In the past year, some of us picked up new sports and activites, learned a new hobby, and spent time daydreaming about future adventures. We think these popular items are a reflection of that built-up stoke: camp furniture for nights around the bonfire, cooking equipment for backyard get togethers, and travel gear for bucket-list trips. Here are our gift recommendations for an excitement-filled Mother’s Day.
A Versatile Camp Chair
Our Picks:ċċċċċ
- ($110)
- ($150)
- ($80)
There’s nothing like kicking back in a chair at camp after a long day, and Mom deserves the most comfortable seat available. In 2020, we picked the two-person (pictured above) as one of the year’s most coveted items: “I’m not generally one for bringing luxury items into the woods, but somehow this camping couch is on my permanent list of things never to leave behind,” wrote senior gear editor Ariella Gintzler. We also like the supportive , which we featured it in our 2020 Summer Buyer’s Guide. But for true versatility, we’d pick the car-camp ready . “With wooden armrests and a muted aesthetic, it’s at home in a minimalist patio setup, too,” our tester wrote.
An Air Fryer
Our Picks:
- ($120)
- ($100)
Air fryers are hot items right now, which is why contributor Christine Byrne wrote a complete guide on how they work, what the experts think, as well as some recipes to try. Spoiler: they’re basically small convection ovens. “Unlike frying, which uses oil or butter for heat transfer, convection uses a fan to quickly circulate hot air,” she explains. Byrne tested the (pictured above), noting that it “efficiently crisps food on all sides, since there’s plenty of room underneath and above the basket for air to circulate.” She also tested the , and liked how easy it is to use. Read Byrne’s full guide and review here.
A Jumpsuit
Our Picks:
- ($178, XS-XL)
- ($139, XS-XL)
- ($119, XS-XL)
There are a lot of reasons to love a jumpsuit: you can wear it for multiple activities, they’re comfortable, and most of all, they’re unfussy and simple. That’s why we crowned the (pictured above) the MVP of summer. “The stretchy recycled polyester-spandex blend makes for a jumpsuit that’s incredibly light and airy, with performance chops,” our tester wrote. Buyer’s Guide tester and senior editor Kelsey Lindsey prefers the roomy ڴǰ comfort on long flights, while senior editor Ariella Gintzler likes the ڴǰ working from home. “The fabric is so durable and easy to wipe clean that I’ve even found myself kneeling down for impromptu post-work weeding sessions without changing,” she wrote. “I can’t say all that about many other items in my closet.”
Sleek Luggage for Future Trips
Our Picks:
- ($245)
- ($299)
- ($419)
Consider building the travel stoke even more with some of our favorite luggage, like the (pictured above) and bags, both of which won our Gear of the Year award in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Most recently, tester Janna Irons praised the Caldera Converitble for its ability to handle all types of travel: “The Convertible combines functionality, sustainability, style, and tech in a convenient, reliable roller pack that works exactly how you need it to, whether at the airport or along rugged back roads.” But if you’re looking for a simple upgrade to Mom’s old four-wheel luggage, consider the (pictured above). Its smooth swivel makes airplane travel a breeze, and if she needs room for more souvenirs, a bottom zipper lends 1.75 inches of bonus storage.