Even though shopping for kids can be the most fun because everything is so adorable, we know that it can also be a challenge if your kiddo is picky. We have picked our favorite gifts for kids this year that your adventure buddy and mini me is sure to love. We think you will like them, too!

Osprey Ace 50 Youth Backpack 

Your buckaroo will feel just like you when you hit the trails. With the same functional and practical details as their adult packs, the Osprey Ace 50 was built with kids in mind. Up to 5 inches of torso adjustability and an extendable Fit-on-the-Fly hipbelt™ allow the pack to grow alongside its user. An included raincover keeps your camper’s gear dry and ready to go outside no matter what! We also recommend these Black Diamond Kids Trekking Poles for trickier treks. Time to explore!

Black Diamond Kid’s Full Body Momentum Harness

These gifts are for your little monkey who loves to climb on (everything). They have thoroughly practiced at the local climbing gym or even on your new at-home climbing wall you built during quarantine. It’s time to show them they rock on the rocks with their own harness. Designed to mirror the original Momentum Harness, the Full Body Momentum Harness provides full support without giving up comfort for the little tikes. Don’t forget their own shoes and chalk bag to make them really feel like a true climber.  

Hydro Flask Kids’ Wide Mouth Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle – 10oz

Your little munchkin will feel like a big kid and they will love being your mini me with their own Hydro Flask. What’s even better? The Kids Hydro Flask features an easy-to-clean straw lid and a durable Flex Boot that adds protection from accidental drops, as we know it’s inevitable. Cold drinks stay icy for up to 24 hours so you know that their lunch beverage will be just as cold as when you poured it in.

CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle – .4L

Spill-proof and leak-proof? Now that’s wizardry! The CamelBak Kids’ eddy® water bottle features a spill-resistant design and fun graphics to keep you and your kids happy and hydrated. Plus, they are so easy to clean and dishwasher safe!

CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Youth Cycling Pack – 1.5L

For long bike rides or on the trail, this will keep them hydrated and make them feel cool. They’ll no longer be asking you to get the water out every 5 minutes, and they will stay more hydrated with the easy to use straw. We see this as a win, win. This pack has grown up features—1.5 liters of water, a bike tool organizer pocket, and zippered compartments for layers and essentials— in a package that fits younger explorers. There are also reflective strips and a safety whistle to make kids easy to spot on the trail. Safety first!

Hydro Flask Kid’s Lunch Box Small 

Raise your hand if you wish you had this lunchbox growing up. Me! With the Hydro Flask Kid’s Insulated Lunch Box you won’t worry about your kid’s lunch melting or getting warm. With a fun, kid-friendly design and a durable build fit for the playground, this lunchbox is sure to keep up. A fully lined interior makes for easy cleanup, and a flexible handle makes this lunch box easy for little hands to carry. No more lost apples through the bottom of the brown bag.

Marmot Kid’s Nanowave 40° Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Give your living room and couch a break from pillow forts and opt for a night under the stars even if you set up camp in your own backyard!  To keep the kids warm through the night, might we suggest the Marmot Kid’s Nanowave 40. The Nanowave features only the best with Spirafil High Loft Insulation for Maximum warmth and durability down to 40 degrees F. This youth sleeping bag is lightweight and highly compressible if you head out on the trails. These nights are best paired with a toasty campfire, hot chocolate and gooey s’mores!

Wild Republic Stuffed Animal

These win for the cutest and fluffiest gift by far! And who can say no to that sloth? A great gift for kids or animal enthusiasts, the Wild Republic Stuffed Animals bring a sense of wilderness into your household. Wild Republic crafted these toys with environmentally friendly and ethical practices so future generations can enjoy our world and all the creatures that roam it.

Buff Junior Amity Knitted & Fleece Hat

Keep their style fun and fresh in the winter with this cozy Buff Junior Amity Knitted & Fleece Hat. The Amity Junior has soft knit fabric that offers comfortable warmth in chilly winter weather. This beanie features a soft fleece lining that adds warmth and stays soft next to the skin to keep their ears warm.

