Best Gifts For the Outdoorsy Sarasotan
The products listed here were selected by a member of the editorial staff. Should you choose to purchase a product through a link on this page, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Sarasota may not have mountains or forests or hiking trails that stretch on for miles, but there are two things it has in abundance: water and warm weather. For a certain kind of outdoorsy type, the region is a slice of paradise.
If the person you’re looking to gift something to is commonly found on a bike, sporting running sneakers or tending to their garden, these gifts may be just up their alley. We chose options that would heighten their lifestyle rather than change it.
Carhartt Short Sleeve T-Shirt at Tractor Supply Co.Local
$25-$30
7130 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, (941) 342-0955
Carhartt is the brand of both hipsters and the truest of true outdoorsy people. These relaxed, short-sleeve pocket T-shirts will be the perfect fit for the person in your life who wants to look pulled-together but still expects to spend part of the day being physical in some way. The Carhartt midweight short-sleeve T-shirt ($25-$30) comes in neutrals like basil heather or black, or in exuberant tones like currant heather and powder blue for the more experimental among us.
Brooks Ghost 14 Shoes at Fit2Run Local
$140
1400 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 364-2600
If you’re going to spend most of your time outdoors, then you need some running shoes to match. The Brooks Ghost 14 shoes ($140 for men’s and women’s) are a fan favorite at Fit2Run. These shoes can take you on a long-distance jog or just a walk around the block. They come in specialized designs and buzzy colors, so take your pick.
Backpack from Environeers Local
$125
5373 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 371-6208
Whether you’re planning to be out in the wilderness for a days or just a couple of hours, it’s always a good idea to have a sizable and comfortable backpack to bring along. Sarasota camping store Environeers sells the Cotopaxi Inca 26L Del Dia backpack ($125), which is made from remnant materials and uniquely designed so no two packs look the same.
A Boat Charter from CB's Saltwater Outfitters Local
$500-$700
1249 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, (941) 349-4400
The ultimate gift for an outdoorsy person is a day on the water—all expenses paid. A fishing charter around Sarasota Bay will cost you $500 for four hours and $700 for six hours, but you’ll get the chance to catch snook, trout, redfish or tarpon, depending on the season. You’ll also get an unencumbered look at Sarasota’s glimmering blue waters. A day well-spent, if you ask us.
Paddleboard at Compound Boardshop Local
$1699
3604 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 552-9805
No activity is more stereotypically Florida than paddleboarding. It requires extreme precision and extreme balance but yields extreme relaxation—or so we’ve heard. For the experts among us, the Bote 12-inch HD classic ($1,699) is a very popular board sold at Compound Boardshop. Your relaxing weekends will never be the same.