The holidays are coming up fast, and if you have a friend or family member who loves outdoor adventure, it can be tough to know what to gift them. Whether they enjoy hiking, camping, or just being outside, the right outdoor gift can make their adventures even better. In this guide, we’ve picked out some cool, useful, and eco-friendly outdoor gifts in all price ranges that any adventure lover would appreciate. Let’s find something awesome to help them enjoy their next outdoorsy adventure!
**If you are looking for backpacking specific gift items we have a whole backpacking gear guide and recommendations post that you should definitely check out!
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Outdoor Gifts Under $20
I don’t believe in buying something just to say you did it… I want every single gift I give or receive to serve a purpose in my life whether it cost $1 or $1,000. These 9 items are my favorite outdoor gifts to bring to a dirty Santa party, use as a stocking stuffer, or just cheer someone up on a bad day. I use all of these on all of my camping trips and outdoor adventures and some of them in my daily life as well!
Sit Pad
This sitpad is the PERFECT addition to your hiking pack. It basically weighs nothing and is so nice to whip out for a comfy and dry spot to sit on breaks!
SplashGuard for Wide Mouth Bottle
Most outdoor adventure lovers have a wide mouth Nalgene or water bottle which is super convenient for water or electrolyte drinks, BUT the wide mouth is so hard to drink from. This $4 splashguard sits right in the mouth of the bottle and provides something to wrap your lips around to drink without spilling water all over you!
Outdoor Element Firebeaner
This handy carabiner tool looks like a low-key carabiner, but it also has a cutting blade, screwdriver tip, and bottle opener as well as a FIRE STARTER spark wheel!! It is the ULTIMATE camping tool and my husband is obsessed with his.
Long Handle Spork
You might not realize how valuable a long handle spork will be in your outdoorsy friends life but these things are a GAME CHANGER when eating freeze dried meals. Not only is it a fork & spoon in one, but the long handle allows the spoon to reach into the bottom of the meal without smearing your hands in the bag. Super cheap, but big impact!!
Solo Stove Funky Flames
OKAY, these are so fun to have for a campfire!! These funky flames will transform the fire to rainbow colors. All you do is throw one of the packets in the fire and watch the flames burst with color! They are always a huge hit when we use them and a great conversation starter too.
SeatoSummit Bug Net for Head
I always bring this face bug net hiking in the summer months when mosquitos and bugs are at their prime. It’s tiny and weighs nothing- making it super easy to pack! And when you need it… you NEED it.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
A headlamp is a pertinent piece of gear in your outdoorsy friend’s life. This one is super affordable and from a very reputable brand. I have the same one, but the 400 lumen version– which is a little more pricey, but also really nice.
Stormproof Matches
Picture this- it’s been raining all day, you’re cold and wet, and you just want to start a fire. You reach for your matches… but they’re WET. If you had only stored your matches in this stormproof case all would be well! I keep these in my first aid kit as a “hope to never need, but glad that I have them” kind of item.
Kula Cloth
For your female outdoorsy friend- a kula cloth is a re-usable antimicrobial pee cloth. It has a double snap to keep it folded closed for privacy and attaches easily to a backpack. I can also attest to the fact that it does not produce any odor- which is a huge bonus!
Outdoor Gifts Under $50
Now we’re starting to get to some of the good stuff! If you’re willing to up your gift budget to $50 or less there are so many more options for good quality outdoor gifts that your outdoorsy loved one will obsess over!! These are 9 of our favorite $50 or less camping items that we swear by!
Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern
This is a little blow up solar powered lantern that is really nice to have on camping trips! It has a snap on one side so you can easily hang it in the tent and has a solar panel on the other- so it recharges in the sun!
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table
A foldable camp table is a MUST have for camping trips! This GCI outdoors compact table has an aluminum frame and heat-dissipating aluminum tabletop and it folds down super small to barely take up space in the car.
