Need inspiration for some great gifts for outdoor lovers? You’ve found yourself in the right place then. From multi-tools to coolers and camping stoves to versatile tech gadgets, this list will answer all your questions concerning thoughtful gifts. A carefully picked-out gift can speak more than a thousand words while also enhancing your loved one’s upcoming trips. You’ll find our complete list of the best gifts for outdoor lovers below.
How to Pick a Unique Gift for an Outdoor Lover
A thoughtful and unique gift always works perfectly to bring a smile to your loved one’s face. It speaks volumes of your commitment to nurturing the bond between you two, especially if you’re completely unfamiliar with that special person’s outdoor hobby. They will know and appreciate it so much more if you spend the time to pick out something practical and tailored to their needs.
But how do you do it? How do you come up with these gift ideas? Outdoor lovers come in many shapes and sizes; some people like kayaking, others are enamored with camping, backpacking, climbing – the list is practically endless. To answer the question and help you choose the best gift for the outdoor lover in your life, we break it down into three components:
- Research: Start by figuring out the current trends in the activity enjoyed by your gift recipient. Look into possible new gear innovations, interesting and useful outdoorsy gadgets and other popular items. Poke around online on various websites and forums to see what’s currently in.
- Surveying: If possible, talk to your outdoor lover’s friends and compatriots who take part in the activity with them. They can be a true fountain of knowledge and will help you tremendously. If you’re gifting something to a true lone wolf, however, your task is going to be expectedly more difficult. You can risk asking some subtle questions directly to see what they have on their wishlist but bear in mind that you can always spoil the surprise accidentally.
- Personalization: Lastly, once you have an idea of what you’re going for, making it personal is a great way to go the extra mile. A simple engraving or reference to your gift recipient can make for a truly unforgettable present.
Great Gift Ideas for Outdoor Lovers: Sample Suggestions
If giving creative and inspired gifts every time isn’t your strongest suit, we’ve prepared a list with a few great ideas for outdoor lover gifts. We included plenty of different hobbies to make sure your selection process is a little easier, though these items are sure to please anyone.
Cooler
Which avid camper doesn’t like to sit down in a quality camping chair with a cold beer in hand after a whole day of wilderness adventures? Emphasis on the word “cold” – it’s gotta be properly chilled.
That’s where a solid cooler for camping comes in. A good party-size cooler can keep a whole bunch of drinks chilled just for when they’re needed. The Canyon Coolers Mule 30, for example, can hold up to 20 12-ounce cans, making it a great choice for an outdoor lover who travels with a big pack of buddies in tow.
Best for: campers, boaters, picnickers, and fans of outdoor get-togethers.
Versatile Multitool
The humble multitool is an accessory like no other. You use it to cut things, open bottles, sharpen blades, do minor repairs, and about 20 other things. It’s always worth it to keep one in your hiking backpack. Despite this incredible functionality, they’re not just a great gift for the outdoorsy dad. Pretty much anyone could find these useful in a pinch, especially if they don’t already own one.
One potential drawback to choosing a multitool as your gift is that without research, you could pick up a model without a crucial function that helps with a specific activity. To help you with that, we prepared a separate guide covering The Best Multi-Tools for Outdoor Adventures and how to pick them.
Best for: anglers, hikers, campers, backpackers, hunters and trail runners.
Various Hiking Accessories
Lots can happen on a hiking trip – and we don’t just mean the breathtaking sights and thrilling adventures. Thru-hikers who take on challenging trails and your humble weekend enthusiasts alike can often find themselves in wildly unpredictable situations, and preparation is key.
Hiking tech gadgets make wonderful gifts, as do various health & safety paraphernalia to keep the annoying bugs or harmful UV rays at bay.
Best for: hikers, kayaking lovers, and lightweight backpackers.
Water Storage
Hydration is key for any outdoor activity. You can’t get more practical than an insulated water bottle, for example. It can keep drinks warm in the winter or cold in the summer. For longer uses, a heavy-duty water reservoir with a robust capacity is both practical and stylish. Durable, easy to clean, and often outfitted with extra features like easy one-hand operation or built-in ice containers – any outdoor lover is bound to find them convenient!
Best for: hikers, cyclists, backpackers, kayaking lovers, climbers, campers, and everyone in-between
The Takeaway
The best gift for an outdoor lover requires thinking and keeping their specific interests in mind. Research their hobbies, ask others who share them, and consider adding a personal touch to create a truly memorable present. You can also refer to our list of accessories that anyone will like!
You may also read: The Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Your Outdoor Enthusiast Boyfriend