This morning, I heard someone on the radio talking about the “stress of the holiday season” that is upon us. When did it come to this point in our lives? Did our grandparents concern themselves with holiday stress and getting everything perfectly aligned for that one moment when it all is supposed to come together and look like a Hallmark movie? That got me to thinking about what my daughter is putting together for her children this year – imagination boxes. And I wondered why we can’t put our big girl panties on and create some outdoors imagination boxes for people we love. And the main element of the gift would be the time we promise to spend outdoors doing something with someone we love.
Here are some ideas, just off the top of my head:
Put together a box that includes a fishing pole, net, little tackle box and a note that states you’re going to teach them how to use the equipment and spend time outdoors at a specific site. Pack a snackle box, too, to take along.
Buy a nice pair of hiking socks, and put those into a stocking or small box with a note that declares your intention of finding a wonderful trail somewhere – perhaps someplace you’ve never been, maybe with a waterfall or overlook will be included.
Buy a box of .22 ammo with a note that states you’ll be taking your kid to a store to buy a .22 rifle. Or, if you have a rifle, it’s time to get plinking with your kiddo. While you’re there, get ear and eye pro, too.
Do any of the things already stated for children.
Buy a duck stamp for someone, and then, a surprise trip to an outfitter for goose hunting in January or February. Or hey, maybe you have access to a farm pond of a friend’s. Of course, you’ll also need to buy permits, etc., but make that a process that you share with your loved one or friend.
Buy a variety of paints and brushes to use on rocks and indicate a trip to a place that’s loaded with rocks, for a day out of rock hounding. Take a picnic.
Buy a nice pair of birding binoculars and then, state that you can hardly wait to spend time with the gift recipient outdoors, watching birds. Throw in a day trip to a wildlife preserve, or go to the seashore on an extended trip – you know your budget.
The Sky’s the Limit
You can make the gift as elaborate as you want. If choosing a firearm, bow, fishing rod or other tool, you might want to promise a shopping trip for said item. That move will do two things: assure you of a good fit and give you and the recipient time together.
I believe we are trapped into thinking that what we put in the box is all there is to the gift, when in fact, if you use your imagination, the gift will give back in the form of wonderful outdoor memories and last long after the Christmas season is past.
Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com. View all posts by Barbara Baird
