50+ Holiday Gift Ideas for Nature Kids

These holiday gift ideas for nature kids are arranged into categories based on some of the ways The Explorers enjoy spending time in nature. And because I’m not a fan of overdoing it with gift giving this time of year, I’ve added something personal to each of the categories – an idea for gifting an experience instead of a store-bought item.

While these goodies may be fun for little ones to open during the holidays, the truth is, all you really need when it comes to exploring nature is your time and a sense of wonder.

For animal lovers

• Materials to make a DIY animal photo book
• Children’s books about animals
• Children’s books about the ocean and marine life
• Magnifying glass
• Bug container
• Butterfly net
• Roly-poly playground
• Live insect kit (such as ant farms, caterpillar adoption kits & ladybug lands)
• A field guide (both books & plastic fold outs are a hit here)
• Wild Cards: Bugs! playing cards
• Tickets to a favorite zoo or aquarium

For aspiring gardeners

• Gardening tools (regular or kid-sized)
• Watering can
• Seed packets
• Paintable pots
• Flower press kit
• Books about gardens, flowers & vegetables
• Terrarium kit
• Pinwheels
• Items to inspire a fairy garden
• A visit to a local botanical garden

For backyard bird watchers

• Binoculars
• Bird house kit & paints
• Bird identification book
• Backyard birds playing cards
• Audubon plush birds (they make authentic bird sounds!)
• A date to visit a favorite birding spot

For budding scientists

• Dinosaur skeleton excavation kit
• Weather station
• Compass
• Microscope
• Telescope
• A book about science, space, weather, etc.
• Tickets to a local natural history museum or science center

For campers

• Kid-sized camp chair
• Headlamp or lantern
• Glow sticks
• Play tent (like the Sansbug we use)
• Sleeping bag, pad or pillow
• Plans for a backyard campout or even a weekend camping trip

For kids who like to hike

• Camera
• Kid’s-sized daypack
• Hiking shoes
• Walking stick
• Water bottle
• A post-holiday hike

For the littlest explorers

• Bubbles & a bubble wand
• Flashlight (for night walks)
• Plastic bucket & sand/snow toys
• Sidewalk chalk
• Kite
• Wind streamers
• Sand or water table
• A visit to a favorite (or new-to-you) nature park