Photo: Steven Wilcox // Unsplash
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, meaning it’s time to start shopping for that special someone in your life. While flowers, chocolate, and a bottle of red wine are nice, try getting creative this year and gift your loved one with something that will help them stay active outside. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose – here are eight gifts we’d be stoked to receive.
YETI Daytrip Lunch Bag ($79.99)
Nothing’s better after a long surf than a nice sandwich or salad and an ice-cold beer. YETI’s Day Trip Lunch Bag has everything you could want in a lunch bag and more. It’s portable, folds down small, and is easy to clean. The bag features a Thermo Snap Closure and Coldcell Flex insulation that works to keep food and beverages cold for hours on end. Note: the lunch bag does not include the YETI Thin Ice so be sure and add that to your purchase if you don’t already have one.
Patagonia Black Hole Pack ($129)
Everyone needs a good backpack in his or her life and Patagonia’s Black Hole pack is one of the best. Available in 25 and 32-liter options, the pack has ample space for stashing all the days’ essentials. Made from 100 percent recycled fabric, lining, and webbing, and Fair Trade certified sewn, the pack is extremely durable and weather resistant. Other thoughtful features include a front stash pocket, padded shoulder straps, a convenient daisy chain, and stretch-water bottle pockets.
The North Face Dolomite One ($198)
Nothing says “I love you” like a double sleeping bag. A couples camping trip is a great way to get away from all the distractions of modern life and spend quality time in the great outdoors with the person that you love. And getting into a sleeping bag with that special someone when the day is done rather than next to them in a separate bag can make the experience all the more special. When it comes to double sleeping bags, The North Face Dolomite One checks all the boxes. Featuring two layers of insulation for a wide temperature range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit down to 15, a cozy fleece lining and some convenient pockets, it’s a steal at only $200.
Check the price on Backcountry and Amazon. 
Sanuk Vagabond ($43.66)
Be it treks to the beach, campfire hangs, or cruising around town, Sanuk’s Vagabond Sidewalk Surfers get the job done. Designed to be a hybrid between shoes and sandals, the Vagabonds offer the closed-toe protection of a shoe but the comfort and breathability of a sandal. Made from canvas uppers, soft foam footbeds, and rubber outsoles, the casual slip-ons are stylish yet comfortable and come in a variety of men’s and women’s styles. Do your loved one a solid and make their feet happy with a pair of Sanuks.
Buy here. For those of us in colder climates, check out our guide to the Best Post-Surf Slippers to give your sweet heart’s feet some extra warm love.
Costa Victoria Sunglasses ($199)
A solid pair of shades is crucial for long days under the sun. Part of Costa’s “Untangled Collection,” these frames are made from 100 percent recycled fishing nets to help reduce plastic pollution. The lenses are constructed from what’s known as 580 G lightwave glass, making them scratch-resistant and offering maximum clarity. These shades are comfortable, durable, and sustainably made – the ideal gift for your partner in crime.
Buy here, and if your Valentine is a skier or snowboarder, check out some slope-specific options in Our Favorite Sunglasses for Skiing and Snowboarding.
Surf Wax ($2-3)
You can never have enough wax — it’s a fact of life. If you’re at a loss for what to get your partner, you can’t go wrong with a few, or more than a few, bars of wax. FCS has a couple of temperature and hardness options, so be sure and pick the one that’s best suited for your region. Or, if you have a warm-weather trip planned, why not break the news with a bar of tropical wax?
Buy here, and for more great wax options check out our review of the Best Surf Wax.
Hydroflask 32 oz. Bottle ($35.96)
Nothing is more important than staying hydrated. If your loved one is still using single use bottles, do them a solid and hook them up with a Hyrdroflask. Made from stainless steel, Hydroflasks feature TempShield insulation to ensure your drink stays cool all day long. Other thoughtful features include a wide mouth and a flex cap with a grab handle. Available in multiple color options, a Hydroflask is the perfect gift.
Buy here on Backcountry or Amazon.
Slowtide Haven Towel ($34.95)
Every beach lover needs a good towel in their collection and Slowtide makes the best of the best. Beach towels, Turkish towels, yoga towels, quick-dry towels, and everything in between, Slowtide has a towel for every activity. The perfect beach towel, the Haven towel is made from 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton, meaning it’s super soft and absorbent. With a fun print and fringe details on the top and bottom, the Haven towel is the perfect present for the surfer or sunshine lover in your life.
Buy here. For more options, check out our review of The Best Beach Towels.
Everyday California Floating Hat ($32)
If you regularly surf with a hat, chances are you’ve had a hat claimed by Mother Ocean a time or two. Everyday California’s Floating Hat aims to put an end to that. Featuring UPF 50-plus sun protection, the waterproof hat floats, so if it falls off, you can easily paddle over to retrieve it. Made from aviator flight satin, this baseball hat is built to last and may be the last hat you ever have to buy.
Buy Here. For more great surf hat options check out our guide to The Best Surf Hats.
Help make your partner better at this with Inspire Courses. Photo: The Inertia
Inspire Courses from The Inertia
If your special someone loves learning, or prefers to be gifted an experience rather than more stuff, The Inertia’s Inspire Courses are the perfect gift. With guides on aerial surfing, longboarding, backcountry skiing and riding, surf photography, nutrition, and more, there’s sure to be something that will tickle your partner’s fancy.
Check out all of the Inspire Courses offerings here.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
