*This post was updated 12/9/2021 and may contain affiliate links.
If all the ads and early decorators haven’t dropped enough of a hint, please let me gently remind you that Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time to start scouting for just the right gift for your wife, sister, daughter, or lady friend who hunts.
Don’t know where to start? As a woman who hunts, I’d say that a good functioning rifle, bow, and shotgun are at the top (obviously). But if she’s good with all of those, here are my top 10 gift ideas for the lady hunter in your life that won’t require pawning your own rifle:
1. FUNCTIONAL HUNTING CLOTHES
A single hunting “outfit” just doesn’t cut it. Hunters need clothing that is both weather- (warm, cold, or rainy) and camo-pattern-appropriate (bow hunting terrain will likely vary from that of rifle hunting).
MAY I RECOMMEND: Prois offers a variety of sizes, and styles. I especially love that they have X-small shirts. Girls With Guns also has some great options.
Click to get $50 off your first order at Kuiu with my referral link
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Take inventory of your huntress’ closet and see what’s worn out or what would make her hunting wardrobe more complete.
2. COMFY EVERYDAY CLOTHES
Comfortable clothes that she’ll be proud to wear, such as T-shirts or sweaters that say things like “Proud to be a Huntress”, are perfect for non-hunting days.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Pretty Hunter has some really lovely options, and I absolutely love Kuiu’s logowear and women’s jackets.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Get a fun accessory to go with the clothing item you choose.
3. RANGE FINDER
I am not great at judging shooting distances without help. If the lady you’re shopping for isn’t either, a range finder will be much appreciated; plus, you’ll earn brownie points for going the distance (no pun intended).
MAY I RECOMMEND: Leupold Optics has a great selection of high-quality range finders. I dig their compact, no-fuss designs.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Have her name embroidered on the carrying case it comes with.
4. HUNTING KNIFE
Trying to skin an animal with a cheap knife or one that doesn’t fit your hand well is the worst. If your lady doesn’t have a good one, please spare her any future frustration.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Here’s a list of some of our favorite knives.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Find a local craftsman and get her a customized knife or knife and pendant set.
5. CAMO LINGERIE
I realize it’s not for everyone, but even hard-working huntin’ gals need something soft and silky to slip into after a hunt.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Legendary Whitetails has several pretty pieces (that I will soon be adding to my personal Christmas wish list).
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Write down some sweet nothings, package it all together with a bow, and prepare to see her swoon.
6. CUSTOM LATTE MUG
Is there a hunting moment that she’s especially proud of? Find a pic and memorialize it in a mug. Because sometimes it takes more than coffee to get a hunter motivated in the morning.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Shutterfly is the best for photo gifts. (Hot tip: Sign up for their email list and take advantage of weekly deals and promos sent to your inbox.) If designing a photo mug is not your thing, Amazon has some that any hunting gal would love waking up to.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Include a bag of her favorite coffee when you wrap the mug.
7. MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATE
It doesn’t get much better than a nice, relaxing massage after a hard day of hunting. And gift certificates are one of those gifts that are flexible and that the recipient can look forward to using.
MAY I RECOMMEND: See if there is a school of massage in your area. The best massages I’ve had have been from massage students who really want to please.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Purchase a certificate good for two and make a date out of it.
8. MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION.
There are lots of excellent hunting publications these days, which are available in both Kindle and print. Magazines are perfect for reading while traveling or soaking in a hot bath.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Outdoor Life is one of my favorites. I also love Bugle, which comes free with a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation membership (another great idea)!
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Get a stylish magazine rack or holder to go with it.
9. UNDER ARMOUR.
Insulating layers are essential for late-season hunts. While warm clothing is more practical than sentimental, the fact that you want to ensure your girl stays nice and cozy when out in the elements is certain to warm her heart.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Under Armour Women Base 4.0 has never disappointed, even on the chilliest hunts. (Read my review here.)
GO THE EXTRA MILE: Hand and feet warmers are hunting pack essentials for us cold-blooded ladies and would make a good stocking-stuffer.
10. ELK IVORY JEWELRY
Besides my wedding ring, the elk ivory necklace my husband designed for me is my most cherished piece of jewelry. The fact that it came from his very first elk makes it even more special.
MAY I RECOMMEND: Studio Pandora Custom Jewelry Design crafted my husband’s design and it turned out beautifully.
GO THE EXTRA MILE: If you have several ivories, make a set out of it (e.g., earrings and necklace).
There you have it! Ladies, if you’re reading this post, feel free to forward it on to your man, or leave it up on your browser where he might “accidentally” find it 😉
Still can’t decide? Get her a personalized Sportsman’s Box (or make it a quarterly Sportsman’s Box subscription).
May happy hunting lead to even happier holidays!