Gift giving is hard work, but over the years I've improved at it. The trick is to focus on a favorite activity of your loved one and get them something that involves that— easier said than done, obviously. But if you're struggling to find a gift for the mountain lover in your life, I've got you covered with this list:

Footwear

I know you're hesitant to buy shoes or boots as a gift because even if you know someone's shoe size, you can't be certain they'll actually fit. As an alternative, consider purchasing a pair of snow cleats that help with traction in the snow, or waterproof shoe covers that can help keep feet warm on a cold Montana day.

Backpack

A snow sports backpack can be a great asset on a hike or on a ski trip. With this gift your loved one will be grateful they don't wear out their day-to-day bag while on their adventures.

Pants

Don't let your loved one winter hike in jeans because having chilly legs is no fun. Keep in mind there are pants made specifically for hiking, skiing and snowboarding, so pick accordingly.

Socks

Maybe as a kid you didn't like getting socks as a gift, but times have changed and now you love it, right? It's a meme for a reason. Just make sure they're NOT cotton. May I suggest wool?

Gift Card

You can't go wrong with a gift card to Scheels. There are 3 Scheels stores in Montana, one in Missoula, one in Great Falls and one in Billings. Here's the Scheels store locator for the exact addresses.

7 Charming Montana Places to Explore on a Three-Day Weekend

Montana may be a big state that's far away from big cities, but with only three days you can find a lot of places worth exploring. Check out this list of charming locations you might not know about:

PHOTOS: Light Up Western Montana 2022

Enjoy these photos of holiday displays in Western Montana. You can send us a photo too--just click here.