Last spring, our son and I took our first-ever mama-son camping trip when it was still a little too chilly for camping. But neither of us could wait to try out the outdoor gear we received as gifts over the holidays. He made kindling with his new hatchet and lit up the tent with his . I roasted marshmallows with my and tested out my .
That trip inspired this list of gifts for outdoor families. This list is filled with epic and adventurous gift ideas for outdoorsy kids, teens, and moms and dads, from gear to get them outside or to give an outdoor feel to indoorsy days.
(This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.)
The Best Gifts for Outdoor Families
Nothing spurs excitement for getting outdoors like new outdoor gear – or even gifts that inspire adventure. The holidays are a great time to spark that adventure with these gifts for outdoor families.
Outdoor Family Gifts
The best gifts the entire family can use. From outdoor gear that will make any adventure a little more epic to gifts for outdoorsy families that inspire adventure on any day of the year.
- MalloMe Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Perfectly compact roasting sticks so you don’t need to scour the forest when it’s time to make s’mores.
- Walkie-Talkies for the Family
Keep the entire family connected, whether the kids are exploring around the campground or in the backyard.
- Inflatable Lounger
Add a relaxing place to chill at the campground to their camping and outdoor gear. It packs small and makes a comfy spot to lounge in the forest.
- Collapsible Portable Corn Hole Boards With Bean Bags
Bring outdoor games to the campground for a fun camping activity when the family hangs out at the campsite. This one is super portable.
Related Reading: The Best Camping Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Campers
- Nomadik Subscription Box
Looking for gifts for outdoor families that continue to give all year long? Send your favorite outdoor enthusiast a Nomadik subscription for a new surprise every month (or quarter) – you can even choose the theme. Nomadik also offers one-time boxes.
Or, shop the Wild | Life Outdoor Adventure Kit, a subscription box geared toward the kiddos!
- Slackline
Set up a slackline at the campsite for hours of fun and entertainment for kids and adults. We chose this one for our family because it has everything you need.
- National Parks Pass
This year, give the gift of the outdoors with an annual pass to all 63 national parks. Or check out a state parks pass (many states sell them online, such as Colorado, California, Maine, and Florida).
- Pop Up Beach Shelter / Canopy Tent
Give the gift of shade this year! Extend living space outdoors at the beach or campground – a canopy is a perfect addition to outdoor gear.
- GoPro HERO9 Waterproof Action Camera with Touch Screen
Relive all the adventures when you capture them on a GoPro.
- Rally Tyro 2 Composite Pickleball Paddle Set for 4 Players
Pickleball is our new favorite way to get the family out together. Rent a court at your local rec center and have fun paddling back and forth over the net, even if you don’t keep score.
- Ravensburger Yosemite Valley 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Ravensburger makes some of the highest quality puzzles, and outdoorsy people will love this one with the iconic national park.
- Conversation Starters Fire-Side Chats by Walden
A standard deck of cards that feature prompts for family conversations around the campfire or in the living room. There are also instructions to play other games with the cards.
- Monopoly National Parks 2020 Edition
The classic family game with a theme makes one of the best outdoor family gifts.
- Camp Board Game
Fun while learning facts is always a win for parents and kids. This game is expertly crafted for fun of all ages.
- Spot It! Camping Card Game
Match camping-themed images in this fun card game (at Amazon) or full board game (at Walmart).
- 2023 National Park Foundation Wall Calendar
Drool-worthy images that will have you planning your next national park adventure.
- Nordic Adventure Awaits Pillow Cover
Complete this gift of outdoorsy decor with pillow inserts.
- Geometric Mountain Wall Art
This wooden wall hanging is a perfectly subtle addition to any outdoor lover’s home.
- Acacia Wood Slab Serving Board
The best gifts for outdoor lovers are as functional as inspiring, like these serving boards for entertaining.
- Portable Campfire: The Original Go-Anywhere Campfire
They can still get the campfire feeling at home when not at the campground.
Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy Kids
The outdoors is a little more exciting with their very own gear. Or, on an indoorsy day, find gifts for outdoorsy kids that will have them looking forward to their next adventure outside.
- Smartwool Wintersport Full Cushion Socks in Fun Prints
Keep little toes cozy and warm in cold weather. Fun designs like these polar bear and yeti socks will make gearing up for the outdoors exciting for the kids – even when it’s cold outside.
- MPOWERD Luci Color Essence: Solar Inflatable Lantern
Give them their very own lantern for the campground or even a night hike – they’ll especially love this one that changes colors.
- Nalgene 16oz Bottle
This pint-sized Nalgene bottle is just the right size for younger kids to carry their own water – at least for a little bit.
- Tracks, Scats, and Signs (Take Along Guides)
Find gifts for kids that make hiking fun, like this guide to identifying creatures in the forest.
- Artists Collective Reusable Baggies
A gift for kids to carry their snacks on the trail! Let the kids pack up their favorite hiking snacks in these cute reusable baggies.
- Hiking Journal for Kids
A place for them to capture their own memories of walks through nature on the hiking trail.
- Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker for Kids
Tracking activity motivates kids as much as it does adults The Fitbit Ace is made just for the kiddos.
- Airhead Monsta Trax Kids Snowshoe
Gifts for outdoorsy kids that get them excited to get outside in the winter are always a hit. Check out these fun snowshoes that also make walking in the snow easier.
You Might Also Like: Get Outside! 27 of the Best Outdoor Activities for Families
- Led Headlamps with Fun Designs
Whether coloring at the campground after dark or helping clean up after a late outdoor meal, a headlamp fit for the kids makes it all easier.
- Winter Hat with Pompom Ears
An essential piece of gear for cold days outside – and the most adorable way to keep little ears warm in cold weather.
- Let’s Go Camping Coloring Book
45 camping-themed illustrations for kids to color and proudly hang on the fridge.
- Stick Twig Colored Outdoor Wooden Pencils
These outdoorsy pencils pair perfectly with that camping coloring book!
- LEGO City People Pack: Outdoors Adventures
Lego has discontinued this set, but some sets are still available on Amazon.
- Spooner Boards Freestyle
Kids can work on their balance for snowboarding or skateboarding, even on indoor days.
- Outdoor Activity Book
Get new ideas for outdoor activities with the kids. Ideas that will get them learning and exploring nature.
- Oh, Beautiful Camping Site: Camping Book for Kids
Or kids who like to hike will love Trekking on a Trail (Hiking Adventures for Kids).
- Kids’ Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things to Do in Nature Before You Grow Up
Let them plan their own family’s next adventure (or their own) with this book filled with ideas.
- Learning Resources New Sprouts Camp Out!
Bring the camping trip indoors with this playset for little ones. Older kids will love having a living room camp out in their own little tent with this playset.
- Forest Pine Trees with Moon Stars Wall Decor
Make their bedroom a woodland escape with forest decals, complete with a bear for their bedroom forest!
- Mudpuppy Forest Night and Day Magnetic Puzzles
This 20-piece puzzle is two puzzles in one – one side has a daytime scene, and the other is the forest creatures at night.
Outdoor Gifts for Teens (and Tweens)
If you’re camping with a teen who is reluctant to be outdoors, you know it’s best to keep them happy during your adventures. These gift ideas are hand-picked by our teens, so they are sure to impress! And if you have someone on your list that’s not quite a teen, these picks are excellent outdoor gifts for tweens, too.
- Hydro Flask Water Bottle, 32 oz
A Hydro Flask bottle will let them keep their cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm all day long. Because teens love anything they can personalize, this is an ideal gift that they’ll use every day.
- Bear Butt Hammock
We really love Eno hammocks, but we now have another favorite once we discovered Bear Butt hammocks. Any teen will love their own place to chill at the campground.
