Birders use a lot of gear and gadgets, but it all might be a little mystifying to an outsider.
What can you give a birder that they’ll actually enjoy or get some use out of?
We’re here to break down gift ideas that both beginner and experienced birders will appreciate, as well as a few fun extras they’ll enjoy.
We’ll also cover the most frequently asked questions about birding gear, and all the equipment a birder needs to get out in the field.
So, let’s dive in and find that perfect gift for the birder in your life! And yes, it’s totally ok if you’re the birder in your life! Feel free to use this list to provide some helpful hints to your loved ones.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gifts for Birders
The Sibley Birder’s Life List and Field Diary
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For the bird fan who wants a physical record of their lifelong bird sightings, this diary includes entries for all 923 bird species found in the US and Canada, as well as space for creating your personalized life list.
Species are organized by families, and each entry has space for a date, location, and field notes. This portable and sturdy journal will hold up as a field companion for years to come.
Feemic Monocular Telescope 8×42
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An 8×42 monocular gives you a great field of view that doesn’t require you to have the steady hands of a surgeon.
This affordable model is fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof, with a comfortable hand strap and carrying case. It’s durable, lightweight, and just the thing for when binoculars are too bulky.
Bell Shaped Bird Seed Mix
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This adorable, bell-shaped fruit & nut bird seed mix is a perfect Christmas gift for someone who loves watching birds visit their backyard.
Sure, it won’t last forever but it’s something ornamental that they probably wouldn’t buy themselves that’s going to look cute when they hang it up and still be practical.
Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This 12×55 monocular requires a steady hand but repays you with stunning distance views.
It comes with a smartphone adapter that allows you to take photos through the monocular, so you can get the birds ready for their close-up!
Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof, this monocular has an adjustable turn-up eyepiece for a comfortable viewing experience.
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When a birder is ready to go beyond smartphone photography, the Canon EOS Rebel is a great entry-level camera that offers a lot of quality in an affordable package.
It has a 24.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, fast autofocus, and built-in wireless connectivity, making it easy to share images and videos. Once you’ve built confidence in your photography skills, you can upgrade with specialty lenses.
Teton Sports Oasis 18L Hydration Pack
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Combining a hydration pack and backpack into one, this daypack will stow both your birding gear and a 2-liter water bladder. The water bladder has an extra-wide opening for ice that also makes it easy to clean.
This pack has got plenty of pockets and ties for keeping everything organized, and it’s made from lightweight and durable ripstop.
There are a variety of color choices whether you want to blend in with the landscape or gift your birder their favorite color.
KanPas Wrist Compass
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finding your way is a must on longer hikes. A handy wrist strap keeps this compass close while you’re juggling birding equipment.
Waterproof and shockproof, this ideal gift is designed to hold up to the elements and glows in the dark for night use.
This compass includes a sighting window and sits on a comfortable-to-wear elastic wristband.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors should prepare for emergencies, and one of the most important things to consider is water.
The LifeStraw allows you to drink from freshwater sources in emergencies, such as streams, ponds, lakes, or even puddles, without needing to boil or treat it first. It filters out salmonella, E. coli, parasites, dirt, and even microplastics.
This is a great emergency backup item in case you get lost or run out of water on a long birding trip, and a good safety item for any birder to add to their daypack.
Cliq Camping Chair
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you find a great spot to stop and observe birds for a while, want to sit down to take photos, or even just need a break, it might be nice to have somewhere to do the sitting! Outdoors, though, there isn’t always a convenient bench or log, so you might have to bring something with you.
This incredibly compact camping chair folds up to the size of a water bottle and weighs only 3.5 pounds. It has durable aircraft-grade aluminum and ripstop nylon construction and holds up to 300 pounds.
The features are rounded out with easy push-button setup and takedown, solid rubber feet for stability, and a range of fun colors.
Darn Tough Hiking Socks for Men
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Darn Tough Hiking Socks for Women
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Go walking for any real distance, and you’ll learn quickly how important good quality socks can be. Blisters are no fun!
These socks pull out all the stops to protect your favorite bird lover’s feet. They’re made from high-quality merino wool, which is lightweight, water-resistant, soft, breathable, and eco-friendly.
Fine gauge knit and performance wicking, these true seamless socks are made for miles of birding treks.
Available in fun, colorful designs, because hey, if you’re going to give socks as a gift, they ought to be fun!
AmeriStep Care Taker Pop Up Ground Blind
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You might not think of a blind, which is typically sold for hunting, as birding gear, but these nifty devices can provide cover that lets birds come right up to you for a Kodak moment!
This one can accommodate two people, has easy setup and takedown, and is water resistant. It comes with a carry bag and tie-downs for windy situations.
