Ah yes, the holidays. The most wonderful time of the year… for everyone but us riders. Yes, some of us delight in snow riding (and have the gear for it). But most of us leave our motorcycles parked, occasionally sneaking a quick, bone-chilling ride to ease our moto-sick souls.
Usually, I’m not a very holiday-y person. Don’t ostracize me, but I’ve always thought the combination of bright red and green was rather garish. (I promise I’m not the Grinch!) If there’s one thing I do love, though, it’s supporting small businesses. That’s why I decided to do a gift guide last year in the first place.
This year, when I thought about doing the gift guide again, I told myself surely there were plenty of good gift guides for riders already out there. Unfortunately, if there are, they’re dang hard to find. One of the top search results for “gifts for motorcyclists” recommended gifting your rider a horn. A horn! Sigh.
So, for this holiday season, I decided to focus on unique yet affordable ideas; gifts you can be excited to bring to your moto crew’s gift exchange or give your close friend or significant other.
Because come on… a horn? We can do much better than that 😉
How fun are these bootlace tags from PNW-based Howl Attire? They have dozens of different options for the printed text, or you could have them customized with an inside joke to make a thoughtful gift for a close friend. ($20)
Reflective Stickers and Patches, Stellar Moto
In addition to her darling abrasion-resistant jumpsuits and jeans, Stellar Moto sells these awesome stickers and patches. Now, these aren’t your everyday stickers and patches — these bad boys are reflective, which means your recipient can slap them on anywhere they feel they need a bit of extra visibility. The stickers come in stars, diamonds, hearts and more. ($3-7)
Prometheus Lights Kappa Quick Release, Urban EDC Supply
Here’s something every rider will find useful — a quick-release clip for your keychain. No more fumbling with your carabiner clip or belt-loop, just snap off your key and you’re ready to roll. ($25)
Motorcycle Illustration Apparel & Stickers, Blind Thistle
Remember Amanda Zito, the moto-lady who took a two-month motorcycle trip around Montana last year? She’s also a kick-ass artist. If you’re looking for a unique motorcycle tee, look no further than her Redbubble store. Her designs are intricate, energetic, and rooted in a deep love for the natural world. I especially love the illustrations that combine two of my favorite loves: motorcycles and yoga 🙂 (Prices vary)
Coal Marino Knit Neck Tube, Town Moto
A neck warmer makes a huge difference when the temps start to drop. I, of course, can never find mine 😉 Save your favorite rider from a chilly neck in this cozy merino wool version, sold by Canada’s Town Moto. ($35)
Pistons and Poppies Screwback Triangle Earrings
I know I referenced Pistons and Poppies in my previous gift guide, but these earrings have changed my life. Instead of the pull-off backs on traditional earrings, these have backs that screw on so you don’t pull them off along with your helmet. ($30)
Magnetic Key Holder, WayneWorks
Could there be a more elegant way to hold your keys? No hooks, no mess. Just a gorgeous wood panel hand-carved by Tyler Wayne in Dallas, Texas. The Selenite is my favorite design, but he also has versions with the Dallas Skyline and mountains. ($45)
I know not everyone has as many problems with their charging system as I do. But. I’ve been really happy to have my portable jumpstarter — it’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much room in a backpack, it comes in handy for charging my phone, and it will even jumpstart small cars. I have the BEATIT 600A version, and it’s done me well so far. ($55)
Cashmere Neck Warmer, Black Arrow Label
Want to get your favorite rider something a bit more luxurious to keep the chill off their neck? Try this cashmere neck warmer, bedecked with stars and coziness, made of 100% cashmere. ($59 AUD)
Motorcycle Chain Necklaces, Wind & Throttle
Up-and-coming women’s motorcycle gear purveyor Wind and Throttle sells an awesome line of modern necklaces that incorporate a piece of upcycled motorcycle chain. At the time of writing they have six different designs for sale, so browse their accessories section to find one you like. ($79-86)
Armored Shirt, Knox Armour / Stellar Moto / Atwyld
Armored shirts are the best thing to happen to my motorcycle gear collection, I can’t recommend them enough. When I first started wearing an armored shirt, Knox Armour was the only company I knew of that made one. But now there are several options: Knox has developed a few different styles, and women’s moto companies Atwyld and Stellar Moto offer their versions now too. Stellar Moto even has armored leggings! ($140-175)
It’s nice to be the person who’s always prepared. Pack Animal is known for their durable luggage, but their smaller tool rolls can add just as much rugged goodness to a bike as one of their larger panniers. For a more budget-friendly option, Red Clouds Collective has a smaller canvas tool roll that gets you the same rugged-cool styling. (Pack Animal – $175; Red Clouds – $89)
I can’t imagine a more refined way to keep your helmet off the floor. I saw these beauties in person at the One Show last year and immediately fell in love. As of this writing the classic version is currently out of stock, but their collaborative version with Red Clouds Collective is still for sale. For another variation that includes a jacket hook, check out Etsy seller Edward Richie. (Westbound – $75; Edward Richie – $139)
…. and don’t forget that I now sell RIDEWELL stickers and gear!
Have a safe and happy holiday season, everyone 🙂
UP NEXT >>
Got a bit of time on your hands? This easy DIY helmet rack would also make an excellent gift — just add love 😉
Kacey says
And don’t forget your local motorcycle show shirt. Right?
Support your local community and help raise motorcycle awareness.
Loryn says
Of course! Always a good idea 🙂
Diane says
Thanks for all the shiny cool ideas! I’m going to knit a cowl with motorcyclists in it. I tried to add a photo but couldn’t get it to work. Here’s a link to it if you want to see it. http://images4.ravelry.com/uploads/stoperror/357144514/biker_cowl2_medium2.jpg
Loryn says
Dude, that is so cool!! I need to learn to knit 😀 Thanks for sharing, Diane!!
Sara says
Hey! Great blog! Thanks for the gift ideas~ do you have a link to the shirt you wore today at Starbucks “Ride Old Shit?” My husband, the Team Oregon instructor, (of the year!) says he would “wear the shit out of that shirt!”
It was nice to meet you. We will both promoted your blog!
Peace!
Loryn says
Hey there, it was great to meet you both yesterday, and I’m so glad you like my blog!! I got the shirt from See See Motorcycles here in town — it’s a motorcycle-themed coffee shop, and if you have time you should go check it out! But they do also have the shirt on their site, it’s one of my favorites 🙂
Hope you guys had a great time on your vacation!