Are you wondering what are awesome stocking stuffers for x-country skiers this Christmas? Do you have a wonderful partner, friend or family member in your life who loves to go x-country skiing? Below, I share 6 stocking stuffers for x-country skiers. They are all under $55.00, which makes it easy to let your loved ones know that you’re thinking about them without breaking the bank. All the items listed are handy for every x-country skiing trip. You won’t need to wonder if they will be useful or not. Believe me, they’ll be happy to receive any of these items!
Table of Contents
1. Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Price: $3.49
Store: MEC Buy it here.
Often, I eat granola bars or Larabars as a snack. Sometimes, I add Nosh & Co Texas Cajun Mix to spice things up. A friend introduced me to Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews, which are wonderful! They are at the top of my list of suggested stocking stuffers for x-country skiers. The cost per package is $3.49 at Moutain Equipment Company. Even if you buy multiple packages, it’s still affordable! They come in different fantastic flavours, such as pomegranate, fruit smoothie, and orange blossom to name a few of my favourites. They are chewy gummies that also provide you with a boost of energy. It’s exciting to bring a snack that will boost your energy and be more satisfying than a simple bar.
You can bring Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews on any outdoor activity to enjoy an amusing texture in your mouth. It’s like being a kid again! They are much lighter than squishy raspberry and blackberry gummies available in the bulk section of most grocery stores. Note, that when bringing the energy chews on winter excursions like x-country skiing, they will clump together and freeze, making it much harder to eat them.
Tip: Wrap the organic chews in mitts you aren’t wearing or put them in an extra Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear – Unisex to keep the chewy consistency.
2. Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear – Unisex
Price: $14.95
Store: MEC Buy it here.
The second stocking stuffer for x-country skiers is the Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear. Each one costs $14.95 at MEC. As shown in the picture above, it can be worn on your head like a hat. It can also be put around your neck as a scarf. Check out the Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear – Unisex to see if this product is right for you. A scarf can get in the way with the extended ends having to be stuffed in your coat to keep from flying all over the place. A fleece scarf can also get warm to wear around your neck. The Chaos Multi Tubular Headwear is easily manipulated to be changed into a variety of shapes. You can pull it up over your chin, cheeks and ears if you need to cover the front side of your face and neck.
Two people in your life can benefit from one tubular headwear or one person can use it for two different functions on their face. It also allows you to have a ponytail while still protecting your ears. If it’s warm enough outside, you could also use it as a hairband if you forget your elastic.
Often, while x-country skiing, I find that a hat gets too warm. If I take it off, my ears get cold but having it on is too hot. A tubular headwear is a fantastic alternative to keep your head protected. As you exercise, it does not trap the hot air inside your hat but instead releases it into the cold air, leaving you with a happy and warm head.
3. Wigwam Merino Light Hiker Socks – Unisex
Wigwam socks come in different styles, lengths and colours for your x-country skiing needs.
Price: $52.50
Store: Walmart Buy it here.
Wigwam socks are the best! They are so warm against your feet and ankles. They come in different lengths, styles and colours. If you prefer, you can buy them separately for $52.50 each at Walmart. Buying socks is a great option as stocking stuffers for x-country skiers without spending too much money. A friend or family member can always use more socks! Some socks also come with a padded heel. It reduces the friction on your heel and is comfier as you raise your foot up and down while x-country skiing.
It’s important to have comfortable socks. We all know that socks wear out quickly because of thinning, or worse develop holes. Skin contact in your boot will cause blisters (something you don’t want). Replenishing socks every few years is a wonderful idea. Some socks are tighter around your calf and others are looser. You can also find thin and thicker ones. I find that thin socks will rub the inside of my boot and still cause me to get blisters. I choose thicker socks, like my purple ones above. They don’t tend to rub against the inside of my ski boot. I do find the blue, grey and white ones constricting to my leg and I don’t tend to use them as much.
Every person is different. If making the sock decision sounds too daunting, not knowing what your partner, family or friends will like, you can always get a gift card from Walmart and let them choose.
4. MEC Seat Cushion
Price: $29.95
Store: MEC Buy it here.
Did you ever see someone sitting on a snow-covered bench or tree soaking their pants or use their mitts to sit on, providing padding for their butt but in return freeze their hands and wondered if there was a better option? Well, there is! MEC has an inflatable seat cushion that you can use! These are perfect stocking stuffers for x-country skiers. The seat cushion can be blown up in a few seconds and then rolled up quickly when the air is released. It is lightweight and fits easily in a side backpack pocket. It provides just enough cushioning to protect you from the elements. If your friend or family member usually sits directly on the snow for a break on the side of a trail, this handy dandy item will be a game changer.
Every time I pull it out, I always get told “That’s handy!” or get questions like “Where did you get that?” I tell people it’s so convenient, lightweight, easy to store and carry with you. It’s a lifesaver. I got it from MEC for $29.95. It’s a great deal for a super useful item! Everyone wants to add it to their Christmas list!
Even Rocky thought it was comfortable enough to sit on for a couple of minutes… until of course I took out the camera and then he was gone! He’s camera-shy!
5. Swix Handy Scraper
Price: $8.95
Store: MEC Buy it here.
When you x-country ski, especially after a wind storm, there tends to be debris such as twigs and pine needles that have blown off the trees and landed onto the track set trails. It is hard to avoid getting them on the bottom of your skis. Swix Handy Scraper is the fifth item suggested for stocking stuffers for x-country skiers. Cross-country skiers will appreciate having a tool to easily scrape off the pine needles that get intermingled with the wax. Otherwise, the bottom of the skis will most likely be unable to glide and in turn stick to the trail. Skiing might become extremely difficult unless a skier uses a scraper to remove the pine needles.
I always seem to need one and never have it available! I’ve bought some in the past, but who knows where they ended up! Having extra ones is never a bad thing! You can have one handy in your tool kit.
It can become extremely frustrating if the skis don’t work properly. A cheap $8.95 solution for a scraper can be a much-appreciated tool and gift.
6. Classic X-Country Skiing Hard Wax
Price: $15.95
Store: MEC
Wax is the ultimate gift for x-country skiing and therefore sixth on the list of stocking stuffers for x-country skiers. Waxable classic skis will need to be waxed before you head out for the day. Without wax, the skis will slip and slide causing you some frustration. Wax will help you glide efficiently. Depending on how cold it is, you’ll require wax of varying colours. The red wax corresponds to a warmer temperature at 3°C (new snow) and 1°C (old snow). It progresses downwards to purple, blue and green at -8°C (new snow) and -10°C (old snow). On the odd occasion, you might require white wax that dips down to -30°C, but I’ve never used it. At that point, it’s too cold to enjoy x-country skiing! If you’re skiing at temperatures between – 5°C and -10°C, blue wax works wonders, and it’s the perfect temperature to x-country ski.
Final Thoughts
I hope these items help you figure out a useful Christmas gift for that special someone in your life. The 6 stocking stuffers for x-country skiers can be purchased many times throughout a skier’s journey. Skiers will be happy you thought of them and bought them something they can use immediately, if they are avid skiers, like myself! Time to start shopping. Bring that smile to their face!
Additional Links
- Merino Pant Base Layer for Women
- Merino 250 Top Base Layer 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve – Women’s
- FJELLTECH M44 Skin Skis
- MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiters – Unisex
- Osprey Tempest 24-Pack
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Rodica says
I do have wonderful people in my life – one of them is Chelsea Ross. Thank you, Chelsea!
Chelsea Ross says
Aww, thanks Rodica! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post! 🙂