Every so often, a co-worker or friend approaches me looking for help with a problem they’re sure I can solve.

“You’re the outdoors guy,” they’ll say, pasting on an earnest smile. “Do you have any idea what I can get for my Uncle Buford this Christmas?”

Then, after a quick pause, they tell me why they’re seeking help from me (someone who doesn’t know Uncle Buford from the proverbial hole in the ground) instead of just asking ol’ Buford his-ownself.

“He’s a lot like you,” they’ll tell me. “He wears flannel, and hunts … and fishes … and I know he reads your column. He told me so.”

With my most sincere apologies to our very own ShopGirl, who virtually owns the gift idea franchise around these parts, here are a few timely tips for your own personal Uncle Buford dilemma.

I do hunt and fish, after all.

And I have been known to wear a bit of flannel … once in awhile.

As a matter of fact, if you write me up a blank check, I’d be happy to do all your outdoor shopping for you.

In the meantime (while waiting for all the blank checks to pour in), here are a few ideas:

. Treat the feet. Let’s start cheap. OK. Not cheap. But cheap-ish.

If you’re shopping on a strict budget, start at the bottom and work up. By that, I mean this: Buy your outdoors enthusiast a pair of socks. Or two. Or more.

But not just any pair of socks will do. Nope. Not even close.

For years, I thought of socks as a necessity that didn’t deserve much extra thought. Pay a few bucks … then forget about them until one of the little piggies started poking out. Then I tried on a pair of Smartwool socks, and became an instant convert to the comfy-foot generation.

Smartwools aren’t itchy like the wool socks you grew up wearing. They dry fast (even if you’re getting them wet by wearing them inside boot-foot waders). They come in a variety of lengths and weights.

Best of all, forget about the price (usually upward of $20). If you can’t find a pair for far less, you aren’t looking in the right places. (A hint: Try the outlet stores that start with the letters L.L.)

Try them. Your feet (or Uncle Buford’s) will thank you.

. Tie one on. If your favorite angler fly fishes (or wants to begin the sport), he or she may want to tie some flies.

The pastime is fun, enjoyable, and as difficult as you choose to make it. Top tiers can create flies that look like artwork. The rest of us (after a few short lessons) can get by well enough to tie flies that fish will love.

Fly-tying supplies – even for beginners can be costly. A basic starter kit with a vise, basic tools and some tying material can be had for less than $50.

A better option may be this: Let Buford learn before buying any equipment at all.

Contact the Penobscot Fly Fishers for the always-popular beginning fly tying class, which begins in January in Bangor.

For just $30, the experts will teach the basics, including what kind of equipment the new tier might want to buy after “graduation.”

Check them out at www.penobscotflyfishers.com.

. Get lost. Or don’t.

If your outdoors enthusiast can’t find his backside with both hands and a flashlight, it might not be his fault.

Buy him a GPS, and you’ll know for sure.

GPS technology is wonderful, and comes in handy in a variety of ways. On vacation in a new city? Your GPS can help. Heading into the woods? Ditto. Just want to go afield and look for Geocaches with your kids? GPS is the answer.

GPS units aren’t cheap, but they are durable and easy to use. Check out The Map Store in Old Town, and they’ll tell you all you need to make a smart choice.

. Go to the dogs.

OK. Maybe Buford doesn’t eat dog biscuits (at least while anyone’s watching). But his loyal pooch does … and you don’t want to forget about man’s best friend.

Buy a bag of treats for your favorite bird dog (or the dog’s owner) and you’re sure to have a happy hound on your hands.

Just don’t get too close when the slobber starts flying.

. Warm thoughts.

Hand warmers. Foot warmers. ‘Nuff said.

Buy ’em. Give ’em. Most folks who heads outdoors for recreational fun will eventually end up in a place where they’ll wish they had a package or two on hand.

That’s where you come in.

. Talk to the animals.

This gift can be as extravagant (or as thrifty) as you choose.

Thanks to Peter Brown and the folks down at Extreme Dimensions Wildlife Calls in Hampden, you can talk to most any critter you want.

His Phantom calls are available at most major outdoor shops, and with interchangeable sound modules, you can use these digital calls to talk turkey … or deer … or moose … or predator … well, you get the point.

They work great for hunting, but photographers and wildlife-watchers also utilize them to get closer to the animals they want to see.

Some purists aren’t in favor of digital calls, saying it gives humans an unfair advantage. If Buford feels that way, you might want to pass on this gift. If not, it’s perfect.

The top-of-the-line model will set you back about $300.

A pocket-sized Mini-Phantom call will cost you less than $40.

And each is adaptable with the add-on modules, which are sold separately.

That way, you can talk to the turkeys one day, and howl with the coyotes the next.

Meetings on tap

Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts may want to attend one of three meetings on tap this week.

First, on Wednesday, the Penobscot Fly Fishers will have a regular monthly dinner meeting at the Coach House Restaurant in Brewer.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m., and while no guest speaker is planned, Don Corey will give a short presentation on equipment maintenance.

On Thursday, Augusta is the place to be, as two meetings are on tap.

The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife will hold an advisory council meeting beginning at 9:30 a.m., while the Maine Atlantic Salmon commission will meet beginning at 9.

The ASC meeting may be of particular interest to salmon anglers, as executive director Pat Keliher will present preliminary information on the experimental season that was held on the Penobscot River this fall.

Some expect that a spring fishery may be offered in the near future; if so, we’ll likely hear more about that possibility from Keliher and the board on Thursday.

Stay tuned.

John Holyoke can be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214 or 1-800-310-8600.