Stuck for ideas for those who love being outside in the fresh air? Here are a few solutions that are tried, tested or making it on to my list for Santa...
THINGS TO READ
Subscribe to some adventurous reading, these are amongst some of my favourites...
Bloom is a beautiful publication, focused on gardening and nature it also will inspire the curious explorers and outdoor adventurers among us.
Another Escape is founded on the principles of taking life slower, in its journalism, adventures, journeys, surprises. Here you will find curiosity rather than adrenaline.
Ernest Journal is founded on the principles of taking life slower, in it's journalism, adventures, journeys, surprises. Here you will find curiosity rather than adrenaline.
Elementum Journal is an independent literary journal with a focus on nature writing and visual storytelling, it's pages are an honestly beautiful and visual treat.
Adventurous Ink is a monthly book or journal, curated especially on the theme of adventure from the folk behind Gather Outdoors. Who would love the surprise of that arriving through the post once a month!
Thirty Words for Water My limited edition little booklet of words and images created over a month of swimming, loving and losing. Almost sold out, but there you can now purchase prints of the front cover portrait on my website here
THINGS TO WEAR
Robie Robe - This has to be on everyone Xmas list, where you are a swimmer or not. Cosy toweling on the inside and 100& cotton velour on the outside, you can actually dry yourself with one of these and stay warm and snuggly. They even pack up into their own hoods, perfect for the mountains, the beach or the sofa!
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody - A down jacket is pretty much an essential piece of kit for a swimmer, and you should definetly be looking to an ethically brand if you are buying down. Patagonia is a company with solid ethics in all it does they only use Global Traced Goose Down meaning they work to ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked.
Deakin & Blue Signature Swimsuit - I am a huge fan of the signature swimsuit and love the addition of the slate colour, think it looks stunning wet. Maybe on my Xmas list!
Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Mascara - This comes tried and tested and is THE BEST mascara on the market for spending a serious amount time in the water. Now I know you don't need to wear makeup outdoors, blah blah blah, but some of actually like wearing makeup, I know amazing!!
Swarm Pewter Bee - Designed and handmade by fellow artist and swimmer Wendy Leah Dawson, I love the weight of these limited edition honeybee pendants. A beautiful and unusal gift.
THINGS TO DO
Message in a Beanie - Who doesn't love a little bit of knitting and if you don't you can learn! These kits from Wool and The Gang are super easy to follow and come with everything you need, you can even buy the needles. I am loving the Fishermans cap style this year!
Sailing Lesson - Give the exhilaration of a very first taste of the sea, aboard a sail boat. Lymington Yacht Charters have a Sea School where you can try your hand at sailing for a few days on their 'Start Yachting' course.
Spend a day outdoors with a friend - Why don't you both give yourself the gift of time and spend a day together instead of a present. Plan a walk in the wilds for the day, pack some lunch and a hot drink, turn your phones off and just enjoy each others company.
Wild Swimming Session - Of course I highly recommend a Wild Swim Session Gift Voucher, I mean who would LOVE a day, weekend or even the new Explorer Week testing the waters of Snowdonia? I also have a few Wild Swim Water Confidence sessions to book on my website if you think your loved one might fancy just a little dip to try things out instead.