CamRebel Water Resistant Rain Cover for DSLR Cameras
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Once a birder has invested in that fancy camera with its expensive lenses, they’ll want to protect it! Birds just love rainy weather, and they don’t seem to be too bothered by snow or cold, but your camera and hands could be.
This cover takes care of all that with thick fleece lining for warmth and insulation–which incidentally reduces sounds coming from your camera, super-handy when you’re trying not to scare the birds off!
The CamRebel has colors that blend in with the landscape and works with a tripod or provides protection for your hands. It also has a clear cover that works with the camera’s touchscreens.
Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 Binoculars
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Birding starts with a good pair of binoculars, or “bins” as they’re called in the hobby. This pair will give you a well-lit, sharp image with lots of color accuracy.
Metal twist-up eyecups adjust for viewing with or without glasses–an important feature for eye comfort and accurate viewing.
These bins are durable, lightweight, waterproof, and fog proof. They come with a lens cap, neck strap, harness, carrying case, and rain guard so they’re ready for gifting. An optional tripod is available as an add-on purchase.
Swarovski 8.5×42 EL Binocular with Field Pro Package
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
An experienced birder might be ready to upgrade their bins. This pair offers true luxury birding when only the best will do!
The Audubon Society’s reviewers noted the Swarovski ELs had “near-perfect” clarity and brightness. Naturally, they’re fog proof and waterproof, and they come with a lifetime limited warranty on the optics, a 10-year warranty on the other parts, a field bag, a carrying strap, and covers for the eyepiece and objective lenses.
Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
From binoculars to spotting scopes to cameras–not to mention all the lenses that go with those cameras!–birders use lots of different lenses. Help the birder in your life protect and maintain all that expensive glass with this handy lens cleaning kit.
A soft brush and air puffer can remove any dust or debris, while a lens-safe cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth keep everything sparkling. Moistened towelettes are also included for convenient wipe-downs. Everything fits into the handy travel case.
Naturescrapes Groundpod
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s a groundpod? Think like a tripod, but for when you’re laying on the ground. Why would you be using a tripod while you’re laying on the ground? To get close to birds, of course!
This handy device protects your camera from dirt, mud, water, and snow while you’re quietly laying on the ground, waiting for birds to approach you for that perfect shot.
It’s designed to push sand or mud out of the way as it slides, allowing you to adjust your position stealthily–always important for getting close to those clever birds!
Armoray Arm Sleeves for Men or Women
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These cooling arm sleeves provide UV protection and moisture-wicking during long birding treks. This best-selling brand gets high marks for comfort, durability, and fit.
The non-slip, seamless material won’t irritate your skin no matter your level of activity. With 30 different colors to choose from, you could match their favorite bird’s plumage!
HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This incredibly lightweight dry bag lays completely flat when not needed, so it’s easy to bring along on a birding trip for unexpectedly wet conditions.
This excellent gift idea is completely waterproof and made from tear-resistant material. A bonus cell phone lanyard bag is included.
Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney Hat
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A quality sun hat is a must for any outdoor activity, and birding always lasts longer than anticipated. Columbia’s Bora Bora Booney provides UPF 50 shielding from UVA and UVB rays.
Featuring a 3-inch brim and adjustable fit, this hat is also designed to keep your birder cool, with moisture- wicking fabric and mesh to allow sweat to evaporate.
Letterfolk Bird Passport Journal
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This travel-friendly journal is perfect for jotting down quick impressions of bird sightings. Entries are set up with fields for observations, and a facing blank page that can be used for sketches or additional notes.
Bonus pages include checklists and fun activities, as well as a place to enter the types of birds you want to be on the lookout for.
Rite in the Rain Waterproof Top Spiral Notebook, 3”x5”
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For the most rugged of trails, this notebook guarantees you can record bird observations under any conditions. Rain? Check. Mud? Check? Snow? Got you covered. Sweat and grease? All in a day’s work.
If it’s raining, you can write with a pencil, crayon, or the Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pen, and your notes will hold up. Plus the wire on this notebook is extra tough and impact resistant, so it will hold up to punishment from your daypack.
Solar Power Bank
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This handy device will keep cell phones juiced up on long birding treks. While centuries of birding were done without cell phones, they’re critical for tracking observations, taking pictures, navigating, or even making emergency calls.
This 10,000 mAH solar bank is compatible with both iPhone and Android-style phones and is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. It can fully charge a phone 2-3 times, depending on the model, and includes 2 USB C outlets, a flashlight kit, and a compass.
Wingspan: A Bird-Collection, Engine Building Board Game
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
On those days when you can’t be out enjoying the birds, Wingspan is the game that brings the birds to you.
This board game is equal parts pure fun and gorgeous to look at. It features a deck of bird cards with interesting abilities, based on their real-life counterparts, that you attract to your aviary.
