Our experts’ top 22 gifts for nature and outdoor lovers
While finding the perfect Christmas gift is never easy, shopping for a nature lover can be particularly tricky. Outdoor enthusiasts find joy not in possessions, but in experiences: a peaceful hike in the forest, a challenging mountain peak, or a long session of bird watching. If you want to give them something truly useful and meaningful, look for gifts that enhance their knowledge of the natural world, solve a practical problem they face outdoors, or support their safety and well-being as they embark on adventures in nature.
So, what exactly should you be looking for? We will give you a helping hand here. Our expert nature-loving reviewers handpicked the best gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiast on your holiday list. Whether they’re seasoned backpackers, casual weekend hikers, or avid birders, these 22 articles will provide them with the tools and inspiration to fuel their passion for the natural world.
Anna Gora is a health editor and fitness technology reviewer at Live Science, as well as a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and health coach with nearly 14 years of professional experience. A huge nature lover and hiking enthusiast, she’s always looking for new and exciting ways to enhance her outdoor adventures, whether that’s trying new hiking gear, testing out another fitness tracker, or increasing her endurance with one of the best rowing machines.
Kimberly Lane
Kimberley Lane is an optics editor at Live Science. After starting out as a photographer, she branched out into the world of binoculars and telescopes to further her love of wildlife and astronomy. She’s reviewed several types of optics for Live Science and can often be found looking at the stars or birdwatching from her door.
Navigation tools: GPS watches and wearable devices
For the explorer who wants to track their journey and navigate the wilderness with confidence, a good GPS device is essential. While these take various forms, the most popular are wrist-worn fitness trackers – and for good reason. Many high-end models, like some of the best Garmin watches, for example, can not only map a route and track elevation gain, but also monitor training load during a hike and even predict weather changes. If you’re considering a GPS watch for your loved one, look for features tailored to their favorite activities. For example, a long-lasting battery will be useful on multi-day hikes, topographic map support is useful for off-trail navigation, while specific sport modes for trail running, Nordic walking or climbing will help them be more meticulous in tracking their fitness stats.
That said, wrist-worn devices aren’t for everyone. Many nature lovers prefer portable devices, mainly because they tend to have longer battery life, more advanced navigation features, and a larger, more detailed screen. If your recipient likes to venture into the most remote corners of the planet, a wearable GPS may be a more suitable option than a watch.
Tracking cameras
If you want to photograph and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat without disturbing them, get a hunting camera. Trail cameras are weather-resistant devices that live outdoors for long periods of time, usually attached to a tree, with motion sensors that trigger the camera to record when it detects an animal approaching it. A real wildlife camera is probably an out-of-budget gift, so these automated devices are the next best thing.
Binoculars
Binoculars are a fantastic lightweight companion for a variety of outdoor adventures. Many compact binoculars are small enough to fit in your coat pocket, and the best binoculars for bird watching require clear, detailed optical quality to track birds in flight.
A pair of 8x42s is perfect for bird watching, but if you’re buying for someone who prefers to observe objects not on Earth, a pair of the best stargazing binoculars with higher magnification will be better suited.
Books and guides
Sometimes the best adventures start in an armchair. For an outdoor enthusiast, a well-chosen book can fuel their passion and provide a huge source of inspiration for future adventures. There are many options to consider here, and the choice will ultimately depend on what your recipient is likely to appreciate most. Frequent travelers, for example, tend to love detailed trip planners and guides to the places they dream of visiting, complete with trail maps, local lore and good-to-know tips. Nature lovers appreciate beautifully designed photography books that showcase the majesty of our planet and field guides for identifying birds, trees, mushrooms or celestial constellations. Children, on the other hand, are usually big fans of colorful books filled with fun animal facts.
Outdoor clothing and accessories
Any nature lover knows that what you wear can make or break your outdoor experience. Warm clothing, especially outerwear, such as fleece jackets, waterproof ponchos and insulated mid-layers, goes a long way during the cold winter months, which alone makes a great Christmas gift. On two conditions: the clothing offered must be the right size and adapted to the lifestyle and preferences of the recipient.
If you’re unsure of their size and needs, aim for accessories instead. Socks, hats and gaiters are a much safer bet than clothing, but they are just as essential to ensure comfort and safety. Besides, who doesn’t need a new pair of socks? Exactly. Not to mention, accessories tend to be considerably lighter on the wallet than chunky outerwear.
Hiking essentials: power banks, headlamps and water bottles
Every outdoor enthusiast has a pack full of essentials, but there’s always room for a thoughtful upgrade or smart tool they haven’t thought of or discovered yet. This category is perfect for filling those practical gaps. For example, a powerful, lightweight headlamp with a red light mode (to preserve night vision) can be a game-changer for setting up camp after dark or reading in a tent. A compact, high-capacity power bank ensures that their phone or GPS stays charged at all times, and even if they already have one, any nature lover will easily find a way to use another. Other good gift ideas might include a personal water filter, a versatile multi-tool, or a waterproof, foldable seat cushion that can be a lifesaver when the weather on the trail isn’t ideal.
