Looking for the perfect gift for someone heading to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Or maybe you're on the hunt for some fun gadgets for your own adventure? Here's your ultimate Smoky Mountain Holiday Gift Guide!
Have a friend or family member planning a trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Take this opportunity to give them a gift they'll truly appreciate on their journey. A thoughtful and practical present is the perfect way to enhance their experience and help create lasting memories.
However, choosing a gift for someone, even someone you know well, can be quite a challenge. With countless options and the need to match their preferences, it's no simple task.
Don't worry, we're here to help. We've handpicked a list of gifts that every traveler heading to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will love. Designed to suit all preferences, these thoughtful items will definitely make their Smoky Mountain adventure extra special.
Before we start, a little about us...
At Stony Brook, we're all about making your vacation unforgettable. We offer an amazing selection of vacation cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. For amazing local tips, dive into our destination blog. Whether you're looking to savor delicious local cuisine or indulge in some great shopping, we've got the scoop on all the top spots in the region.
Ready to surprise your loved one with a thoughtful gift before they hit the road? Let's jump straight in!
1. Books
Books are always a great gift. Even if the person you're gifting isn't an avid reader, books don't go out of style and can be enjoyed at their own pace. They become even more meaningful for vacationers to the Smokies when they're related to the region.Look for titles that provide deeper insights into the destination's culture, history, or natural beauty, enriching the journey.
Travel guides or local history books can help vacationers uncover hidden gems and make the most of their trip. Reading about the destination beforehand builds anticipation and sets the tone for the adventure.If the recipient of your gift is a nature and outdoor activity enthusiast, another great idea is a hiking guidebook for the Smoky Mountains.
Here are some excellent title suggestions:
Gatlinburg and the Great Smokies by Ernie Pyle: A classic travelogue that captures the charm and natural beauty of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains during the mid-20th century. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, it offers vivid descriptions and heartfelt observations, making it a nostalgic read for anyone interested in the region's history and scenic allure.
Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, by Dolly Parton: An autobiographical book where the iconic singer-songwriter shares her life story, from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to her rise as a global superstar. With humor and heartfelt honesty, Dolly reflects on her career, personal challenges, and the values that shaped her success, making it an inspiring read.
101 Travel Bits: Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Sarah Ferguson: A concise and engaging guide packed with tips, facts, and insights about exploring the Smokies. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers, it highlights must-see spots, hiking trails, and fun trivia to enhance any trip to the park.
2. VINARMOUR TRAVEL WINE CARRIER
A thoughtful choice for wine enthusiasts, this gift is sure to elevate any trip to the Smokies, especially during the winter season, when savoring a glass of wine becomes even more delightful.
The Vinarmour Travel Wine Carrier combines style and functionality, offering unmatched protection for transporting wine. Perfect for wine enthusiasts on vacation, it ensures bottles remain intact and leak-free. Made from highly durable, impact-resistant fabric, this carrier is a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys traveling with their favorite wine. Its compact, foldable design makes it ideal for lightweight packing.
3. KEEPCUP REUSABLE COFFEE CUP
For coffee enthusiasts visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, a reusable coffee cup is a practical and much-appreciated gift. With many excellent coffee shops around, it's the perfect companion for enjoying coffee on the go during their outdoor adventures.
The KeepCup combines style, practicality, and sustainability. Its barista-friendly design is compatible with espresso machine filter heads, ensuring the smooth preparation of cappuccinos and lattes. It's the perfect gift not only for coffee lovers but also for those who care about the environment.
KeepCup is not the only brand on the market; there are several excellent options offering reusable coffee cups in various styles, sizes, and price ranges.
4. AEROPRESS COFFEE MAKER
The AeroPress coffee and espresso maker is another fantastic gift for coffee enthusiasts heading to the Smokies. Its compact, lightweight, and durable design makes it perfect for travel, while its 3-in-1 brew technology ensures a high-quality and user-friendly coffee experience.
