Last updated on July 12th, 2023
Let me help you find the perfect gift for the campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts on your list! These hand-picked, thoughtfully selected outdoor gift ideas are a surefire way to show your friends and family how much you care. They’re great for birthdays, holidays, or just because. 🙂
On this list, you’ll find a variety of outdoor gift ideas. I’ve also included a selection of high-quality, budget-friendly alternatives to some of the more expensive items.
I hope you find gift inspiration for everyone on your list, and maybe even a little something for yourself!
Cast Iron Restoration Services
Cast iron restoration may seem like an unusual gift idea, but trust me, it’s a great one! Do you, your parents, or grandparents have vintage, antique, or heirloom cast iron pieces that have gotten rusty and crusty over time? Professional cast iron restoration services can help you bring them back to life!
My favorite part of returning newly restored cast iron to families is seeing the joy on people’s faces. They recount stories of simpler times with family gathered around a kitchen while a parent or grandparent prepared homecooked meals in a cast iron pan. The sentimental value a piece of restored cast iron can have to a family is priceless.
If you’re interested in restoring a special piece of cast iron cookware, please visit my Restoration Services page for details and instructions. I’d be honored to help you give this unique, sentimental gift to someone special!
Pendleton Yakima Wool Camping Blanket
The classic Pendleton camping blanket, with a convenient carrying strap, is always a great gift idea. This blanket is made in the USA from genuine wool that will keep you toasty warm during the chilly winter season. Pendleton’s vintage vibes make it a popular choice for both indoor decor and outdoor use. Available in multiple colors and sizes.
Looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly option?
These similar blankets from Woolly Mammoth, Arcturus, and Ektos are highly rated and available in multiple colors and patterns!
Jackery Portable Power Station
The Jackery Portable Power Station is a rechargeable battery-powered generator that makes powering and charging electronics easy while camping, traveling, or during a power outage. It can power smartphones, laptops, coffee makers, lights, mini-coolers, electric grills, CPAP machines, and more for peace of mind when traditional electrical power isn’t available.
While Jackery offers a variety of different Power Station sizes to fit your specific needs, the E300, E500, E1000, and E1500 models are the most popular for camping and travel.
Jackery SolarSaga Charging Panels
When paired with the SolarSaga Charging Panels, the Jackery Power Station provides (literally) endless power. Simply connect the solar panels to the Jackery unit and harness the power of the sun to recharge your Power Station. This option is great for extended off-grid camping, travel, and power outage situations. The solar panels fold up for convenient storage with the Power Station unit.
In most cases, you can save money by purchasing the Jackery Portable Power Station and SolarSaga Charging Panels as a bundle.
Additional Brand Options:
Interested in a different brand? Check out EcoFlow, Goal Zero, and BLUETTI for comparable features and reliability.
Teva ReEmber Women’s and Men’s Camp Shoes
Looking for a comfortable, easy-on slipper shoe that holds up well to outdoor use? The Teva ReEmber fits the bill! With a rubber sole and water-resistant, temperature-regulating fabric, ReEmbers are so easy to slip on for casual days around the house, running errands, or keeping your feet warm and protected while hanging around the campsite. They’re available in several sizes and stylish color options.
GearLight LED Headlamps
A reliable headlamp is an excellent piece of equipment to have while camping, hiking, or exploring outdoors after dark. We also find our GearLight headlamps come in really handy for other things, too, like working on vehicles in hard-to-see places, navigating the house during power outages, and for situations where you need light but don’t have your hands free to hold a flashlight. Bonus: These GearLight headlamps come as a 2-pack!
Backpacking Stove Systems
Boil water lightning-fast to prepare coffee, soups, and dehydrated meals while backpacking or camping with a Jetboil stove. Jetboil’s cooking systems come in a variety of sizes, including the largest 1.8L capacity Sumo, the most popular and versatile 1L capacity Flash, the lightweight 0.8L Zip, and the ultralight 0.8L Stash backpacking model.
High-Quality, Budget-Friendly Options:
Looking for a high-quality backpacking stove but don’t want to pay Jetboil prices? Check out these comparable, highly-rated cooking systems from Fire-Maple and BLUU!
Cozy Columbia Outerwear
Give the gift of cozy with the Women’s Columbia Fireside 1/4 zip Sherpa or the Men’s Columbia Steens Mountain 1/2 zip Fleece. Available in multiple color options and perfect for layering.
Water Filtration Bottles
Safely filter viruses, bacteria, chemicals, and other harmful contaminants from your drinking water on the go with advanced filtration technology from trusted brands like LifeStraw, Katadyn, and Grayl. Perfect for hiking, camping, traveling, or filling up your water bottle at a public fountain in the park or at the airport.
SoloStove Fire Pits
Enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit without the smoke! Solo Stove is known for its line of innovative, smokeless fire pits that are perfect for camping or backyard gatherings.