Buff Child Knitted & Fleece Hat

Cuteness overload alert! Just as soft but even cuter than big sisters Junior Amity Fleece hat. The Buff Child Knitted and Polar fleece hat will keep your little cubs ears warm while being the envy of everyone at the park.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

For the hostess who deserves the mostess. These next level gifts are made for those on your list who take their cocktail or mocktail game seriously. Ideal ice, glasses and accessories for every drink! Let’s cheers with the hottest and coolest barware gifts this year. Clink your glasses and pinky’s up!

BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can Cooler

White marble is all the trend this year in gifts for the home. This white marble BrüMate keeps our slim cans cold and keeps us looking classy. This fancy can-cooler is a non-slip, high-grip option that keeps slim cans cold all day. The marble matte finish is more than just pretty, with a non-slip coating high-quality insulation, paired with an easy fit gasket and rubber-stop bottom, your drink will stay where you put it no matter what.

Corkcicle Stemless Glass Set Prism

Add a little more fun to wine night with the ladies. The Corkcicle Stemless Glass Cup has a neat iridescent tint to it while still being transparent. It is also double-wall insulated keeping warm drinks warm and cold drinks cold!

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge

The Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge is here to change the traditional nightcap game forever. Simply fill it up and place it in the freezer at least 4 hours before you pour your refreshments. The wedge will form a perfect ice cube that will melt slower than traditional ice cubes, keeping your drinks flavor intact for much longer. It’s a necessity for the whiskey drinker in your life!

W&P Design Marble Sphere Ice Mold

How to elevate your home bar game? Serve your drinks with ice spheres. This mold is ideal for the slow dilution of stiff cocktails whether you’re making a Negroni or Old Fashioned. The concept is simple. Big cubes melt more slowly than small ones. The tray is designed with sloped internal molds to create a seamless sphere. The rigid connections pins help secure the tray between filling, transfer, and freezing. The Marble Sphere Ice Mold brings speakeasy-quality ice to your home freezer.

W&P Design The Porter Straw – 10” Copper

Save the turtles and be stylish! W&P Design’s 10” Porter Straw is perfect for sipping your morning ice coffee or an afternoon cocktail! The straws are made of rust-resistant, plated stainless steel. Do the planet a favor and take these with you everywhere you go. Not only are the straws sleek and stylish but they’re the perfect alternative to single-use plastics.

W&P Design Water Bottle Ice Tray

These ice trays are so brilliant they make us say “why didn’t we come up with this?” This tray makes five individual ice spears that fit perfectly in most water bottles. The provided lid blocks out pesky flavors from your freezer, while an internal steel frame makes filling and transporting the tray a breeze.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

It’s time to elevate your stocking game this year. These stocking stuffers are so good that they will make the stocking the best part. I guess that’s where ‘save the best for last’ comes from, right? 

Qalo Silicone Rings

Perfect for any outdoor enthusiast and daily ring wearer (married or not). QALO is the essential active lifestyle silicone (wedding) ring. Anyone who is active, whether it is playing basketball, paddling, yoga, or CrossFit, knows how a solid wedding band can sometimes feel in the way. The QALO ring is made from medical grade silicone and will feel invisible on your finger as you go about your day. Fun fact: the QALO is also non-conductive making it perfect for electrician work.

Thread Wallet

Classic and simple. Some of the best gifts are those that are classic and simple. With everyday use, chances are they are in need of a new wallet. Easy to slip in the stocking and into their pockets or bag. We are also loving these fun colors and designs from Thread Wallets! Check out all other wallets here.

Freestyle Watch

They say that everything in fashion comes back in style. Like this retro inspired watch that has all of the nostalgia of our childhood, and we are here for it. The Shark Classic Leash from Freestyle features an alarm, dual time functionality, and stopwatch. Depth rated for 330ft/100m. Because it’s a Freestyle, it has a mineral gloss lens to prevent scratches and a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. For someone wanting a little more of a classic style, we love Bertucci. 

Cablz Original Sunglass Retainers

Award-winning sunglass retainer and a local favorite! Made of surgical grade steel cable, industrial strength rubber, patented ball bearing technology and other quality components, Cablz are designed to handle hard work and active lifestyles. Made in our basecamp of Birmingham, Alabama, they have become a hometown name and local favorite by many. Cablz are perfect for all glasses and a MUST for any of your outdoor activities.

