Every outdoor enthusiast loves gear - and a basketful of gear makes a great gift. Select a basket and fill it with practical items and a few special surprises thrown in just for fun.

Steps
1.  Pick a basket large enough to hold a variety of items. Think about getting a basket with two handles and a hinged top that can later be used as a picnic basket.

2.  Choose from among the following practical items to fill the basket: a miniature thermometer with a clip to hook onto a jacket zipper or backpack; a mini flashlight that converts into a free-standing candle; a mini candle lantern; several packages of flavorful oral rehydration solution; a small wilderness first aid kit; waterproof matches; fire sticks to start fires in wet conditions; waterproof sunscreen; lip balm; insect repellent; colorful bandannas; a compass; wool socks; a quick-dry towel; a pocket wilderness first aid book.

3.Pick from among the following "just for fun" items to spice things up: a battery-operated camping lantern key chain; an outdoor magazine or a subscription to an outdoor magazine; mini bottles of belly-warming spirits; a wilderness adventure novel like "Into Thin Air"; a deck of cards; a Hackey Sack (a fist-sized ball filled with beans kicked around for fun); a flying disc; colorful candles; gourmet dehydrated food packets; chocolate kisses or miniature candy bars; packages of hot cider or hot chocolate; gourmet tea bags; a mug-sized portable French press coffee maker and a small bag of beans ground for a French press.

4.Consider purchasing a "big ticket" gift to add to the mix. Great items for this would be an altimeter (a wrist watch that measures elevation gain - see "How to Buy an Altimeter" under Related eHows); a CD-ROM with a wilderness, climate or outdoor adventure theme; a good pocket knife; a super-light backpacking lantern; a high quality thermal underwear top; quick-dry underwear or bra.