Want to pick the perfect gifts for outdoor lovers? Want to know what to buy and what to avoid? Who else to get your advice from than someone who has spent their life and career as a Park Ranger spending time outdoors?
Gift Guide for Outdoor Lovers
This gift guide will help you find that perfect must-have gift for all the outdoorsy people you have to shop for. Whether they like to go for a hike or prefer to spend time in their camper, you can find great outdoor gift ideas for the entire family, including kids of all ages.
Outdoorsy gifts can be a little tricky, especially if you are unsure of their interests or do not have any great gift ideas for their next trip into the great outdoors. I have received more than one REI gift card and was told to pick out what I wanted, and I was okay with that.
Most of these gifts are my favorite products; I use them outdoors year-round! Others are products that I want or can see someone loving.
This list is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, or even Christmas gifts for outdoor lovers.
If you purchase a gift through one of our links, I may receive a small commission at no additional expense. We truly appreciate your support of Park Ranger John and the time you take to visit the site!
Give an America the Beautiful/ National Park Pass
This is perfect for those who get out and recreate on federal lands!
$80.00 For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
National Parks Passport Book - Explorer Edition
The National Parks Passport book is essentially the perfect outdoor toy for adults who love visiting our National Parks and collecting the cancellation stamps you put on a piece of paper stating you were there on a time and date. The sturdy, weatherproof Explorer edition has lots of room for your stamps, numerous official Passport pages, and a map with all the national park sites. I love that I can place pencils and still zip them up and not lose items while on a road trip exploring the parks!
Click here to buy a National Parks Passport Book - Explorer Edition
National Parks Edition Goodr Sunglasses
It does not matter whether you have younger children, older kids, or adults to shop for; Goodr Sunglasses will always be a hit! I always have a pair wherever I go. My favorite pair is the Joshua Tree National Park Polarized Sunglasses. They also have glasses for Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Denali, Mount Rainier, Zion, Everglades, Great Smoky Mountains, Glacier, Acadia, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain National Parks! You can pick your favorite color or destination or have numerous pairs like myself!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition Goodr Sunglasses
National Park Wall Map
Here is the perfect gift for someone to mark off the National Parks they have been to and show where each park is in the U.S. There are several styles on Amazon, but I liked this map as it was gorgeous and customizable. (Notice it says Park Ranger John & Tammilee Explore America on the top!)
Zamberlan Men's 996 Vioz GT Hiking Boots
These are my go-to boots and are perfect for the outdoor explorer in your family! I wore these for over a decade as a Park Ranger and continue wearing them today!
They offer excellent ankle support and are durable enough for any trail, whether your outdoor adventures include being a backcountry hiker or working on concrete all day. My feet don't get tired in these boots. I would also suggest moisture-wicking socks when wearing a heavier boot. Not only will it help with your feet sweating in a heavier boot, but it will also help with comfort throughout the day.
Click here to order a pair of Zamberlan Boots.
Pelican Porter Tumbler
This is one of the best gifts someone can receive. After all, everyone wants/needs a tumbler that can keep your drink hot or cold all day. Whether at work, in your car, driving, or hanging out by the pool or beach in the summer, your drinking will stay at its desired temperature for hours!
The Pelican Porter is a 40 oz. Tumbler that has 90% recycled 18/8 stainless steel and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Click here to order a Pelican Porter Tumbler.
Click here to order a Pelican Porter Tumbler with a personalized Logo!
Ansel Adams Book - In the National Parks
Here is an opportunity to gift a book from one of the most accomplished outdoor photographers, environmentalists, and overall champions of the outdoors. This book has over 200 photos, many of which were rarely or never seen before its publication.
Click here to purchase the book, Ansel Adams - In the National Parks.
Lifestraw Reusable Water Bottles
Enjoy filtered water on the go with Lifestraw! It has a Hollow fiber Membrane which removes 99.999999% of bacteria (including E. Coli and salmonella) and 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium) and Microplastics.
Click here to purchase a Lifestraw reusable water bottle.
Hothands Heated Boot Insoles
These heated boot inserts kept me going on cold wintery days while working in the park during the winter! They are indeed a life changer when working or spending time outdoors. Who knew you could have warm feet while snowshoeing?
Click here to purchase HotHands heated boot insoles.
Collapsible Solar Powered Lantern
The Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma Lantern is a lightweight solar-powered lantern for those who want to pack light when camping. It's also great for emergency backup.
Click here to purchase a Collapsible Solar Powered Lantern.
Canon Camera - Perfect for High-Resolution photos
I am constantly asked what camera and lens I use for my photography, especially wildlife photography.
We recently changed from the Canon 5D Mark 4 to the mirrorless Canon R5 camera and love it!
I can honestly say that both cameras produce high-quality images and are what we use for most of our National Park and wildlife photos. There is a little sticker shock for the R5, especially with the 100-500mm lens, but it is worth every penny for those serious about photography.
Click here to purchase the canon 5d mark iv camera.
Click here to purchase the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only (Compatible with the Canon 5D Mark 4)
Click here to purchase the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera.
Click here to purchase the Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L is USM Lens (Compatible with the Canon EOS R5 only)
Outdoor Gifts for Kids
National Park Coloring Books by Kristi Trimmer
I met Kristi several years ago, and what a great person! Of course, she is also a very talented photographer and artist! Needless to say, I was thrilled when I started seeing her products show up in the National Park Gift Stores!
I am always impressed with her National Park products, which include coloring books, Christmas ornaments, stickers, and more! I know the outdoor enthusiast in your family would be, too!
National Park Games
You can't go wrong with games inspired by the National Parks or Camping Games! They are the perfect way to dream about your favorite parks all winter long when it is crazy cold outside. You can also start working on your camping game skills to be ready to hit a fantastic campground!
Jenga- National Parks Edition
Trivial Pursuit - National Parks Edition
Click Here to purchase the National Parks Edition of Trivial Pursuit.
Yahtzee - National Parks Edition
Click here to purchase the National Parks Edition of Yahtzee.
Monopoly - National Parks Edition
Click here to purchase the National Parks Edition of Monopoly.
National Geographic Kids Junior Ranger Activity Book
Junior Ranger books are a fun way to get kids to checkout the outdoors and parks! Activities can include anything from learning to identify star constellations, birds, trees, and even bugs to being safe outdoors, including wearing a bike helmet to understanding the importance of carrying the ten essentials like flashlights, compass, and first aid kit.
Click here to purchase a National Geographic Kids Junior Ranger Activity Book.
Outdoorsy Kids Adventure Set
This adventure set is perfect for outdoor exploration! It has two walkie-talkies, binoculars, a compass, whistle, a hand crank flashlight, and a magnifier Glass to get kids out and exploring nature!
Click here to purchase an Outdoor Adventure Set for kids.
Park Ranger John's Wish List
This list is for my friends and family members who read my site. Here is a list of outdoor gear that would make me happy!
Rumpl Original Fluffy Blanket
First off, blankets come in handy everywhere! I always keep a few in my car for emergencies: camping, picnicking, going to parades, watching the stars, by the campfire, etc.
A blanket has a million uses, and they are darn tough. They are made with ripstop material and can resist water, dirt, odors, stains, and even pet hair. Did I mention they weigh barely two pounds?
Click here to purchase a Rumpl Blanket.
Pilot Rock 24 Inch Heavy Duty Steel Ground Fire Pit Ring
Ever wanted to have a fire ring like you get when visiting a campground? I couldn't resist, so I got one at my last house and loved it! I felt like I was camping in my backyard!
Unfortunately, I left it when we moved as it was well-used! Now I dream of having another!
Click here to purchase a Pilot Rock fire pit ring.
Solo Stove
Want a campfire without all the smoke? I do! No matter what I do, it always seems like the smoke follows me all around a campfire. Its time for me to make the upgrade so I can enjoy the nights on my back deck with friends and family.
Gifts to Avoid
First off, I want to say that the items below can be fantastic gifts. The difference is that, unlike name-brand clothing, the items listed below can be specialized for a particular activity or may need a professional fit. This may require more information than you have available to you.
Trekking Poles
A great example is a pair of trekking poles. You may see a super nice-looking pair of trekking poles on sale and spend lots of money, only to see they never use them. This could leave you frustrated and curious about why they didn't appreciate such a nice gift. In reality, it's not that the gift did not meet the user's need.
Did you know that today's trekking poles are quite specialized? To give an idea of key features someone may want include
- Fixed length versus collapsible or height-adjustable
- ultralight
- camera mounts
- shock absorbers
- different grips for different activities
- different baskets for different activities/terrain
Backpacks
I firmly believe that a serious person should go somewhere like REI and visit their backpack section before buying anything!
Just because you have seen them wear something like Patagonia or North Face before does not mean they will love a backpack because it's pretty or because of the name brand.
The best backpack I ever bought was a Kelty after getting properly fitted at REI First.
I was then directed toward backpacks I had never considered. I went from being frustrated to falling in love with a Kelty backpack because of the comfort and fit.
I had never considered the importance of ensuring someone measured my back (torso length and width) so that they could match a pack set comfortably on my back.
Since purchasing this pack, I have used it for over a decade, hiked more miles than I can count with this pack, and still have it to this day!
If you know they need a backpack, perhaps the real gift would be to take them in so they are correctly fitted to find the perfect pack. It may ruin the surprise under a tree on Christmas morning, but they will be genuinely impressed you put this much effort into getting something they will use for years.
Jacket
Like a backpack, I would shy away from a jacket if you don't know the exact brand, type, and size your outdoors lover wants.
Jackets come with many options, like
- water-resistant
- Having a hood/ no hood
- specialized for trail runners, mountain climbers, ski jackets, hunters, and fishermen
- Battery-operated heated jackets provide additional warmth
- Wirelessly charge your device (phone), etc.
Sleeping Bags
Like the others above, you may not know precisely what they want. Backpacks can be for
- two-season, three-season, or four-season bag
- Some have down feathers and some people are allergic to down feathers
- water resistant
- Length
- ultralight
- Zipper location (right or left-handed)
Other gifts that I would personally avoid buying or giving a gift card so they choose the one they desire (unless you know the particular name and model) include
- pocket knives
- Tent
- walkie talkies
- hammocks
Adult beverage gift ideas
Beers inspired by National Parks - Sometimes I enjoy a cold beer after a full day of hiking. I'm guessing I'm not the only one by the number of beers out today inspired by the National Parks.
Here is a list of the beers I have found during my travels. This list may even sound outdated because everywhere I go, there seems to be a new beer inspired by the National Parks!
Wine-inspired by National Parks - Do you prefer the grapes? You are not alone! I am seeing wines inspired by the parks show up everywhere! They have become very popular in gift shops and National Park Lodges/ Lodge restaurants in and around the major parks. Wines are a hard item to keep a list on because they change bottles each year when they run out of grapes for that season, but don't let that stop you from looking.
Spirits Inspired by National Parks- Do you like a good bourbon? Perhaps you are interested in something more exotic, like an Absinthe? Whatever spirit you may want, there seems to be a demand for spirits inspired by the National Parks as this is a massively growing industry.
I hope you enjoyed this gift guide for outdoor lovers and found this information helpful.
Whether you plan on heading to a park, giving someone a gift, or spending time with friends and family in your backyard with fire pits and smores, remember that the best outdoor gifts will be used and spent with the ones we care about.
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