This holiday season, you may be wondering what to get that special someone — especially with the dying economy and all. Well, some of the backpacking writers as Suite 101 suggest an alternative to gift card’s that’s also easy on the wallet — a holiday hike.

They write that hikes aren’t only green and cheap, but they’re also long-lasting and versatile — you can use it as a good “Get The Whole Family Together” activity, or choose a more romantic, secluded trailhead Just For The Two Of You.

Get a few more tips and ideas over at Suite 101, and let us know if you have a successful gift-giving experience.

I know if I opened up an envelope on Christmas morning and was doing something like this later on in the day, I’d be a happy camper:

A beautiful winter snow hike.

… or more accurately, a happy snow-shoer, I guess.

Image by Meghan Ward.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.