Are you tired of the same old shopping routine and wish you could spend more time exploring the great outdoors? If you’re like me, the call of nature is always stronger than the lure of the mall. Finding the perfect gifts can be stressful, especially when you want to encourage your family’s love for outdoor adventures. This gift guide for outdoorsy families is designed to simplify your holiday shopping and inspire your loved ones to step outside and play! We’ve curated a list that includes exciting experience gifts, presents for the whole family to enjoy together, and thoughtful items for each family member.
Outdoorsy Gift Experiences for Lasting Memories
America the Beautiful Pass: Unlock National Parks. What better way to encourage outdoor exploration than with the gift of access to breathtaking landscapes? The America the Beautiful Pass is an incredible value at just $80 annually, granting entry to all National Parks, National Monuments, and federal lands. This pass is a gateway to unforgettable family adventures, from hiking scenic trails to witnessing awe-inspiring vistas. Imagine the memories you’ll create exploring the diverse beauty of the United States with this pass in hand.
State Parks Pass: Explore Local Gems. If you live in an area with fewer national parks, a state parks pass is a fantastic alternative. These passes open the door to local natural treasures, often providing access to hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping within your state’s park system. We cherished our Minnesota state parks pass, which led us to discover hidden waterfalls, serene lakeshores, and countless family-friendly trails. A state parks pass is a gift that encourages local exploration and appreciation for nature close to home.
Ski or Snowboarding Lessons: Learn a Winter Sport Together. For families looking to embrace winter sports, ski or snowboarding lessons are an invaluable gift. Whether someone in your family is a complete beginner or wants to improve their skills, professional instruction is key. Learning from certified ski and snowboarding instructors ensures a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes. Many ski resorts offer lesson packages that can be purchased directly, making it a convenient and exciting gift for active families.
Rafting Trip: An Adventurous Family Challenge. For the thrill-seeking family, a rafting trip promises an unforgettable summer adventure. Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating way to bond as a family, step outside your comfort zones, and create lasting memories. Paddling down a river together builds teamwork and resilience while experiencing the beauty of nature from a unique perspective. Don’t worry if you’re new to rafting! Many outfitters offer family-friendly trips suitable for various ages and experience levels. For inspiration, listen to this podcast episode about rafting with young children and see if it sparks your family’s adventurous side.
Outdoorsy Gifts for Kids: Sparking Imagination and Outdoor Play
If you’re looking for gifts for kids that go beyond fleeting trends and plastic clutter, consider options that ignite their imagination and encourage outdoor play. While a few popular toys might make their way under the tree, focus on presents that foster creativity and a love for nature, whether indoors or out.
Hammock: A Haven for Relaxation and Play. A hammock is more than just a place to relax; it’s a launchpad for imaginative play. Kids adore swinging gently in a hammock, using it as a cozy reading nook, or transforming it into a pirate ship, a jungle hideout, or a magical cave. Choosing an adult-sized hammock ensures durability and allows parents to join in the fun. For ultimate outdoor enjoyment, consider a hammock with a rain fly and mosquito net, especially in areas prone to insects or unpredictable weather. An afternoon nap in a hammock can become a cherished outdoor ritual.
Headlamps: Illuminate Adventures Big and Small. How often do your kids “borrow” your headlamp for their nighttime escapades? Headlamps are practical and fun, perfect for camping trips, backyard explorations after dusk, or even indoor fort adventures. A quality headlamp with adjustable settings offers versatility for various activities. Look for models that are durable, lightweight, and easy for kids to operate. Headlamps make excellent stocking stuffers that will be used year-round.
Runways, Slopes, Chutes, and Slides: Creative Building with Natural Materials. This beautifully crafted bamboo kit is a gift that sparks creativity and problem-solving skills. With chutes and balls, kids can design and build elaborate ramp systems, experimenting with gravity and motion. This open-ended toy encourages imaginative play and STEM learning in a fun and engaging way. Made from natural bamboo, it’s a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to plastic construction toys.
Campfire Set: Indoor Camping Fun. Bring the cozy ambiance of a campfire indoors with a soft play campfire set. Perfect for imaginative play, kids can pretend to roast marshmallows, tell stories around the “fire,” and create their own camping adventures in the living room. These sets often include plush logs, felt flames, and toy food items like s’mores, providing hours of entertainment and creative role-playing.
