Ever wonder what our Staff Phenologist John Latimer would recommend for a Christmas gift? Me, too!
I went ahead and asked him, along with other members of the KAXE staff and community.
Here are the results.
Staff Phenologist John Latimer: Gifts for folks who love the outdoors
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
- Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendar and Almanac, published by the Freshwater Society
- Hand lens (He suggests looking for a triplet lens with magnification of 10)
- Nice, warm socks
- Field guides
- Battery powered mittens or jacket
More from KAXE
M State to close DL campus; DNR to review changes to Babbitt mine plan
Plus: Beltrami County officials tour the under-construction jail facility slated to open in May 2027.
Four families, generations of music: A KAXE special celebrating Grand Rapids' musical legacy
An open community jam in September 2026 was centered around the history and legacy of four families in Grand Rapids with deep musical ties to the area.
M State Detroit Lakes campus to close in 2028
The closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges.
Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin: Gifts for anglers
Contributed
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Jeff Sundin
- The Northland Tackle Smeltinator
- Berkley flicker shads for trolling
- Pfluger President rods (size 20 or 25)
- Professional needle pullers (not specifically fishing, used in medical settings)
- Berkley Gulp Alive Panfish Baits
- Lindy Glow Spoon
- Ripple Shads
- Good mittens (check what the cross-country skiers wear!)
- Orvis Pro Jacket
- A fishing experience, like ice fishing at a resort and hiring local experts
Tornado Bob: Gifts for weather enthusiasts
submitted
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Bob Conzemius
- Taylor rain gauge (He finds this to be the most accurate)
- Davis Weather Stations
- Sensor Push temperature gauge (a Bluetooth gauge that creates records of temperatures: Latimer also loves it!)
KAXE Morning Show Host Heidi Holtan: Local gifts
Lorie Shaull
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KAXE
- Bookstore gift certificates - support local stores like Wildflower Bookshop in Grand Rapids, Beagle and Wolf Books and Bindery in Park Rapids, Four Pines Bookstore in Bemidji or CatTales Books and Gifts in Brainerd. If you need advice on Minnesota authors, check out our Staff Librarian Tammy Bobrowsky's interviews on What We're Reading.
- People love a good cookbook, especially if it's about Minnesota. Check out Ham Radio host and James Beard award-winning Amy Thielen's Company and The New Midwestern Kitchen.
- Experiences, experiences, experiences, like gift cards at local restaurants and coffee shops or lessons and ski passes at places like Mt. Itasca, Buena Vista Ski Area, Mount Ski Gull or Giants Ridge.
Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell: Gifts for nature nerds
Lorie Shaull
- Galls, Burls, and Brooms by Sam Guida (former student phenologist, current kick-ass naturalist)
- The North Woods Naturalist series of field guides
- A monocular (more convenient than binoculars and fits in cup holder)
- Pocket microscope for gazing lovingly at lichens and insects
Membership Coordinator Heather Johnson: Gift for (adult) birders
- Effin Birds 2026 Wall Calendar
What local gifts do you recommend? Let us know!
