31 Best Gifts for Snowboarders (That They’ll Actually Use)

Last updated: September 29th, 2023

Short on time? Our top picks for the best gifts for snowboarders and skiers are the Pocket Tool and Thermal Phone Case.

The ultimate guide to the best gifts for snowboarders for every budget and style.

With fresh snow on the horizon, warm drinks nearby, and cozy winter getaways around the corner, help the snowboarder in your life have the most useful things ready to go.

Although there are plenty of things to gift a snowboarder or skier, it’s important to get them useful gifts.

Snowboarders need gear and gadgets that keep them warm and safe while having plenty of fun.

Whether you’re looking for the best snowboarding gifts, skiing gifts, or simply searching for a nice gift for yourself, we’ve got you covered. 

This guide features the most practical and fun gift ideas for hitting the slopes in style this winter.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Best Gifts Under $50

Hand & Foot Warmers

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with cold hands and feet in the snow. If your toes and fingers are frozen while out on the slopes, life is miserable. 

Air-activated heat packs are a practical gift to keep your loved ones warm when in subzero temperatures. Even during the most brutal winter months, they work incredibly well.

These toe and hand warmers are easy to use, convenient, and designed for your giftee to enjoy a warm and pleasant season. 

If they’ve never used disposable hand warmers before, they’re a game-changer. 

These little hand warmers are perfect budget gifts for snowboarders with icy fingers and cold feet. They’re also the perfect stocking stuffer. 
For more eco-friendly-oriented friends, check out these rechargeable hand warmers instead. They heat up quickly and serve as an emergency backup battery.

Snow Socks

Every snowboarder knows that staying comfortable is key to having an enjoyable experience on the mountain. 

That’s why socks are the best cheap gifts for snowboarders.

Socks may seem like a boring gift, but any powder hound is sure to appreciate a quality pair of snowboard or ski socks to keep their feet warm. 

These over-the-calf socks are made out of Merino wool and are incredibly lightweight and durable.

They’re the perfect inexpensive gift, especially if the snowboarder in your life is prone to having cold feet.

Neck Warmer

When you’re out for hours during sub-zero snowy days, it’s important to keep every inch of your body warm and comfortable.

Since our necks and faces are extremely vulnerable to the cold, wool neck warmers are pivotal for every snowboarder on the slopes. 

This Smartwool neck warmer offers double-layered protection for the neck and face in wind and snow so that they can stay warm all day. 

And, not only is moisture-wicking wool thermoregulated, it’s soft against the skin.

Beanie

A stylish wool beanie that provides serious warmth goes a long way for any snowboarder.

The great thing about this unisex beanie from Icebreaker is that it’s small enough to easily tuck away but durable enough to handle super-cold days.

Not only is this beanie built with UPF 35 fabrics that protect skin from harmful UV rays, but it’s also breathable, lightweight, and quick to dry.

If you’re looking for small gifts for snowboarders within budget, this is an ideal pick.

Pocket Tool

A durable multi-tool is a must-have piece of gear for all snowboarders.

This convenient tool by Saker is small enough to hook onto a key chain but useful enough to do the toughest of jobs.

And you never know when your giftee might need help out on the slopes, especially if their board needs a quick repair.

It’s one of the most practical skiing or snowboarding gifts and a great stocking stuffer gift idea too. And who knows, maybe you’ll save their butt and keep them out of deep snow.

Stomp Pads

Stomp pads are another unusual present for a snowboarder. They’re great snowboarding accessories to gift.

Not a snowboarder? Don’t worry about the lingo—stomp pads attach to the snowboard between the bindings.

They’re made of rubbery plastic and offer a grippy spot to keep boots from slipping when they’re unstrapped. 

If you’re looking for the best snowboarding gifts under $50, these lightweight, rubbery foam stomp pads are an ideal option for an add-on gift. 

And the best part? They come in clear, so they don’t cover up the snowboard design.

Foam Roller

Not only is a foam roller an inexpensive gift, but it’s a remarkable way to help a snowboarder or skier recover from a gnarly day of shredding. 

Hours out on the snow is strenuous on the body, and many snowboarders and skiers know the tightness and soreness that come with it.

