Community Corner
L.L.Bean Outdoor Experts Share Top 2021 Holiday Gift Picks
From rugged gear to cozy essentials, these presents have been hand-selected by Outdoor Discovery Program instructors and customers like you.
This year, finding the right gift doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking for rugged gear used by L.L.Bean’s own Outdoor Discovery Program instructors, or cozy items loved by other customers, we’ve got you covered.
Top Picks From Our Outdoor Discovery Program Experts
Gifts that help your family and friends get outside more are the best presents of all. Plus, these gifts help your loved ones make the most of the time they spend outdoors.
We reached out to some of our Outdoor Discovery Program (ODP) guides for their favorite pieces of outdoor gear. With these recommendations, finding awesome gifts is easier than ever.
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Men's Overland Performance Flannel — “I love the Overland's quick dry material. It's soft and warm, yet I don't need to worry about breaking a sweat on a fall hike and then heading straight to dinner afterwards.”
- Wendy P., ODP Instructor
Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Trailblazer XR/GB 300 headlamp — “Use one for nighttime chores around the campsite or for reading at night, and you'll be spoiled by the hands-free versatility. The red-light mode allows use without affecting anybody else’s night vision.”
- Gaeton A., ODP Instructor
Cresta Wool Midweight Hiking Socks — “They keep my feet dry, add an extra layer of tick prevention and cushion my feet on those long day hikes through our nearby state parks.”
- Elisabeth S., ODP Instructor
Men's Water-Resistant Cresta Hiking Pants — “The pants are rugged but lightweight, dry very quickly, and offer zippered pockets. Can be used for hiking, camping and even casual wear.”
- Mark A., ODP Instructor
Kahtoola Microspikes — “My must-have for the in-between winter conditions of snow and ice when not enough snow for snowshoes. I use them frequently for leading winter hikes, and I won't leave home without them — always in my car.”
- Dorothy, ODP Instructor
GSI Camp Stove — “This stove is great for car camping. It doesn't take up too much space, is easy to use and is like bringing a little kitchen with me on my camping/road trips.”
- Christine B., ODP Program Coordinator
Packlite Chair — “This chair radically improves your evenings at the campsite after a long day canoeing, kayaking or hiking. Light and packs up small enough to fit inside a kayak.”
- Bob F., ODP Instructor
Trekker Air Carry Pack — “Perfect size for more gear-intensive day hikes. Trampoline back panel helps keep your back cool, and the built-in pack cover keeps your gear dry in surprise summer storms. My favorite day pack I’ve owned!”
- Ben S., ODP Program Coordinator
Our Customers’ Cozy Cabin Favorites
The holidays are our moment to give, freely and fully — and share the simple joys that we feel from spending time with one another. We turned to the cozy experts themselves, our customers, for their favorite items that bring loved ones closer together and create memories that last far beyond this holiday season.
Washable Wool Throw, Plaid 54" x 60" — “L.L.Bean quality shines through in this attractive and durable throw, and we love the fact that they can be monogrammed/personalized!”
- Gabriel B. (Beaumont, Texas)
Deluxe Scrabble — “So happy we bought this deluxe set. Really well made and just love the swivel board with tile holders!!!”
- Randall H. (Rising Sun, Md.)
Sheepskin Throw Pillow — “This is an absolutely wonderful pillow. It's so soft and plush.”
- Alexandra B. (Chazy, N.Y.)
Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Bedding — “These flannel sheets are wonderfully soft and cozy.”
- Rebecca C. (Sarasota, Fla.)
Women's Mountain Classic Fleece Jacket — “This jacket provides casual, lightweight warmth. It’s a fleece hug and I feel extra positive when I wear it!”
- Elaine B. (Millington, Mich.)
Therapeutic Dog Bed — “This is probably the best item I have ever bought from L.L.Bean. My dog jumped on the bed as it hit the floor and she has not gotten off it since then.”
- Kate W. (Blue Grass, Va.)
Double-Wall Camp Mug — “Keeps my coffee warmer than any of my other insulated mugs.”
- Thomas B. (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Men's Mountain Classic Fleece Jacket — “Probably the single most-worn item of clothing I have.”
- John G. (Charlottesville, Va.)