Opinel Knife

I was gifted an Opinel knife this year and I am forever raving about it to others and feel like my cool level just went up 10 points just by owning it. Built in the French Alps, Opinel knives are designed to last a lifetime and will often be passed down from father to son. Simple, sturdy, efficient and easy to use, this essential tool remains unchanged since 1890 but is unmatched in its design. This timeless knife is for people who enjoy the outdoors, a must-have tool for professional or amateur handymen, or anyone on your list.

Everyone Loves A Gift Card

Tried and true. For the ‘hard to buy for person’ on your list, get them a gift you know that they will love and appreciate. An Alabama Outdoors eGift Card will make sure they receive exactly what they want!

Last but definitely not least: Socks!

Socks get a bad rap of being ‘the boring gift’ every holiday season. It’s time to change that. When you know how comfortable and breathable they are on your feet during those long treks, you will be asking everyone for socks. Their thinnest outdoor sock yet, the Smartwool PhD Outdoor Ultra Light Watercolor Stripe Print Crew Socks are perfect for hiking, running, cycling, and everything outdoors. Shop here for all Smartwool, Fits, Swiftwick, and Darn Tough socks.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

It is that time of year that we have all been waiting for, Sweater Weather. When the temperature in the South drops just below 80 degrees, that is all the excuse we need to break out our favorite sweaters. We have listed our top sweaters for the ladies and gents, both new hot styles and some classic favorites.

Dylan Women’s Fuzzy Fleck Cowl Neck Sweater

Fuzzy and fabulous. The Dylan Fuzzy Fleck Cowl Neck Top is the ultimate comfy sweater for your whole day. From lounging at home to strolling around town, it is effortless to dress up or down. Its cozy fleece is soft and comfortable against your skin, while the cowl-neck design offers extra protection from the chilly air.

Patagonia Women’s Off Country Mock Neck Sweater

Perfect for mornings at the farmers market with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. A classic design, this Patagonia Women’s Off Country Mock-Neck Sweater is a modern take with vintage comfort. With wide rib-knit trim and a comfortable recycled yarn, this sweater is warm and cozy without being heavy or hot. The mock neck and balloon sleeves make for a perfect fit, not too baggy or too tight.

Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Rib Knit 1/4 Zip Fleece Pullover

Don’t be shy gentlemen, you know you love a good classic sweater, too. Trust us, you will want to add this one to your Better Sweater collection this season. A lightweight, low-profile, and super-warm pullover, this Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Rib Knit 1/4 Zip Fleece Pullover is a redesigned Better Sweater with an elevated look. The Rib Knit pattern has a clean design with the classic Better Sweater fit that makes this jacket a comfortable and stylish option.

Southern Marsh Sunday Morning Rainbow Sweater

Easy like Sunday morning describes this sweater perfectly. After all, it is called the Sunday Morning Sweater. A relaxed fit and ultra-soft fabric ensure you will be cozy on those early Sunday mornings, and every day of the week. The colorways are also very trendy and cute to wear around town! We also love this style with a nautical stripe for a more refined and classic aesthetic to make you feel you are sailing away on a yacht.

Patagonia Better Sweater Gloves

Sweaters for my hands? Yes, please! These warm and cozy Patagonia Better Sweater Gloves go from mittens to fingerless gloves in a snap. Designed for multipurpose sport or casual activities and made of sweater-knit recycled polyester fleece, these are a great winter accessory.

KÜHL Men’s Europa ¼ Zip Sweater

 Take us to the slopes in the Alps with this pullover. With the shearling-lined collar, you will fit right in with the mountain style. The Europa ¼ zip sweater is made with a performance Alpaca fleece that is perfect for layering, on or off the slopes. This sweater will keep you looking sharp and warm all season long.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

We all saw them. The White Hydro Flask bottles all over campus. The summer days with a skinny can and BrüMate keeping it cold. 2020 has changed the insulated tumbler game. We’ve gathered the hottest (or coldest if you prefer) beverage cups this year. From cool classics like the Stanley Flask to hot new takes like the Copper Yeti Rambler, we’ve got all the gifts you can give.