- HP Sprocket Portable Instant Photo Printer
Our kids recommended this portable printer for the list of outdoor gifts for tweens and teens. They use theirs on many hikes and camping trips. Get instant access to pictures snapped in the wilderness (including selfies!) by sending images right from a phone to this mini printer.
- JBL Clip 4: Portable Speaker with Bluetooth
Few things make a teen happier than having access to their playlist. This portable JBL speaker will let them listen to music anywhere.
- Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket
Keep them warm and cozy when camping in the cold with Rumpl’s colorful outdoor blanket. With so many designs to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for the outdoorsy teen on your list.
- Anker Power Bank PowerCore Slim
As much as we want to keep teens off their devices in the wild, we know it won’t happen. This power bank will make sure they stay sufficiently charged.
- Rechargeable Hand Warmer
A cold teen is not a happy teen. Help them stay warm with a rechargeable hand warmer.
Tip: Add these Toe Warmers from HotHands to their stockings. They’re single-use but keep toes toasty warm.
- Kershaw Cryo Folding Knife
Our teens love whittling wood when we’re hanging out at the campsite, so when they got old enough, they each got their own small knife for their camping hobby.
- Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
A Therm-a-Rest pillow compacts down for camping and travel and comes in fun designs, like this moon print. One of our teens has the “Fun Guy” (mushrooms!, get it?) print we found at REI.
- 20 Outdoors Stickers from The Carefree Bee
These outdoorsy (and waterproof!) stickers are perfect for personalized water bottles, laptops, and more.
- BlissLights Sky Lite
When they can’t actually sleep under the stars, they can at least feel like they are.
- Outdoor-Inspired Bracelets from Pura Vida
From beaches to mountains, the artists at Pura Vida have every type of adventure covered. Can’t choose just one? Try the bracelet club and send her 2 new bracelets every 6 or 12 months.
- Colorblock Mountain Phone Case from Casely
Anything related to their favorite device will make a teen happy, so you can’t go wrong with gifts for tweens and teens that protect their phones.
- Sasquatch Hoodie
[No longer available]
Adventurers who do believe will love this tee with an image of the infamous woodland creature.
Also available in short- and long-sleeve tees.
- A Book on Foraging
Foraging is getting more and more popular, especially foraging for mushrooms. This book, How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying, is perfect for inspiring an outdoorsy teen to try something new – safely.
- Camping Themed Flannel Sheet Set
Give them a cozy night’s sleep with these 100% Turkish cotton camping-themed sheets.
- Wall Pops: Never Stop Exploring
Instead of painting, put this removable vinyl sticker on the wall for a little outdoor inspiration.
- Hydrascape Stickers Flatirons & Longs Peak Infinity Sticker
Stickers always make great outdoor gifts for teens and tweens, but well especially love this unique sticker from Hydrascape that wrap around water bottles.
Gifts for Outdoor Moms and Dads
Don’t forget mom and dad when getting gifts for outdoor families this season!
- GCI Outdoor Firepit Rocker Chair
It doesn’t get any more comfortable around the campfire than in this rocking camp chair.
You Might Also Like: 27 Heavy-Duty Camping Chairs for Ultimate Durability in 2022
- GSI Outdoors Java Press (30 oz)
Another pick from GSI: Fresh pressed coffee, insulated to keep coffee warm on chilly mornings.
- Gregory Nano 18 H2O Hydration Pack
The Nano is a backpack combined with a hydration pack, a must-have item for hikers, making it a perfect gift for your outdoorsy friends.
- YETI Rambler 12 oz. Colster Can
Help them keep cans (or bottles) of their favorite beverage cold with a Yeti koozie.
- Hydro Flask Mug with Insulated Press-in Lid
Chilly mornings at the campground require something that will keep coffee warm. And no one insulates drinks better than Hydro Flask.