Since many accommodations lack reliable coffee-making options, the AeroPress is a convenient and portable way to ensure caffeine needs are met. With just ground coffee and hot water, it delivers barista-quality coffee in less than two minutes.
5. SIERRA STICK
This small yet thoughtful gift is perfect for anyone planning a trip to any mountain town. Cold weather exposure can result in common discomforts like dry skin and cracked lips, making Sierra Stick an essential travel companion.
Perfect for heavy winter weather, this versatile stick combines lip balm, moisturizer, and first-aid ointment, keeping vacationers safe and comfortable during their outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Created by an adventurer from the Sierra Nevada, this product gets bonus points for its commitment to sustainability, both in its ingredients and its stylish, eco-friendly packaging.
6. GOODR SUNGLASSES
When heading to the Smokies, a good pair of sunglasses is essential, and Goodr Sunglasses combines affordability with performance. This is also a safe option because, honestly, who doesn't love a beautiful pair of sunglasses?
Goodr was established to solve a common problem: the absence of affordable, stylish sunglasses for runners. Since its inception in 2015, the brand has expanded its offerings to cater to multiple outdoor activities while maintaining its focus on affordability, style, and performance.
From running, golfing, and cycling sunglasses to snow goggles and more, they offer an amazing range of sunglasses for every taste.
The 'Nine Dollar Pour Over' sunglasses are a crowd favorite. Polarized for optimal protection, they're perfect for outdoor adventures or casual wear. Designed to stay in place no matter how much you sweat, they're an incredible value at only $25.
7. Adventure-Ready Clothing for the Great Outdoors
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been Since most trips to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge involve hiking or skiing, high-quality outdoor clothing is one of the best gifts for someone heading to the Smokies. It's a versatile option they can use not just in Colorado, but for future travels as well. If a jacket feels too pricey, accessories like gloves, scarves, or beanies are thoughtful and practical alternatives.
Renowned outdoor brands offer durable and stylish clothing and accessories, perfect for mountain travelers. Check out some of our favorite picks:
The North Face: Known for exceptional insulation and durability, the brand delivers stylish options perfect for both urban and outdoor use.
Patagonia: offers durable outdoor clothing and gear designed for activities like climbing, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running. Their products include jackets, fleeces, base layers, and accessories, all crafted with a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Columbia: Offers affordability without sacrificing quality, the brand excels with its vast array of hiking and outdoor gear.
Montbell: Since 1975, they've led the way in ultralight, well-insulated apparel, known for their 'Light & Fast' philosophy.
Extra tip: Finding the right clothing for someone else isn't always easy, as personal tastes in style and color vary widely. A simple solution is to opt for a gift card from one of these brands, so they can choose their ideal item. Gift cards are often available directly on their websites.
8. ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM 3 SPEAKER
Want to know what's a great addition to any traveler's packing list? A portable speaker. Music adds a special touch to every moment, whether you're exploring the outdoors, enjoying a picnic, or unwinding at your accommodation. For families traveling together, it's a perfect way to create a fun, shared experience.
A top recommendation is the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3. This portable speaker combines compact size with powerful performance, is waterproof and dustproof, and offers impressive durability, making it an ideal gift for frequent travelers.
Extra Gift Ideas for Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Vacationers
Lightweight Backpack: Ideal for carrying essentials while exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Portable Water Bottle: A collapsible or insulated bottle for staying hydrated during hikes.
- Park Pass or Tour Voucher: Prepaid access to guided tours or entrance to popular attractions.
- Portable Hammock: Easy to set up for scenic relaxation spots.
- Travel Journal: To document their adventures and memories.
- Travel Board Games: Compact versions of classics for family time in the cabin.
- Spa or Massage Voucher: For a relaxing break during their trip.
- Waterproof Phone Case: To protect their phone while capturing outdoor moments.
Wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge?
Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!