TL;DR: The best gifts for snowboarders are a convenient Boot and Glove Dryer and a Thermal Phone Case. The Boot and Glove Dryer is a luxury item that’ll help snowboarders enjoy dry, comfortable gear their whole trip. The thermal phone case protects their phone from the freezing cold and allows it to hold a longer charge on the slopes.
When fresh powder calls, is your favorite snowboarder ready to hit the slopes? This season, help them gear up with the coolest gifts for safety, style, comfort, and fun on the mountain.
As an avid snowboarder myself, I’ve covered the best snowboarding gift ideas below–from useful gear to fun accessories.
Get ready to score major points with these handpicked essentials. No more “oh…thanks” when gifts miss the mark. With this list, you can’t go wrong in gearing them up for epic days on the mountains.
Boot and Glove Dryer
Best Luxury Gift for Snowboarders
The best way to begin the day is with dry hands and feet, which this DryGuy DX boot and glove dryer helps with. Boot dryers are the perfect gift for snowboarders who have everything but would benefit from a little extra comfort.
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.
Stomp Pads
Unique Snowboarding Accessories to Gift
Not a snowboarder? Don’t worry about the jargon—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 unstrapped.
If you’re looking for the best snowboarding gifts under $50, these lightweight, rubbery stomp pads are an ideal option for an add-on gift.
Thermal Phone Case
Best Phone Accessory for Snowboarders
All snowboarders know that phones die incredibly fast in cold weather. A thermal phone case helps save battery life by using spacesuit technology to insulate phones on cold days and reflect light on hot days.
These cases also protect from moisture, which keeps my phone from glitching when my pockets are damp by the end of the day.
There are other cases on the market, but I prefer the pouch 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’s Medium or Large.
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Balaclava
Essential Snow Gear
Wool is the key to staying warm and comfortable when you’re out for hours during sub-zero snowy days. I always recommend layering with thermoregulating merino wool that wicks moisture away. Some people like neck gaiters (neck warmers); I prefer a full-coverage balaclava that fits under my helmet. Minus33’s double-layered design offers exceptional protection for their neck and face in wind and snow.
Waterproof Battery Pack
Best Battery Pack for Snow Sports
I’ve spent enough time in freezing temperatures to know that portable power banks are worth their weight in gold. Phone batteries die faster in cold weather, and having a fully charged phone is a safety measure nowadays.
This portable waterproof charger is my favorite because it’s durable and has fast charging power to charge multiple phones before needing to be recharged. It also has USB, USB-C, and iSO ports and cables for Android and iSO.
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Foam Roller
Most Affordable Gift for Muscle Recovery
If you’ve never used a foam roller, let me tell you: it hurts so good! In other words, I always use my foam roller to work out knots in my legs and massage sore muscles. 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.
The surface of this foam roller mimics the feeling of a massage therapist’s hands, working through aching muscles, thus boosting recovery time. If you feel stuck and don’t know what to get someone, foam rollers are the best out-of-the-box gifts for snowboarders of any age.
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Hydration Pack
Best Hydration Pack for Snow Sports
Carrying a hydration pack on the slopes has been life-changing. Any snowboarder or skier will tell you it’s easy to dehydrate while chasing fresh powder. Water bottles are cumbersome and hard to drink from with bulky gloves (don’t even get me started on spilling water on yourself while drinking in the freezing cold).
Camelbak’s Hydration Pack is compact—even with a full reservoir of water—so it won’t weigh them down while catching air on the slopes.
Snow Backpack
Best Snow Pack
If they need more storage than a hydration pack, go for the Cotopaxi Taka 20L backpack. It’s one of the best snowpacks for snowy adventures. External attachments make carrying their board or gear easy, and zippered pockets keep everything organized. The bottom is also reinforced, creating a durable “bucket” design ready for long days and years of wear. You can feel good gifting these color packs because Cotopaxi uses repurposed materials.
Snowflake Pocket Tool
Best Tool for Snowboarders
Durable multi-tools are must-have gear for anyone. This convenient tool by Saker is small enough to hook onto a key chain but useful for the toughest jobs. And with it’s design, perfect for anyone who wants to be reminded of the snow while at home.
It’s one of the most practical gifts and a great stocking stuffer gift idea too. And if the snowboarder in your life has a cabin, a perfect tool for their snowy getaway.
Snowboard Tuning Wax Gift
Best Snowboard Maintenance Kit
Every avid snowboarder knows a tuning kit is essential. The Demon Tuning Kit is perfect if you’re looking for snowboarding gadget gifts beyond just wax and a scraper. I like it because it has a flat file, wire brush, edge tuner, wax scraper, adjustable iron, polish pad, tuning stone, and wax. Of course, they can pay mountain shops and resorts for snowboard maintenance, but that requires forking out $20-$30 every time. In the long run, you’ll save them hundreds of dollars.