By linking their abilities together, you create an “engine” that acquires you points to win the game. Enjoy as a solo game or with up to 5 players. Ages 14 and up can play, so the family can get in on the fun.
Does your favorite birder already love Wingspan? Consider gifting the expansions: Wingspan European Expansion and Wingspan Oceania Expansion.
Gifts for Kids Who Love Birds
Adults aren’t the only ones who love birds! Kids are often interested in birds and birding, too. They may have learned to love birds because a parent or family member has taught them about birds and birding, or they may have picked it up on their own.
Is it really any wonder that kids are drawn to birds? They love them for many of the same reasons we do: their beauty, their songs, and their unique behaviors.
If you have a kid in your life who loves birds, we’ve got some great ideas for them, too! These gifts are a great way to continue to nurture a child’s love for birds of all kinds.
Avery the Mallard Squishmallow
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Squishmallows are one of the most popular toys on the market today, collected by kids and adults alike. There are so many different characters and products to bring home!
Avery the Mallard was introduced in 2019, and he’s so cute! In 2022, he got a new hat!
According to the Squishmallow site, “Avery is a skilled left wingman for the ‘Mallows rugby team, and one day, he wants to be a coach! His whole family comes to watch and they bring popsicles to celebrate once the game is over.”
Seriously–how adorable is Avery? He comes in several sizes, from 8″ to 12″. Soft and snuggly, he’s a great addition to the stuffed animal collection of any bird lover.
Owl Pellets for Dissection
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This one’s a little gross, but for the right kid, this could be one of the most memorable gifts they ever receive!
Owls regurgitate small pellets of undigestible matter, including the bones of critters that they hunted. For a fascinating science experience, you can actually purchase these owl pellets and dissect them! They come in small, foil-wrapped packets and have been completely sterilized prior to being shipped.
Science-minded kids who aren’t squeamish will love putting on their gloves and carefully dissecting the pellet in order to identify the bones of mice, rats, snakes, lizards, frogs, and more.
The Birds, Bees, and Butterflies Sticker Anthology
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This gorgeous hardcover sticker book is full of beautiful nature-themed stickers, including birds of all kinds!
There are over 1000 vintage-themed stickers in this collection that kids can use in arts and crafts, journaling, and sticking on everything from water bottles to phone cases.
Stickers have always been a favorite activity for many children, but it’s also not something that only little ones enjoy. Today’s tweens and teens put stickers on everything, including folders and laptops. The unique presentation of stickers in a hardbound book makes this an especially lovely gift.
eeBoo: Piece and Love Songbirds Tree 1000 Piece Puzzle
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who doesn’t love puzzles? Bird-loving kids who are up for a challenge can try this 1000-piece bird-themed puzzle, which features a beautiful tree and a dozen songbirds.
The final product is a 23×23 piece of art that can be preserved with puzzle glue and a frame or taken apart and put away.
A puzzle with 1000 pieces may be a bit of a challenge for younger kids, so consider this 100-piece “birds and bugs” puzzle for the smaller kids in your life.
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a fun addition to this puzzle, take the time to identify each of the featured birds and learn about where it lives, what vocalizations it makes, and what makes it unique when compared to other birds!
Toysmith Beetle & Bee Build a Bird Bungalow
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This cute DIY kit contains the materials a child needs to build a small 6x4x6 wooden birdhouse.
It includes nails, glue, a chain, paint, and a paintbrush, and it is pretty easy to assemble. Younger kids will need some assistance, of course.
If you want the birdfeeder to hang outside, you should buy some sealant that will protect it from the elements.
LET’S GO! Binocular for Kids
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Binoculars aren’t just for adults, but sometimes they can be challenging for small kids to use. Adult-sized binoculars tend to be too heavy for kids, and the viewfinders are too wideset for kids’ eyes.
Kid-friendly binoculars are smaller, lighter-weight, and durable enough to withstand some rough treatment. They also need to be budget-friendly, as most adults are hesitant to put a lot of money into something that will be handled regularly by kids.
That said, you don’t want to sacrifice usefulness just to save a buck! You still want something with clarity and decent magnification.
The LET’S GO binoculars fit the bill: they’re inexpensive, lightweight, and durable. They also have 8x magnification power, which is enough for kids but not so much that they have to have a super steady grip.
Plus they come in kid-friendly colors and you can choose between a hand or neck strap for easy portability.
What a great way for kids to start birding!
Brain Games – Sticker by Number: Birds
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One last gift on our list for kids: a sticker-by-number book!
Sticker-by-number offers the same enjoyment as paint-by-number, but without the mess. This book can be taken anywhere–no extra supplies necessary!
There are 28 images in this edition for people to peel and stick into beautiful designs of mosaic-style birds.
