Giving your outdoor person a gift is sure to brighten their day!
It can be just as much fun to give gifts than to receive. When selecting gifts for people who love the outdoors- you are supporting a health lifestyle and will help to create many memories. As I write this, I’m keeping in mind the products that I see and hear my outdoor friends talk about.
I’ve included these 12 Best Gift Ideas for both men and women who love the outdoors. These ideas span from hiking & mountain biking to yoga & photography. I personally love receiving gifts that are outdoor related. I can’t think of anything better!
Whatever you decide, your gift will be something they always remember and appreciate.
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Hikers
A Hike a Day Keeps the Blues Away– this is my Motto. Give the gift of mental and physical health with the many different choices of hiking gear.
Backpacks are a basic hiking essential- and a piece of gear that is often needed the most due to excessive use. Another idea that you may not have thought of is a whistle. Hikers don’t always buy this for themselves, but whistles can be a life saver! Other items include water bottles (personalize for the extra touch), hiking boots/shoes, poles, hiking gloves, or GPS devices.
Mountain Bikers
The mountain bikers I know love to geek out over gear and they can never have enough. If your person enjoys to mountain bike, then see if you can find out more about their specific preferences. If you have a large budget- a new full suspension Mountain Bike would always be a very welcomed gift! It would help of course if you know someone that could help you pick out a bike they would want.
Less expensive items, and very much needed still include helmets, bell, or other bike accessories. If they are a fashionista, consider buying them quality biking shorts, shirts, or socks.
Gift Baskets
This is one of my favorite ways to give gifts because of how creative you can be. Why not give them a gift basket with different equipment and accessories? This is a way to really use your imagination and let them know how much you care! For the “basket”, you could use a backpack, cooler, tote bag, or even a bike helmet.
For the Trail Blazer, fill the basket with jerky, pretzels, granola bars, and electrolytes. If this is for a camper, you could complete the basket with various cookware, utensils and non-perishable food. If your person loves to eat outdoors, why not fill a picnic basket with their favorite wine, cheeses, olives and cold cuts? Include plates, utensils and wine glasses or course!
Campers/Backpackers
There are so many different gifts you could buy for your camper or backpacker. First, do your best to find out what they already have- and what they don’t want to buy themselves. If they are just starting out on their camping adventures, then your job will be a bit easier.
Basic Camping equipment includes cooking stove, tents, sleeping bags, coolers, and sleeping pads. One of the products I own that I use every single time I go camping is my Jet Boil. With this product, I can heat water quickly (or soup) and it’s super convenient for making coffee in the morning. JetBoil is also fairly lightweight and is great for Backpacking.
Outdoor Fitness
Watches are one of those gifts that will be used all the time. A fitness watch will provide your outdoor enthusiast with additional motivation! These watches are perfect for keeping track of fitness goals and milestones. They are designed to track and monitor fitness and activity and there are numerous options to choose from.
Fitness watches are available with built in GPS, heart rate, sleep, swim, calorie counter and pedometer. Brands like Garmin are more expensive costing right around $200, while others such as MorePro on Amazon are $47.00.
Apparel
I think outdoor clothing is a gift that would always be appreciated since it can get expensive and it’s something that is needed on a more consistent basis.
Base layers are important for the outdoor enthusiast. Base layers are the foundation of a hiking clothing system, worn directly against the skin. They are designed to manage moisture, regulate body temperature, and provide comfort during physical activity
Opt to get them base layers that are made of moisture wicking materials to help regulate body temperatures and keep sweat away from the skin. Best materials include Merino wool or synthetic fabrics.
For shirts and pants – Choose lightweight, quick drying made from breathable materials like nylon or polyester. These options will help to keep them cool and dry.
For colder temps, layering may be required to help regulate body temperature during longer sessions on the trail. Great options here could include a lightweight fleece or a waterproof /windproof jacket to help ensure they are safe and comfortable in any weather conditions.
Finally, Socks can be another gift giving option. The same idea here- You want to buy socks that are also moisture wicking, have extra cushion to prevent blisters and keep their feet comfortable. Merino wool socks are a popular choice due to their moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties.
Trail Runners
You may think that the gear runners use on the trail are similar to hikers, but this is not the case. Trail runners stay as lightweight as possible. They carry less water, do not use poles and they wear trail running shoes. Typically, they wear a runners vest or a waist belt. Accessories include small water bottles, energy gels, and electrolytes.
Running apparel typically consists of running shorts and shirts that are made with polyester or polyester-spandex blends. This synthetic material is durable, lightweight and helps with moisture management.
Nature/Landscape Photographer
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a gift to a photography lover can be priceless. Of course a more obvious choice for this one if you have the budget is to give them the latest mirrorless camera or prime lenses.
A photographer also needs the smaller accessories such as camera bags, filters, and cleaning kits. Or- surprise them with a large print made on canvas using one of their photos. Also, on Etsy you can find unique and personalized photography gifts.
Yoga/Meditation
Yes- yoga and mediation is also done outdoors! Yoga & meditation have really grown in popularity over the years and so have the products. You can find anything from Yoga mats, candles, & water bottles to incense, oils, and customized mugs and T shirts. Etsy has some of the most unique, creative and funny designs geared towards those who love yoga and meditation.
Gift Cards/Subscription Boxes
If you are still at a loss even after all the ideas presented up to this point, you can always give a store gift card or certificate. This option is a win/win of course so they can choose equipment or clothing that they really want. Other ideas can include an annual subscription to an Outdoor Magazine, Outdoor Subscription Boxes, or gift certificate to get a massage or their favorite coffee house.
Experiential
I can’t think of one person that wouldn’t be happy with this type of gift. Coordinate a tour or trip that can be time consuming and challenging to book. For instance-a River rafting trip down the Grand Canyon or a weeklong camping trip in Yellowstone. They will greatly appreciate the time you spent putting a trip like this together.
Does your person love the beach? For those larger budgets, get them an experience they would never have otherwise. Perhaps the trip involves air fare overseas to some exotic island or booking a weeks stay at a Vacation Rental property at a fancy resort next to the ocean.
Multi Sport/Multi Purpose
If you would like to get a gift that is more general, then there are plenty of options as well! Here are some ideas:
- Fun in the Sun: Sun Glasses, sun hat, Sun Screen, and Bathing Suits
- Bookworm: Books on camping, hiking, photography, trail running…
- Reflective Spirit: A journal they can jot notes in during their adventures
- Safe & comfortable: Hiking Essentials, Insect Repellant, First Aid Kit
- Cozy Camper: Feet and Hand Warmers, Heaters, Mini Coffee Makers
Gifts For People Who Love The Outdoors Summary
As you can see, there are many different outdoor gifts to choose from. So of course start with the activity they love most and then go from there. Giving an outdoor related gift to your loved ones, sends the message that you truly care about their health and support their outdoor life.
Hopefully this has inspired YOU to get outdoors too (if you don’t already).
What do you think about these gifts? Anything you would add? Would love to hear your thoughts if you have given any of these before – what were the recipients reaction? Please leave your comments below!
Thank you for taking the time to read and have an Amazing Day!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog on gift ideas for outdoor enthusiasts! Your suggestions cover a wide range of activities, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether they love hiking, mountain biking, yoga, or photography. Personally, I think adding a few more high-tech gadgets, such as portable solar chargers or compact drones for capturing stunning landscapes, could enhance your list even further.
Thanks for putting together such a thoughtful and detailed guide. Looking forward to more of your insightful posts!
Hi Kavitha- thanks so much for your thoughts on this post! The solar charger and compact drones are a great idea!