Not sure where to start with gifts for your loved ones this year? We’ve got you covered, from the ebike enthusiast to the little urbanist in the making! At Culdesac, we believe mobility, community, and open space are three core needs and pillars of living life to the fullest. Studies show that spending money on experiences rather than stuff alone brings people the most joy. That’s why we suggest gifting people you love (including yourself) items that will bring you and your loved ones happiness this winter season by supporting shared experiences built around mobility, community, and open space.
(By the way, these aren’t sponsored–just cool things we genuinely can’t get over!)
A Community Gift Guide: Share what you love with your neighbors
While games and goodies are fun to enjoy at home, they become even more delightful when enjoyed with your broader village. Whether you’re looking for a weatherproof outdoor game or utilitarian gear to support your endeavors in the neighborhood, we’ve got you covered:
Sidewalk Chalk
Give the gift of color this season with an assortment of non-toxic, washable jumbo chalk. Easy to find at many local stores, there will be plenty to share with friends, family, and neighbors alike. Creativity belongs to everyone!
BUBBLETHING Big Bubbles Kit
This award-winning bubble kit makes us nostalgic. We think life should have more big bubbles–for kids and adults alike. Whether you live somewhere warm or cold in winter, bubbles are magical year-round and a community delight.
Portable Corn Hole
Make new friends but keep the old with corn hole on the go. Whether you play in a parklet or a plaza, it brings people together.
Mesh Tote
One of the best ways to enjoy and build your community is to do your shopping and errands on foot when possible. Whether you’re going to the local farmer’s market or your corner store, we love affordable, collapsible mesh totes for their utility and classic design.
L.L. Bean Collapsible Wagon
If you want to do your neighborhood grocery haul but want to leave room for a tot or a furry friend, this collapsible wagon has space for it all.
A Mobility Gift Guide: The joy of movement comes in many forms
There are so many ways to move through the world, and part of the joy of living is figuring out what works best for you. However you choose to roll, walk, and more, here’s a sample of movement-igniting gifts for every budget:
The Topeak Mini 9 Multi-Tool
This compact, elegant, and lightweight gadget packs nine tools into one, perfect for every kind of rider.
Vacuum Insulated Mug
An insulated and sealed travel mug will keep your beverage of choice warm (or cold) without spilling a drop, whether you're climbing your fave neighborhood hike during the Holidays or biking to work.
Individually Wrapped Face Wipes
Individually wrapped face wipes are the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for anyone on your list. They are an excellent post-movement pick-me-up however you like to sweat.
JBL Wind 3 FM Bluetooth Handlebar Speaker
Take the mobile party anywhere with a waterproof and dustproof bike speaker. Listen to tunes as you ride or when you reach your cruising destination. What’s more fun than a dance party with wheels?
The right bike, whether you’re a kid or an adult
There’s a bike out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a solid investment bike for a growing kid or your favorite person recently gave up their car and needs a jack-of-all-trades bike to get the office, we think the Co-op Cycles REV 20 Kids’ Bike and the RadRunner 2 Electric Utility Bike will delight your recipient. Both are true blue bikes that are best-in-class investments. Take a look at this guide to buying ebikes for tips, tricks, and further inspiration!
Cavallini Vintage Bicycles 1,000 Piece Puzzle
We stan this adorable puzzle of old-school bicycles. Equally perfect for the little urbanist or the big urbanist who wants to unwind.
An Open Space Gift Guide: We love being outdoors year-round!
One of the joys of being alive is spending time outside in the world. Whether that’s the national park you’ve always wanted to explore, your apartment’s balcony, or your neighborhood park, we’ve got you covered for enjoying open space year-round.
HotHands Warmers Hand and Body Variety Pack
Keep your toes, hands, and body feeling nice and toasty so you can enjoy time outside however you choose!
Vegtrug Herb Garden Frame & Cover Set
This lightweight elevated gardening bed can support whatever seasonal plants you’re eyeing. Whether you want to decorate your sidewalk or your balcony, this space-efficient option is also rental-friendly.
Giant Jenga
Take the fun outside and invite your neighbors for a game of Jenga! We promise it gets thrilling very fast.
MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights + Charger
These solar and USB-rechargeable lights can brighten any gathering or outdoor space in a season known both for darkness and coziness. Whether you want to bring them to the park, while camping, or to decorate your window ledge, these lights will no doubt delight.
America the Beautiful Pass
Good for a year, this pass is your passport to enjoying over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks. Enjoy open space on an epic level with people you love or while flying solo.
Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
This epic, washable blanket is made of recycled post-consumer materials and comes in gorgeous colors and patterns for every style. Whether you take it camping or to the fire pit at your local brewery, it is a power player in warmth, comfort, and utility. We have our eye on the Blue Hawaii pattern to keep us warm both existentially and physically this winter.
Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair
Last but certainly not least, this 2-person (or furry friend) camping bench has it all. Insulated beverage holders, comfortable padding, collapsible design. Need we say more?
A Book Gift Guide: Read about the intersection of Community, Mobility, and Open Space!
You never have to choose with a good book!
Walkable City (Tenth Anniversary Edition): How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature! Need we say more? There's even more to celebrate this year with the new 10th Anniversary Edition of this epic book.
Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs
This enchanting picture book tells a fictionalized story of Jane Jacobs, one of the most influential urban pioneers of all time.
The Works: Anatomy of a City
When we think about community, we think first about people. But actually, a world of systems and infrastructure enables us to live our lives. This is the right book for anyone curious about how cities work.
Missing Middle Housing: Thinking Big and Building Small to Respond to Today’s Housing Crisis
An inspiring call to action to build walkable housing for people and a crash course on how we can build someplace better.
Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design
A digestible guide to how well-designed cities make us happier and healthier.
However you choose to show your love and gratitude this holiday season, we hope you enjoy the timeless gifts of mobility, community, and open space year-round. While these goodies certainly help, living your best life is free and doesn’t require anything but the joy you share with yourself and others.
Merry everything from your friends at Culdesac!
