This is the first of a four-part series about Christmas gifts for outdoors-minded people.

The question is common this time of year, "My husband/brother/wife/boss/sister/neighbor/friend has every piece of outdoor equipment anyone would want. Do you have a suggestion for a Christmas gift?"

There are so many gifts available for a person who enjoys the outdoors, the question surprised me the first few years of writing this column. However the readers' concerns were sound; they truly needed assistance in the gift giving department.

As a result, the December columns in this space are devoted to gift suggestions for outdoor-minded people. Remember, if your favorite sporting goods store doesn't have the item you are seeking, talk with the store manager, letting him/her know there is a need for such an object. Such an action is a help to the store, as well as the shopper, because there may be a demand the store doesn't recognize.

A few years ago a local store dropped a line of cast iron cooking equipment. Customers were successful in keeping the utensils on the shelves by first talking with the manager and second buying them.

Knives

A knife is a basic tool for anyone who steps beyond the front door. What's more, one of my favorite sayings is, "An outdoorsmen never has enough knives."

While some may disagree with the statement, it remains true in my life. In fact, I have asked my family members to give me a knife at any gift-giving occasion. The appealing aspect of giving a knife is the fact it can be customized to suite the circumstance.

Consider these examples: "John, Merry Christmas 2011, Joan," "Janice, Happy Birthday, 2011 = 60, Dave." In other words, any event can be commemorated with a few words on a knife. Local plaque-engraving businesses and jewelry stores are able to etch or engrave a message on a knife.

And don't think a knife is a gift only for a guy. Although most females don't want a large knife, a smallish one will be appreciated. My wife, Garnet, especially enjoys a knife with a scissor as part of the tools.

One pitfall some gift givers fall into is giving a cheap knife, one which will not last for generations. My preference is a Buck Knife and I own many, but I also own Kershaw Knives, Remington Knives and a few other brands. For sure, limited edition Buck Knives sell for over $300, but there are small Bucks for less than $30.

My favorite hunting knife is a Buck Alpha Crosslock and I own several of them. Perhaps the most popular Buck is a Model 110, Folding Hunter, followed by the Model 55, which is half the size of the Model 110.

Another aspect of the Buck Knife Company is they are located at Post Falls, Idaho. A tour of the factory is possible and with the plant so close, it would make a great addition to the giving of a knife for the person to see where the knife was made. Tours are conducted Monday through Thursday at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The tour lasts about 25 minutes, closed-toe shoes are required and children 7-years-old and up are welcome.

Calling 800-326-2825 for a reservation is a must, as it would be a shame to be turned away because the call hadn't been made. Be aware about the factory holiday work schedule in December and tours may not be conducted as they would during the rest of the year.

Firearms

Use caution when giving a firearm as a gift. This should be obvious, but the person giving a firearm must know the person well who will be receiving the firearm.

Yet a firearm makes a great gift, one which could last a lifetime and could be handed down from generation to generation. I still have my first firearm, it was an over and under, with a .22 on top and a .410 shotgun under. It was a Christmas gift when I was 10 or 11 years old.

This firearm has a shiny mark where the barrel came in contact with the handlebars of my bicycle. I chased pheasants and ducks within bicycle distance of our house when growing up and brought many birds home for the table. I still use it and have dropped quail and turkey within the past few years.

There are plenty of firearms available at local sporting goods stores in various name brands, calibers and configurations. At this point, there may still be time to special order one before Christmas.

Next week: Christmas gift ideas with just 17 days to go before the big day.