With the recent arrival of our first snowfall of the season, we are gently reminded that Christmas Day is a mere two weeks away!

While you may have decided on any major purchases for Christmas gifts this year, there may still be a need for suggestions for “stocking stuffers” or additional gifts under the tree.

The good news is that for most outdoor enthusiasts, there are many gadgets and much gear that are available, no matter what the specific sport or activity they enjoy.

If you are hoping to please someone who is into the shooting sports, be it handgun, rifle, or shotgun, a trip to the local sporting goods store will allow you to pick out a huge array of items that will fit any pocketbook and just might fit into a stocking hung by the chimney with care! A box or two of shells for his favorite firearm, some gun-cleaning supplies, or a gift certificate for the purchase of the latest gun they have been wanting will make them happy.

If the recipient is a hunter, then focus on whatever game they like to pursue. For turkey hunters, there is a limitless supply of gear and gadgets to help them be successful on their next turkey outing. From box calls, slate calls, and mouth calls to special turkey loads for his favorite shotgun, and even an upgrade of his camouflage outfit or turkey vest, there is a wide variety of items that will be appreciated. The same is true of those hunters who like to hunt pheasants, grouse, squirrels, deer, or bear — lots of “stuff” available that is useful on their hunts.

If you are trying to make a fisherman happy, particularly a fly fisherman, you are really in luck. There is probably no other pursuit in the outdoors that has more gear and more gadgets available to up the game than fly fishing! Dry flies, wet flies, streamers, and nymphs, along with a multitude of fly lines, leaders, and equipment ranging from a few dollars to the sky’s the limit, can be purchased at most nearby sporting goods stores.

If you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, consider signing someone up to join an organization that supports one of their favorite activities. The membership generally includes a monthly magazine so that they will be reminded month after month of your thoughtfulness. There are the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation), TU (Trout Unlimited), the RGS (Ruffed Grouse Society), the Boone & Crockett Club, NRA (National Rifle Association), as well as many other great organizations that support their interests.

For those of you who are simply in a quandary as to what to get, there is always the go-to gift certificate. It works great if you want someone to have the final say on what color, shape, or size of an item they might want.

But, in the end, there is only ONE thing that you can give someone that will impress them the most. Sure, shopping for a gadget or some gear, wrapping it nicely, and watching them open it on Christmas morning is nice, but it doesn’t come close to what I am about to suggest.

What is the most valuable item or “thing” that we have? That anyone has, really? Is it our expensive automobile or truck? Or, is it our home? Actually, it is neither of those nor any possession you may have. It is your time. Time is a finite quantity that once it’s gone, it’s gone. You cannot replace a minute, like you can replace almost any possession you may have. So why not consider giving a gift of your most valuable possession — your time? Here’s what I mean.

How nice would it be to fix your dad, mom, or child their favorite breakfast, then go on a hike together? Or pack a lunch and go for a walk along their favorite fishing stream, sit for a while, and have some great, deep conversations — talking about the things that are important to them, things you rarely take the time to discuss. Maybe even cook them their favorite meal over a grill or a wood fire, then spend time visiting and reminiscing about some of your favorite memories from hunting or fishing outings. Sharing your time would be the most appreciated and memorable thing you could do.

Sure, gifts, gear, and gadgets are nice and will be appreciated, but spending time together and creating a wonderful memory together is really the best thing you could give anyone for this Christmas!