This foam roller accurately relieves tension, stretches out tight muscles, and is an excellent aid in building strength and stability for future runs.

It also includes a unique surface feature that mimics the feeling of a massage therapist’s hands, working through aching muscles and boosting recovery time. 

If you feel stuck and really don’t know what to get someone, foam rollers are the best out-of-the-box gifts for snowboarders.

Best Gear Gift Ideas

Snow Goggles

Every snowboarder needs a solid pair of goggles that will protect their eyes in high altitudes and cold weather.

These unisex snow goggles make for an ideal gear present for a snowboarder and are the perfect mix of functionality and style.

Smith Squad Frontier snow goggles offer 100% UV protection, minimal frame straps, and are engineered ventilation for fog reduction in any condition. 

Or, if you’re looking for an even nicer and more expensive gift for snowboarders, try these Smith Squad ChromaPop Snow Goggles.

They have a high-quality, tapered lens that ensures clean vision to help your loved one see even more when they’re on the slopes.

Base Layer

Let’s face it, everyone needs a solid base layer in the cold, but a good one versus a not-so-good one will make all the difference on the slopes. 

This is where merino wool comes in–merino wool base layers are lightweight and moisture-wicking.

The merino wool quickly soaks up moisture and regulates body temperature. Plus, these breathable leggings also use UPF 20 fabric that protects against harmful UV rays.

They’re designed for those who need something to keep them warm in the cold but who don’t want to pack on a heavy base layer. 

A pair of wool leggings, a wool hat, and a neck warmer, make for an excellent gift set you can give to a friend if they love snowboarding but are always cold.

Warm Gloves

Since the snowboarder in your life is probably constantly out in the frigid cold, these Alti Mittens by Outdoor Research are sure to keep their hands warm.

They may be on the more expensive side, but they’re worth it. Good gloves are the most practical snowboarding gift.

These gloves are insulated with fleece and come with closures that seal out cold air. They also include removable cords that secure easily to wrists, preventing any glove mishaps. 

This is a great snowboarding present for men or women who are prone to cold hands or who really just need a nice pair of warm gloves for the snow.

Looking for more options? Read our guide to the best snowboarding gloves and best heated gloves. 

Snow Helmet

A well-protected head is one of the most important gifts for skiers and snowboarders. In fact, experts recommend replacing snowboard helmets every 2-5 years for maximum performance.

This helmet by Smith is a great present as it has a relatively good price point without sacrificing quality.

It’s also lightweight and comes with warm fleece padding that helps keep your giftee’s head comfortable and protected. 

Whether you’re looking for gifts for beginner snowboarders and skiers or someone who’s more advanced and needs a replacement helmet, a snow helmet is a great gift idea when it comes to gear.

Snow Backpack

This Cotopaxi Taka 20L backpack is one of the best snowpacks out there, perfect for free riders and backcountry enthusiasts. 

This comfortable and durable backpack carries almost everything a snowboarder might need for a day on the slopes. 

It’s designed for men and women who enjoy backcountry skiing. There are external attachments for ice gear and a zipper pocket at the top for storing small items.

These packs are the perfect ski bum gifts with plenty of room to store items without compromising volume, features, and functions. 

If they needed to, they could even fasten their snowboard to the front of the backpack, thanks to all of the straps.

And a bonus is that Cotopaxi packs are uniquely made from repurposed materials.

Hydration Pack

If your skier or snowboarder needs something lighter than a backpack, go for a hydration system. 

We all know drinking fluids is extremely important. 

And when you’re engaged in high-intensity snow sports, it’s even more critical to be properly hydrated. 

Camelbak’s Hydration Pack is a compact pack, even with a full reservoir of water, so it’ll never weigh your loved one down when they’re catching air on the slopes. 

These packs also come with zippered pockets that can hold small essentials such as a wallet and cell phone, which is always convenient.

Snowboard Boots or Ski Boots

All snowboarders need a good pair of snowboarding boots. It’s one of the determining factors between a good day on the slopes versus a bad day. 

You can always rent ski or snowboard boots, sure. 

However, renting means waiting in line and likely getting an imperfect size, which means spending an entire day being uncomfortable. 

