While finding the perfect Christmas gift is never easy, shopping for a nature lover can be particularly tricky. Outdoor enthusiasts find their joy not in possessions, but in experiences: a peaceful hike in the forest, a challenging mountain summit or a long session of birdwatching. If you want to give them something genuinely useful and meaningful, aim for gifts that either enhance their knowledge of the natural world, solve a practical problem they face outdoors, or support their safety and well-being when they embark on adventures in the wild.
So, what should you look for then, exactly? We will lend you a helping hand here. Our nature-loving expert reviewers have curated the best gift ideas for the outdoor enthusiasts on your holiday list. Whether they are seasoned backpackers, casual weekend hikers, or dedicated birdwatchers, these 22 items will provide them with the tools and inspiration to fuel their passion for the natural world.
Anna Gora is a health writer and fitness tech 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 avid hiker, she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enhance her outdoor adventures, whether by trying out new hiking gear, testing yet another fitness tracker or ramping up her endurance with one of the best rowing machines.
Kimberley Lane is the optics writer at Live Science. After starting out as a photographer, she has branched out into the world of binoculars and telescopes to enhance her love of wildlife and astronomy. She has reviewed multiple types of optics for Live Science, and can often be found gazing at the stars or watching birds from her doorstep.
Navigation tools: GPS watches and handheld devices
For the explorer who wants to track their journey and navigate the wilderness with confidence, a good GPS device is a must. While these take various forms, by far the most popular are wrist-worn fitness trackers — and for a good reason. Many high-end models, such as 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 are considering a GPS watch for your loved one, look for features that align with their favorite activities. For example, long battery life will come in handy during multi-day treks, topographic map support is useful for off-trail navigation, while specific sports modes for trail running, Nordic walking, or rock climbing will help them be more meticulous with tracking their fitness stats.
That said, wrist-worn devices are not for everyone. Many nature enthusiasts prefer handheld devices, mostly because they tend to have a longer battery life, more advanced navigation features and a bigger, more detailed screen. If your intended recipient loves venturing to the most remote corners of the planet, a handheld GPS may be a more suitable option for them than a watch.
Trail cameras
If you want to photograph and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat without disturbing them, get a trail camera. Trail cameras are weatherproof devices that live outside for longer periods, usually attached to a tree, with motion sensors that trigger the camera to start recording when it senses that an animal has come close to it. A true wildlife camera is likely out of budget as a 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 birdwatching need clear and 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 would prefer to observe objects not on Earth, a pair of the best stargazing binoculars with a higher magnification will be better suited.
Books and guides
Sometimes the best adventures begin 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 plenty of options to consider here, and the choice will ultimately depend on what your recipient is likely to enjoy the most. Frequent travellers, for example, tend to like trip planners and detailed guidebooks to 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. Kids, on the other hand, are typically big fans of colorful books filled with fun facts about animals.
Outdoor clothing and accessories
Any nature lover knows that what you wear can make or break your outdoor experience. Warm clothing, especially outerwear pieces, such as fleece jackets, waterproof ponchos and insulating mid-layers, come in very handy during the cold winter months, and this alone makes it an excellent Christmas gift. Under two conditions, that is: the gifted clothing has to be the right size, and it has to suit the lifestyle and preferences of the recipient.
If you are unsure about their size and needs, aim for accessories instead. Socks, hats and gaiters are a much safer bet than clothing, but they are equally indispensable when it comes to ensuring comfort and safety. Besides, who does not need a new pair of socks? Exactly. Not to mention, accessories tend to be considerably easier on the wallet than large pieces of outdoor wear.
Hiking essentials: Power banks, headlamps and water bottles
Every outdoor enthusiast has a pack full of essentials, but there is always room for a thoughtful upgrade or a clever tool they have not 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) may be a game-changer for setting up camp after dark or reading in a tent. A compact, high-capacity power bank ensures their phone or GPS stays charged at all times, and even if they already have one of those, every nature lover will easily find a way to make use of another one. Other good gift ideas may include a personal water filter, a versatile multi-tool, or a waterproof, foldable sitting pad that can be a lifesaver for when the weather on the trail is less than ideal.
