A gift guide for useful stocking stuffers and party favors for outdoorsy kids, helping you avoid candy or cheap plastic items!

Whether stocking stuffers or party favors, sometimes we’re looking for a small item that will still have meaning. If you’re gifting to/from an outdoorsy kid, we have a few ideas! As a bonus, they’re budget-friendly at under $15 each.

stocking stuffer examples, outdoorsy toys and games, in basket

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

tools
survival gear
games and activities
art supplies
just for fun
books and booklets

TOOLS

spork: Who doesn’t love a spork? It’s the “ideal utensil”! This particular spork is made of bio-based plastic and is great for camping, picnics and lunch boxes. And a two-pack lets you share with a friend!

long-handled spork: Speaking of sporks, check out this long-handled titanium spork! Its length is perfect for freeze-dried camping meals and lightweight for those concerned about a few extra ounces of pack weight.

glass straws: Kids who love the outdoors also want to protect it. Encourage your little environmentalist to make small changes, such as choosing re-usable straws. We have these glass straws from Hummingbird and love them. They are shatter-resistant, easy to clean, and made in the USA.

extra large carabiner: A little ridiculous, a lot of fun! This extra-large carabiner screams “find a use for me”, even if it’s just storage for other carabiners. (Not for climbing!)

reusable water bottle: There are thousands of options out there, but these Camelback bottles fit the fun-and-functional category. We also like the simplicity of the 16 oz Nalgene bottles. Both fit easily in the pockets of backpacks, can be carried or attached by loops on their lids.

star finder: Use this star finder map to locate the stars and constellations in your night sky. This one is tailored to 40-50 degree latitude (northern North America + some parts of Europe), but check out the other editions for the one that suits your own piece of the sky.

paracord: Though some may not see it as more than a piece of string, paracord has so many uses! For shelters, bracelets, lanyards, clothes lines, bear hangs… or anything their imagination can produce.

helpful hankie: Bandanna and field guide at the same time, this Tracks & Scat Trail Hankie is a must-pack! Keep a handy/hankie reference for identifying tracks and droppings along the trail. Don’t miss their other versions too: deciduous trees, conifer trees, safety tips, fish identification, knot tying, constellations, first aid.

s-biner: An s-biner (s-shaped carabiner) is a useful tool, fun to say, and the perfect stocking stuffer or party favor at just over $2. Various sizes and colors available!

multitool: A bear-shaped multitool (with 15 tools in one!) would be a fun addition to any stocking. Or bring some holiday cheer with this snowflake multitool with 20 different tools in one.

measuring tape: Keep this measuring tape handy for your next outdoor adventure. Kids love to measure and compare, and this pocket-sized measuring tape is great tools to have on hand!

SURVIVAL GEAR

battery-powered (reusable) glow stick: In late fall and winter, it often feels like the sun sets mid-afternoon, and outdoor play gets cut short. But the good news is that playing outside in the dark can be a lot of fun! Use this rechargeable glowstick to either make your location known or as part of an after-dark treasure hunt. (Find the battery-powered version here.)

ferro rod: Light a fire without a match? You can do it with this ferro rod! Spark your kids’ interest in survival skills with this handy dandy tool. My kids have mastered the technique and enjoy the challenge!

emergency blanket: Another great tool in your survival kit, an emergency blanket is lightweight and has multiple uses. Designed by NASA, they retain up to 90% of your body heat, are reusable and tear-resistant.

compass: Useful for orienteering or geocaching, a compass is a handy tool for any person to have outdoors. Although many phones now have compass apps, being able to use the real thing is an important skill for any outdoorsy kid.

This compass has all the basic features (baseplate, ruler, magnifier, lanyard) and comes in a snazzy color that makes it easy to find. It is an “electromagnetic compass with azimuth bearing and 360-degree rotating baffle”.

knot-tying kit: Knowing the right knot at the right time can make all the difference! This knot-tying kit has waterproof plastic cards that will survive any adventure, a carabiner and para cord for practice.

wire saw: More suitable for older kids, this pocket chainsaw is lightweight and portable. Despite its looks, it can cut through anything from small branches to large tree limbs. Haven’t you always wanted to say “pocket chainsaw” when asked what you’re buying your kids? (Use coupon to get it under $15.)

