Outdoorsy & Adventurous
Maybe he’s into hiking and open air. Or Harleys and open roads. Or tie-dyes and open bottles of organic wine. Chances are, he’ll love these outdoorsy and/or adventurous picks.
Toms Shoes
RIVER SPORTS OUTFITTERS 2918 Sutherland Ave., 523-0066, riversportsoutfitters.com
“The ultimate feel-good purchase.” In line with their One for One movement, for every pair of Toms shoes purchased, a child in need will receive a pair courtesy of Toms. Give two gifts at once. Order from canvas, burlap, corduroy, and suede, each offered in a variety of colors and patterns. All are comfy and good for walks, boating, or hanging out (starting at $44).
Gift Certificate from Planet Xchange
PLANET XCHANGE 7240 Kingston Pike at The Gallery, 212-9779, planetxchange.com
If that new shirt, the dashing pair of jeans, and the perfectly distressed vest that you purchased him last Christmas are still lurking in the unexplored section of his closet, maybe this year he should be left to navigate the vast world of clothing on his own. With a helpful staff and an extensive men’s section, a gift certificate to Planet Xchange is the perfect gift for the guy whose clothing taste is impossible to please, plus it’s ever-so-earth-friendly. If you’re short on funds, just bring in your lightly used clothing to swap for either cash or trade credit that can serve as his gift.
Wahoo Ziplines
WAHOO ZIPLINES 877-WAHOO21, wahoozip.com
Sure, last year’s movie passes gave you the opportunity to watch him cry during Marley & Me, but this year, why not give your thrill-seeking guy something a bit more exciting? An excursion with Wahoo Ziplines will give him the chance to zip through the treelines of the Smokies at speeds up to 40 miles per hour, while suspended up to 250 feet in the air, and give you the chance to see if he’s telling the truth about his love of heights. Wahoo Ziplines, located in Sevierville, provides six mountain ziplines with over two miles of cable. A general admission pass provides him with access to all six of their signature ziplines and reduced passes are also available from Half-Off Depot (halfoffdepot.com/knoxville). Reservations required. Mailing address: Wahoo Ziplines, 605 Stockton Drive, Sevierville, TN 37876. General admission: $89 + tax
Candii Factory Man Briefs
BLISS 24 Market Square, 329-8868, shopinbliss.com
Handcrafted in Canada and composed of fabric that is stretchy, breathable, and fade-resistant, these zany briefs provide an abundance of functional fashion beneath his boring khakis. Plus, they’re comfy even for an active, outdoorsy guy. With patterns that include everything from bicycles to crossword puzzles, there is surely a pair to fit his unique personality ($32.95).
African Drums
GREEN EARTH EMPORIUM 4481 Kingston Pike, 588-9882
Eric Dixon makes the Ashiko drums sold at his store by hand, from materials that include repurposed hardwood palettes and goatskin for the covers. The smaller, hour-glass Djembe are imported, but are also a long-standing African tradition. The resonance the drums produce is a hit with both “real” musicians and those who are just goofing around—or like primal thumping.
Handblow Glass Ornaments
HANSON GALLERY 5607 Kingston Pike, 584-6097, hansongallery.com
Make the indoors more bearable for him with one of Hanson Gallery’s colorful handcrafted ornaments from 15 American and Canadian glassblowers. Good for holiday decorating but even better to enjoy year-round. No two are alike—all different shapes, sizes, and colors, just as nature intended ($15-$50).
