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Gifts for outdoor lovers

You know the type. They check the forecast before they check their email, they own more than one headlamp, and their car always has a little dirt in the footwell. Buying for them is tricky, because they already have the basics and they’re picky about gear.

So skip the basics. The gifts here come from independent and small brands that make things for specific kinds of time outside: nights under a clear sky, early tee times, long days in the field, a Saturday on the pickleball court. Pick the one that matches how they actually spend their weekends, and it won’t end up forgotten in the garage.

Gifts for outdoor lovers: the gifts

How to choose

Start with where they go. The camper who plans trips around the moon will love a Sky View stargazing tent, designed in Colorado with mesh for watching the night sky from inside. A new backpacker gets plenty of use from River Country Gear’s sleeping bag, pad and pillow combo, which packs small and covers three seasons. The minimalist who carries trekking poles anyway can pitch the Trekker Pyramid with them.

Then think about the sport. Pickleball players are easy to please and hard to surprise: ARTI’s Sandstorm set has two approved paddles, four balls and a bag, so a curious friend can start playing today, while a ’90s-inspired Salted City paddle suits the regular who likes a little personality on the court. Golfers will get a kick out of the TeeBoxx magnetic speaker and charger, or a SKIVE glove with a drip design.

For the hunter or angler, think organization. Forge Creek’s Icon Pro waist pack keeps gear within reach, and Dry Pocket’s floating dry bag seals itself with magnets near the water. A handmade Damascus steel knife from Frontier Cowboy Gear is the pick for a collector.

  • For families: the City Bonfires s’mores pack, a ready-made night for eight.
  • For gardeners: Womanswork Digger gloves with reinforced fingertips.
  • For trail riders: a small SoJourner hydration pack in a cheerful print.

Gift note ideas

  • “For the next clear night. Find a dark sky and think of me when the stars come out.”
  • “You’re happiest with dirt on your boots, so here’s something for the next trip.”
  • “See you on the court. Bring this, and maybe go easy on me.”

Questions, answered

What do you get an outdoorsy person who already owns all the gear?

Go sideways from what they have. A stargazing tent, a throwback pickleball paddle or a handmade knife is something they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves.

Are there outdoor gifts for families, not just solo adventurers?

Yes. The s’mores family pack serves eight, and the four-person Trekker Tent and the roomy Sky View XL are sized for group trips.

What about the golfer in the group?

The TeeBoxx plays music and charges a phone on the course, and the SKIVE glove adds a bit of style to the grip.

Is pickleball gear a safe pick for a beginner?

ARTI’s Sandstorm set includes paddles, balls and a carry bag, so a beginner has everything for a first game with a friend.

What if I can’t tell which hobby they’d want a gift for?

Send a gift link and let them pick from a few options you choose. They add their own shipping address when they accept.

Related gift ideas

Brands in this guide

Not sure? Send a gift link and let them pick.

They choose the gift they’ll love. You never guess a size or a flavor.

Send a gift link