PLAY & LEARN

storytelling prompts: Gather around and use the prompts on Campfire Stories Deck for Kids to craft a story and “set your imagination on fire”! (ages 5+)

card game: Take your deck of nut nut Squirrel! outdoors and settle in for some family fun, outsmarting your opponents and keeping those squirrels from stealing your stash! (2-6 players, ages 4+)

observation game: Spot It is a game (one of our family’s favorites) you can play anywhere, with anyone of any age, for any length of time. Kids often beat parents in their bid to find the two matching images! The camping theme makes it perfect for your next outdoor adventure — for snack breaks on the trail, or quiet evenings in the tent, or just a sit spot outside your door. (NB: the price sometimes hovers just above $15, sorry!)

glow-in-the-dark stars: Re-create your favorite constellations on your ceiling with these glow-in-the-dark stars. This pack includes 200 stars, putty and a constellation map.

Audubon playing cards: These playing cards each feature a different Audubon bird painting, from Northern Cardinals to Whooping Cranes. During a rousing game of “go fish”, kids can learn the names of a variety of different birds!

alphabet cards: Learn more about mammals from around the world with these fun fact animal alphabet flashcards, from aardvark to zebu! The back of each card lists both basic facts and fun facts about the featured mammal — sparking curiosity and helping you impress all your friends and family with your “did you know?” questions!

animal guessing game: Family game night will have the side-effect of teaching kids about the animal world with this waterproof Guess in 10 game. Along with interrogation skills, they’ll learn animal fun facts, habitat and behaviors all while trying to be the first to collect 7 cards.

outdoor scavenger hunt: This outdoor scavenger hunt is a great game for the whole family. Find colors, textures, shapes, etc. in what you see outside. This open-ended game is great for all ages, “perfect for natural learning, language development and image recognition”.

tracking cards: These animal track flash cards will help kids identify animal tracks and learn more about the animals that made them. Perfectly pocket-sized, they’re convenient to take along on any outdoor adventure!

ART SUPPLIES

weatherprook notebook: This small spiral notebook is pocket-sized and weatherproof, great for jotting down trailside observations and memories in sun or rain alike!

twig pencils: These twig pencils are a great addition to any gift. (And perhaps a good opportunity to practice whittling skills, once they need to be sharpened!)

crayon rocks: Your nature-loving artist would love these rock-shaped crayons. Their tripod grip allows for handwriting development all while creating their own masterpieces.

JUST FOR FUN

insect stickers: As long as you’re ok that the critters here aren’t actually all insects (I see you, spider!), these stickers can provide endless fun!

shoe headlights: Somewhat ridiculous…. therefore, perfect for a stocking! These shoe headlights attach to your crocs, sneakers, or a wide range of other shoe styles. Waterproof and rechargeable, the recipient will be eager to give them a whirl!

rubber stamps: These wooden rubber stamps feature 9 different nature-themed images. Though small in size (approx 1 1/4″ square) that can inspire endless creativity!

BOOKS / BOOKLETS

survival story: A great choice for older kids, Hatchet is a powerful story of survival and connection to nature. A family favorite for sure!

fun animal facts: The Animals version of National Geographic’s Weird But True series is a great way to learn weird and wacky trivia about animals and impress your friends! (If this inspires them to learn more, check out our growing list of animal fun facts!)

pocket naturalist guides: To learn more about the trees around you, try this pocket guide featuring 140 different North American species. It’s a perfect size to slip into your backpack and take with you on your next adventure. This series also includes guides for animal tracks, mushrooms, foraging, bees and other pollinators, as well as some location-specific guides.

birdwatcher’s logbook: The Birder’s Logbook: A Seek-and-Sticker Book for Budding Ornithologists provides information about 100 North American birds, and gives kids the chance to mark off each of their sightings with a colorful sticker.

bug book: This pocket-sized insect book keeps “facts at your fingertips” with information on over 200 insects and bugs.

nature journal: The Exploring Nature Journal for Kids is a great way to start a nature journal, with tips and prompts to get kids engaged in documenting their observations.

Next time you’re looking for useful stocking stuffers or party favors for outdoorsy kids, consider one of these budget-friendly items!

And be sure to check out our other gift guides: