Best Camping Gifts: Birthday Gift Ideas for Outdoorsy People

Get your favorite camper something they’ll use for years to come. (Unsplash/Dominik Jirovsky/)

Campers may be more familiar with gear and gadgets than any other type of outdoorsy people. It’s a hobby that requires tents, jackets, sleeping bags, and a whole other boatload of gear. We cover great camping gear regularly, but this top 10 list is chock-full of unique and fun ideas tailored to specific types of campers and adventurers. As an avid outdoor enthusiast myself, I handpicked each one of these products. Keep reading to find the best camping gifts around.

Unique camping gifts: Mini Plastic Spice JarsBest camping gifts for her: REI Trailbreak Sleeping BagBest camping gifts for him: Klymit Static SL Sleeping PadCool camping gifts: Camping Mess Kit Personalized camping gifts: YETI Rambler 14oz Custom MugBest camping chairs: Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Magnum ChairBest camping tents: REI Trail Hut 2-Person TentBest gifts for campers who love hiking: TrailBuddy Trekking PolesGift ideas for backpackers: Jetboil Zip Cooking SystemBest camping gear under $20: Alpine Start Instant Coffee

Get the Best Gifts for the Campers in Your Life

The best gifts for campers are things they’ll use over and over again. I kept that in mind while making these picks, from cooking gear to hiking accessories, these are the best camping gifts.

Unique Camping Gifts: Mini Plastic Spice Jars

Make better meals in the backcountry with spices from home (Cornucopia Brands/)

Many campers leave the best spices at home when they venture out into the woods. With these mini plastic jars, you can plan out your meals and fill up the jars with the necessary spices. They’re lightweight and barely take up any room in the pack. It’s an easy and simple way to make backcountry meals tastier. This set is a 12-pack of 1 fluid ounce containers and is a great, unique gift for campers. Throw as many as you need into your backpack and look forward to your next camp meal.

Best Camping Gifts for Her: REI Trailbreak Sleeping Bag

Stay warm and comfortable with this insulated sleeping bag for women. REI (REI/)

This water-resistant women’s sleeping bag is designed for backpacking and will sleep comfortably at 20 degrees (F). The synthetic insulation paired with the polyester lining compress easily to increase the room in your pack. It is lightweight and an awesome choice for camping gifts for her.

Best Camping Gifts for Him: Klymit Static SL Sleeping Pad

Enjoy an uninterrupted night’s sleep with this extremely comfortable sleeping pad. (Cabelas/)

Any camper knows that a good sleeping pad can make or break your night’s rest. This V-shaped pad allows you to be comfortable while you sleep on your side, stomach, or back and is one of the best camping gifts for him. The pad inflates to 3.5″ thick and is soft and quiet. It measures 78″ long and 27″ wide with easy inflating and deflating. If you’ve never camped with a good sleeping pad, pick this up and take your comfortability to another level.

Cool Camping Gifts: Camping Mess Kit

Aluminum camping cookset for all your backwoods meals. (MalloMe/)

An essential aspect of camping and backpacking is traveling lightly and efficiently. This mess kit has all the kitchen accessories you will need for your meals. It includes a pot, pan, two bowls, spork, soup spoon, wooden spoon, and cleaning sponge. It’s easy to clean and collapses into a small bundle for easy storage.

Personalized Camping Gifts: YETI Rambler 14oz Custom Mug

Enjoy a cup of hot coffee in a personalized mug. (YETI/)

There’s nothing like enjoying a hot drink or breakfast at sunrise during a camping trip. Personalize a mug with a name, note, or design to bring along on your next camping trip. Keep your coffee, chili, or oatmeal hot with the double-wall vacuum insulation while your hands stay comfortable. An awesome camp mug and a thoughtful gift for campers.

Best Camping Chairs: Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Magnum Chair

The best chair at the campsite. (Bass Pro Shops/)

The Bass Pro eclipse magnum chair is well constructed with a steel frame and water-resistant fabric. It can support up to 300 pounds and will provide comfort all day long. It is equipped with a side table, cup holder, padded armrests, and accessory pouch. When you’re ready to pack it in, just fold it flat and be on your way. It is a camping luxury you’ll be glad to have.

Best Camping Tents: REI Trail Hut 2-Person Tent

Get out of the elements and in a cozy and sturdy tent. (REI/)

You want your tent to be reliable and trust that it can withstand whatever mother nature throws at it. This REI two-person tent is a three-season backpacking design made to last. Two large “D” doors offer easy entry and exit for two people. The vestibules allow you to store your gear out of the elements, and the rigid pole design increases space inside. This tent is more suited for experienced campers and will serve well for those extended trips in the backcountry.

Best Gifts for Campers Who Love Hiking: TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Long hikes to the camp are made easier with a good pair of trekking poles. (TrailBuddy/)

Hiking across the rocky, uneven ground on the way to the campsite doesn’t make for a fun time. Trekking poles provide stability, balance, and safety while in the woods. To some, it may seem like an unnecessary piece of equipment. But I can assure you that once you begin using trekking poles, you’ll never go back. Make your hike easier on yourself, and pick up a pair of these trekking poles before your next trip.

Gift Ideas for Backpackers: Jetboil Zip Cooking System

Lightweight jetboil stove for easy meals and hot drinks. (Cabelas/)

Backpackers travel deep into the woods where most people don’t venture. It is always crucial to stay as light as possible. The Jetboil Zip Cooking System may be the backpacker’s most essential piece of gear. Heat some water and cook your freeze-dried meals and enjoy hot coffee. The cooking cup holds 0.8 liters and has a drink-thru lid with a pour spout and strainer. The bottom cup also serves as a measuring cup and bowl.

Best Camping Gear Under $20: Alpine Start Instant Coffee

Tasty coffee for those crisp early mornings in the tent. (Alpine Start/)

Searching for cheap camping gear? Nothing wakes you up better in a cold tent than a hot cup of coffee. It is almost a camper’s requirement to have coffee ready to go at a moment’s notice. This 8-pack of Alpine Start instant coffee is perfect for coffee lovers who camp. Just dump it in your mug, pour hot water, and stir. It dissolves instantly, and you can enjoy the morning with a hot brew in hand.

A few more thoughts on the best camping gifts

There are endless amounts of gifts and ideas you can give campers. But finding the best camping gifts means looking for something that serves a purpose. The items on this list were chosen for their practicality, reliability, and usefulness. The good thing about needing so much gear for camping is it gives many options for gifts. The hard part is just deciding what the best ones are. Use this list to get started, and you won’t go wrong.

Outdoor Life wants to help you find the most useful and expert shopping recommendations for the best gift ideas. Searching for more unique gifts? Check out more gift guides here: Best Last-Minute Gifts, Father’s Day Gifts, Outdoor Life’s Holiday Gift Guide.