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Giving a gift to a nature lover isn’t as easy as one might think. Providing the essentials such as a new tent or expensive hiking boots is a wonderful idea, but often your favorite outdoor enthusiast will already have all the basics, and some are downright pricey. Don’t despair. Use it as your chance to shine by choosing a unique and useful gift that will bring your thoughtfulness to mind every time it’s used. Here we will think outside the box for the perfect (and afforable) gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.

Gifts for Hikers

Hiking is a valued form of exercise as well as a relaxing recreational activity. It can be as simple as a trek through the city park or as difficult as an unkempt trail in the wilderness. Skill level aside, gifts for hikers can meet a number of needs on the trail.

Outdoor Gear Lab notes one of the very best gifts you can buy for a hiker is a multiuse tool. Something that cuts, screws, jabs, pokes, digs, threads, and is generally handy is something that is always useful. While they tend to be expensive, there are always ways around that.

Consider looking for the pricier items on auction sites such as eBay. Keep in mind they have new items as well as gently used ones, so it’s a great place to check for deals on pricier items like hiking boots and pedometers. If these don’t cut it, check out this list of 50 unique hiking gifts.

Planning to hike in the winter? Check out this post for tips on hiking in the winter.

Gifts for Glampers and Campers

“Glamping” is just a cutesy way of saying you require a few more basic amenities other than the moon and a sleeping bag when you camp. Whether it’s a medical reason or just a personal preference, some people just prefer a glitzy camper, electricity, and running water on their outdoor excursions.

There are all sorts of fun gifts for your favorite glamper. A simple gift that still gets a wow is anything that glows in the dark. Camping is full of unexpected situations, so having a glow-in-the-dark rope or lighted tent stakes can really come in handy, and they won’t cost much.

Another fun-but-functional glamper gift is a personal water filter. No matter where you are, you will always have clean water. It’s an affordable option that will surely bring pleasure to your loved one who just doesn’t want to “rough it” in the great outdoors!

Lastly, if your camper makes a point to always bring their dog, consider practical yet affordable items like collapsible food and water dishes, a collar to keep them pest-free, a dog backpack or even dog booties (yes, they’re real!).

Gifts for Fisherman

Whether it’s fishing off the bank, from a little rowboat, or out in the middle of the ocean, there are myriad gifts for those with this popular hobby. Fishing can require a lot of gear, so anything that’s small and useful fits the bill.

A paracord bracelet that is also a functional first aid kit is a marvel you can make yourself. If you want to get a little craftier, LureMeFish provides instructions for making lures from common objects like bottle caps. Pair it with a license for next year, and your favorite fisherman will thank you when they catch a big one!

Gifts That Bring the Outdoors In

There is something magically restorative about being outdoors. Psychology Today explains that spending the day in the great expanse of nature can disintegrate a bad mood in moments. Science gives us a slew of reasons for this fascinating fact including increased vitamin and mineral intake and the positive effects of natural light. The brain decreases the amount of negative self-talk it produces while in a natural environment as well.  

Why not give a gift that brings some of that special magic into your loved one’s home? There are lots of inexpensive solutions, like indoor herb gardening kits or a DIY terrarium. For those with a brown thumb, you could put together a rock collection. The little bit of the outdoors inside will be just the ticket, and it’s a creative and thoughtful (and inexpensive!) gift.

Finding the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast

It can seem difficult to buy a gift for someone who enjoys the simple pleasures of nature. The key to finding the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life is to use your imagination. Choose something useful but with a fun edge. Don’t be afraid to let your personality show in your gift choice. It makes it all the more special for your favorite outdoors enthusiast, and it keeps your spending in check.

For gifts for travelers, check out this post of 10 gifts for travelers under $50.

Author Note: Ted Fernandez is both a pet-parent to his Portugese Water Dog, Lily, and a camping enthusiast, so of course he combined them both. Anywho who has ever spent time in the great outdoors with their beloved barker knows it’s an experience that just can’t be beaten. You can check out more from him at Camping With Fido – The greatest camping adventures include Fido

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