GIFT IDEAS
Are you like us, still low on gifts... Need the perfect 'something' for that perfect 'someone? WE'RE YOUR LAST MINUTE GIFT GIVING DESTINATION! We have lots of knowledgeable staff and Winnipeg's best selection of skis, outerwear & underwear, snowboards and Bikes.

If you are of those who simply refuse to cave in to the purveying trend of X-Box, PS2 and other living-room tv anchoring devices that are keeping our youth locked inside the house with a can of Pringles, You're our kind of customer!

Are you simply out of ideas? Looking for THE gift that will set their eyes ablaze? Clueless as to what the "dude" in you life would want that doesn't involve first-person kill games... Wondering what the heck to get your snowboarding brother or your "he's got everything already" dad... or those wonderful little ankle biters in your life?

FEAR NOT WINNIPEG! The staff here at Gord's is here for you! We ski, we snowboard, we ride and we like gear. We know gear and we have wants too so we can help! With the city's largest selection of the coolest stuff (no kidding!) We are your gift-giving destination "par-excellence"!

To help you in this difficult time we've asked our humble staff (past and present) to come up with four gift ideas each (35 dollars and less, 100 dollars and less, 250 dollars and less and the always exciting "Price is no object" selections)... Hopefully we can help (of course we can help!). And relax, we have something for every imaginable budget! From tiny pocketbooks to cost-is-no-object gift-o-rama and everything in between, drop on by either of our two locations, we have the good stuff, the gift ideas you need to make the holiday season full of smiles for those in your life.

We asked our staff (past and current) to help you out on this one... 4 gift ideas each, covering different price ranges. $30 and less, $100 and less, $250 and less and a price-no object category. Hopefully this will help those of you in a creative gift-giving slump. But these are just a few of the hundreds, nay, thousands of gift ideas we have in-store for you. just drop on by or email us at contact@gords.com and we'll do our utmost to help you find the perfect thing for the perfect someone. It's what we do.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The following gift ideas have been collected over the past 4 years and may or may not contain items still available and prices may have fluctuated since original publication. That being said, enjoy!

Max's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: Patagonia LW (light weight) Glove liners
Price:$32.95 (i know it's a little above but you can't afford not to get these!)
Description:A thin poly-material glove liner that keeps your hands dry and warm
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Everyone needs a set of these gloves liners! even if you don't get cold hands in the winter, it's still great to have them on for when you take off your big gloves on the hill.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Dakine Charger Gloves
Price: $54.95
Description: A light leather palmed glove
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Sure they might not be the greatest for when it's minus thirty but they look sweet and if you ski (or snowboard) in the spring a glove like this is a must

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Smith Prodigy Goggles (Exclusive)
Price: $199.95
Description: A round lens goggle that fits great and looks even better
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Aside from it having one of the coolest looking frames it's tech specs are great to!

[4] Price is no object
Item: Dynastar Troublemaker Twin-Tip Skis
Price: $800.00 including bindings
Description: A new school park ski
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: From turning to Jumping, Goin' Backwards or the fashionshow's afterwards this ski does it all.

JL's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: Dakine Goggle case. A few stickers.
Price: $19.95 for the case. $1.00 - $5.00 for stickers.
Description: A padded case for your goggles and extra lenses. Shiney stickers.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Keeps your goggles and lenses scratch free during transportation. Looks cool. Toss a few stickers in there for good measure.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Sigma PC-9 heart-rate monitor.
Price: $84.95
Description: Sigma sport monitor track your heart rate as well as the time.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: It's a speedometer for your heart. Never be late again with it's handy watch function.

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Blackburn Trackstand Trainer with wheel block and sweat-catcher.
Price: $225.85
Description: Super stable, solid trainer with 3 resistance levels. Wheel blocks keep the bike sitting level, while the sweat catcher prevents corrosion to the bolts on your bike.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Winter? Monsoon season? Pinched for time? Set up your trainer, turn up the music and log some saddle time.

[4] Price is no object
Item: Burton Junior Snowboard package. Safety gear, and a couple of the hottest DVDs.
Price: $400+
Description: Burton chopper board with Freestyle boots and bindings are durable, comfy and look good.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: 2010 Olympics are coming up quicker than you'd think. Even if the kids aren't interested in going pro, they'll sleep well. The DVDs should keep them from fighting on the way out to the hill. Armor? Kids fall.