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Beanie
Best Hat for Snowboarders
My motto in life is: you can never have too many beanies. Wool beanies provide warmth and style, crucial to sticking out the coldest of days snowboarding. This unisex beanie from Icebreaker is small enough to tuck away when they wear their helmet but very durable and warm. It’s made of UPF 35 fabrics that protect skin from harmful UV rays (Yes—you can get a sunburn while snowboarding). I’m a wool beanie fan because they’re breathable, lightweight, and quick to dry. Icebreaker beanies are meaningful small gifts for snowboarders within budget.
Apple Watch Band
Best Personalized Tech Accessory
Watch bands are a simple, fun way to express personality and customize gear. If your favorite powder hound is wild, skip the jewelry. These Apple Watch bands will enhance their style. Better yet, splurge by gifting them an Apple Watch if they don’t already have one. (Pro tip: build the suspense by giving them the band first and then the watch.)
Warm Gloves
Best Snow Gloves
Trust me, it’s hard to have fun with cold hands. I carry two sets of gloves, so I always have a dry option if I lose a pair or they get wet. Good gloves are the most practical snowboarding gift and are always appreciated. These Burton gloves are on the expensive side, but they’re worth it. Burton is a trusted brand, and the Gore-tex material will keep their hands dry.
If your budget is smaller, I recommend MCTi Thinsulate gloves. They’re not Gore-tex but have a waterproof lining to keep fingers dry and warm on the slopes.
Looking for more options? Read our guide to the best snowboarding gloves and best heated gloves.
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Waterproof Headphones
Best Snowboarding Headphones
Whether they’re riding down the slopes surrounded by nature or relaxing on the lift, music makes everything better. Of course, simple headphones can work, but they can be finicky in low temperatures or if they get wet in the snow. That’s why having a pair of high-quality headphones suited to snowboarding conditions is important.
These universal Bluetooth headphones are some of the best waterproof headphones out there. They’re compatible with almost any snow helmet, and the battery lasts up to 10 hours.
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Go Pro
Best Tech Gift for Snowboarders
GoPros are one of the best gifts for snowboards who like to document their time in the mountains. These durable action cameras are known for their weatherproof build and conveniency. Your favorite snowboarder or skier can shoot their runs down the mountain hands-free, snap action shots along the way, and relive all their moments afterward.
If they already have a GoPro, accessories are simple add-on presents. I recommend the GoPro Helmet Mount, GoPro Chest Harness, or a classic selfie stick. Or, if they’re vloggers, you can add one of these microphone attachments to your gift.
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North Face ThermoBall Slippers
Warmest Outdoor Slippers
I love these North Face slip-ons for relaxing in the ski resort parking lot and not worrying about wet feet. Water-resistant slippers are perfect gifts for snowboarders so that they can take care of their feet after a long powder day. Snowmelt beads off thanks to the recycled ripstop upper and Durable Water-Resistant (DWR) protective coating. They’re stylish and comfy after a long day in boots.
Teva makes a comparable slipper, the ReEmber, but Thermoball slippers are more popular since the insulation extends up beyond the ankle.
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Adjustable Snowboard Boots
Best Snowboarding Boots to Gift
Save them hundreds of dollars in boot rentals and foot pain. A good pair of snowboarding boots makes all the difference for someone spending hours on the slopes. Burton’s Boa Snowboard Boots for women and men have a Boa Coiler closure system for a well-adjusted fit. That means it’s easier to gift these boots to someone based on their shoe size.
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.
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Snow Goggles
Best Snow Goggles for Snowboarding
Every snowboarder needs a solid pair of goggles to protect their eyes in high altitudes and cold weather. Smith Squad Frontier snow goggles offer the perfect mix of functionality and style. Engineered ventilation reduces fogging, and 100% UV protection shields eyes from sunlight reflecting off the snow. I used to ski without goggles and learned my lesson when I went home with sun burnt, wind burnt eyes—not fun.
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.
Hand & Foot Warmers
Best Gift for People with Cold Hands
Snowboarding with cold fingers and toes is miserable. Air-activated heat packs are a practical gift to warm your loved ones in subzero temperatures. I love this little things. They’re easy to open, shake, and *poof* warmth in the most brutal winter months. Hand warmers are perfect stocking stuffers and budget gifts for snowboarders with icy fingers and cold feet.
For more eco-friendly-oriented friends, check out these rechargeable hand warmers instead. They heat up quickly and serve as an emergency backup battery.