YETI Rambler Elements Collection – 30oz

Inspired by the brilliance and luster of precious minerals, the Yeti Rambler 30 oz Elements Collection keeps molten hot drinks hot and glacier cold drinks cold. This new design has an anti-fingerprint finish to keep things shiny and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The Rambler 30 oz. Tumbler is made of 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, has double-wall vacuum insulation, and No Sweat Design. SHOP

YETI Rambler Elements Collection – 20oz

For the Yeti collector you know and love, the Elements Collection is a must-have. This updated finish features a precious metals inspired glisten. With all the classic Yeti features like a No Sweat Design, and dishwasher safe, anti-fingerprint finish, it’s the Rambler you’ll grab every day. And the new Magslider lid keeps your drink inside the cup, not your car. SHOP

BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can-Cooler

Keep those skinny cans cold with the BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can Cooler. This fancy can-cooler is a non-slip, high-grip option that keeps slim cans cold all day. The sparkly finish is more than just pretty, with a non-slip coating high-quality insulation, paired with an easy fit gasket and rubber-stop bottom, your drink will stay where you put it no matter what. SHOP

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Insulated Bottle – 12oz

A redesign of the classic bottle, the Hydro Flask 12oz Wide Mouth Flex Sip Lid is a must-have for on-the-go coffee fans. A new powder coat is safe for top-rack dishwashing. The Flex Sip Lid keeps drinks inside and makes it easier than ever to sip. Contents stay hot or cold, without ever spilling. For those with a classic 21 oz. Hydro Flask water bottle on their wishlist or if you are looking to add more colors to your collection, you can find those here. SHOP

Stanley Easy Fill Wide Mouth Flask 8 oz

A classic and iconic flask, with simple, flawless features, the Stanley Easy Fill Wide Mouth Flask is a fireside must-have. Put an end to spills, leaks, or messes with the lock tight top. The wide mouth makes filling it easy, even on the trail. The slim, hammertone finish slips into a backpack or a back pocket with ease. SHOP

Stanley Legendary Camp Mug

A great cup of coffee calls for a great mug, and any cup is great with this Stanley Legendary Camp Mug. Keep things piping with it’s durable, dishwasher safe insulation. The easy-grip finish and tapered design keep things where they belong. Perfect for the coffee drinker that needs a mug that’s as hardworking as them. SHOP

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Forget Grandma’s knitted Holiday sweaters and matching pajama sets. This year’s family holiday card is getting an upgrade. Here are our favorite cold weather collections to outfit the whole family! From quarter zips and jackets to vests, there is a style fit for everyone! So go ahead and match, without being too “matchy, matchy”.

Patagonia Better Sweater Collection 

I say better, you say sweater. The name “Better Sweater” says it all. Once I finally joined the Better Sweater bandwagon, it quickly became my go-to sweater. It is lightweight, yet it provides enough warmth for those crisp winter days. Functional designs, timeless styling, and proven durability: These are the goods you will never get rid of. Made with our beautiful planet in mind, the Better Sweater Collection is made of 100% recycled polyester fleece. Patagonia knows it’s a fan-favorite so they have delivered fresh new styles in our favorite fleece to add to our collection. Thanks, Patagonia!

Patagonia Los Gatos Collection

The Los Gatos collection is probably the fuzziest piece of clothing you will ever wear. Enough said, right? Also made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, it makes us love it even more. These are perfect for Mom and Daughter to dress up or throw on to relax around the house. Our favorite is the new Los Gatos Hooded Pullover as it provides extra warmth with the kangaroo pocket and hood. You don’t want to go through winter without this piece.

Patagonia Down Sweater Collection

Talking about better sweaters (pun intended), here is another- made with down. Yup. The perfect warmth for just about everything, the Patagonia Down Sweater is lightweight and windproof with a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and 800-fill-power Traceable Down. Everyone else flocks to warm rock, relishing t-shirt weather, but you are chasing early-season ice in the mountains. The shell on this down jacket does more than look sharp; it’s snow-shedding and windproof.

