Christmas Gift Ideas for Outdoor Kids

Let’s be honest. The holiday season can be overwhelming when it comes to gift-giving. Let’s simplify it with ideas for gifts to give outdoor kids. These gifts get them away from screens and encourage creative play in the great outdoors!

These gift ideas range from items babies to teenagers will enjoy and have something for every season outdoors. Depending on your climate, what activities your child enjoys, and their age, there’s something on this list for everyone!

If you like these outdoor-inspired ideas, you will love my list of Winter Books for Kids. They are great for gifts, stocking stuffers, or just to make winter time more cozy and special in your home!

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From Stocking Stuffers to Splurge Gifts

This list will range in price from stocking stuffer ideas to splurge gifts for outdoor kids of all ages. A great way to save on these items is to shop second-hand from places like Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, or yard sales.

Buying items second-hand saves money, reduces waste, and gives new life to items collecting dust!

These are just a list of ideas but check around to see if you can buy them used before buying new. I always like to see if I can source a gift for my kids second-hand before I buy new.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Babies (0-12 months)

Taking a baby outside can be as simple as a blanket in the grass in a temperate climate. But in a colder climate some more gear is needed. My babies have loved to be cozied up in a baby carrier or pulled in a sled in winter.

Bring the outdoors in with nature-themed board books and teething toys that are safe to chew on. Babies love to observe and interact with the natural world through touch.

Books

• “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Winter” board book
• “A Little Book About Winter” board book
• “A Day in the Snow with The Very Hungry Caterpillar” board book
• “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” board book

Toys

• Plush Tackle Box Fishing Set
• Nature Silicone Teething Ring
• Forrest Tag Toy
• Camping Shape Sorter

Outdoor Gear

• Knit baby beanie hats
• Baby knit balaclava (hat/scarf combo)
• Baby Pull Sled – We have loved this simple sled for our babies/young toddlers. The seat is supportive and has a buckle.
• Baby Pull Sled with Weather Shield Cover
• Ergobaby Omni Classic Baby Carrier – Both my husband and I have loved this baby carrier for carrying our little ones on walks and hikes outdoors.
• Columbia Unisex Baby Snowsuit – This is my favorite baby snowsuit! I love the down insulation and hood that keeps baby extra toasty. I also love they have foldable covers to go over their hands and feet.
• Portable Booster Seat (with tray)

Christmas Gift Ideas for Young Children

This list has lots of variety! Depending on your child’s age, stage of development, and interests there’s something for everyone.

For the Snow

• Kid-size Snow Shovels
• Heavy Duty Dust Pan – Makes the perfect toddler-size snow shovel! The short handle makes it easier for little ones to lift.
• Shovels and Rakes
• Adjustable Fleece Balaclava
• Toddler/Young Child Pull Sled
• 2 Person Sled
• Snow Fort Building Blocks
• 70% Wool Socks

Books

These are some of our favorite winter and Christmas themed books. Many of these are available in hardcover, paperback, or board book.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• The Mitten by Jan Brett
• The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
• The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
• The Hat by Jan Brett (Can you tell we love her books?)
• Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
• Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb

For the Rain

• Short Rain Boots
• Rain Boots with Handles
• Bubble Umbrella
• Rain Jacket
• Rain Suit/Coveralls

For Warmer Weather

• Tricycle
• Balance Bike
• Bike Helmet
• Fishing Play Set
• Hiking Play Set
• Owala Kids Stainless Steel Waterbottle – These are the BEST adventure water bottles. I can throw it in my hiking backpack or diaper bag and they DO NOT LEAK. And all the mamas said amen!

Snowsuits for Young Children

While I LOVE the Columbia snowsuits for babies, when my children are older and walking around, there is only one snowsuit for us. We love the Reima snowsuits so much!

They are extremely high-quality, warm, and durable. They last multiple winters and can be passed down from child to child. No other snowsuit we’ve tried has compared. They’re truly water-proof and easy to clean. They’re an investment but worth every penny.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Older Children

These gift ideas geared toward older children. There’s something for everyone and maybe even grownups who are young at heart!

For the Snow

• Downhill Racing Sled
• Beginner Snowboard
• Ice Cleats – Snow Crampons

For the Kid Who Never Stops Moving

• Pogo Stick
• Skateboard
• Razor RipStik – I was the first kid in my neighborhood to get a RipStik. I saved all my babysitting money to buy it and spent hours and hours outside mastering it!
• Razor Scooter
• Elbow and Knees Pads
• Trampoline
• Jump Ropes

For the Scout

• Nylon Hammock (includes 2 straps and carabiners)
• Camping Tent (2-8 person sizes)
• Sleeping Bag
• Hiking Backpack
• Hiking Boots
• Owala Stainless Steel Waterbottle
• Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
• Walkie Talkies

Tools of the Trade

For older children who are responsible and able to handle the challenge, other items can be fun learning experiences for gifts, such as:

• Small hatchet
• Wittling knives
• Pocket knife
• Real tool set (with hammer, nails, saw, etc.)
• Grappling hook
• Bow and arrows

Experience Gifts for Outdoor Kids

While giving items is fun, giving experiences is even better in my opinion! Here are some experience gifts you can give to kids who love the outdoors. There’s something on this list for any age!

Experience Gifts

• Zoo membership
• Waterpark membership
• Public pool/splash pad membership
• State park pass (if you live in a state with free state parks, even better!)
• National Park pass
• Petting zoo pass
• Outdoor ice rink tickets
• Ski or snow tubing pass/tickets
• White water rafting tickets
• Sports tickets
• Hot air balloon ride
• Horseback riding lessons

Gifts for Outdoor Kids Made Affordable

Remember that these gifts don’t need to be new. Shopping sustainably is good for the planet and good for your wallet. Search yard sales, thrift stores, and Facebook Marketplace for items. I’ve thrifted and purchased second-hand most of our snow gear and toys over the years.

I hope these ideas gave you somewhere to start and got your wheels spinning. Have a wonderful holiday season! And see you outside!