Play Tent: A Cozy Retreat for Imaginative Play. A play tent is a versatile gift that serves as both a play space and a quiet retreat. Indoors, it becomes a magical fort, a reading nook, or a stage for puppet shows. Outdoors, it offers shade and a sense of adventure in the backyard. Play tents encourage imaginative play, provide a sense of privacy, and can be easily folded away for storage when not in use.
Schleich Toys: Durable Animals for All Terrains. Schleich toys are renowned for their durability and realistic detail, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor play. These plastic animal figurines can accompany kids on nature walks, become characters in backyard adventures, and even withstand water and dirt. After outdoor play, a quick “bath” in the sink cleans them up for indoor adventures. Schleich toys are excellent stocking stuffers that foster imaginative play and an appreciation for the animal kingdom.
The Ultimate Fort Kit: Build Amazing Indoor Forts. Unleash your children’s inner architect with The Ultimate Fort Kit. This comprehensive kit provides everything needed to construct impressive indoor forts, from blankets and clips to poles and connectors. Building forts encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative play. The kit’s included stuff sack makes cleanup and storage a breeze, ensuring fort-building fun without household chaos.
Outdoorsy Gifts for the Whole Family: Shared Adventures and Bonding
Gifts that the whole family can enjoy together are often the most cherished. These presents create shared experiences, strengthen family bonds, and encourage everyone to participate in outdoor fun.
The Adventure Challenge Family Edition: Unleash Spontaneous Fun. Break out of your routine and embrace spontaneity with The Adventure Challenge Family Edition book. This interactive book contains scratch-off challenges, ranging from indoor activities to outdoor escapades, designed to bring families closer. With options based on budget, time of day, and duration, you can find the perfect adventure for any occasion. Some challenges are best suited for older kids, making this a gift that evolves with your family as they grow.
The Family Toboggan: Winter Thrills for Everyone. Embrace winter fun with a family toboggan. A durable toboggan that fits both kids and adults promises exhilarating sledding adventures. Look for a model that is sturdy, fast, and easy to pull, even on snow-covered campsites. A toboggan provides hours of outdoor entertainment and becomes a centerpiece for winter family outings.
National Parks Pages: Document Your Family’s Adventures. Pair the America the Beautiful Pass with a beautifully bound National Parks journal to create a lasting record of your family’s explorations. This journal provides prompts and space to document memories, wildlife sightings, and favorite moments from each park visit. Filling the pages of a National Parks journal becomes a cherished family tradition, preserving memories and fostering a love for nature for years to come.
Outdoorsy Gifts for Parents: Comfort and Outdoor Style
Don’t forget the parents who nurture the family’s love for the outdoors! Thoughtful gifts for parents can enhance their outdoor experiences, provide moments of relaxation, or bring the beauty of nature into their home.
The Glampfire Box: Elevated Camping Comfort. For the parent who appreciates a touch of comfort while camping, The Glampfire Box subscription is a delightful monthly treat. This curated box delivers a collection of camping luxuries, including consumable treats, reusable outdoor accessories, seasonal items, and camping-inspired recipes. From scented fire starters to gourmet snacks, The Glampfire Box adds a touch of pampering to outdoor adventures.
A Big Camping Table: Outdoor Dining Made Easy. A sturdy and spacious camping table is a practical gift for parents who enjoy outdoor cooking and dining. A large table provides ample space for meal prep, serving food, and gathering around for family meals in the campsite. Look for a lightweight, foldable table that is easy to transport and set up, enhancing the convenience and enjoyment of outdoor dining.
Rachel Pohl Art: Bring the Outdoors Inside. Gift the beauty of the wilderness with a piece of Rachel Pohl art. Known for her stunning landscape paintings, Rachel Pohl captures the majesty of nature in vibrant colors and breathtaking detail. Bringing outdoor-inspired art into the home allows parents to enjoy the tranquility and inspiration of nature year-round, even when indoors. A Rachel Pohl print is a lasting and meaningful gift for nature-loving parents.
Gift Guide for Outdoorsy Families: Making Gift-Giving Simple
Finding the perfect gifts for outdoorsy families doesn’t have to be a complicated or stressful endeavor. This guide offers a range of ideas, from experiential adventures to practical gear and imaginative playthings, designed to inspire outdoor exploration and create lasting family memories. We hope this list simplifies your holiday shopping and helps you choose gifts that will be cherished and used for years to come. Share your holiday shopping plans and favorite gift ideas for outdoorsy families in the comments below!