Burton’s Boa Snowboard Boots for women and men solve that problem by creating boots that come with a Boa Coiler closure system for a well-adjusted fit.

As a note, I recommend buying these snowboard boots from REI so that your giftee can easily exchange them if the fit isn’t quite right. REI’s six-month return period even allows them to take the boots back after testing them.

Full Snow Overalls

Every snowboarder should own a good pair of overalls or “snow bibs.”

Snow overalls are preferred these days over traditional snow pants thanks to their useful features. 

For starters, they’re much more comfortable than snow pants. Secondly, they offer a higher level of protection from outside elements while featuring plenty of pockets to hold small items. 

These Outdoor Research x Arcade Belts Bib Snow Pants are built with breathable and waterproof fabrics and come with proper zip ventilation when needed.

The fleece leggings underneath add the perfect touch to keeping things toasty on the bottom half. They’re nice gifts for female or male snowboarders.

If you want to learn more about the best snow pants on the market, read my full article on snow pants for women.

Snow Jacket

Alongside snow bibs, gloves, and boots, a winter jacket is another item at the top of the list of essential gear for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

And not just a winter jacket but a proper ski jacket.

Columbia is one of the most popular brands out there, and for good reason. Their Whirlibird Winter Jacket is a real 3-in-1 protector from the cold.

You can wear the shell and liner separately or combine the two, depending on your needs. 

These jackets also come with Thermarator insulation on the inside liner that adds plenty of warmth. In addition, there’s a ventilation system built in that helps regulate temperatures.

The one downside is that the Whirlibird doesn’t have a visor like a helmet-compatible hood. Still, the hood is plenty roomy, and it’s an affordable alternative to an Arcteryx jacket.

I love these jackets because they come equipped with zippered pockets for hands, snow goggles, and a ski pass. 

This allows a loved one to carry all of their must-have personal items in one place. No more worrying about a phone falling from their jacket pocket on the ski lift.

Want to compare jackets? We reviewed 14 Arcteryx jackets and our favorites are the Arcteryx Beta AR women’s and men’s.

Patagonia Synchilla

Make sure your loved one stays warm with a comfy Synchilla to cozy up in after boarding. 

I’ve had plenty of pullover sweatshirts, but there’s nothing quite like a Synchilla. 

I just received a new one for my birthday, and the inside is so soft. It feels like wearing a fuzzy blanket.

These pullovers are called Synchillas because they’re as soft as a chinchilla and made of synthetic recycled polyester. Synthetic + chinchilla.

North Face and Columbia have similar quarter-zip pullovers, but they aren’t as plush.

There’s a left chest pocket and the V-neck buttons up. I thought that I wouldn’t like the snap buttons (usually, I prefer zippers), but so far, the buttons have been great.

There’s no water resistance, and the wind would probably find its way in.

Synchillas aren’t a suitable substitute for a good snow jacket, but they’re a no-brainer for warming up on the drive home.

Best Unique Gifts

Winter Holiday at a Mountain Resort

Nothing tells a snowboarder you love them more than by giving them an all-expenses-paid holiday ski trip at one of their favorite mountain resorts. 

While it might not be a cheap gift, it’s certainly a thoughtful gift. 

For an extra personalized gift, find out where they like to spend their time hitting the slopes and explore accommodation options around that area.

You can also look for snowboard and ski resorts that offer holiday packages online and arrange the details of the trip.

Have an anniversary coming up? Rent a cabin and cuddle up after enjoying a powder day. If the weather patterns of 2023 keep up, we’ll be snowboarding well beyond the holiday season.

Lift Pass and Tickets

Get ready for the next season of ski trips by gifting the snowboarder in your life a lift pass on one of their favorite mountains.

This present really depends on which state they live in, so research local lift passes that they can use in their home state or near where they live. 

Another option is the Epic season pass, which is a good gift for skiing and snowboarding fans who like to travel. Epic passes are valid at over 60 ski resorts across the US.

My friend has an Epic pass and uses it as a fun excuse to make fresh tracks wherever she travels.

You can give them either a one-day or full-day lift pass or, if you’re feeling more generous, you can purchase an unlimited winter access pass. 

There are tons of options to play around with here, making it an excellent present for those who snowboard. Plus, a pass is the perfect gift to add to any snowboard gift basket.

Carry-On Bags

This is an ideal gift for the snowboarder who loves to travel.

They can load this padded bag up in the main compartment of an airplane and never have to worry about their snowboard being shuffled and potentially damaged en route. 

Plus, all of their essential winter items can easily fit into the carry-on bag for boots. 

The snowboard bag also has removable padded shoulder straps and handles for easy transportation.

The best thing is that they’re extremely lightweight, so your giftee won’t have to pay for all those excessive baggage fees. 

Looking for more travel gifts? I’ve got you covered with the best gifts for travelers and reviews of hardside luggage sets, Beis, and Packt One.

Teva ReEmber Slippers

We all love Teva sandals for the summer months. 

Well, Teva slippers are perfect gifts for snowboarders so that they can take care of their feet after a long powder day. 

Your outdoors lovers can relax into a pair of Teva slip-ons in the parking lot of the ski resort and not worry about wet feet. 

Snowmelt beads off thanks to the TevaRapid Resist protective coating. Rubber soles provide optimal traction, and ripstop material is durable year after year.

Most slippers don’t provide water resistance, so these shoes are cool gifts – even if the person already has house slippers.

A microfiber inner lining and cushioned soles mean extra comfort for sore feet, and mostly recycled materials mean ease of mind for those who are eco-conscious. 

North Face makes a comparable slipper, the ThermoBall slipper. I personally prefer the Teva ReEmbers because they’re more versatile looking.

ReEmber slippers are a practical gift that feels stylish even while relaxing.

Snowboard Charm

A simple charm necklace is the best present for someone who wants to carry the whole mountain close to their heart. 

Snowboarders won’t be weighed down by these adorable necklaces. 

There are three charms: a snowboard, a circle that reads “love to snowboard,” and a birthstone. 

Beyond personalizing the birthstone, you can also choose the chain length. 

These are good gifts for female snowboarders who don’t like flashy jewelry.

I like wearing necklaces like this to remind me of the friend who gifted them to me. They’re cute and small enough to tuck under my shirt while chasing an adrenaline rush.

Snowboard Posters

As you’ve probably noticed by now, giving an awesome gift doesn’t have to drain your bank account. 

And anyone who loves snowboarding will love the gold graphic of a woman snowboarding down a mountain.

The best gift ideas for snowboarders speak to their dedication and wild side. 

You can order it in various sizes to fit any room. I recommend buying a frame to put it in, which takes this present to the next level.

Posters aren’t practical gifts that can be used on the slopes. But they’re the perfect gift for someone who just moved or who is living in a dorm… especially if they can’t have their snowboard there with them.

Back Protector

A back protector should be on every snowboarder and skier’s checklist. It’s the second most important piece of gear after having a helmet. 

When it comes to extreme sports, keeping the body protected is crucial to preventing injuries. 

Give your giftee (and yourself) peace of mind with a comfortable, breathable, and supportive back and spine protector. 

Psst – even if your brother doesn’t think he needs a back protector, these are excellent snowboarding gifts for him. Bad boys can get hurt, too.

Boot and Glove Dryer

The best way to begin the day is with dry hands and feet, which is exactly what this DryGuy DX boot and glove dryer helps with.

From snow-soaked boots to wet gloves, this dryer uses soft forced air at 105-degree heat to quickly remove moisture and keep gear warm and in pristine condition. 

This is one of the best luxury gifts for snowboarders.

The other thing I like about this dryer is that it’s a truly unique gift for a snowboarder who already has all of the gear they need. 

A boot and glove dryer is one of those items your giftee might never realize they need until they get it as a gift.

Engraved Travel Mug

Looking for funny gifts for snowboarders? Travel mugs are the best Christmas gifts for snowboarders or ski bums who finish their coffee on their way to the ski lift.

These mugs come in seven sizes and 14 colors, and they’re engraved with the motto, “Keep calm and wait for snow.”