Adam's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: RC SKi Strap
Price: $5.95
Description: A strap that holds your skis together at the tip or tail.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: It prevents your skis from falling all over the place as you walk to the hill, which not only keeps you from experiencing those embarrassing moments but it also keeps your edges from hitting each other and getting all dinged up!

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Patagonia Capilene Long Underwear
Price: $49.95 - $74.95
Description: Long underwear that will keep you warm and dry. Also the 3 different weights give you the performance you want for the activity your doing.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Who doesn't like to be comfortable? With capilene 1,2 and 3 in your wardrobe for base layers you'll be cool/warm (depending on your activities) and dry.

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Giro G10 Helmet
Price: $159.95
Description: An awesome helmet that fits like a glove for almost all types of heads
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Really this is the helmet that fits me best, so find one that fits you because any helmet is an awesome gift when it fits right. With all the cool styles now and the fact that it protects your most valuable asset, there is no reason to not wear one!

[4] Price is no object
Item: Head J.O. Pro Model Skis
Price: $699.95 including bindings
Description: One hot pair of twin tip skis
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Twins! I shouldn't have to say much more other than they are sweet skis that can tear up a park and still allow you to ski the mountain. They also have the coolest ski graphic out there.

Matty's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: Nikwax Care Kit Price: $28.95
Description: A combo pack designed for cleaning and maintaining waterproof/breathable garments.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea:When you have already invested in a great jacket, or pair of pants the Nikwax Care Kit will revive, protect, and restore the waterproof characteristics of most synthetic technical pieces.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: The North Face S.T.H. Glove
Price: $74.95
Description: A stretch-fit, high-dexterity glove that fits like a dream.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: From my own experience, these gloves are amazing. This glove is windproof, waterproof, yet still extremely breathable due to its soft shell construction. It is an incredibly versatile glove for those who scrape their car windows in the morning, to those that cross-country ski for hours on end.

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Smith Fuse Exclusive Goggle
Price: $164.95
Description: A great well-rounded all-condition goggle.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Every one who does snow sports can take advantage of a good pair of goggles. I mean, you wouldn't drive your car without a windshield right? These goggles actually come WITH an extra lens, so your ready for all snow condition from night riding, to sunny days on the slopes. Plus, the style factor is threw the roof!

[4] Price is no object
Item: The North Face Verdi Down Jacket
Price: $349.95
Description: A durable, waterproof, windproof, breathable winter jacket.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: The jacket is absolutely gorgeous. It is so stylish, the technical features almost go unnoticed. Being from The North Face's snow sport category, it is an amazing ski/board jacket that can still keep you comfy watching the kids play hockey.

For more gift suggestions from Matty, email him at: matty@gords.com

JF's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: TWO Camelback Water Bottles
Price:14.95 each.
Description: Spill-proof, easy to drink from water bottle.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: A double whammy, This bottle provides easy access to much needed hydration, comes in many funky colors, works great AND you're showing you care about their health! (even if deep down inside... well, you know... you might not).

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Amoeba SCUD carbon-fiber handlebar
Price: 69.95
Description: Mountain-Bike Carbon fiber handlebar
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Every mountain-biker secretly wants a carbon fiber handlebar and this economical, high quality bar will hit the spot. More comfortable than a pure aluminum bar it has all the "bling" one would hope for and as a bonus: the recipient will think you paid a LOT more than you actually did!

[3] $250 and lower
Item: The North Face Red Point
Price:199.95
Description: THE ultimate fleece jacket replacement.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: If someone does not own one of these, they should. Warm, light, packable, fashionable and did I say WARM? If your recipient should already own one worry not, everyone would love to have two... just make sure you don't buy a black one and you're safe.

