Buying for a climber is not easy. A majority of the gear is specific to the climber, how they climb, where they climb, and how often they climb. To someone who doesn’t climb, sorting through a wall of carabiners seems silly – they all look the same. But each piece of gear is made for a specific instance, and even then there are often variations on one product. Instead of buying the wrong carabiner or harness, choose things that any climber can use and appreciate, learn to use, or at least something that’s pretty cool.

Community Chalk Bucket – $38

For someone who is an avid boulderer, a big chalk bag is necessary. Something that sits upright, won’t spill on the way to and from the crag or gym, and most importantly – something that holds a ton of chalk. This bag by Asana is all of that. It has a brush loop, a carry handle, and a water resistant bottom so wet ground won’t be a worry. It’s big enough to share and designed with traveling climbers in mind so it won’t get in the way.

Climbing Dictionary: Mountaineering Slang, Terms, Neologisms and Lingo: An Illustrated Reference to More Than 650 Words – $15

This book is a great gift for any climber of any experience level. Climbing comes with an entirely different language – and often it can be intimidating when someone chats you up at the gym and you have no idea what they’re saying to do. Spinner? You smeared the wall? Beta what? This book will answer the questions. The author, Matt Samet, is the former editor-in-chief of Climbing Magazine, and is an avid climber himself.

Arc’Teryx Nuclei Hoody – $240

The Nuclei is ultimately a belay jacket that is great for all other aspects of life, at and away from the crag. It stuffs into its pocket to the size of a water bottle, and can clip into a harness. It’s warm enough to use during colder months, but breathable enough that you won’t be roasting. The jacket comes in a womens and mens version, both of which fit a little small, so if you’re ordering one online it might not be a bad idea to size up.

Lybeck Flannel Shirt – $75

What’s a climber without a flannel? It’s practically a uniform, and a guaranteed piece of clothing that will get worn at the crag and elsewhere. The Lybeck is a little thicker than the average flannel, and is made of 100 percent organic cotton. It fits a little looser, so could be worn while climbing without any worries of restriction.

Hangboards – $40–100

Hangboards are great for the climber who might be stuck inside all winter, but still wants to improve. Sure, going to the gym and scaling every bouldering route there will help – but hangboards are an effective training method to keep you in shape. They range in price and type, it’s best to know what level of difficulty the climber is at and gauge to buy one around there. Detroit Rock Climbing Company makes one for beginners to intermediate climbers, rated at a V3. Metolius makes wood handboards that come with the mounting hardware also, which is something to think about when buying a hangboard for someone – where are they going to put it?

Compass – $5–10

Most of the time directions to a pitch are pretty vague. A couple meters north, turn at the big tree, and then scramble up the rocks once you’ve crossed the tyrolean to the east of the trailhead. It’s not always easy. A compass can be extremely useful in finding your way, and finding your way back to the car later on. The Brunton Tag Along Compass is small, and can pin onto your rope bag, shirt, pants, or whatever you are most likely not to lose. The Sun Company TempaCompass Keychain is on a carabiner, as if a climber needs one more clipped to them, and also has a thermometer on it.

Climber’s Hand Repair Balm – $10

You think your hands are dry and chapped in the winter – try coating them with chalk, ripping them on rocks and sanding them down with a rope. These are the hands of a climber, and they’re usually pretty bad. Metolius makes a nice hand repair balm made with beeswax, almond oil, aloe vera, and other great ingredients that will have any climbers hands looking like new. Climb On! also makes a bar with similar ingredients.

Crag Half-Finger Glove – $16

Belaying for hours on end can really tear up your hands, which isn’t ideal, seeing that you need those things for climbing. Belay gloves can make a huge difference on how your hands feel at the end of the day. Black Diamond’s Crag Half-Finger Glove is lightweight, breathable so you don’t get sweaty palms. Synthetic leather makes sure you’ve got a good grip for hangdog sessions, and have loops on them so they can clip into a harness easily.

Rock Climbing Mugs – $19

These mugs are made with real holds for the handle, attached to a porcelain mug. They come as a single, in a set of four, as mason jars, or shot glasses, so you can drink anything out there with a good grip.

Climbing Rope Chain Necklace – $99

The sterling silver chain on this necklace ties at the front like a mini silver rope, attached by a tiny carabiner that also functions as a clasp. It can be ordered in any length, and has several options to be ordered as a bracelet or necklace.

Gym membership

Gym memberships can often be one of the most expensive parts of climbing. A year pass can stretch anywhere from $200-$600, depending on the gym. Find the local climbing gym and see if they have any deals on a year long pass, or even a monthly membership. A lot of climbing gyms have specials around the holidays, and getting a pass for either an entire year, month, or even a few day passes is surely a worthwhile gift that will be appreciated.