The holidays are upon us, and it's time to start shopping for the outdoor lovers on your list. To make the process easier, we've compiled this year's picks for the 10 best holiday gifts under $100. Stock up on these cold weather clothing staples that will help ensure a comfortable time outside.
1. An Everyday Merino Wool Base Layer Top or Bottom
In the winter, Merino wool base layers provide much needed insulation under any outdoor clothing but can also be incorporated into your everyday outfit.
Our midweight Aspect base layer tops for men and women are available in a variety of styles: regular crew neck, high neck (for women), balaclava hood (for men) and quarter zip. They can be worn as a regular shirt or under other shirts or sweaters to stay warm running errands, in a frigid office or if your giftee lives in a drafty house. And they're Wirecutter's most versatile pick!
Our Aspect bottoms have been bestsellers for many years too. Our men's Aspect bottoms come in a full length and a 3/4 length (perfect for skiers and snowboarders). Our women's Aspect bottoms are high waisted with a flattering fit.
During our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, you can snag a base layer set for 25% off. Not quite under $100, but pretty close if you have some wiggle room in your budget!
Tim Humphreys stays warm snowboarding and in this backcountry yurt thanks to Aspect base layers.
2. High Tech Winter Running Tights
For women who love to run when the temperatures drop, the Crowley Tights make a perfect gift. Because the fabric is being sunsetted, this is our final run of these Merino wool blend compression tights that have been widely praised, so get them while they're still in stock!
They're a game changer for cold weather running. The Merino wool against your skin is super soft and has all the Merino benefits (moisture wicking, temperature regulating, breathability, etc.), and the exterior is a highly durable and wind-resistant synthetic. Plus they have tons of pockets, which can be hard to find in women's clothing.
3. A Heavyweight Base Layer Top or Bottom
For those bone-chilling days when your giftee needs as much warmth as possible, they'll love our Inversion Collection of heavyweight base layers.
Made of soft, super warm 270g 100% Merino wool, these are great-fitting, sweat-wicking, breathable and odor-resistant. They feel great against skin and keep the wearer comfortable all day long — plus they're great to sleep in on cold nights.
Our Inversion base layer tops and bottoms are available for men, women and kids.
Invest in Inversion base layers when you need a little extra warmth. Photo by Jay Dash
4. A Year-Round Merino Wool T-Shirt
A t-shirt that looks great on its own or layered up? Made of natural Merino wool? Check and check. Men's Journal has called our Journey tee one of the "best sweat-wicking, b.o. killing Merino wool t-shirts" ever.
For men, our bestselling Journey tees come in a crew neck style, v-neck style or a chest pocket version. Step up the look with our Journey polo shirt, or go for a Merino and Tencel blend great for warm weather with our Natural Tee.
For the ladies, our Wander tees are available in a crew neck, v-neck or our new relaxed fit. We also have a Merino + Tencel relaxed fit t-shirt for women.
If you're gifting to someone who loves to run, climb or hike, our Pursuit ultralight Merino t-shirts will be a hit. They're super thin but still durable.
Wear 'em year-round: Ridge tees (like the Wander Tee pictured) are one of GearJunkie's picks for Best Merino Shirts of 2024.
5. A Sun Hoodie They'll Wear Year-Round
Our bestselling Solstice Sun Hoodies are made with the same beloved fabric as our Journey and Wander tees. We tend to think of sun hoodies as a summer staple, but our staff and athletes love wearing these lightweight Merino wool hoodies year-round. They make a great lightweight daily wear hoodie, and many of our skier and snowboarder friends prefer this as their base layer or mid layer when skiing, especially when doing higher output ski touring.
Tim Humphreys ski touring in our new Cement Dye sun hoodie.
6. A Super Warm 100% Merino Wool Beanie
This is a must-have for anyone who spends even a little bit of time outside in cold weather. The Layton 100% Merino wool beanie feels soft and keeps your noggin toasty without overheating.
Feel the warmth of Merino with our Layton Beanie.
7. Merino Wool Underwear
The best winter layering starts with Merino wool underwear. Natural Merino benefits — odor resistance, quick-drying, temperature regulation – plus thoughtful design make our Merino underwear a must-have not only for outdoor adventures but for daily life. Choose from several men's and women's styles of skivvies and Merino wool bra options for her, including our Send-It Sports Bra.
Ridge Merino wool underwear is great for all activities - just ask pro Sam Cohen. Photo by Jay Dash
8. A Cozy (and Biodegradable) Sweatshirt Made from Merino Wool and Trees
Our Merino + Tencel collection blends Merino wool with Tencel, a super soft and silky fiber made from wood pulp in an eco-friendly process. This fabric blend is unbelievably soft, plus it's all natural and biodegradable. Our Women's Natural Crew Sweatshirt and Men's Natural Crew Sweatshirt make great gifts. Your giftee will be cozy while still looking put together.
9. A Set of Merino Wool Accessories
Everyone loves a multi-part gift! With a $100 budget, you can get them a pair of Glove Liners, a warm but breathable neck gaiter and any of our Merino wool beanies or hats. Or swap one of those out for a pair of Merino wool socks.
10. A Couple Pairs of Merino Wool Socks
We all joked about how boring it was to get socks as a gift when we were kids, but as adults we love this practical gift. And Merino wool socks aren't your average sock.
If your loved one normally wears cotton or polyester socks, Merino wool socks will be a major upgrade, and they might not spring for them on their own. Not sure which one(s) to choose? Read our recommendations for the best socks for each activity.