[4] Price is no object
Item: Dynastar SKICROSS downhill skis
Price: 1099.95 (includes bindings)
Description: Just the best skis ever.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Like the guy said: The best skis ever. From the rank beginner to the ex-national team member these are the one ski to do it all, fast, nimble, stable, smooth, easy, challenging, great in powder, bumps, on flats, in a snowplow or trying to break 120km/h on Goat's Eye... These are the skis every skier dreams of skiing on... Crap, forget the gifting... buy them for yourself! (you can read more about my unrepentant love for this ski HERE) Oh and then for the A-type skiers there are those Nordica Hellcats... mmmm... don't get me started on those...

For more gift suggestions from JF, email him at: JF@gords.com

Ryan VanDusen's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: RC Retractor lock
Price: 19.95
Description: retractor lock
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: simple. If its locked, its harder to steal.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Dakine Boot Bag
Price: 49.95
Description: gear bag
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: If you head to the hill every weekend why not keep your gear together in one bag. Equipped with separate compartments for your boots so that your gear will stay nice and dry. An essential of any rider!!

[3] $250 and lower
Item:Oakley Hardcore pant
Price: 179.95
Description: insulated ski/snowboard pant
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: clean looking,baggy and warm. Three great reasons why this pant is a great choice.

[4] Price is no object
Item: Nitro T1 legacy
Price: $449.95
Description: supreme park/mountain board.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: with 70's inspired punk rock as the T1 legacy is a "in your face" kinda board. Great pop, mellow flex for rails and an indestructible base make this board one of the best.

For more gift suggestions from Ryan, email him at: ryan@gords.com

Leanne's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: Smartwool W's or M's Light Race socks
Price: $27.95
Description: They come in great fun colors for women! They are soft merino wool. They can be used for cross country or downhill or just for everyday.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: For the person who complains that their feet are cold, will complain no longer! Socks are the gift that keeps on giving, and you always need more than 1 pair of socks for a ski trip!

[2] $100 and lower
Item: R.C. "Dry and Warm' Boot dryer
Price: $49.95
Description: Small, compact drying system for outerwear boots.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: These little boot dryers can easily be packed away for travel and are great for any type of winter footwear...ski boots, snowboard boots, winter boots, cross country boots... anyone will love it!

[3] $250 and lower
Item: The North Face Redpoint
Price: $199.95
Description: A light weight jacket with Primaloft insulation and a slick nylon exterior.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: This gift is great for women and men because it can be used as a layering piece or a jacket on its own. No one complains that they are too hot!

[4] Price is no object
Item: Thule or Yakima Cargo Box
Price: $500+
Description: Cargo storage for the roof of your car.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Ideal for the active family. Can accommodate skis, snowboards, camping gear, Chariots...maximize your travel space and make the car ride more comfortable. Who wants a ski pole poking you in the head?

For more gift suggestions from Leanne, email her at: leanne@gords.com

Coppens' four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: ZARDOZ NOTWAX
Price:$19.95
Description:Teflon based Rub on Wax.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Provides noticeable difference in speed on skis AND snowboards... Makes the Wax last longer and keeps the base of the board CLEANER during spring time conditions. Also prevents bases from STICKING on sticky snow.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Dakine Deluxe Tuning Kit
Price: $69.95
Description: On the go Tune kit for minor tuning of skis and boards.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Comes with a sweet carrying case and EVERYTHING you would need to quickly fix your board on the go.
comes WITH
-Snowboard Wax Scraper (can also be used for Skis)
-Edge Texture Pad.
-Metal Scraper
-2 PTex Sticks one CLEAR and one BLACK
-Edge guide with Edge file, for quick edge sharpening, polishing.
-Small stick of wax.
-Ceramic stone, for rust removal!
-Metal File
and a SMALL Metal Brush.
Great for long trips to keep your board going strong.
Add on some Zardoz for $19.95 to stay under $100.00 to keep their wax job lasting longer!

[3] $250 and lower
Items: Park Tool Bike Stand
Price: $254.95
Description: OK OK its over 250 but its SOOOOO CLOSE and its perfect. Home Bike repair stand.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: This is great because it folds down almost to nothing, sets up small and easily adjusts to any size seat tube.
Great easy to use clamp system as well.

[4] Price is no object
Item(s): Full Thule fit kit, bars, arms, everything... and a SKYBOX.
Price: $... lots
Description: Full roof mounting system, with fit kits to attach to your vehicle.
And a SKYBOX to carry skis, boards, equipment, small children, ANYTHING!
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: This would be great because after christmas there are trips GALORE and with this you could carry all your stuff and not load down your vehicle with useless bags, and equipment.