Snowboarding Socks
Best Wool Socks
Socks may seem like a boring gift, but any powder hound will appreciate a quality pair of ski or snowboard socks to keep their feet warm. These over-the-calf socks are made of lightweight and durable Merino wool. They’re the perfect inexpensive gift, especially if the snowboarder in your life is prone to cold feet.
Wool Base Layer
Best Base Layers for All-Day Comfort
Snowboarding is an intense sport, and merino wool wicks away moisture from sweat so that it doesn’t freeze against our skin. The breathable, lightweight material helps regulate body temperature so that your perpetually cold friend finally feels cozy. I even wear my base layers to work under sweaters and jeans on particularly cold days. If you want to go the extra mile, a pair of wool leggings, a wool hat, and a neck warmer, make an excellent gift set.
Patagonia Synchilla
Softest Gift for Warming up
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. Synchillas are chinchilla soft and made of synthetic recycled polyester material. Synthetic + Chinchilla = Synchilla. North Face and Columbia have their own versions of the quarter-zip, but Patagonia is the softest.
There’s no water resistance, and the wind would find its way in, but they’re a no-brainer for warming up on the drive home.
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Snow Jacket
Most Versatile Snow Jacket
Snow jackets are essential alongside snow bibs, gloves, and boots. And not just a winter jacket but a proper Columbia ski jacket. Their Whirlibird Winter 3-in-1 jacket has a detachable shell and liner for versatile wear.
Thermarator insulation on the inside liner adds warmth, while a ventilation system ensures comfort on sunny spring days.
The one downside is that the Whirlibird doesn’t have a visor like a helmet-compatible hood. Still, the hood is plenty roomy and an affordable alternative to beloved Arcteryx jackets.
Want to compare jackets? We reviewed 14 Arcteryx jackets and our favorites are the Arcteryx Beta AR women’s and men’s.
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Snow Bibs and Snow Pants
Most Comfortable Snow Bibs
I’m wearing the REI First Chair Gore-tex snow bibs this year because I love the lightweight, waterproof Gore-tex material. They keep my legs dry and warm without being too heavy. Usually, I wear a size L, but I got an XL, so I have plenty of room to move and layer up underneath. I tried several brands, and REI best fit my 5’8″ curvy athletic build.
Columbia Snow Pants (Women’s and Men’s) are cheaper and always popular if you’re looking for snow pants instead of bibs, but they’re notorious for running small. Be sure to size up. Amazon has a great deal on Columbia pants, and REI has a generous return policy so your giftee can try them out on the slopes.
If you want to learn more about the best snow pants on the market, read my full article on snow pants for women.
Snow Helmet
Most Important Protective Gear
I just bought a new Smith helmet, and it’s so comfortable. Odds are, your giftee is due for a new helmet, too. Experts recommend replacing snowboard helmets every 2-5 years for maximum performance. The Smith Mirage and Mission series are my favorite snow helmets because they come with MIPS to protect against concussions, ear warmers, and an adjustment dial in the back. You can get fancier or cheaper, but Mirage and Mission are in the sweet spot. Be careful to read reviews on helmets before purchasing them. These links lead to good helmets, but I’ve seen cheaper listings falsely advertise MIPS.
Infused Whiskey-Making Kit
Best Boozy Boarder Gift
Some of us like to take the edge off when it’s nippy out. This whiskey-infusing kit is a fun winter activity that your friends and family can do between ski trips. It comes with wood chips and botanicals so they can craft their own special drink liquors to sip on the slopes.
Mountain Earrings
Best Jewelry for Snowboarders
All of my active friends wear simple studs like these classy mountain earrings. They’re a subtle way to express her love for the mountains without being too flashy or obnoxious under her snowboarding helmet.
I like wearing small jewelry like this as a reminder of the friend who gave them to me. They come in silver, gold, and rose gold, the perfect gift for women snowboarders racing after that adrenaline rush.
Snowboard Art Print
Wall Art to Brighten Up Their Home
As you’ve probably noticed by now, giving an awesome gift doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Wall art that speaks to someone’s love of snowboarding will make them feel seen. Prints are affordable and great conversation starters that help brighten up a living space. You can order this print in various sizes to fit any room. I recommend framing it, which takes this present to the next level.
Engraved Travel Mug
Easy Gift for Coffee Drinkers
My friends and I finish our coffee on the way to the mountains, so travel mugs are a must-have during the winter months. 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. Usually, we grab a hot cocoa from the ski lodge cafeteria and use our travel mugs instead of the flimsy styrofoam cups available.
