.
Quick Dry Undergarments
Way better than the boxers you're mom used to put in your stocking, the Ex Officio Give-N-Go® travel undergarments are perfect for campers, hikers, well pretty much all outdoor enthusiasts. What's so special? They can be washed and dried in about 20 minutes!
Created by Ex Officio, a great travel store, men's underwear go for $24 while women's are $17 for women's. And here's a tip: buy two sets. That way, the recipient can let one dry while wearing the other! Other quick-dry brands are also available at outdoor stores like REI and Midwest Mountaineering.
The National Parks: Our American Landscape
Sure we've all seen pictures of the parks, but this collection of over 200 stunning images depicts very different images. Rather than focusing on the traditional landmarks and scenery of famous national parks, photographer Ian Shive decided to create almost a diary of his experiences in the parks. The book allows readers to peak into someone's very personal journey throughout our amazing lands.
Shive's book reminds us what's so great about national parks – the fact that no matter how many times you visit one place, you will never see it all. It's a great book for those who have been to many parks and those who want to discover them.
Sol Jüs Solar Charger and Torch
Finally: a charger that will charge just about anything. Perfect for campers, this solar charger has three solar panels that fold open to soak up the sun's energy which charge the units battery. After it's full, you attach your device to the battery with the included USB cable and presto! Charged! This solar charger also has a built-in flashlight which is always useful.
Suunto M-3D Leader Compass
Anyone who enjoys taking backcountry trips or mountaineering needs a compass. And you'd be surpised just how many compasses are out there! The Suunto M-3D is just an all-around compass for just about anyone. Features include an adjustable declination scale which accounts for the difference between magnetic and true north, a lanyard key to adjust the scale to match your location, scales, rulers, and a magnifying lens. It's super handy if you do work on maps as is has rubber feet to keep it in place.
This compass is so light-weight it can be carried in the pocket or on your neck. And if someone has uttered heard the words, "I don't need a compass," this gift is perfect for them.
Quik Pod Handheld Convertible Tripod
We do it all the time. Trying to take a picture without asking someone to take it for us. Not to say some don't turn out alright, but it can be challenging to stand atop a mountain and take a picture without your hand shaking or the wind knocking around the camera. Well not anymore!
Check out the Quik Pod, a compact, light-weight handheld tripod that extends the reach of your arms. No more awkward close-ups when no one else is around to snap your picture. The tripod includes a built-in self-positioning mirror that helps you center each shot. Best part is how portable it is. The whole kit fits easily into your pocket or backpack.
National Park Magazine
© NPCA
Give the gift of national parks! By giving a gift membership to the National Parks Conservation Association, not only do you save yourself from the stress and crowds of department stores, but you'll help protect America's most treasured lands. Gift Memberships start at only $25. Gift members will also receive a fleece blanket as a welcome gift, plus a year's subscription to the award-winning National Parks magazine.
Everything National Parks!
Looking for a gift that is specific to a national park? Visit The Parks Company, the first and only national parks catalog. From national park art and posters to home accessories, this store can help everyone find the perfect gift. Through an online catalog, explore, learn, and discover everything you've ever wanted to know about America's greatest natural treasures.