For more gift suggestions from Coppens, email him at: coppens@gords.com

Marcel's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: smartwool socks
Price:25-30
Description:Merino wool socks - AMAZINGLY warm and comfortable
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: addictively comfortable and toasty - the can't miss gift

[2] $100 and lower
Item:Patagonia Capilene Underwear
Price:50-99
Description:Patagonia's industry standard base layer
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: I've been recommending this stuff since JFR was a baby and I have never had a single person come back anything less than totally pumped by its performance and durability

[3] $250 and lower
Item: The North Face Rolling Thunder Gear Bag
Price:249.95
Description:duffel bag on wheels
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: great warranty, great durability, and awesome big hauler if you do a lot of traveling - only downside is too easy to put too much into it!

[4] Price is no object
Item: Rocky Mountain Element 50
Price: 3000-ish
Description: full suspension cross country racer
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: because I WANT ONE - who could resist Santa if he put one of these bad boys under the tree? Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

For more gift suggestions from Marcel, email him at: marcel@gords.com

Marc's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: RC Rat Crapper
Price: $15.95
Description: Snowboard Multi-tool
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Gives you an excellent selection of the most often needed snowboards tools in a compact, easy to use package.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Patagonia Capilene Underwear
Price: $44.95-$79.95
Description: Synthetic base layer used for outdoor activities.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: An essential layering piece for any outdoor enthusiast. Comes in three levels for different temperatures and activity levels.

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Spy Soldier Goggles
Price: $114.95-$179.95
Description: Snowboard or ski goggles
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Well made goggles for anyone spending time on the hill. Comes in different styles and lens tints, with additional lenses available through ordering.

[4] Price is no object
Item: Arbor Element Snowboard
Price: $649.95
Description: An advanced, all-mountain snowboard.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: A gorgeous board made with a Hawaiian Koa topsheet, this board is for the rider who goes hard on the whole mountain.

For more gift suggestions from Marc, email him at: marc@gords.com

Trip's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower
Item: Halo Headband
Price: $19.95
Description: Headband that fits under a helmet and channels sweat away from your eyes to your temples.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: It's for something that really annoys many people when working out but they don't realize there is solution for. It will be appreciated more and more over time.

[2] $100 and lower
Item: Pedros Super Pit Kit
Price: $94.95
Description: Everything you need post ride to make your bike pretty again!
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: If you've ever ridden your mountain bike when it's anything but bone dry outside you'll realize that it takes a lot of effort and time to get your bike clean again. This makes that process so much easier and your bike will look better than new!

[3] $250 and lower
Item: Smith Threshold Polarized Sunglasses
Price: $159.95
Description: Sunglasses with polarized and interchangeable lenses.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: One pair of sunglasses that fits every lighting condition and you can use for running, biking, skiing... anything. They are wicked awesome.

[4] Price is no object
Item: Ellsworth Epiphany
Price: Well equipped for about $9000
Description: Super light 5" travel full suspension mountain bike.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Arguably the best 5" bike out there. You can ride it on the prairies, in the whiteshell or on lift serviced downhill riding. The most versatile suspension travel quantity and a very well balanced climber. You can't find a better bike. The way to any riders heart is through their steed!

For more gift suggestions from Trip, email him at: trip@gords.com

Carolyn's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower:
Item: Fox River Socks
Price: 27.95$
Description: Light to Mid weight socks that are anatomically designed to fit each foot correctly (men's and women's). The fabric is a Merino wool and Silk blend allowing the sock to be warm and soft.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Because anyone who lives in Winnipeg needs a good pair of warm socks. Whether they be used for athletic purposes, or keeping you warm while waiting for the bus, you can never go wrong with socks!

[2] $100 and lower:
Item: Patagonia Capilene (1, 2, or 3) Bottom or Top
Price: 49.95$ - 74.95$
Description: Capilene 1, a light-weight layering piece meant to keep you cool and dry. Capilene 2, a mid-weight layering piece meant to keep you cool and dry, but also acts as a slightly insulating piece. Capilene 3, a heavier-weight layering piece meant to keep you warm and dry.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Whether the base layers be used for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or walking the dog you can customize the top and bottoms to specifically fit the warmth or wicking needs of the person. Patagonia is also a very environmentally conscious company (Common Threads Program, 1% for the Planet, etc.) making them the perfect gift for the "green one: in the family.

