1Petzl GRIGRI belay device
The GRIGRI is the belay device most climbers end up owning. Its cam-assisted braking helps hold the rope when a climber falls or sits back to rest, which gives the belayer extra security on long sessions. It suits lead and top-rope climbing at the wall or on the crag.
Pros
- Cam-assisted braking for extra security.
- Works for lead and top rope.
- The standard device at most walls.
Cons
- Only buy it if they rope climb, and they'll need to learn to use it properly.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Petzl product page ↗
2Petzl BOREO helmet
A helmet is the one bit of kit climbers often put off buying, and outdoor climbing needs one. The BOREO is tough and comfortable, with a lower back that covers the sides and rear of the head as well as the top. It has clips for a headtorch and comes in two sizes with a three-year guarantee.
Pros
- Covers the top, sides and back of the head.
- Headtorch clips front and back.
- Three-year guarantee.
Cons
- Check their head size before buying.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Petzl product page ↗
3Friction Labs Unicorn Dust chalk, 6oz
Chalk gets used up every session, and Friction Labs is the premium stuff most climbers would like but don't buy for themselves. Unicorn Dust is their fine texture, with a mix of powder and small chunks. It's high-purity magnesium carbonate without silica fillers, so it lasts longer between dips into the bag.
Pros
- High-purity chalk that lasts.
- Fine texture for an even coat.
- Gets used every session.
Cons
- Pricier than gym chalk.
- Some climbers swear by a chunkier texture.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Friction Labs product page ↗
4Black Diamond bouldering brush
Clean holds feel better than ones caked in chalk, and serious climbers brush before every go. This boar's hair brush has tapered bristles that reach into small pockets and a handle shaped so knuckles don't scrape the rock. It fits the holder on Black Diamond's chalk pots.
Pros
- Boar's hair bristles.
- Handle keeps knuckles off the rock.
- Fits Black Diamond chalk pots.
Cons
- A small gift on its own, so pair it with something else.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Black Diamond product page ↗
5Metolius Rock Rings 3D
Finger strength is what keeps climbers improving, and Rock Rings let them train it anywhere. The two rings hang separately from a tree branch, a door frame or a beam, so they move with the arms and are kind to joints. The texture is gentle on skin, and a training guide comes in the box.
Pros
- Train fingers anywhere.
- Independent rings are kind to joints.
- Training guide included.
Cons
- They need somewhere solid to hang from.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Metolius product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves climbing
Climbers trust their own kit, so stick to the big names. The best gifts for climbers depend on what they do, because boulderers don't need a belay device but rope climbers do. Brushes, chalk pots and training tools suit everyone. Ask a climbing friend before buying safety gear.
How we picked these gifts for climbers
We picked each product for what climbers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