Also, check out Solo Stove’s newest item, the Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit! Fueled by wood or pellets, the Mesa creates inviting warmth and ambiance in smaller outdoor spaces like terraces and balconies. Available in several stylish, ceramic-coated colors.
RTIC Cooler
A durable, well-insulated cooler is a worthwhile investment for camping trips, picnics, and outdoor excursions. The RTIC hard-sided cooler lives up to the hype! It keeps ice for up to 10 days, is designed with bear-resistant features, and has comfortable carrying handles.
High-Quality, Budget-Friendly Options:
Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Don’t overlook these high-performing coolers from Igloo and Lifetime! They are well-insulated, have large capacities, and can hold up to serious outdoor use.
Coleman RoadTrip Portable Gas Grill
The Coleman RoadTrip portable gas grill packs all the features of a full-sized backyard grill into a travel-sized unit. Perfect for camping, tailgating, and picnics, the Coleman RoadTrip features three adjustable burners, two side tables, and folding legs with wheels for easy transport and storage.
Smartwool Hiking Socks
Ask any serious hiker what one of their most important pieces of gear is and they’ll tell you it’s a good pair of wool socks. Smartwool socks are made from Merino wool, which means they are durable, comfortable, warm, and dry quickly – all important qualities when hitting the trails! Although cheaper synthetic or “wool blend” varieties might seem appealing, you just shouldn’t skimp on the quality of your hiking socks.
Rumpl Outdoor Blanket
Rumpl is the original outdoor, do-it-all blanket. These are always one of my favorite outdoor gift ideas! Packable, portable, and warm, Rumpl blankets are ideal for camping, traveling, picnics, outdoor events, and more. They’re also water and dirt-resistant, easy to clean, and made from recycled materials. You can even wear the blanket like a cape with the built-in “cape clip,” leaving your hands free for cooking, eating, or throwing a log on the fire while staying cozy in your blanket.
Original Puffy Rumpl blankets come in so many attractive colors and styles. Also, be sure to check out the incredibly soft and warm Sherpa-lined Rumpl blanket and the National Parks Collection!
High-Quality, Budget-Friendly Options:
While I honestly feel like nothing beats the quality of a Rumpl blanket and I love their give-back mission, these impressive alternatives from Wise Owl, Get Out Gear, and KingCamp deserve a mention! They’re super warm, durable, and affordable.
Anker Portable Power Bank
Take extra battery power with you wherever you go! The Anker Portable Power Bank’s ultra-high capacity provides up to five charges for smartphones and two full charges for most tablets. Twin USB ports allow you to charge two devices at the same time. I have this model, and it’s been a total lifesaver while traveling, camping, and during power outages!
Shokz Headphones
Ready for a completely different type of headphones? These Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) headphones don’t go inside your ear, but rather sit just outside the ear for maximum comfort and improved awareness of your surroundings while listening to music. Shokz headphones deliver premium sound quality with rich bass through the power of bone conduction technology. Available in multiple colors and styles for running, swimming, work headsets, and more.
Hiking Daypacks
Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or spending a day in the city, a sturdy, comfortable backpack is essential for carrying snacks, water, and extra gear. I’ve listed my top four daypack picks based on durability, comfort, and functionality, in order from smallest to largest capacity (measured in liters, L):
- Gregory Mountain Products Nano 16L Daypack
- TETON Sports Oasis 18L Daypack
- G4Free 35L Daypack
- Venture Pal 40L Daypack.
Platypus Clean-Tasting Hydration Bladder
A large-capacity hydration bladder comfortably holds a much greater volume of water than a standard water bottle. Plus, the convenient drinking hose means water is just a sip away – no more stopping to unzip a pack and find your water bottle.
But if you’ve ever used a cheap hydration bladder that came with your hiking backpack, you know it can leave an unpleasant, plastic-residue taste in your water. That’s where the Platypus Big Zip EVO hydration bladder changes the game! Made from certified food-grade, BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free material, all of Platypus’ hydration bladders come with a clean-taste guarantee, meaning you’ll never have to worry about your water tasting like sketchy chemicals. Platypus is the only hydration bladder brand I buy for myself and my family, and I can personally attest to the 100% pure, clean taste. This model is available in 1, 2, and 3-Liter capacities and fits easily in most hydration backpacks.
Practical Power Luminoodle Camp Lights
Portable camping lights always make fun outdoor gift ideas! Light up your tent, camper, or outdoor space with this bright, USB-powered LED Luminoodle by Practical Power. This innovative light set comes equipped with 15 color-changing options, 10 brightness modes, a wireless remote, magnetic mounts, and universal tie straps for easy hanging. You can even place the light strip in the provided carry bag to double as a lantern.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bags
The Earth Pak waterproof dry bag is a great way to avoid soggy clothes, electronics, and equipment while camping, boating, or enjoying a day at the lake. Available in multiple sizes and colors, these dry bags are equipped with a shoulder strap for easy carrying and even come with a waterproof phone case. Earth Pak bags are super durable, watertight, and backed by a 5-year guarantee!