You May Also Like: The Battle of the Insulated Tumblers: How the Affordable RTIC Stands Up Against Its Pricier Competitors
- Corkcicle 12 oz Triple-Insulated Stemless Glass
A wine “glass” for camping is one of my all-time favorite gifts.
- Helinox Sunset Chair
This lightweight and ultraportable chair goes anywhere but is comfortable enough to settle in around the fire at the end of the day.
- YETI Roadie 24 Cooler
It’s the king of coolers, perfect for beverages or keeping food cold for days in the wilderness.
- Moon Outdoors Guides
Moon has the go-to guides for camping, hiking, and more around the US. Choose from a variety of activities by state or city.
- Cotopaxi Tee
It’s no surprise that we love the outdoor brand’s reminder to “do good” (see our Questival adventures here). We also love their new Topo Llama design!
- Taylors of Harrogate Lapsang Souchong
When you can’t relax around the campfire, the aroma of Lapsang Souchong tea will make you feel like you are.
- The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
Give them the inspiration for their next adventure with the Ken Burns classic on the national parks.
- Mountains are Calling Coffee Mug
A mug for work or home when they can’t actually be in the mountains.
- Campfire Long Sleeve Tee
[No longer available]
Let them show their love of camping with this campfire word art shirt (also available in short sleeves and hoodies).
- And So The Adventure Begins Outdoors Journal
Your favorite outdoorsy person can use it to keep memories of all the adventures or for notes at work or school. Either way, this leather-bound journal is sure to inspire adventure.
- The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big & Small
Help them plan their list of adventures to come with The Bucket List.
- National Parks Adult Coloring Book
We use our coloring book as a national parks checklist and color the parks page each time we visit a new one.
Whether you’re looking to inspire or to make their adventures even more epic, you’re sure to find plenty of ideas for the perfect gifts for outdoorsy families (or friends) on this list.
Click below to save these gift ideas for outdoorsy kids, teens, and moms and dads on Pinterest!
Have lots of outdoorsy friends and family on your holiday gift list this year? Find more gifts for outdoor families from some of our favorite families who love adventure as much as we do:
The Best Gifts for Skiers from The Brave Ski Mom
The Best Outdoor Gifts of 2018 | Editor’s Choice from Outdoor Families Magazine
A Holiday Gift Guide for Active Kids from Rockies Family Adventure
Outdoor Family Gift Guide – 2018 from Tales of a Mountain Mama
The Best Gifts for Travelers from Traveling Mel
Meaningful Gifts You Actually Want to Give Your Children from Wike Baby
Holiday Gift Guide for Lovers of the Outdoors from Play Outside Guide
Gift Guide for Ski Families from MountainMomandTots.com
Ethical Gifts for the Outdoor Family from Born to Be Adventurous
Gift Guide for Adventure Travelers and Outdoor Lovers from Nomads with a Purpose
The Gift Guide For Everyone On Your List 2018 from Bring-the-kids.com
2018 Ultimate DIY, Handmade Guide for Your Wild Child! from Wilder Child
Your Guide to Cool Camping Gifts and Gadgets for Families from Little Family Adventure
Pingback: Best Gifts for Travelers + Frequent Flyers (they'll actually use) - TravelingMel
Pingback: Best Gifts for Outdoor Families - Tales of a Mountain Mama
Pingback: The Gift Guide for EVERYONE On Your List! Adventurers, Travelers, Outdoor Lovers, and Minimalists! - Bring The Kids
Pingback: Outdoor Family Gift Guides 2018 - Tales of a Mountain Mama
Wow this is an amazing number of curated gift items for outdoors adventure lovers. Pinned for reference this holiday season!
So glad to hear you enjoyed the gift guide. We found so many great options for outdoor lovers, and many gifts to inspire indoorsy friends and family to get outside!
Pingback: The Best Gifts for Skiers | The Brave Ski Mom
Love all the options@ Great Gift Guide
Pingback: Ethical Gifts for the Outdoor Family (+ Giveaway) | Born to be Adventurous