Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and millions of Americans are cutting short their special time with family and friends so they can shop!  Yes, shop!  Unbelievable, right?  This year, the Hiking Lady family is choosing to spend time together outside the whole week of Thanksgiving.  #OptOutside started in 2015 when REI Co-op decided to close their stores on Black Friday so that their employees and shoppers could focus on being with their family and friends to #optoutside, rather than shopping.  REI sure has their priorities right! 

This year REI is taking it a step further, and shutting down their online store for Black Friday in addition to their brick and mortar stores.  Here at Hiking Lady we’re so impressed that we’re spending the whole week opting outside and adventuring with our little ones. How can you #OptOutside with your friends and family?  Read on for some tips!

#OptOutside in 2019!

We are so impressed with REI Co-op’s #OptOutside that we are spreading the word that everyone should #OptOutside this Black Friday. Multiple studies have shown that even small amounts of time spent in nature improve our mood. Studies have proven that kids spending time in nature will make them happier adults. Step outside and enjoy the breeze in your hair, the chirping of birds, and the serenity that comes when taking in gorgeous views. What are you waiting for?

Tips to #OptOutside this Black Friday

• • Have kids? Find a family friendly hike. Even a park will do. Explore a local botanic garden. Go hunt for sticks, rocks, and pinecones if you have toddlers.  Older children can look for insects and birds, and perhaps try out geocaching.
  • Snow on the ground? That’s not an excuse to stay inside. Rent a pair of snowshoes. If you can walk, you can snowshoe!
  • Wear the proper gear. Check out some of the gear we are wearing on our adventures this holiday week.
    • Toddler: REI Co-op Rainwall Pants
    • Toddler: REI Co-op Rainwall Jacket
    • Baby: REI Co-op Reversible 650 Down Jacket
    • Hiking Lady: REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
    • Be sure to check out Hiking 101 for tips on choosing the proper Adventure Apparel.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Want to Opt to Act?

  REI Co-op is encouraging people to not only get outside this Black Friday, but to also “Opt to Act”. That means joining a cleanup project to help make our planet cleaner, healthier, and happier. You can join one of the REI/United by Blue/Leave No Trace cleanups, or grab some friends and do it yourself. 🙂

  No matter what you do this holiday week, please try to get outside. You’ll be happy you did!

  Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  Happy trails!

   

  Disclosure: Hiking Lady occasionally receives products or services from companies for free or at-cost for review purposes, and in some cases may receive a small percentage of sales if a product is purchased. As always, companies whose products are being reviewed are NOT allowed to exercise creative or editorial control over content.