This holiday season, surprise the birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts on your holiday list with a thoughtful gift that brings them closer to the great outdoors. Here are some perfect picks to make their adventures memorable and celebrate their passion for birds and the natural world.
1. Binocular and Camera Harness
- Why They’ll Love It: It’s a practical gift that makes birdwatching and hiking more comfortable. A binocular and camera harness distributes the weight more evenly, reducing neck strain, allowing for longer observation periods, and keeping them at the ready.
- Where to Buy: Opt for brands like Cotton Carrier, Zeiss, and Black Rapid.
2. Portable Camping Chair
- Why They’ll Love It: Observing nature is better when they can comfortably relax. A lightweight, portable chair makes long birdwatching sessions more enjoyable and allows enthusiasts to sit comfortably for extended periods while observing wildlife.
- Where to Buy: Look for options from Helinox or LL Bean.
3. Eco-Friendly Travel Mug
- Why They’ll Love It: A high-quality, eco-friendly travel mug keeps coffee warm during early morning birdwatching trips and water ice cold during summer’s hottest months. It’s a practical gift for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors and cares for the environment!
- Where to Buy: Brands like Yeti or Hydro Flask offer great options that can be found at major retailers or their official websites.
4. Nature-Inspired Journals
- Why They’ll Love It: A beautifully designed journal is perfect for jotting down bird sightings, sketching wildlife, or documenting outdoor adventures. Pair it with a set of waterproof pens for all-weather use.
- Where to Buy: Available in Etsy shops. Our Etsy shop offers a line of beautiful, customizable wood journals featuring some of your favorite birds, and each journal can be personalized. The wooden cover has a lovely rustic feel, and the pages are of top-notch quality, making it an absolute pleasure to write, draw, and paint in. We donate a portion of all sales profits to bird and wildlife organizations, so when you buy one of our products, you are helping to advocate for and help save birds and wildlife.
5. Smart Birdhouse or Bird Feeder
- Why They’ll Love It: A birdhouse or bird feeder equipped with a camera allows birdwatchers to observe nesting and feeding behaviors up close. This unique gift provides a window into the lives of birds and other backyard visitors and enhances their appreciation for wildlife.
- Where to Buy: Purchase from Bird Buddy, Birdfy, or Reli are excellent options.
6. Nature Sound Machine
- Why They’ll Love It: A sound machine that mimics natural sounds, including bird songs and forest ambiance, can enhance relaxation and create a peaceful environment at home. It’s perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors.
- Where to Buy: Check out Relaxound and Wholetones.
7. Bird Identification Playing Cards
- Why They’ll Love It: These fun and educational cards are perfect for learning and testing knowledge about different bird species. They offer a playful way to engage with birdwatching while enjoying time with family or friends.
- Where to Buy: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in partnership with the New York Puzzle Company, offers a collection of bird-identifying playing cards to test and sharpen your skills. From leading ornithologist David Sibley, The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box available at Amazon.
8. Trail Camera
- Why They’ll Love It: A trail camera enables nature lovers to capture images of birds and other wildlife even when they’re not there. It’s a great way to observe animal behavior and document the diversity in their area
- Where to Buy: Brands like Bushnell and Browning offer excellent options at stores like B&H Photo or Best Buy.
9. Donation to a Wildlife Sanctuary or Conservation Group
- Why They’ll Love It: Donating someone’s name to a wildlife sanctuary or conservation organization is a heartfelt gift that supports the protection of birds and their habitats. It allows them to contribute to a cause they care about while positively impacting wildlife.
- Where to Buy: Research local wildlife sanctuaries or global organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, Birdlife International, or The Nature Conservancy. If you want to show more local support, consider donating to support wildlife rehabilitators in the area and donate through their websites. We proudly support Christine’s Critters, a birds of prey wildlife rehabilitator in Weston, Connecticut, the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties, New York, the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in High Falls, New York, and the Catskill Center in Arkville, New York.
10. National Park Pass or Wildlife Sanctuary Membership
- Why They’ll Love It: An annual pass or membership provides access to protected areas with birdlife and natural beauty, offering endless exploration opportunities.
- Where to Buy: Purchase an America the Beautiful National Park Pass at the USGS Store or explore memberships through local wildlife organizations. Membership in organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers birdwatchers access to exclusive resources, research updates, and birding events. Members often receive discounts on educational materials and can participate in citizen science projects, making it a gift that keeps giving!
Wrap It Up!
Whether they’re exploring remote trails or enjoying nature from their backyard, these gifts will inspire birdwatchers and nature lovers to dive deeper into their passions. Add a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their love of nature—it’s the perfect touch for a truly memorable holiday gift. Happy gifting!