Roanoke Outside Shop Small Gift Guide

What’s on your holiday wish list this year?

Roanoke Region retailers share some of their favorite gifts to give (and get). And the best part is that you can find all of these items locally, so you know that your purchases are supporting the local economy (and outdoors).

Gifts for Cyclists

Green Guru Can Sling

Steve Ambruzs, Owner of Downshift recommends the Green Guru Can Sling for your holiday gift-giving! The Tubular insulated can sleeve is the best way to carry beverages or even gear along the top of your bicycle. It attaches easily with three velcro straps and has a carrying sling for use off the bike. It’s a great way to keep your beer cold on the way to a get-together with friends. Built in the USA from upcycled industrial tent fabric, bike tubes and other durable materials, it is water resistant and made to last. (Plus, Green Guru was founded by a Virginia Tech grad!)

Cost: $40, available at Downshift Bikes & Brews

Park Tool Pizza Cutter

Complete your bicycle enthusiast’s kitchen with the classic Park Tool Pizza Cutter, recommends Ron Glowczynski, owner of American Flyers. They will think of you every time they go “penny-farthing” through their favorite pie!

Cost: $16, available at American Flyers (price includes tax and free local Roanoke delivery or pickup)

The Black Bibs “Namesake Cycling Bibshorts”

The Namesake Cycling Bibshorts offer exceptional unbranded cycling apparel at an unbelievable price. So if you have a cyclists who is looking for something in a logo-less design, this is a great option, says Stratton Delany, owner of Starlight Bikes.

Cost: $40, available at Starlight Bikes or at Black Bibs

Bike Warmers Kit

Give the gift of a longer riding season with warmers to keep your arms, knees, legs, feet and head warm, recommends Kim Parker, head fitter and lead sales at East Costers. Perfect for cool fall and spring rides.

Cost: $14-$79.99 per item, available at East Coasters

New Handlebar Tape

Kelsey Harrington, General Manager of Downshift, recommends new handlebar tape for your favorite bike-lover. Handlebar tape is a great way to easily and inexpensively upgrade your ride and change its look. There is nothing better than the feel of new tape during a long ride or a commute! Tape ranges in price and comes in a variety of colors and materials making it the perfect stocking stuffer.

Cost: $11.99-$37.79, available at Downshift Bikes & Brews

Cycling Themed Tee Shirts

Bicycle themed tee shirts are awesome, unique styles from a rad BMX stormtooper to a cute bicycle chain shaped into a heart for all. Ron Glowczynski, also known as “Ron the Bike Guy,” notes that they come in a variety of sizes and are for kids of all ages.

Cost: $20, available at American Flyers (price includes tax and free local Roanoke delivery or pickup)

Gifts for Runners

Icebreaker HypLite Jacket

Andrew Holbrook, Manager and Clothing/Shoe Buyer for Fleet Feet Sports, recommends the Icebreaker HypLite Jacket. This jacket is perfect for a runner, walker, hiker or anyone who is looking for a lightweight and extremely warm jacket. This packable jacket is water repellent, wind resistant and is filled with MerinoLOFT for the perfect insulation.

Cost: $280, available at Fleet Feet Sports

Garmin Forerunner 35

The Forerunner 35 is slim and lightweight — perfect for daily runs, training and racing, recommends Cody Seymour, store manager at RunAbout Sports Roanoke. It features built-in wrist-based heart rate as well as GPS that tracks your distance, pace, intervals and more. And since all these stats are captured by the watch, your watch is all you need — no phone, no chest strap. Just put on Forerunner 35 and go.

Cost: $199.99, available at RunAbout Sports

Oiselle New KC Knickers

For the woman who loves a bit of pop, a bold something, a visual story to on the way and out the door, these tights will do the trick. And make a great gift for a spouse, sister, or running buddy says Cody Seymour, store manager at RunAbout Sports Roanoke.

Cost: $68, available at RunAbout Sports

DonaJo Capri Skirt

Tamee Gunn, Digital Marketing Coordinator and FIT Professional at Fleet Feet Sports, loves the DonaJo Capri Skirt. This piece is extremely versatile, making it perfect for a walker, runner, tennis player or anyone who is looking for something comfortable and sporty.

Cost: $75, available at Fleet Feet Sports

Gifts for Any Adventurer

Giant Star “The Cove” Hat

Everyone is asking about the new “The Cove” hat. The Giant Star design is a collaboration between Starlight Custom Apparel and Giant Step Design. Stratton Delany, owner of Starlight Bikes, thinks this will make a great gift for anyone on your list, plus $5 of each Cove hat or shirt goes to RIMBA to assist with trail building at Carvins Cove.

Cost: $25, available at Starlight Bikes and Giant Star

Outdoor Tech TURTLE SHELL 3.0 Bluetooth Speaker

This awesome wireless speaker that is totally waterproof and floats, says Brian Mangold, store manager at Walkabout Outfitter Valley View. It is perfect for glamping, floating on the river or hanging out in the backyard. It pairs to other TURTLE SHELLS for even more sound!

Cost: $99.95, available at Walkabout Outfitter

Gear Consignment Gift Card

Give the gift of great outdoor gear with a gift card to buy anything RMA has in the consignment shop, says Rob Issem, biker extraordinaire and fan of Roanoke Mountain Adventures. Let the recipient pick out a warm jacket and outdoor items for the cold winter season ahead!

Cost: Variable, can purchase for any amount, available at Roanoke Mountain Adventures

Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Vest

Comfortable mid layer vest that looks great with flannels. Brian Mangold, store manager at Walkabout Outfitter Valley View says it’s perfect for layering under a rain shell in spring, fall, and winter!

Cost: $99, available at Walkabout Outfitter and online

JavaPress Commuter Mug

It’s not a french press or coffee mug, the JavaPress Commuter Mug is both and comes recommended from Back Country Ski & Sports Sales Associate Meg Pullin. Plus, it’s an affordable gift that you can use year round.

Cost: 22.95, available at Back Country Ski & Sports

Experience Gifts

Mountain Biking Instructional Trip

For the person who doesn’t need more things, consider gifting an adventure. Dan Lucas, mountain biking guide and shop manager at Roanoke Mountain Adventures, recommends an instructional trip to learn the basics of mountain biking. You can gift a trip for one, two, or make it a family gift with group instruction for everyone.

Cost: $125 (1 person), $75 each (2 people), $60 each (3 people), $50 each (4+ people), available at Roanoke Mountain Adventures

Blue Ridge Race Weekend Entry

The Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, half marathon, 10K, family one-miler, or marathon relay makes a great gift and will help keep your runner in the training spirit through race day on April 21. There’s a challenge for every person and ability level, says Julia Boas, Roanoke Outside event coordinator.

Cost: Prices vary based on distance, available from the Blue Ridge Marathon