Snowboarder Candle
Funny Snowboarding Gift
I’m always a fan of funny gifts for snowboarding addicts. You can give this candle as a meaningful gift for someone who loves snowboarding or as an ironic gift to a friend who spends most of the day on their butt. And if you haven’t tried soy candles, they have a cleaner burn than traditional wax.
Balance Board
Best Exercise Equipment
Balance boards are perfect gifts for beginner snowboarders to advanced snowboarders. Just like surfing, this sport requires tons of balance. I actually stand on a balance board at my sit-stand desk while working. It’s a fun way to exercise and build stability so they can go harder on the slopes.
Winter Skin Care Gift Basket
Anti-Sunburn Gift Basket
Sunscreen and moisturizers are some of the best gift ideas for snowboarders. Stick sunscreen by Sun Bum is super easy to use, making it popular among snow sport enthusiasts. I like making a cute gift basket with a stick of sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hand lotion, and a hand mask for extra moisturization.
Boot Beer Can Holder
Funny Gift for Beer Buddies
Beer holders are funny presents for snowboarders who like a cold one on the mountain. They can keep their beer icy cold with this boot holder. Is it the most practical gift? It depends on who you ask. College friends and dads will get a kick out of carrying a beer on the back of their boot—even if it sprays when they open it.
Oversized Hoodie Blanket
Better Than a Blanket
I go crazy for cozy blankets to warm up, but they always drag in the snow and slush—yuck. This blanket hoodie makes it easy to curl up in fuzzy warmth between runs. The Synchilla pullover I mentioned earlier is incredibly soft and suitable for hitting up a pub after the slopes. This oversized blanket hoodie is less versatile—solely intended for comfort.
Deep Tissue Massager
A Splurgy Gift for Sore Friends
As I’ve mentioned, snowboarding is hard on the body. Gift this massage gun and become a hero. Any of my friends would squeal with delight if they received a massager like this. It has ten power levels, ten attachments, and numerous speeds to work out all those tight spots. Name-brand TheraGuns are expensive, but several good-quality faux TheraGun-type massagers are now on the market. You don’t have to break the bank to help loved ones relax.
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Burned Wood Chairlift Artwork
Best Gift for the Snowboarder Who Has Everything
I’m notorious for gifting artwork, and it’s always appreciated. These beautiful wood prints are handmade and a good price for the size. Ben uses an unusual technique called Lichtenstein burning, where an electrical current creates the natural-looking branches that frame the focal point. The result is breathtaking. I really like this piece because it’s tasteful and works well with almost any style.
Winter Holiday at a Mountain Resort
Best Experiential Gift
Nothing tells a snowboarder you love them more than 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 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 trip details.
Have an anniversary coming up? Rent a cabin and cuddle up after enjoying a powder day. If the weather patterns of 2023 repeat themselves, we’ll be snowboarding well beyond the holiday season.
Lift Pass and Tickets
Best Gift for Broke Snowboarders
A lift pass is the best gift for young adults on a budget. One of my friends made a deal with her parents to split the cost of her pass as an early Christmas present. This present really depends on which state they live in, so research local lift passes they can use near where they live or ask about their favorite resort.
Another option is the Epic season pass, 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.
REI Gift Card
Best Last Minute Gift
When my sister started skiing, I bought her an REI gift card and membership so she could try on ski pants and pick the best fit. It’s hard to shop for personal items like clothes and snowboards. There’s no shame in buying a gift card so they can pick out exactly what they need. It’s easy to buy a gift card in-person or online, which makes this a stellar last-minute or catch-all gift. Another option is to show that you know what they like by purchasing a gift card for their favorite shop (e.g. a Burton gift card). I recommend presenting the gift in a cute snowboarder’s card.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Slizgi
Outdoor Gear and Travel Writer
Kristen Slizgi is a writer and travel consultant born and raised in San Diego, California. When she’s not writing about her own travels or consulting on travel, you can find her planning her next escapade to some undiscovered and off-the-beaten-path destination. In the winter, Kristen enjoys shredding down the mountain and exploring snowy wonderlands. She travels multiple times a year to gain on-site experiences and knowledge, attends travel shows, and lives abroad for periods throughout the year.
Jodelle Marx
Editor & Content Manager
When winter days are short, and the sunlight is a precious commodity, you’ll find Jodelle snowshoeing every chance she gets. Her experience with snow gear and her gift-giving skills make her an expert on gifts for ski bums and powder hounds. From homemade to luxury, Jodelle’s always scheming about the next best gifts. She’s a sucker for surprises and loves assembling intricate care packages. She starts planning Christmas gifts months in advance, so when the holidays roll around, she’s an expert at gift-giving.
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