The Best Gifts for Snowboarders

These goggles from goodr have everything you’d expect from a pricier pair—antifog venting, UV protection and a magnetic lens system—all in a good-looking package for $100.   

“I log at least 50 ski days per season, and the Peak G are always in my ski bag," says Heather R., a Colorado-based editor for Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. "They fit well, they look slick, they have decent venting (especially considering the price point), and you even get a low-light lens. Bottom line: you get a lot for a reasonable price, so what's not to like?”

Even the rider who has everything is still likely on the hunt for the perfect snowboard boot—one that delivers that elusive alchemy of performance without sacrificing all-day comfort. Surprise him with the Aura Pro 2.0, which marries warmth and cushioning with strong foot support and good control, from the day’s first chair to the last. Vans finds this sweet spot by coupling a slightly stiffer flex (ideal for improving intermediate to advanced riders) with Smartwool® moldable liners that provide warmth and moisture management. Two BOA® Fit System dials, meanwhile, let the wearer micro-adjust the snugness for a perfect fit.

From its playful, funky macaw design to its lively camber profile, the Burton Family Tree Alekesam is a standout snowboard for any freerider on your holiday list. It delivers precision for turning on a dime, surfs in powder and features a directional shape for better control across a wide variety of snow conditions. The range of sizes also means that the board can suit a variety of styles and preferences.

With a stiff flex and heat-moldable linings for a custom fit, these are the snowboarding boots to get the avid shredder on your list. A Dual-Zone BOA Fit System will allow them to tighten and loosen their laces with the flick of a dial, and that snug fit means that they can focus on their freeriding and not their feet. The stiffer flex of the Burton Highshot will allow the giftee who’s serious about snowboarding to get maximum control at high speeds, so they can hit those powder-clad double blacks with confidence.

No snowboard has earned more hype over the last few years than the Lib Tech T. Rice Orca but the buzz is well deserved. So, if you're looking for a premium gift for your snowboarder, consider this award-winning ride. The board is volume-shifted, meaning it’s shorter and wider than standard snowboards. This condensed design lets snowboarders to ride shorter lengths for better maneuverability while maintaining float in deep snow. Factor in a colossal, anti-gravitational nose; an agile tail with aggressive kick; and an easily engaged rocker pocket between the feet, and the Orca is a perfect gift for the powder hound on your list.

If the snowboarder on your list is an intermediate and above resort rider who gravitates toward top-of-the-line gear, consider the hypercharged Super D.O.A, from Capita. The shape is identical to that of the original, award-winning D.O.A. (Defenders of Awesome), but the Super D.O.A. is built in Capita's most futuristic and lightweight construction. It's also better suited for harder-charging and heavier riders. Speed demons will also appreciate the Capita's exclusive HyperDrive ADV base—a sintered, ultra-speedy, anti-friction base that's blessed with a race-ready tune job before it leaves "The Mothership." For those unfamiliar, The Mothership is the brand's one-of-a-kind, sustainably powered board-building headquarters in Austria, and it's just one more reason your giftee will love Capita boards.

Here are the padded shorts your snowboarder didn’t know they needed. For beginners starting out or seasoned riders sending it in the park, the Burton Total Impact Shorts deliver next-to-skin comfort while helping protect tailbones, hips, and sides from hard landings. Powered by G-Form technology that momentarily hardens on impact, these shorts will make your giftee's next ride out a cushy one. They're also available in a kid's version.

Never mind that you owned one of these 20 years ago. The Arc'teryx Bird Head Toque Beanie is back as the beanie of the moment, coveted by the young person in your life. (IYKYK.) It’s warm; a superfine merino wool/acrylic blend sees to that. It’s soft. It has the big Arc'teryx logo splashed across the front. The kids all want it. Don’t disappoint. Gift one this season.

For the snowboarder on your list who needs warmth and weather protection but prefers the relaxed fit of their favorite hoodie, the REI Co-op Powerbound Anorak is a stylish alternative to a full-zip. The generous front zip on this insulated pullover makes it easy to take on and off. And you can release heat in a hurry with a left-side vent that runs from the armpit to the hem. Stash snacks, phones, and other items in the deep front kangaroo pouch.

