Thinking Outside the “Gift” Box: Gift Guides for the Hard To Buy For

If you’ve ever Googled the phrase, “gifts for the hard to buy for,” or spent hours swarming the Internet for ideas for a hard-to-please person, you know that finding the perfect gift for the picky is practically impossible! It should be easier these days, with so many companies with fascinating products and ideas just a click away on the Internet, yet somehow more options just means more to weed through when trying to find the perfect gift.

So, we’ve spent the last few months searching for those perfect products for different types of people—from trendy dog owners, to trail runners, to techies. We tried to think outside the “gift” box, looking not only for products, but for innovative ideas such as memberships and subscriptions too.

All the companies and products we sought out have something in common with our own company: some are local to the Pacific-Northwest region, some are made entirely in the USA, and some are an engineer’s fantasy, giving us a sneak peek at where product innovation is heading in the future. For whatever the reason, we hope you join us in supporting these interesting and innovative businesses. And, find that perfect gift along the way!

Gifts for the Trendy Dog Owner:

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Dog Socks

Casetify Dog Breed Phone Case

 “Putting Your Pet First” Book by John Sleasman

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash in Turquoise

“I’ll Run Everywhere” Personalized Photo Frame

“Will Run for Treats” Throw Pillow

Gifts for the Trail Runner:

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Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (Assorted Colors)

HYDAWAY 12oz Collapsible Water Bottle (Assorted Colors)

Runddies Athletic Underwear by Oiselle

“Make Time to Run” Running Journal

Ice Bug Shoes

Rollingfwd Vibrating Foam Roller

Sweet Spot Athletic Skirts

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Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

Strava Social Networking App for Athletes Premium Subscription

“Never Run Alone” Women’s Dog Tee

“I’ll Run Everywhere” Personalized Photo Frame

“Will Run for Treats” Throw Pillow

Rad Dog Pocket Travel Dog Bowl

CamelBak Hydration Pack

Gifts for the Avid Bike Rider

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Live to Ride Decorative Sign

Cycling-Themed Reusable Grocery Bag

Freehub MTB Community Magazine Subscription (available online & in paper form)

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (in Fuchsia)

Sweet Spot Athletic Skirts

HYDAWAY 21oz Collapsible Water Bottle (in Rose)

Blinged Out Dog Paw Bike Bell

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Strava Social Networking App for Athletes Premium Subscription

Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

CamelBak Palos^™ 4 LR Waist Hydration Pack

 

TurboPup Complete K9 Meal Bar

Gifts for Outdoor Techies Who Like Gadgets

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Whistle GPS Pet Tracker

 

HYDAWAY 21oz Collapsible Water Bottle (Assorted Colors)

 

Rad Dog Release ‘N Run Collar with Retractable Leash (in Blue)

 

GoPro Fetch Dog Harness for Adventuring

 

RinseKit® Portable, Pressurized Outdoor Shower

 

Gifts for the Environmental Do Good-er

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Freehub MTB Community Magazine Subscription (available online & in paper form)

 

Rad Dog BioHybrid Dog Waste Bags

 

100% Natural Himalayan Dog Chews

 

HYDAWAY 12oz Collapsible Water Bottle (in Chili)

 

Moon Valley Organics Muscle Rub

 

Trendy. Athletic. Outdoorsy. Techy. Do-gooder…No matter what their gig, we’ve found a gift for them. From retractable leashes, to collapsible bottles, to social networking apps, the gift solution is there, you just needed help finding it!

Trail Safety Q&A: Dog Injury Prevention and Treatment

The Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore the local trails: the leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooler, and traffic on the trails is reduced.

But before heading out, remember that no matter what the time of year, injuries and hazards are lurking.

Because dogs lack common sense about these sorts of hazards (they are more curious about the rattling snake than they are scared of it!) it's important to know the most common types of trail injuries and how to treat and prevent them. 

Here are five common questions about dog injury prevention and treatment on the trail.


Can dogs overexert themselves? 

Yes!  Just like humans, dogs can certainly overexert themselves. This is especially true when the weather is hot, but overexertion can happen even when it's snowing outside! Because dogs don't sweat, they rely on their ability to "pant" as a way to cool down their systems. Evaporation from their panting mouths acts as a air condition for dogs, so it is incredible important to keep them hydrated and tend to the first signs of overexertion. 

How do I know if my dog is tired?

There are signs for overexertion and/or heat stroke:

1. Extreme panting
2. Body temperature over 104
3. Dark or bright red gums and tongue
4. Clumsy stupor
5. Diarrhea or vomiting
6. Seizures
7. Change in behavior

What are some basic injury prevention techniques?

1. Keep them on the trail. Just like humans, dogs can encounter potential hazards off-trail such as wildlife, rattlesnakes, burs, and uneven terrain.

2. Know their limits. Also like humans, dogs need to progressively work on endurance before tackling a major hike. Slowly work your dog's fitness and endurance up before pushing them on an extended adventure.

3. Be prepared. It's always a good idea to bring a few emergency items with you just in case such as water, a collapsible dog bowl, a leash, bandages, and an emergency guide.


What are the most common types of dog injuries?

There are a variety of injuries fairly common to dogs while hiking, backpacking, and trail running. Some of those injuries are due to the physical demand on the dog: ligament strains or tears, bruising, or exhaustion. Other common (and mostly preventable) injuries include lacerations, abrasions, worn paws, paw injuries, and torn nails.  The final type of trail injuries are those produced by outside hazards: snake bites, ticks, mosquitoes, and other wildlife encounters. Having your dog on voice command can help keep them on the trail and out of harm's way.

What do I do if my dog is injured on the trail?

Since there are so many different types of injuries and treatments, we recommend bringing along a pocket emergency guide for pets when on an outing with your pet. Other options include useful pet first aid apps for your phone like this one from the American Red Cross. 

Remember, part of your adventure is preparedness to keep you and your dog out of harm's way. By understanding the basics of injury prevention and first aid, you can ensure a much more worry-free adventure!

Related articles

• Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners
• Dog Dehydration and Heat Stroke During the Dog Days of Summer
• Training Your Dog for the Trail: How to mountain bike with your dog