Young kids aren’t the target audience for this gift, but older tweens and teens will certainly enjoy it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gear for Birders
What Is Something Every Bird Watcher Should Have?
Binoculars are your number one most important piece of equipment as a birder. Without them, most birds are just going to be dark specks that you can’t identify. Not too much fun to watch!
With binoculars, you’re going to see color, detail, and interesting behaviors that allow you to name and understand the birds.
Many birders also find a quality camera to be vital to their hobby. How is anyone going to know that amazing bird you saw if you can’t bring home the pictures to prove it?! Plus taking pictures can allow you to enjoy details there might not be enough time to see in the field.
What To Get Someone That Likes Birds?
Is your giftee new to birding, or a more experienced birder? Newer birders might still be collecting their initial gear. Intermediate birders might need some equipment or be looking to upgrade. Experienced birders might be wishing for specialized gear, or hoping to travel to check off birds from their life list.
For new birders, the most important basic equipment they will need will be a pair of binoculars. A quality field guide is also very useful, and they’ll likely want several: one for the region in which they live, as well as more specialized ones for the states and local areas in which they go birding often.
Is your birder going on vacation soon? A field guide to the birds of that area is a thoughtful gift–that is, if they haven’t already bought five!
Intermediate birders might be ready for bird photography, in which case a quality DSLR camera will be their next serious purchase. Another useful piece of equipment is a monocular or a spotting scope, which will allow close-up views of birds over a longer distance than binoculars.
Experienced birders might be looking to upgrade any of their existing equipment, with higher-quality versions of their binoculars, monoculars, or cameras. They also might be ready for specialty lenses for wildlife photography, which are those with a high focal length (300mm or higher).
All birders will appreciate any gear that makes their time outdoors more comfortable, and this would be anything similar to what you’d buy for hiking. While none of these items are individually quite the investment that optics are, they do add up, and it might take a while for a birder to accumulate all of them.
Plus outdoor gear takes a beating and needs to be replaced. You can be sure any gifts you buy in this category will go to good use!
Does your birder have a favorite bird or a favorite bird family? You’re guaranteed to be able to find art, home goods, and clothing depicting that bird just about anywhere. Search for blankets, t-shirts, coasters, and canvas prints showing our fine feathered friends.
What Does a Birder Need?
Binoculars or Monocular
The basic gear a birder needs is pretty simple. The most expensive piece is binoculars. Birding is kind of difficult without them, and the better they are, the better your experience will be.
A monocular is like having one side of the binoculars by itself. It has got some advantages in terms of being lighter and more portable and can offer you up-close views with enhanced detail.
Field Guide
Next, you’ll want some kind of field guide for identifying the birds you see. These are typically divided by region, such as the eastern US and the western US, or smaller regions such as New England, the southwest, or an individual state.
Some birders prefer to go digital, using apps like Merlin Bird ID or the Audubon Bird Guide.
Journal/List
Once you’ve seen the birds and identified them, you’ll want some kind of way to keep track of what you’ve seen. There are digital options here too–the most popular app is eBird, which allows you to track and share your sightings.
But there are also plenty of beautiful journals and diaries, prepared with bird listings and spaces for you to record all the relevant facts about your sightings. In its simplest form, you could even track your bird sightings in an ordinary notebook.
Outdoor Clothing
Dressing sensibly for the outdoors is a must for any nature lover–layers of moisture-wicking clothing, appropriate to the weather conditions, allow you to add and remove layers based on temperature.
This includes good-fitting socks and footwear appropriate to the trail conditions where you’re heading.
Sun Gear
Dealing with the sun is important: a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen are basics; a bandana and sun sleeves might be good additions.
Hydration
Hydration is another critical aspect of heading outdoors. For shorter walks, a simple water bottle will do; for longer journeys, specialized hydration packs carry water efficiently and can help juggle your other gear too.
Trail Food
Trail snacks are always good: dried meat and fruit, nuts, granola, and trail mix. Tuck a few into your pack even if you don’t think you’ll be gone long enough to need them.
Daypack
Finally, you’ll need a good pack to carry all this in. In addition to your standard hiking daypacks, there are also combination hydration/daypacks that come with a water bladder and still have space to stow your gear.
Additionally, many of the newer hiking packs are made with a space to add a water bladder, if you decide to convert it later.
Truly Gifted
Does the birder in your life really have it all? Here are a few bonus ideas. Consider a donation in their name to a bird conservation organization such as the Audubon Society, the American Bird Conservancy, or BirdLife International.
You could also gift them a membership to an aviary or nature center, or symbolically adopt a bird in their name with a zoo, bird rescue, or conservation organization.
Whatever you choose, the birder in your life is lucky to have someone like you researching all these thoughtful gift ideas!