Stocking Stuffers That Don't Suck
Gifts Under $50 Snowboarders Actually Want
Most snowboarding gift guides recommend $200 jackets as “stocking stuffers” or suggest buying someone a board when you have no idea what they ride. Here’s what to buy someone that shreds.
The Maintenance Essentials
One Ball (Jay) Wax ($12-30) Every rider needs wax, and most are too lazy or broke to buy it. One Ball Jay makes affordable, effective wax that works across temperature ranges. The X-Wax cold formula or Jay Butter all-temp option are both solid. Throw in a cork and you’ve got a complete kit that costs less than a single shop tune-up.
Board Budder Glide ’n’ Slide Kit ($44.95) A complete wax kit that includes everything: nylon brush, cork bar, triangle scraper, and 192g of all-temperature plant-based wax. Board Budder keeps it simple with quality tools that work. This is the grab-and-go kit for anyone who wants to maintain their own gear without buying pieces separately.
Burton EST Tool ($29.95) Binding screws come loose. A compact multi-tool with Phillips head bits saves the day when a binding angle starts moving from 15 degrees to 27 while you’re bombing a run at Mach 3. The Burton EST Tool is a quality snowboard multi-tool that you can count on. Bonus that it includes a bottle opener. Cheers!
The Comfort Category
Darn Tough Snowboard Socks ($27-32) Merino wool snowboard socks with a lifetime guarantee. Darn Tough makes socks that last, don’t bunch up in boots, and regulate temperature whether it’s 10 degrees or 40. The Backwoods model was developed with pro snowboarder Jake Blauvelt and features targeted shin padding. The Solstice offers lightweight breathability for spring days. Either way, these socks outlast everything else in the drawer.
BlackStrap Hood Balaclava ($39-50) Face protection with the patented ExoHinge design that performs. Pull the mask up or down while the hood stays in place. Made in the USA with moisture-wicking fabric that’s helmet-friendly and lens-safe. Four-way stretch means it moves with you, and UPF 50+ blocks harmful rays. The Hood Balaclava is their workhorse model with 5,000+ five-star reviews backing it up. It can also be used if you’re joining a crotch-rocket biker gang or robbing a bank.
686 Outlaw Pipe Glove ($49.95) Lightweight glove for spring days and park laps. Silicone printed palm provides serious grip for grabs and adjusting gear. Touchscreen compatible fingers mean no bare hands in the cold. Movement Fit articulation feels natural, not bulky. PFAS-free materials with a seamless fit inspired by early 2000s riders.
The Gear Upgrades
Pro Standard Push Button Quick Release for Step On ($49-89) If you ride Burton, Union, Flux, or Nitro Step On bindings, this upgrade is brilliant. Designed by Hall of Famer Ken Achenbach and world champion Justin Lamoureux, it replaces the ankle-level release with a push button at the highback. No more pulling a hammy in lift lines. Two-minute install, fits every Step On model. For backcountry riders, buy the 2-pack, it’s a safety upgrade for tree well scenarios.
Read: Strap In or Step On
Crab Grab Stomp Pad ($12-23) That sketchy one-foot ride to where you strap in? A stomp pad fixes it. Crab Grab makes designs that grip so you can rip. The Mini Hearts, Mega Hearts, or Skate Rails all work.
Union Binding Disk Kit ($15.95) Binding discs crack and get lost. Union’s replacement disk kit includes everything to mount bindings to any board—4x4, 2x4, or Channel systems. These integrate with Union bindings and most other brands. Keep one in your gear bag because discovering a cracked disc in the parking lot ruins the stoke.
Smith Optics Cleaning Kit ($21) Microfiber cloth, lens cleaning solution spray, and storage bag. Smith’s formula won’t damage anti-fog coatings or mirrored finishes. Keep it in your gear bag. Better than using your first layer sleeve and cheaper than replacing scratched lenses.
The Convenience Factor
Dakine Goggle Case ($39.95) Throwing goggles loose in a backpack or pocket is how lenses get scratched. A hard or semi-rigid case that straps to the outside of a pack keeps them protected and accessible. Better safe than sorry.
Burt’s Bees Island Getaway SPF 30 Lip Balm ($4-6) SPF 30 protection in a moisturizing lip balm. Keeps lips from getting destroyed by sun and wind at elevation. Natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals. Throw a few in stockings, riders go through these fast.
The Reality Check
None of these items will make someone a better rider, but they all make riding more fun. Check the gimmicks at the front door, avoid anything with “as seen on TikTok ” energy, and stick with functional items from brands snowboarders already know. Even better, purchase from your local snowboard shop.
Read: Support Your Local Snowboard Shop
The best stocking stuffers solve minor annoyances before they become major problems. Cold toes, stripped screws, and scratched lenses aren’t compelling issues, but fixing them means more time riding and less time dealing with preventable issues. That’s worth more than whatever clever gadget is trending this season.
Read: Equip To Rip
This guide really nails what's actually usefull versus the overpriced nonsense that clogs up most gift lists. The Pro Standard Push Button Quick Release for Step On bindings is something I didn't even know existed, and the hamstring-in-liftline scenario is painfully relatable. What stands out is your emphasis on maintenence items like the Burton EST Tool people overlook small stuff like binding screw torque until they're stuck on the mountain dealing with a wobbly setup that could've been prevented for thirty bucks.