20 Perfect Gifts for Nature and Outdoor Lovers

Updated: Dec. 05, 2022

If you're shopping for someone who loves hiking, camping, birding or nature walks, these gifts for outdoor lovers will fill them with joy.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Three people hiking in the Rocky Mountains
Courtesy Jackie Kosakowski/Country magazine

Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

You can’t go wrong with these gifts for outdoor lovers. We found perfect presents for all types of nature and outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re shopping for a birder, casual hiker or someone ready to traverse the Rocky Mountains.

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vanguard binoculars
Via Merchant

Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8×42 Binoculars

If you’re ready to go birding beyond the backyard and need a higher quality pair of optics that won’t break your budget, try these Vanguard binoculars, which have been tested by Birds & Blooms editors. They feature high quality ED glass (extra low dispersion) and phase-corrected prisms to give you a clear look at birds, even in the early morning hours. Colors will be sharp and accurate, so you can spot all those small field marks and make a positive ID. They are waterproof, magnify images by 8xs and have a locking diopter adjustment ring. For higher magnification, try the 10×42 model.

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gopro hero 9
Via B&H Photo

GoPro Hero 9 Black

If you’re shopping for gifts for outdoor lovers who are always on the move, look no further. They can capture all the exciting footage from their hiking, biking or cross-country skiing adventures with a GoPro camera. This model takes high quality 10 MP photos and is also set up for live-streaming use as a webcam.

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hiking boots
Via Zappos.com

Columbia Waterproof Hiking Boots

Before you set out on your next trek outdoors, make sure to take care of your feet. You don’t want to be sore (or miserable!) with miles to go. These Columbia hiking boots are durable, comfortable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry if you get stuck in a rainstorm. Choose from 8 different colors.

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trail camera
Via B&H Photo

Spypoint Trail Camera

If you’ve ever wondered what wildlife is passing through your backyard (or raiding your bird feeders), hook up a trail camera. You just might spot deer, a fox, coyote or even the neighbor’s pets. This 70-foot motion-sensor activated camera captures 20 MP photos and shoots 720p video.

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fitbit2 smartwatch
Via Amazon

Fitbit Versa 2 Health and Fitness Smartwatch

This smartwatch monitors heart rate, steps, distance and calories burned on workouts, from hiking on rugged trails to jogging through the neighborhood. Also, with built-in Amazon Alexa, athletes can check the weather before going out on adventures, set timers and connect to other smart home devices.

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camera backpack, gifts for outdoor lovers
Via B&H Photo

Ruggard Alpine Backpack for DSLR and 600/800mm Lens

If you’re lucky enough to find a new DSLR camera or a lens under the Christmas tree, make sure you invest in a camera bag to carry it securely. By carrying the camera on your back, you can comfortably hang binoculars around your neck. The straps are adjustable and there’s plenty of pockets to carry your small accessories, such as extra memory cards, your phone, or a field guide. It also includes a rain cover, tripod straps and a built-in whistle in case of emergency.

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Darn Tough Hiker Boot Socks
REI.com

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion Socks

Before you lace up your hiking shoes, the first step toward having comfy feet on the trail is choosing the right socks. These blister-busters will keep outdoor enthusiasts going year round. Made in Vermont of high-quality Merino wool, these socks feature performance fit, mid-level cushion under the foot and legendary durability. Plus, they are antimicrobial, repelling bacteria and odors (hiking pals will thank you!). Even better, they’re guaranteed for life.

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HART Day Hike First Aid Kit
REI.com

HART Outdoor First Aid Kit

Show your nature lovers how much you care by keeping them safe. This HART Outdoor First Aid Kit gives you peace of mind and them the tools they need for a day outdoors. Small and compact, the kit fits perfectly into a backpack for a day hike for two people. From adhesive bandages to gauze to antiseptic towelettes, the kit contains the basics to treat minor wounds and insect bites, as well as medications from aspirin to allergy relief. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer!

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cold beer coats
Via Uncommongoods.com

Cold Drink Coats

Keep your beer or Coke can cold and your hands warm with these adorable mini puffer jacket coats. These would make great stocking stuffers and are perfect for taking along to a bonfire or tailgate. You’ll never use an ordinary can coozie again.

