Socks may not sound like a fun or romantic Mother’s Day gift, but mosquito bites are no fun, tickborne illnesses are on the rise and a serious concern in many parts of the country. I love good socks - the active person can never have too many. These are part of Farm to Feet’s No Fly Zone collection, and treated with permethrin, an insect repellant that is odorless on your clothes, remains effective through 70 laundering cycles, and is widely recommend by travel doctors for those visiting problem-insect locales. I personally prefer to wear permethrin treated clothes than spray DEET on my skin, and since mom is likely the one that has to nag everyone to put on bug spray or wear long pants before heading into the woods, she’ll get it.

On a more positive note, Farm to Feet socks are made mostly with merino wool, a natural and high-performance fabric, plus nylon and a touch of spandex. I’m a huge fan of merino for all active clothing, year-round, including socks. Farm to Feet was launched in 2013 and the materials it uses are all sourced domestically and the socks are manufactured here as well.