Patagonia Nano Puff Collection

  An iconic jacket and recently redesigned to reduce the environmental impact as the Nano Puff insulation is made of synthetic fibers. This year Patagonia transitioned to using a 100% recycled PrimaLoft Insulation which reduces carbon emissions by 510,000 pounds annually. High five to that! Our favorite feature of the Nano Puff Collection is the internal chest pocket. It keeps your items safe and doubles as a stuff sack for the jacket for space-saving packing. Highly compressible, it re-stuffs with ease, every time. 

Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Collection

Retro, soft, and styled with versatility. The classic Lightweight Synchilla fleece is the luxury line of fleece. Perfect for the trails on a brisk day and a night around the campfire, bundled up with a blanket and a hot insulated cup of something. Pairs well with your favorite jeans, adventure boots, and socks to keep you cozy and fashionable.

The North Face Gordon Lyons Collection

You could say this is the battle of the brands. Very similar to the Patagonia Better Sweater is The North Face Gordon Lyons series. As both styles are made of a sweater-knit fleece, they are very versatile for a wide range of activites. We like the stylish two-tone colorway options North Face delivers as well as the more relaxed fit. Another plus? The Gordon Lyons is slightly heavier making it warmer when the temperature drops even lower. We think you will like the price, too.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Fireworks shows — like pretty much everything else since the first case of coronavirus was announced in Alabama in March  —  will be different this year. In fact, some just aren’t happening: Several of the biggest  Independence Day shows have been canceled out of health and safety concerns.

Notable show cancellations include U.S. Space & Rocket Center July 4th Celebration in Huntsville and the Independence Day Festival at McFarland Park in Florence. The city of Gulf Shores and Smith Lake also canceled their fireworks show.

But a few municipalities and organizations plan to go forward with their shows and, of course, encourage attendees to practice social distancing and not attend if they don’t feel well. 

You can still make the most of the Fourth while following the recommended health and safety guidelines. Here is a roundup of the 2020 fireworks shows in Alabama.

Five top fireworks shows in Alabama

1.THE ANNUAL FIREWORKS SHOW AT VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM

City: Birmingham
Status: Still on! Starts at 9 p.m.
Location: Vulcan Park & Museum

Known as “Thunder on the Mountain,” this year’s event is being called a “celebration of resiliency.” The show is one of the state’s largest, and social distancing shouldn’t be an issue because you can watch it from so many vantage points around the city. The show is free to the public and will last approximately 20 minutes. 

Prime viewing locations include Five Points South, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, and the UAB campus, among others. We recommend finding a place to view the show well in advance of the 9 p.m. show. We encourage you to adhere to the CDC and Jefferson County Department of Health guidelines on social distancing.

Please note: That Vulcan Park & Museum will close at  6  p.m. No spectators will be allowed inside the park or at the entrance to Vulcan Trail.

2. THE WHARF INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
City: Orange Beach
Status: Still on! Fireworks start at 8:45 p.m.
Location: 23101 Canal Road

The Wharf will host a “socially distant” Independence Day Celebration, providing American flags and glow items to wave when the sun sets. Its iconic palm trees will “dance to a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue.” Check out this map to find open-air viewing spots.

3. TRUSSVILLE FREEDOM CELEBRATION
City: Trussville
Status: Still on! The celebration starts at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Location: Mall in historic downtown Trussville

The celebration will include food vendors like Wasabi Juans, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, and Bendy’s Ice Cream, and live music by Act of Congress. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. 

Parking is available all around the historic downtown area so arrive early to get a good spot. The best way to find the Mall in the historic downtown is to put the Cahaba Elementary (301 Parkway Drive) into your GPS and it will lead you right to the event.

4. CITY OF AUBURN DRIVE-IN FIREWORKS
City: Auburn
Status: Still on! The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m.
Location: Fireworks will be set off in a centrally located area, the old water tower site on East University Drive, next to Duck Samford Park.

The drive-in show starts at 9 p.m., and families are encouraged to drive to Duck Samford Stadium, 1840 East Glenn Avenue, Duck Samford, and Bo Cavin Baseball fields, 333 Airport road, and other surrounding parking lots to view the fireworks show from their automobiles. 