Hestra Gloves has been making some of the best ski and snowboarding mittens for years. These waterproof Freeride CZone Mittens will keep your favorite slope star toasty when temps plummet, thanks to their open-cell foam insulation and neoprene cuffs, which keep spindrift at bay. They’re also chock full of snowboard-specific features, like palm reinforcement for board carrying and 5-finger linings to improve dexterity when they’re strapping in.

These colorblock gloves from Cotopaxi will bring brightness and warmth to a winter's day for your giftee. Made from recycled polylester fleece and featuring stretchy rib-knit cuffs, the Teca Fleece Gloves are like a cozy sweater for the hands. They’re available in three vibrant colorways inspired by the outdoors. 

The one thing the ground-sleeping adventurer in your life can’t have too many of: cozy beanies in earthy tones that provide a stylish touch of warmth. They'll snuggle right into the Campwell Beanie from REI Co-op, thanks to it's blend of super-soft wool and recycled polyester. And this timeless toque is equally at home on the ski hill or running around town, so your loved one will get plenty of use out of it.

Nothing ruins a powder day faster than returning from a lunch break to find your skis or board missing from the racks. Add a bit of security with the compact DAKINE Micro Lock. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer to keep your pal’s expensive gear under lock and key. The 30-inch retractable cable makes it easy to secure belongings, and it's lightweight enough that your giftee will barely notice it in their pocket.

Your snow lover doesn’t have to be a YouTuber to enjoy the new tech packed into the latest edition of this popular action camera. The Insta360 X5 lets your shredder capture immersive, detailed footage of themselves ripping down the mountain. The brand upgraded the X5 with a longer-lasting battery, better lenses and an improved microphone compared with the previous X4. Film in 360° and edit shots and angles later for the perfect face shots.

For riders who want to jam out to their favorite tracks while making fresh tracks, the Smith Aleck Nunchucks Wireless Audio is the way to go. Designed to fit inside audio-compatible helmet ear pads, these Bluetooth headphones offer the best on-slope sound we've heard yet. The controls are easy to operate with a gloved hand, allowing you to quickly pause music or answer a call on the chair (an especially helpful feature when playing hooky on a powder day). The headphones are also compatible with the Aleck app (available on iOS and Android), which enables walkie-talkie-like communication among groups over cell networks.

Sweat-soaked, snowmelt-saturated boot liners pose a problem for both the wearer (an invitation to next-day cold toes) and friends (breathe through your mouth). Say no to both with this boot dryer from DryGuy. This portable contraption dries up to four items at a time and includes extensions for taller boots.

Help your snow bestie get organized on the slopes this season with the 55-liter Powderbound Boot Pack from REI Co-op. Gone are the days of lost keys and smashed goggles. With this handy backpack-style boot bag, they can securely fit one pair of ski or snowboard boots (with drain holes to safeguard against funk), plus a helmet and small accessories, like mittens or goggles. Mesh side pockets also allow for accessories like a water bottle or protein bar to get stashed away with ease.

Shopping for a little skiier or rider? Deck them out with unisex, winter-ready outerwear from Hootie Hoo that performs as well as it looks. The Vermont brand crafted the Pinnakle 2L Insulated Jacket and Bib Snow Pants from 100% recycled, four-way stretch polyester reinforced with a waterproof/breathable membrane that holds up from the classroom to ski school. A durable water repellent coating (made without PFCs) adds extra protection for precipitation and powder turns. And the kit is stain- and oil-resistant, too—a source of relief if base lodge chili dogs are on the menu. Hootie Hoo also stuffed each piece with PrimaLoft® Silver synthetic insulation for welcome warmth on chilly days.

Hootie Hoo was founded by an outdoor-loving mom, and that parental perspective is especially obvious when you take into account our favorite feature of this outerwear kit: the Owlet-Let-Out System. Both the sleeves of the jacket and the pant legs of the bibs extend by about two inches, so rapidly growing groms can enjoy the outerwear for multiple seasons.

Looking for a stoke-worthy stocking stuffer without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Mega Claws Stomp Pads from Crab Grab. These iconic stomp pads have amassed a cult-like following in snowboarding over the years, and for good reason. The foam Claws add a playful energy to any snowboard topsheet and provide welcome grip for getting on and off chairlifts, skating through the flats or even working on one-footers in the park. Our advice? Grab a few of these for any and all snowboarders in your life.