How to Buy a Compass as a Gift

Long gone are the days of the simple Boy Scout compass. These days, compasses come in a variety of materials with a variety of features. Knowing the interests of the intended recipient will help narrow down the choices.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Tissue Paper
• Gift Cards
• Gift Bags
• Gift Bows
• Wrapping Paper
• Compasses

1. Shop around, online and otherwise. You'll find lots of gift options, ranging from digital compasses that hang around your neck to beautiful brass models that sit on a desktop, or antique reproductions.
2. Consider a compact, lightweight model that won't take up much space if you are buying a compass for a hiker or backpacker. A weather-resistant or waterproof feature is also important if the compass will be used outdoors.
3. Look for add-on features that may be important to the person using the compass. These may include a clock, a stopwatch, map scales, a magnifying glass, a rescue mirror, a protractor, a thermometer, a barometer or a clinometer.
4. Choose a compass that can be mounted on a dashboard or window for truckers, boaters or those who will use the compass while driving.
5. Choose a finely crafted brass compass for the executive's desk or sailor's den.
6. Make sure the compass has a case if it has a glass face and if the recipient will be carrying it around frequently.
7. Round out your gift, if it was an inexpensive compass, with a handbook for using the compass, some maps or an atlas.

Tips & Warnings

• The advantage to buying a digital compass is that it doesn't have to be adjusted for different geographical areas. The disadvantage may be that it uses battery power and has to be recharged occasionally.
• Expect to pay less than $10 for a basic baseplate compass, or up to $300 or more for a fancy desktop model.