A new line of outdoorsy gift packages says happy holidays from the Green Mountain State

For those hard-to-shop-for folks on your holiday gift list this year, Vermont State Parks has created something that is sure to get them out of the house and into the woods where they can channel their inner-Thoreau.

For the month of December, Vermont State Parks is offering a brand-new line of holiday gift boxes being billed as “putting Vermont’s great outdoors under your tree.” The gift boxes are for the young and the young-at-heart.

These practical “buy local” gifts include outdoor gear and access to Vermont’s outdoor experiences.

State of Vermont

Vermont State Parks is offering a brand-new line of holiday gift boxes which are being billed as “putting Vermont’s great outdoors under your tree.”

Designed to be easy on the gift giver, each gift box is ready to place under the tree since it is fully wrapped. And here’s an added bonus: free shipping is included. The boxes can be conveniently ordered online via the Vermont State Parks website. All packages are shipped to the purchaser or the recipient.

There is a package for every budget, according to Caroline Zeilenga, executive assistant to the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.

For the day tripper, the $69 gift package is the ticket to several weekends full of adventure. The package contains a punch card good for 10 state park day visits, a notebook and pen set, and a Vermont State Parks drybag, Zeilenga noted. For the weekend warrior, you can give two nights of tent or RV camping in a state park, a coupon for a free armload of firewood, two Vermont State Parks wine tumblers, and an LED lantern for $99.

Zeilenga also said that there’s something for the whole family, too: “Grab this family fun package at $165 and you will unlock an entire season of adventure.”

Zeilenga noted that the family package includes one season vehicle pass, good for entry into any Vermont State Parks day use area for up to eight people in a vehicle, two one-hour boat rental coupons, a collapsible picnic basket, and a fold-up picnic blanket.

Not to be left behind, there are, of course, state park “stocking stuffers,” too.

These items include coffee mugs, water bottles, hats, flashlights, iron- and sew-on patches, t-shirts, books, and more, according to Zeilenga. Consider punch cards good for all of 2020 and park passes for vehicles or individuals.

This year, a new book published by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is also available for purchase online. Titled, “Woods Whys: An Exploration of Forests and Forestry” by Department Commissioner Michael Snyder, the book makes an ideal gift because it discuses Vermont’s unique forest environment along with making ideal reading at the campsite next summer.

“Condensing complex forest science into topics that are accessible, fun and easy-to-understand is challenging, and it’s what makes ‘Woods Whys’ such a great resource,” Tony D’Amato, professor and director of the forestry program at the University of Vermont, said about the work. “This book helps connect everyone to the woods, whether they’re novices or forestry professionals.”

According to Zeilenga, “whether you give the gift of adventure this holiday season, or simply want to give the gift of unforgettable experiences in Vermont state parks, incredible outdoor explorations await at Vermont’s 55 state parks.”

Lou Varricchio is a freelance reporter for True North Reports. Send him news tips at lvinvt@gmx.com.

Image courtesy of state of Vermont

One thought on “A new line of outdoorsy gift packages says happy holidays from the Green Mountain State

  1. Great idea. Unfortunately, the heads up is coming 4 days before Christmas. We have Vermont loving family members in California, Oregon, Washington State and Idaho, and these items would have made wonderful gifts. Hope this is successful and available next year at an earlier date.

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