Other 4th of July fireworks tips

Other municipalities that still plan to hold fireworks shows including Prattville, and Tuscaloosa. Keep in mind that event plans could change depending on weather and health and safety concerns, so be sure to check on the day of the event to confirm an event is still scheduled and begins at the same time.

We recommend:

• Packing a cooler with your favorite snacks and watching the show from the safety of your car.
• Finding a remote spot with a decent view of the show and having a picnic.
• Planning a backyard barbecue and watching the fireworks on TV. No traffic, no social distancing, no problem!

Looking for Independence Day essentials? We can help! Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

By Leandra Beabout

(Leandra Beabout is an experienced freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has written for Fodor’s Travel, The Everygirl, Dame Traveler, and more.)

There are plenty of fun ways to celebrate the mom in your life, make her feel special, and maybe spend some time outside as well!

These are some of our favorite ways to show your mom how much you care:

Pack a picnic for Mom

Plan a simple menu of your mom’s favorite foods. Then pick a place that she would love. Maybe it’s watching the sunset from a bluff or shoreline. Or maybe it’s hanging out in her own backyard with her favorite music playing. Put down a blanket, put up a hammock, and put out a spread.

Explore a new trail together

If your mom likes hiking or nature walks, explore a new trail or new park together.

Arrange a garden brunch for Mom

A colorful garden sets the stage for photo memories and quality time together. Add some flowers to your backyard if needed and arrange a brunch. Use your best china, make some beignets and mimosas, dress up, put on some jazz, and have a proper Sunday brunch!

Plant some flowers together

Buying a bouquet of tulips or roses on Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition. But what about giving her flowers to plant together in her own great outdoors? Blossoming flower beds last longer than any bouquet on the kitchen table.

Capture family memories outside

Most moms we know have walls covered with family photos. But moms are also often the one behind the camera. This Mother’s Day, what about arranging a family photo shoot outside?

Go camping

Does your mom love camping under the stars or making s’mores by the campfire? There are campsites for every camping style in Alabama. Or, you can just camp in your own backyard.

Offer her solitude

Moms with young kids always appreciate this one. Tell her she has the day off—no expectations whatsoever. Then entice her with an afternoon lounging inside on the sofa or outside in a hammock. Whatever she wants.

Try outdoor yoga

If your mom enjoys staying active, invite her to join you for an outdoor yoga session. You can adjust to her preferences with a relaxed flow or muscle-burning poses with tricky inversions.

Set up an outdoor painting studio

Unless you have a family where arts and crafts are common, you may have to plan ahead for this one. Buy some paints, some canvasses,  some cheap easels,  spend the afternoon painting landscapes or pets or whatever you want.

Catch a sunrise or sunset

Grab your cameras, drive to the nearest hilltop or peak, and toast the day with a cup of morning coffee or a sparkling nightcap.

Find the perfect gift for your mom at Alabama Outdoors! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Take advantage of our shipping, curbside pickup, or home delivery services or make an appointment for a virtual shopping trip today! #BeOutdoors

Hygge: you might’ve heard the term, but you might not know what it means — or how important it is to live the hygge life during the cold winter months. Hygge, a Danish word that’s actually pronounced “hoo-guh,” is a concept that encompasses all the coziest things in life. Think a wood-panelled living room with a leather couch and a roaring fireplace. Think curling up in your fuzziest fleece blanket with your favorite book as rain falls outside. That’s hygge: a lifestyle that promotes a feeling of comfort, ease, and joy. These twelve cozy essentials will bring all the hygge to your holiday season.

United By Blue Out of Doors Candle 

Any Danish person will tell you that there’s one thing more important to hygge than any other: candles. In fact, candles are such a big deal in Denmark that Danes each burn, on average, thirteen pounds worth of candle wax every year. This candle, sourced from all-natural materials and made in four comforting fragrances, is a great way to start.

SOREL Women’s Nakiska Slide Slipper

With its rubber sole for added durability, the Nakiska gives you the best of a house shoe with the endurance of Sorel casual wear.

Yeti Rambler Mug 

What’s more cozy than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa — with plenty of room for marshmallows, of course! With its 18/8 stainless steel interior that keeps your drinks hot or cold, this mug is as strong and reliable as you are.

