Adventure: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Choosing a gift that keeps on giving is one of the most meaningful ways to increase its impact. 

At First Descents, we’re grateful to partner with brands and creators who share our mission to provide the healing power of adventure for young adults dealing with cancer and MS through Core Programs and Community Adventures. Our friends do this by donating funds, volunteering their time and providing products that our participants can use to fuel their journeys. 

Our partners go beyond simply crafting exceptional goods and experiences—they are actively contributing to the greater good. So, as you celebrate the season of giving, we invite you to make your gifts even more impactful by exploring thoughtful options that give back. 

Below, you’ll find ideas that combine meaning and an opportunity to make a difference. Thank you for supporting First Descents and the incredible partners who help bring it to life. Together, we’re spreading joy and promoting lasting change this holiday season!

 

 

 

 

First Descents is officially the nonprofit partner of Heli, the premier marketplace connecting the outdoor community with the best adventure experiences worldwide. A technology company built by adventurers, for adventures, Heli helps those seeking the ultimate trip to find and book easily online with a system that empowers experience providers with the digital tools to manage their businesses. 

Browse all the adventures here

 

 

 

 

 

AllTrails+ is the latest way this iPhone App of the Year award-winner helps adventure seekers find their outside. Driven by the idea that we’re all better off outdoors and the desire to share it with as many people in as many places as possible, and to do so responsibly and respectfully, AllTrails now offers the ability to live share your activities, download offline maps, and preview 3D flyovers. They’re also “1% for the Planet” partners, and so First Descents benefits every time someone signs up for their comprehensive trail guides.

 

Happy trails to you here

 

 

 

 

 

Wrap your people in the gift of warmth and style! Rumpl not only makes a beautiful blanket that’s insulated, weather-resistant and crafted from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, they help people have more magical moments in their outdoor adventures, applying performance materials typically found in premium outdoor activewear to modernize a dated blanket category. Rumpl blankets are technical, durable and made for more, so you can be prepared for for whatever unfolds along the journey. 

Go under cover here

 

 

 

 

Shady Rays makes sunglasses that are made to be loved AND lived in! From premium polarized shades to snow goggles, their collection of lifestyle and performance eyewear features lightweight round lenses, no-slip grips and premium metal finishes. But wait, there’s more! Every pair of Shady Rays sunglasses features their signature Lost & Broken protection–which means that if you lose or break your pair for any reason, they’ll send you a brand new pair just in time for your next adventure.

See the world through Shady Rays’ colored glasses

 

 

 

 

 

Adventuring? Tailgating? Camping? Boating? Magma makes grills for every occasion, and when you buy one, you’re getting a grill that is engineered to outperform the competition in the most challenging conditions. Twin brothers Jim and Jerry Mashburn are two young California sailors who, besides their love of sailing, love to barbecue. Knowing the durability of stainless steel in marine environments, the twins set to work making a stainless steel grill that would withstand the hardships of a salt water environment. That original charcoal grill is still available and is now complemented with several round and rectangular propane models.

Cook up the perfect gift here

 

 

 

 

 

 

The tasty hot sauces from Hook & Arrow came from the shared passion of brothers Sam and Henry for good food and the outdoors — and we at FD can certainly get behind both of those things! Give the gift of high-quality, natural ingredients and unique flavors, with no thickeners or preservatives. Stay tuned in 2025 for an all-new, adventure-forward sauce just for the FD family!

Spice up your holidays here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget that the First Descents online store offers a full line of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, cookbooks and other items complete with FD flair, all exemplifying the Out Living It lifestyle. From limited edition, artist-designed hoodies, hats and T-shirts to Nalgene water bottles, river buffs and YETI Ramblers, there’s something for everyone who likes to get out there and also support young adults impacted by cancer and MS. You can even put your FD nickname on the same denim apron worn by our chefs!

Give the Gift of FD-branded Adventure here