REI Sahara Shade Sun Hoodie
If I could only hike in one shirt for the rest of my life it would be this REI sahara shade sun hoodie. It’s a lightweight moisture wicking top that has built in SPF, protecting your skin from the sun. My husband has the men’s version and we both have these in multiple colors and LOVE them.
Stanley 14 Piece Cookware
Any outdoor adventure lover is going to be SO STOKED to get this full outdoor kitchen set. It comes with everything you need to cook outdoors + it all folds down into itself making it SUPER compact when put together.
Arcade Belt
I cannot rave about these belts enough!! They’re built from heavy duty recycled webbing which makes them stretchy, but rugged and built to last-perfect for outdoor adventures. They come in multiple colors as well as a “slim” and “long” version.
REI Camp Mug
Finally, a mug with a LID that doesn’t break the bank! These REI camp mugs have double wall insulation which helps keep your drink hot or cold. They’re BPA free and make of high quality stainless steel. Perfect for sipping a nice beverage around the campfire! Truly the perfect outdoor gift!
Quick Dry Towel
The REI Multi-Lite Towel is one of those small “magic towels” that absorbs a lot of moisture but wrings out to be almost completely dry. These are so nice to have for camping- whether you’re using the camp showers or just jumping in the nearby river!
Multi-Use Buff
A Buff can be worn in many ways— as a scarf, headband, face mask, beanie, neck warmer, or even a wristband. It’s serves many purposes and makes a great gift!
Topo Designs Hip Bag
This might be the cutest and most functional hip pack ive ever owned! You can sling it over your shoulder or wear it around your waiste to store things like phone, keys, wallet ect.
Outdoor Gifts Under $100
Alright, we’ve rounded up the best outdoor gifts under $100 that are practical, but super exciting to receive. From camp chairs, to stoves, to slippers, and hammocks- there’s something for everyone!
Crazy Creek Chair
I’m not going to lie- I’ve never owned one of these Crazy Creek Chairs myself, but our buddies have them and I steal them every chance I can get! It’s like a step up from a sit pad but not quite as good as a full camp chair (shown below)!
Coleman Camping Stove
This is the tried and true car camping stove for the outdoor adventure lover!! I have had one of these since 2018 and STILL use it to this day. It is actually quite affordable for what you get and lasts FOREVER!
Aeropress
If coffee is your friend’s thing… then this is the gift for them. I am OBSESSED with my Aeropress. It makes the most delicious and smooth coffee you’ll ever taste… and all you need is hot water! This Aeropress kit comes with a “go cup” that the Aeropress fits inside of. It is perfect for saving space!
SeatoSummit Blow Up Camp Pillow
This little blow up camp pillow will change the way you sleep in a tent forever. It used to be considered a “luxery camping item” but I can say with 100% confidence that it is an essential. I also take this on long flights/travel days.
National Parks Entry Pass
This is the PERFECT stocking stuffer to surprise your outdoorsy family member with! This National Park’s pass gets you into ALL the US national parks for free for an entire year! Before purchasing this- make sure your loved one doesn’t already have one!
The North Face Camp Slippers
When I say I LIVE in these slippers… I mean it! They are down-filled super warm and comfy slippers and are perfect for camping, hiking or even backpacking. After a long day of hiking or outdoor activities, slipping into soft, warm slippers is the best way to relax and give your feet a break. These make for an amazing outdoor gift and come in both men’s and women’s!
REI Flexlite Camp Chair
If you don’t think your loved one will be into the sit pad or the crazy creek chair then this is the next step up. This camp chair is super lightweight (1 lb) and packs down quite small. It provides back support that the other chairs do not without compromising the overall weight of the chair. But that’s why it’s a little pricier!
Eno Doublenest Hammock
Perfect for lounging, napping, or even sleeping outside under the stars! My hammock is one of my favorite pieces of outdoor gear I own. They’re easy to set up and a great place to relax and unwind, read a book, or just BE in nature!