I also like gifting reusable mugs to snowboard and ski lovers because drinking a hot beverage is the best way to stay warm while taking a snack break at the car.

Usually, my friends and I grab a hot cocoa from the ski lodge cafeteria and use our travel mugs instead of the flimsy styrofoam cups available.

This is a great present for siblings and friends with a good sense of humor.

Best Gadget Gifts

Snowboard Tuning Wax Gift

Every avid snowboarder knows that a tuning kit is essential. If you’re looking for snowboarding gadget gifts beyond just wax and a scraper, this is a great gift bundle to give a snowboarder. 

This Demon Tuning Kit comes with a flat file, wire brush, edge tuner, wax scraper, adjustable iron, polish pad, tuning stone, and wax. 

Of course, they can get these things done at mountain shops and resorts but they’ll be forking out $20-$30 every time you do. 

Spending the time to properly learn how to use snowboard maintenance products can save a lot of money in the long run. 

This kit has everything your loved one might need to keep a snowboard in top condition.

Waterproof Headphones

Riding down the slopes while surrounded by nature or even just relaxing on the lift can sometimes be made even better with music. 

Of course, simple headphones can work, but they might not work great in low temperatures or if they get water in them. 

That’s why it’s important to have a pair of high-quality headphones that actually work in the cold. 

These universal Bluetooth headphones are some of the best waterproof headphones out there.

They last up to 10 hours and are loaded with full audio controls, plus phone call and voice command capabilities. 

They’re also helmet-compatible and easy to connect to almost any snow helmet.

If your giftee hasn’t tried headphones while snowboarding, now might be the perfect time to give them a soundtrack to their ride.

Waterproof Battery Pack

A weatherproof battery pack charger is one of the best presents for snowboarders and skiers who like to stay connected while up in the mountains.

This portable waterproof charger features fast-charging power and a portable power bank that can charge phones multiple times before needing to be recharged. 

It has USB, USB-C, and iSO ports and cables. I really like the variety because having Android and iSO chargers is basically a safety measure nowadays.

Most importantly, this charger is durable and perfect for backcountry adventures or long days in the snow where it’s important for a phone not to run out of battery.

Thermal Phone Case

All snowboarders know that phones die incredibly fast in the cold weather.

A thermal phone case is a great way to prevent that, and a unique present to give someone who loves to ski or snowboard.

The special material is based on spacesuit technology. It keeps phones cozy and warm on cold days and reflects heat on sunny days to keep your phone at an ideal temperature.

These cases are also splash-resistant, something I’ve found to be important in snowy conditions. If any moisture reaches the inside of their pocket, the case will protect their phone from water damage.

This thermal phone case doesn’t interfere with any service, WiFi, or Bluetooth signals, so your giftee can stay connected and protected. 

It’s also compatible with smartwatches, AirPods, and other accessories.

I really like the pocket design of these cases because they come in two sizes that fit all phones. 

That means you don’t have to know their specific phone model, just whether it’ll fit in a Medium or Large case.

Go Pro

A GoPro is one of the best gifts for anyone who loves to ski or snowboard and who likes to document their time in the mountains.

GoPros are rated as one of the best weatherproof and durable action cameras on the market for a reason.

A GoPro is one of those long-lasting gifts that allows your favorite snowboarder or skier to shoot their runs down the mountain hands-free, snap action shots along the way, and relive all of their moments afterward.

In addition, GoPro accessories can be a nice add-on present to a GoPro.

The GoPro Helmet Mount, GoPro Chest Harness, or a classic selfie stick are the best options for skiers and snowboarders. 

Or, if they’re vloggers as well, you can add on one of these microphone attachments to your gift. 

Bonus: Best Last-Minute or Catch-All Gift for Skiers and Snowboarders

REI Gift Card

The perfect snowboarding gifts can be hard to shop for, especially when it comes to more personal items like snowboards and ski gear. 

This is why an REI gift card can be such a great last-minute or catch-all present for your favorite snowboarder or skier: it gives them the freedom to purchase what they want when they want.

Another option is to purchase a gift card that’s specific to their favorite shop (e.g. a Burton gift card). 

If you know they love a specific brand, give them extra flexibility by letting them choose the size or item.

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