Coleman Rechargeable Lantern
A good lantern is an essential piece of camping and outdoor gear. But going through tons of large-size batteries feels so wasteful! The perfect solution: A Coleman Rechargeable LED Lantern. Modeled after vintage-style oil-fueled lanterns, this stylish Coleman lantern shines bright with up to 800 lumens and the LED bulbs never need replacing. The lantern is also equipped with a built-in carabiner handle for easy carrying and hanging. It recharges quickly with an included USB-C cable that stores neatly in the base.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock
Tree-friendly suspension hammocks make fantastic outdoor gift ideas! The Wise Owl Outfitters camping hammock is available in single and double sizes, supports up to 500 pounds, and sets up in minutes. Wise Owl hammocks come with super durable hanging straps that don’t cause damage to trees. When not in use, the hammock folds to a tiny size and neatly fits into the integrated carry pouch. My husband (who is a big guy) and I have had our Wise Owl hammocks for five years and they’re still going strong! We enjoy relaxing in our hammocks while camping, at State Parks after hiking, and in the backyard. This brand is really affordable for its amazing quality and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a hammock.
Fiskars Camping Hatchet
This compact, sharp, and durable Fiskars Camping Hatchet is perfect for cutting small logs and tinder for a campfire, fireplace, or tent stove. It is lightweight and comes with a protective carrying case for safe transport.
Lodge Yellowstone Skillets
Lodge recently released these awesome Yellowstone-themed cast iron skillets just in time for the premiere of the hit show’s highly anticipated fifth season. The skillets are available in two designs – the Authentic Y and the Dutton Ranch Steer. Grab this set for the cast iron collector or Yellowstone fan on your list!
As always, Lodge skillets are made in the USA and make great outdoor gift ideas! Cast iron cookware is ideal for use in the oven, on the stovetop, grill, or over a campfire.
Lodge Camp Dutch Oven + Tote Bag
The Lodge 12-inch (6-quart) camp dutch oven does it all! Made in the USA and pre-seasoned, this versatile dutch oven is ready to cook camping comfort food over the fire pit, with charcoal, on the grill, or on the camp stove. And don’t forget the convenient dutch oven tote bag! It really does make storing and transporting your dutch oven so much easier while protecting it from bumps and scratches.
For camping recipe ideas and ways to use a camp dutch oven, check out the Recipes section of my blog!
Dutch Oven Table + Carrying Case
The Camp Chef dutch oven table may be one of my favorite outdoor gift ideas. It elevates your dutch oven off the ground, eliminating the need to bend over repeatedly (lower back muscles, rejoice!). The flat, heat-resistant table also provides a perfect surface for preparing charcoal briquettes in a chimney starter.
The optional carrying bag makes transporting and storing your dutch oven table a lot easier, too!
Lodge Cast Iron Wanderlust Series
The Lodge Wanderlust Series is perfect for the cast iron collector and outdoor cook on your holiday list! Each pan in the series, the 8-inch Tent Skillet, 10-inch Dual-Handled Camper Pan, and the 3.2-quart Combo Cooker, is both visually appealing and functional. Built for outdoor cooking, these versatile pans can take the heat from a campfire, charcoal, grill, oven, or camping stove. Made in the USA.
BuzzyWaxx Gift Set
Season your cast iron with BuzzyWaxx for unbeatable protection and performance! The BuzzyWaxx Gift Set comes with five beeswax seasoning discs, a stiff-bristle scrub brush, and a microfiber application towel, and is a thoughtful choice for any cast iron lover. I use these blends regularly to season and maintain my cast iron and continue to be impressed with the results.
For information on how to properly season cast iron, check out my Cast Iron Seasoning Quick Guide, complete with printable instructions.
National Parks Monopoly Game
Have you ever wanted to buy the Grand Canyon? Now, you can! With Monopoly money, of course. 🙂 The whole family will have fun playing this Monopoly National Parks Edition game. It’s educational and entertaining, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the National Park Foundation, so everybody wins!
Where Should We Camp Next?
Do you, your family, or friends enjoy camping or RVing and want to explore new campgrounds? Check out this helpful book, “Where Should We Camp Next?” This “50-state guide to amazing campgrounds and other unique outdoor accommodations” features over 300 of the best camping, RVing, and glamping spots in the USA.
Blackstone Tabletop Griddle
Easily cook bacon and eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, burgers, chicken, and so much more while camping or tailgating with the Blackstone Tabletop Griddle! Available in 17 and 22-inch sizes, this mini-Blackstone travels easily and sets up in seconds on a picnic table, truck tailgate, or other flat surface. It features two independent burners for cooking at different temperatures and runs on propane.
Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit
Enjoy the cozy warmth of a fire pit without wood, ashes, or smoke with the Outland Living Portable Propane Fire Pit. Lightweight and easy to transport, this portable fire pit is perfect for camping, Rving, and gatherings on the deck or patio. It comes equipped with a 10-ft hose that attaches to a standard propane tank, lava rocks for aesthetics and heat retention, and a flame height control knob.
Rechargeable Hand Warmer
We all have a family member or friend who constantly has ice-cold hands in the winter. Here’s the perfect gift for that person! The OCOOPA Rechargeable Hand Warmer powers past the competition with four adjustable heat settings and provides up to 15 hours of warmth on a single charge. When it’s time to recharge, simply swap out the battery for a fully-charged one to keep the heat going strong. Ideal for camping, hunting, fishing, outdoor sporting events, and more. Bonus – The battery pack doubles as a USB charger for your phone!
Outdoor Duffel Bags
Everybody needs a sturdy bag for travel and camping, and these featured duffels make great outdoor gift ideas! High-performing bags by Thule, MIER, G4Free, and Element Equipment are right at home in any environment. They’re water-resistant, have multiple organizational pockets, and feature backpack-style straps for versatile carrying whether you’re navigating the airport or the great outdoors.
Surviveware First Aid Kit
Don’t head out on your next adventure without a first aid kit! This Surviveware kit was designed by expert emergency responders and is equipped with supplies to treat minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It also includes a CPR mask. The kit is durable, waterproof, and portable, making it a perfect choice for hiking, biking, camping, boating, and road trips. It is also available in different sizes and configurations.
Single or Double-Burner Camp Stove
A camp stove makes cooking easy while camping, at picnics and tailgate parties, and while traveling. Camp stoves are also usually allowed for cooking even during burn bans where campfires aren’t permitted. The classic two-burner Coleman Triton Camp Stove runs on 1-pound propane bottles. It has independent temperature control knobs, a windscreen, and it folds up for easy transport. The small yet powerful single-burner stove by Gas One runs on either butane or propane and features a piezo-electric ignition system. We love our camp stove for making coffee, one-pot camping meals, and as a back-up cooking source during power outages!
GCI Outdoor Freestyle Camp Rocking Chair
Another one of my favorite outdoor gift ideas is this super comfortable GCI Outdoor Freestyle Camp Rocking Chair. Trust me when I tell you the smooth, rocking motion takes relaxing around the campfire to a whole new level! Or, better yet, give it a try for yourself! You’ll never take a regular chair camping again. When it’s time to go, the GCI camp rocker folds flat for easy carrying and storage. Available in multiple styles and colors.
Dearfoams Alpine Moritz Slippers
Everybody needs a pair of comfy, cozy slippers for the cold winter months! The Alpine Moritz Slippers by Dearfoams have a rubberized, non-slip sole for indoor or outdoor wear. They also feature well-padded insoles, are warm and breathable, and are machine washable. Both women’s and men’s styles are available in various colors and patterns.
RealSteel Personalized Campfire Monogram Sign
Not sure what to get that friend or family member who has everything? How about a RealSteel Personalized Campfire Monogram Sign? They’re perfect outdoor gift ideas for holidays, birthdays, and housewarming gifts. Each sign is custom made from sturdy steel and powder-coated to make it weather-resistant. Available in multiple sizes and colors.
GoPro HERO10 Camera and Accessories Bundle
Capture ALL the outdoor adventure memories with the GoPro HERO10 Camera and Accessories Bundle! This ultra-tough GoPro records images and videos in any environment with amazing speed and clarity.
National Parks Calendar
New year = new calendar! The 2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar is filled with breathtaking photos of 25 National Parks, complete with background and historical information about each Park to educate and inspire your next trip. Plus, every purchase of a National Parks calendar helps support the National Park Foundation’s work to preserve these natural wonders for generations to come.
Anker Nebula Capsule Mini-Projector
Enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies at home or on the go up to 100 inches big with this amazing, soda-can-sized device! The Anker Nebula Capsule Mini-Projector is equipped with wi-fi, a powerful 360-degree speaker, and produces remarkably bright and clear images on any light-colored wall, screen, or flat surface.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar-Powered Watch
Track your hikes, adventures, sports performance, and GPS location anywhere in the great outdoors with the rugged and durable Garmin Instinct 2 Solar-Charging Smartwatch. This watch also tracks important health metrics like heart rate, respiration, sleep, and more. Solar charging capabilities provide unlimited battery power during outdoor activities.
And that wraps it up! I hope you found this article helpful for finding just the right outdoor gift ideas for your family and friends.
From my family to yours, we wish you the very best this holiday season!
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