[3] $250 and lower:
Item: The North Face Redpoint Jacket
Price: 199.95
Description: An insulating piece that has the option of being worn alone or as a layer. It is made with Primaloft One insulation which is 25% percent warmer than down when wet and 15% warmer (overall) than down.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Because this piece can be used on those extra cold Winnipeg days under your jacket AND can be used as either a spring or fall jacket as well. It's nice and toasty warm :)

[4] Price is no object:
Item: Orage Chloe Jacket and Celine Pants
Price: 289$ and 199$
Description: Insulated Freestyle Ski Jacket and Pants
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Because it's the best gosh-darned fully matching snowsuit in the land.

For more gift suggestions from Carolyn, email her at: carolyn@gords.com

Todd's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower:
Item: R.C. Kid Ski Jumper Harness
Price: 29.95
Description: Kid Harness has leg and torso straps for more security. The harness is designed to further improve the child's balance by distributing the resistance throughout the entire body. An excellent learning device. Its fun!!
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: You can use it on a ski hill or even when you go somewhere on a family trip with lots of crowds. If your kid loves to run around and get lost but you would like to keep them closer to you then pick this up and you can use it anywhere.

[2] $100 and lower:
Item: Horny Toad Fuse Sweater
Price: 69.95
Description: Sweater to help keep you warm. Looks great!!
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Because its Horny Toad, They are a killer brand and plus some people laugh when you say the name.

[3] $250 and lower:
Item: Dakine Pro II Backpack
Price: 129.95
Description: Backpack
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Its a pack that you can use for anything, you can attach ski's to it, or snowboard either on the back or sideways across your body. It looks hot. It comes with a 2 year warranty.

[4] Price is no object:
Item: Patagonia Women's Active "Boyshorts"
Price: 29.95
Description: Either rose red or baby blue underwear.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: It looks great!! It going to help keep you warm and dry. It looks Hot!!

For more gift suggestions from Todd, email him at: todd@gords.com

Daniel's four gift suggestions:

[1] $30 and lower:
Item: Power Skins - Dual Power Balaclava
Price: $22.95
Description: Superior balaclava technology
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Balaclava's are great for keeping your head and neck warm during those long excursions to who-knows-where, back country, Canada. This versatile balaclava uses Hot Chillys' sock technology to keep your head in the game or on the slopes all winter long.

[2] $100 and lower:
Item: The North Face - Pamir Wind Stopper Glove
Price: $59.95
Description: Light all-purpose glove
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Everyone needs gloves. These gloves are great for going to the store, scraping the windshield, or simply going out to see the winter lights. They have a nice tactile palm for grip, and are made of a special breathable fleece that stops the wind, so that your hands stay dry and warm this winter.

[3] $250 and lower:
Item: Karbon - Flash Snow Pants
Price: $249.95
Description: Stylish snow pants
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: The perfect wardrobe addition for the trend-setter who engages in all winter activities. Forget your standard black snow pants - these have nifty pin stripes that when coupled with Karbon's renowned warmth and durability, will also keep all eyes on you as you rip down that hill.

[4] Price is no object:
Item: Intense 6.6 Frameset
Price: $2695
Description: 6.6 inch full-suspension dream machine
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: This frame has been fully tested and has earned the respect of the shop. It is the perfect gift for the mountain biking enthusiast with an unlimited budget looking to build the ultimate do-anything go-anywhere bike. With so much suspension, such a wicked look, and a name like "Intense", it will be the envy of all your friends!

[5] Stocking Stuffer
Item: Gord's Ski Straps
Price: $5.95
Description: It is a strap used to hold your skis together.
Why is it a Great Gift Idea: Ski straps are the perfect size and price for sticking in a loved one's stocking. Whether grabbing skis out of storage, leaning them on the car, or sticking them in a roof-top cargo carrier, ski straps ensure your skis don't detach from each other and cause damage