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Monopoly: National Park Edition game
amazon.com

Monopoly: National Parks Edition

While board games are played inside, they can still be fun gifts for outdoor lovers. Even the most avid outdoorsmen and women have to deal with rainy days. Trek around the Monopoly: National Parks Edition board and enjoy artwork from more than 60 parks while collecting the deeds of 22 of America’s most popular parks. This edition also includes an educational game that matches wildlife with the parks they inhabit. Which token do you want to be, the ranger hat or the bison?

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National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Wildflowers of North America

Wildflower Field Guide

If you’re going on a nature walk or campout in spring, take note of the gorgeous wildflowers blooming by your trail or campsite. This wildflower field guide, produced by the National Wildlife Federation, has range maps, photos and descriptions to help you identify more than 2,000 blooms.

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rei headlamp
Via Merchant

Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp

This headlamp is a great gift for nature and outdoor lovers who like to hike off-trail, camp under the stars—or play cards by the fire after the sun goes down. Three AAA batteries are included. The compact, low-profile hands-free design emits up to 300 lumens and 55 meters on max setting. Red night-vision and strobe modes complement the bright white mode, which can easily be dimmed for working around the campsite. A digital lock feature keeps it from accidentally turning on in a backpack.

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yeti rambler bottle, gifts for outdoor lovers
Via Yeti.com

Yeti Rambler Bottle

If you want your water to stay ice cold or your coffee to stay piping hot, trust this Yeti bottle to carry your beverage of choice on your next epic getaway—from a scenic drive to a big day of birding.

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camping spices
Via Merchant

Travel Cooking Herb Kit

If you need small and budget-friendly gifts for outdoor lovers or backpackers that will fit in a stocking, look no further. Campfire cooking tastes so much better with seasoning. Help spice up that cup of noodles or flavor your pancakes with this compact tin of camp cooking essentials. The herb kit includes minced onion, black pepper, sea salt, cinnamon, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

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Blue and green collapsible pet bowl
amazon.com

COMSUN Collapsible Portable Travel Pet Bowl

Whether touring the country in an RV, backpacking or hiking with pets, outdoor lovers need to keep their furry friends hydrated, too. These handy collapsible travel bowls for food and water make it easy to take pets along for the adventure. Made of safe, high-quality silicone, this pair of reusable bowls comes with small carabineers for easy clip-on to backpacks, crates or leashes.

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Blue dog harness
amazon.com

Ruffwear Web Master Multi-Use Dog Harness

Nature and outdoor lovers who like to hike with their canine companions will appreciate the gift of this sturdy dog harness. Padded with thin foam for comfort and five adjustment points for a secure fit, the harness also has a handle on the back for lifting Fido over obstacles and scrambling up rough terrain. Reflective trim and two leash attachment points are just a few reasons why this harness is the preferred choice of dog rescue teams and service dog handlers.

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gifts for outdoor lovers, snowshoes ll bean
Via LL Bean

Winter Walker Snowshoes

Don’t let winter stop you from exercising outdoors! This year, you’ll be wishing for snow so you can go trekking in your snowshoes. Choose from multiple sizes to fit everyone in your family, so you can go snowshoeing as a group. They are easy to put on, even when you’re wearing gloves.

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day pack
Via LL Bean

Maine Warden Day Pack

This sturdy day pack is ideal for many outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to birdwatching. The waterproof front pocket keeps your field guide and maps dry and within easy reach, and the bottom panel keeps the pack dry in a canoe or kayak. There’s also a water bottle holder and a padded fleece pocket for storing your binoculars. Bonus: A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Maine Division of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

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wren bird house, gifts for outdoor lovers
Via Merchant

Lake and Cabin Wren House

If you know someone who can’t wait for their next trip to the cabin, get them this adorable birdhouse. They will enjoy watching the birds and can feel like they’re relaxing in the Northwoods all the time. It even has an adorable pair of canoe paddles on the front.

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Everyday Birdwatching Stories Birding Book Cover, gardening gift ideas
Via Shop.rd.com

Everyday Birdwatching Stories

If you enjoy birdwatching in the backyard and beyond, you’ll love the Everyday Birdwatching Stories book. It is filled with gorgeous pictures and heartwarming personal stories about special bird sightings, from cardinals to hummingbirds. Plus, each chapter features expert advice to help you attract and spot more birds in every season.

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