The Adventurer’s Guide to the Best Outdoor Gifts

Looking for unique outdoor gift ideas for the adventurer this holiday season? We’ve got this outdoor gift guide for you – they’re all under $30 to help you stick to your gift budget!

This outdoor gift guide was carefully written by outdoor enthusiast Sarah from the MoneySavingMom team. Sarah loves camping and hiking, and goes on many outdoor adventures with her family each year!

Outdoor Lover Gift Guide

Do you know someone who loves the outdoors? Buying gifts for outdoor adventurers can be challenging because they often like to pick out their own gear, and outdoor gear can be expensive!

But there are still plenty of great ideas for outdoor enthusiasts that don’t have to break your budget! Check out this list of outdoor gifts under $30 that are sure to excite the adventurer in your life!

Best gifts for outdoor people

Practical gifts for adventurers

1. Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System — If you know someone who is interested in backpacking, they will definitely need a water filtration device. You can’t go wrong with this most popular water filtration system! Sawyer is a top choice among backpackers, and the latest MINI version is lighter than the original (ideal for ultralight travelers) and filters water faster.

2. Yeti Rambler Coffee Mug — If you know someone who’s more of a camper than a backpacker, you might want to opt for a better, more insulated coffee mug because weight isn’t as important. I also love my Yeti Rambler glass, which keeps my drinks cool and bug-proof around camp.

3. bottle of nargin — You can never go wrong with Nalgene. They’re perfect for any type of outdoorsy person. They are virtually indestructible, completely leak-proof, lightweight and can be used for camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and more. These bottles are great for carrying water while hiking because the bottle itself adds very little weight to your pack! My family uses them all the time!

4. wool socks — We must wear woolen socks on our feet when hiking, whether they are Smartwool or Darn Tough. Yes, they are a bit pricey for a pair of socks. But these moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating socks will keep your feet warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.

5. headlamp — If someone is just starting out in the outdoors and is collecting gear for camping or backpacking, a headlamp is a must-have. Everyone in my family has a Black Diamond headlamp and we love them.

6. first aid kit — Every outdoorsman needs a good first aid kit. Even if they already have one, having an extra one to supplement can be helpful! This price is about $30 USD and has everything you need for 2 people for a 2 day hike.

7. hammock — Relaxing in a hammock in the woods is the best! My family has been using the Wise Owl hammock for years for camping and relaxing in the backyard!

These hammocks come with slings, which makes the price even more amazing!

8. woolen hat — Anyone who loves the outdoors can use a quality beanie to stay warm during the cooler months and on chilly mornings or evenings! The North Face, REI, Arc’teryx and SmartWool are all great beanies for outdoor activities.

9. Therm-a-Rest Z Seat Cushion — This ultra-light, compact seat cushion makes sitting on the ground or on your picnic beach more comfortable while keeping you warm and dry! These are also great if the picnic table benches are wet in the morning.

10. Ditty Saxophone — These little bags help organize supplies while enjoying the outdoors. Load them with first aid supplies, batteries, toiletries and more!

Other Unique Gifts for Outdoor Lovers

11. GSI outdoor mug — This lightweight coffee mug is perfect for those who travel a lot. It doesn’t weigh down your pack and keeps your coffee and tea delicious and warm – a must-have when backpacking in cooler weather!

12. Landmark Project Calendar — If you really want to wow someone who loves the outdoors with a super unique gift, buy one of these Landmark Project Calendars!

13. wanderer bracelet — Here’s another truly unique gift idea for the travel-loving adventurer in your life. Give outdoor travelers a truly special gift by adding the coordinates of one of their favorite adventure spots to a coordinate bracelet.

14. sub par park book — This book is a fun gift for anyone who loves America’s national parks. This is a great coffee table book filled with fun artwork, facts about the park, and hilarious comments from “the most underwhelming visitors.” We have this book and love it!

15. touch screen gloves — Touchscreen gloves can be useful if outdoorsy people use their phones to navigate or take photos when it’s cold.

16. waterproof diary — These little Rite in the Rain all-weather journals are perfect for writing and journaling outdoors!

17. Scratch-off or markable maps — This is a fun way to record your adventures, whether exploring a national park or marking all the states visited!

18. National Park 3D Decoration — What a fun way for adventurers to remember a favorite trip! I have one for Glacier NP and it’s beautiful. These will make a thoughtful gift for National Park lovers.

19.national parkandCountry stickers and maps — Document your travels with a collection of fun stickers, including these National Park Bucket List Stickers! These are perfect for documenting their travels in a journal, water bottle (like I do), etc.

Gifts for adventurers: Christmas stockings

20. REI gift card — You can’t go wrong with an REI gift card. For someone who loves the outdoors, there may not be a better gift than this! If you’re not sure what to buy for the adventurer in your life, just slip one of these into their stocking and they’ll be excited!

twenty one. Nuun hydrating tablets — These little hydration tags can be a lifesaver when you’re on a strenuous hike or can’t drink water regularly. They make a great Christmas gift for backpackers or even any type of outdoor enthusiast.

twenty two. hand warmer — These are such a cozy luxury when camping! They also have something for your feet.

twenty three. Paracord — This is truly a versatile tool for any outdoor enthusiast. The possibilities and uses are endless – a super practical tool.

twenty four. Bagged cheesecloth shower — This is great for those moments when you can’t shower! We use them regularly and they always leave us feeling surprisingly clean, even after a muddy bike ride.

25. Spock — Every outdoorsman needs a spoon to enjoy their favorite treats while outdoors!

26. moleskin — When you get blisters in the backcountry, this thing is your lifesaver! A hiker can never have too many moleskins to spare. It will always be used.

27. Mini multifunctional towel — This is super handy for clipping onto your backpack while hiking! It’s very versatile and dries incredibly fast.

More Holiday Gift Guides

Looking for other affordable holiday gift guides? Don’t miss these:

• The Best Christmas Gifts for Women: Small, Thoughtful, and Affordable Gift Ideas
• Budget-Friendly Christmas Stocking Ideas for Toddlers
• Small Christmas gifts for co-workers (that won’t break your budget)
• The ultimate list of $10 Christmas stocking stuffers for the family
• 25+ Easy Last Minute Christmas Gifts
• 50+ Affordable and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts
• 20 Quick and Easy Neighbor Christmas Gifts
• Best Gifts for Teens Under $30
• 20+ Gifts for Board Game Lovers Under $30
• My 10 Favorite Unique Baby Gifts
• 50+ Christmas Stocking Ideas for Men
• 10+ Eco-Friendly Gifts Under $30
• Christmas gifts for moms-to-be under $30
• Gifts for LEGO lovers: suitable for children and adults
• 20 Best Christmas Gifts for Boys (Under $30!)
• 15+ Best Gluten-Free Gifts
• 15+ Beauty Product Gifts (Under $30!)
• Top 10 Kids Subscription Boxes

Shh! Be sure to sign up for ourHot Deals NewsletterMake sure you don’t miss out on the hottest deals every day this holiday season!

Are you an outdoorsy person? Let us know your best affordable outdoor gift ideas in the comments!