Nocs Provisions Monocular
There have been a countless number of times where I wished I brought binoculars with me on a trip. I never wanted to commit to a full set so when I found this monocular it ended up being perfect!! And the pride is reasonable too for a fun surprise outdoor gift!
Solo Stove
This is SUCH a fun thing to whip out on a camping trip especially if your campsite doesn’t have a fire ring! We love making smores or just chatting over our solo stove after the sun sets and are always super grateful to have it!
Luminaid String Lights
Camping is all about the ~ambiance~ and these string lights will BRING IT! You can definitely find cheaper string lights, but I really like these because they are powered off of a solar charger- which you can also use to charge your phone! While they definitely aren’t an essential, they add a really nice touch to camping.
Biolite Portable Charger
I have taken this with me on every single one of our road trips, travel days, backpacking trips, ect.! It’s an external battery pack that recharges your phone and electronics and I love that biolite has a bunch of different sizes for different types of trips.
Outdoor Gifts Over $100
Our Big Spender list might be a little on the pricier side- but these are the type of items you only buy ONCE in your lifetime. They’re expensive upfront, but will last you for years!
Jetboil
THE OG camp stove!! We loooove our Jetboil and have had the same one for 7 years now. Jetboils are designed to boil water FAST and efficiently! When you’re a hungry hiker, time is valuable and having a jetboil is the best thing to carry in your pack!
Blundstones
I resisted the Blundstone movement for years… YEARS. Then last year I snagged a pair on sale and have never looked back. I am fully obsessed. They are built for adventure, and you can wear them with basically anything. I cannot recommend these enough, they are 100% worth the investment!!
Satellite SOS Device
Here’s the thing- you can’t put a price on safety and the Garmin Inreach Mini 2 is a device that can quite literally save your life. The garmin inreach is a satellite communication device that offers two way text messaging and SOS services when or you’re out of service. It is essential for anyone travelling to remote areas and would be a gift for you as much as it would be for your loved one!
Rumpl Puffy Blanket
Rumpl blankets are awesome because they combine the warmth and coziness of a sleeping bag with the versatility of a blanket, making them perfect for outdoor adventures or cozying up at home. They’re lightweight, packable, and made from durable, water-resistant materials, so they can handle rugged environments and keep you warm in a variety of conditions.
REI Magma Down Jacket
A puffy jacket would make SUCH a great outdoor gift. It’s a super lightweight insulating layer that is incredibly warm and can be used for pretty much any outdoor activity, like hiking and camping to everyday wear in colder weather. The REI Magma puffy is such a good price without compromising quality and it comes in both men’s and women’s
Backpacking Starter Bundle
This is the PERFECT gift for someone looking to get into backpacking, but doesn’t know where to start. REI offers this backpacking bundle consisting of a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag for less than $400!!
Kelty Loveseat
We were gifted one of these Kelty loveseats years ago and we absolutely love it! It is SO nice being able to sit and cozy up together by the campfire at night! It has a relaxed and low-profile design which makes it incredibly comfortable.
Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
iSUPs are portable and easy to store since they deflate and roll up into a compact size, which is nice for people with limited storage space or those on the go. They’re also beginner-friendly and can be used for a bunch of activities, like paddling or yoga or even fishing! We looove our iSUPs!
MSR Snowshoes
These MSR snowshoes are the perfect gift for your friend that loves Winter adventures! Despite what some people may think- hiking is a YEAR-ROUND activity!! In the snow you can just strap on some snowshoes and hike just like you would in summer! It’s my favorite way to get outside when colder weather comes.
Big Agnes Tent
This is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. It is a high performance 2 door tent that provides a lot of space for it’s light-weight design. They also make a 1 person design and a 3 person design of the same tent! We would choose this Big Agnes tent over and over again!
Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is the BEST all-around adventure watch out there!! It offers precise GPS navigation, fitness tracking, and health monitoring and making it perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors! The Fenix 8 also includes durable, rugged materials and long battery life so it can handle tough environments and those longer adventures. We have been a Garmin family for years and love our Fenix 8 so much!