Woolrich Rough Rider Wool Blanket

Straight from Woolrich, PA, this soft, iconic plaid blanket is all you need to stay warm during your hygge-filled day.

Buff Darla Hat

Staying comfy doesn’t necessarily mean staying inside! Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a long, ambling walk on the freshly fallen snow. So when you do go outside, nothing will keep you warm and in style like this hat.

GSI Commuter Javapress

You don’t have to leave your hygge supplies at home. A nice coffee creates a cozy mood anywhere, so why not try a travel mug that presses your drink and keeps it hot no matter how far from home you roam?

Kuju Coffee One-Cup Coffee Pouch

… And speaking of coffee: if you’re on the go, you can stay in the hygge mindset with this portable drip coffee you can enjoy anywhere.

UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper

You’ll never want to take these slippers off. And with their loafer appearance and practicality in any occasion, you won’t have to!

Free Fly Men’s Bamboo Flex 1/4 Zip Pullover

With its athletic fit and Bamboo Flex fabric, this pullover is warmer and more versatile than ever.

Alternative Apparel Women’s Long Weekend Burnout French Terry Pants

Sweatpants are so essential to the concept of hygge that there’s even a word for it: Hyggebukser. Alternative Apparel’s created a chic upgrade to the hyggebukser, which usually means that worn-out pair of pants you adore but wouldn’t wear in public. Not only will you be proud to wear these around town, the soft French Terry cotton blend will also make you feel as comfortable as you would curled up on the couch. 

Kelty Bestie Blanket

Perfect for warming up with a good book, this blanket is sure to keep you and your besties warm.

KEEN Men’s Anchorage III Waterproof Boots

Stay warm, dry, and comfortable when you’re outside with these boots. Their all-season, all-occasion versatility will keep you cozy no matter the temperature.

Text by Nick Adrian

Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Interiors. Photo credit: http://ericandjamiephoto.com/

Picture it: a crackling fire, lights twinkling on the tree, soft strains of jazz music floating through the air while you snuggle into your favorite fuzzy blanket. Whether it’s your cabin in the woods or your apartment in the city, we’ve got the best advice on making your place cozy this holiday season. We spoke with Annie Bayer Goldberg of AG Designs to get her take on how to create a cozy space that feels like a sweet winter get-away.

Step One: Know Thyself

The first step in decorating your space is knowing your own personal aesthetic. Think about your favorite colors, textures and your personal style as well as what you need in a space: storage? Seating? A dance floor? Annie asks her clients for inspiration photos before helping them design their space because it gives her a better understanding of their style. You can do this on your own by creating a vision board of what your ideal space would look like. Once you know what you like, it’s much easier to build a physical space with those elements in it.

Step Two: Know Thy Space

Now that you know what you need and like in a room, the next step is understanding your space. Annie emphasizes the importance of understanding the proportions of each room. You may not have access to a furniture layout software like Annie does, but it’s still crucial to keep your space balanced. Otherwise, you’re likely to get more of an overwhelming — rather than cozy — cabin. Keeping things symmetrical across the room allows you to utilize every bit of space that you have — and if you’re in a small room, that space is precious.  Annie also notes that it’s important to understand the room in relationship to the rest of the house. This will help you get a feel for the kind of flow you want throughout the house.

Step Three: Time for Textiles and Textures

So what elements should you include in your soon-to-be cozy cabin? Annie says it’s all about textiles and textures. Window treatments, rugs, pillows, throw blankets and decorative lighting are essential. Mix velvet headboards with plush blankets in bedrooms. For a layered feel in the living room, grab several throw pillows for the couch that pull colors from your rug. And even just a touch of leather — whether it’s a chair or a fun pillow — will warm an entire room. Natural lighting makes a big impact on how a room feels, but sometimes it’s hard to come by. Opt for a stunning fixture or a simple reading lamp to illuminate your space from all angles. Just a few small adjustments of lighting can completely change the mood of a room.

We hope that these tips are helpful as you create a space perfect for your personality, needs and lifestyle. However you choose to make your cozy cabin a reality, we know it’ll be beautiful if it’s a space unique to you.

Text by Kaitlin Cochran