Some of my favorite hiking gifts are ones you typically don’t bring out on the trail. Sure, new hiking socks are always a great stocking stuffer, but if you’re looking for a unique hiking gift for a friend or you need an answer to “so what do you want for the holidays?” here is your guide!
All of these items are made locally by New Englanders who are also avid hikers! These are great options for anyone who has everything they need for the trail or trying to find the right size or color of a piece of gear as a gift would be a headache. Have another locally crafted gift idea? Please share in the comments section for Trail to Summit readers to check out! Remember to buy asap if you’re getting something here. These are usually one person run businesses and things can get super busy right before the holidays!

Sherpa Ant makes maps, prints, stickers, cards, and apparel all created from her original illustrative artwork. One of my favorites is this map of the NH 4000 Footers where you can color the trails you’ve hiked. Such a great way to keep track and remember your journey!

Trail Signs is a shop based just outside of Boston where you can get replica trail signs that look like the real deal, like this Mount Katahdin summit sign! Philip sources all the reclaimed wood locally and also does custom work.

Arlette Laan’s Backpack Buddies make the perfect hiking companion! They clip right to your pack and are great photo props! She also makes other dolls of various sizes and styles and can custom make something special for you!

Mountain Life Jewelry is based out of Littleton NH and makes nature inspired pieces from pendants to earrings and rings. All of her pieces are handmade and truly unique!

The Reclaimed Life is full of so many stunning pieces. All made out of reclaimed wood, the store features unique memorabilia like this NH 48 peak tracker as well as wood hiker or mountain signs. If you have a dog lover on your list, there are also some adorable reclaimed wood Golden Retrievers and Labradors too!

Lin Wood Graphics is another great mountain artwork option if you have a map lover in mind. All their prints are topographic maps like this one of Mt Washington. Along with mountain peaks and ranges, you can order a topographic map of a body of water, ski resort, or somewhere else special.

Varvara Harmon has a stunning oil painting series entitled “The Mountains Are Calling” and features locations in the White Mountains and Maine’s iconic Mt Katahdin. This one is Lonesome Lake. Because her art is sold on fine art america, you can purchase the original or get a copy on a variety of mediums like canvas or metal!

Kat Maus Haus is a Boston based illustrator with a unique style. She has a whole series of White Mountain posters like this Bondcliff one. You can also get stickers, tote bag, and postcards. She also makes national park and Boston inspired prints too. You may have also seen her work as the cover of Dan Szczesny’s book The White Mountain.

While a rock might not be something most people put on their list, this one from Vermont Rocks is too cool to pass up. I have a female hiker one! All their pieces are made using Vermont stones and feature stainless steel figures from hikers to rock climbers and kayakers.
Last modified: November 10, 2019