Unsure what to get the environmental enthusiast in your life? We’ve got just the thing! Straight from our staff, here are some favorite gift picks for bird and nature lovers. Of course, they all pair perfectly with a gift membership!
For the backyard birdwatcher
“If they don’t have one, suet feeders are a fun way to attract woodpeckers and nuthatches, and are great for Wisconsin winters. A place like Wild Birds Unlimited has high-quality options to make birds and bird-lovers happy!”
—Brenna Marsicek, director of outreach
WBU’s flavored suet cakes: SuperSuet™, Hot Pepper SuperSuet™, Nuts & Berries, Naturally Nuts®, and PB & J
Crafty DIY gifters: make this incredible bird-feeding obelisk or a hanging log feeder for woodpeckers and nuthatches!
For the nature nerd
“When I was in grad school, I made a t-shirt with iron letters that read ‘Ornithophile.’ I loved the looks I would get from people when I wore it. This company (which supports eco-friendly manufacturing) did a much better job with their shirt.”
—Matt Reetz, executive director
A subscription to the Bird Collective Patch Club
Field guides! A few unique favorites:
Bird Tracks & Sign by Mark Elbroch and others
A Guide to Wildflowers in Winter by Carol Levine
For The mindful observer
“Nothing makes me feel more grounded than listening to birdsong and relaxing outdoors. It’s nice to take a break from it all and watch birds in the backyard, go for a short hike (like one of the scenic loops suggested in this guide), or even meditate while planted under a tree.”
—Mickenzee Okon, educator
Slow Birding by Joan E. Strassmann encourages slowing down and observing the everyday birds that inhabit our world
Portable chair or cushion, this insulated seat is great for colder seasons
Travel container for a relaxing drink, like this tea-steeping mug
For the beginning birder
“When I first started birding, I got a pair of binoculars that I carried around everywhere! Right now I have a set from Nocs that I adore. There are so many different kinds, so check out this useful article to help you find the perfect pair.”
—Kaitlin Svabek, director of communications
Wisconsin State Park pass for exploring new places
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Be a Better Birder” Bird Academy courses
Birding for a Better World by Molly Adams and Sydney Golden Anderson (of the Feminist Bird Club) celebrates birding as an inclusive activity for everyone
For the art Lover
“Create a nature journaling kit! These supplies are easy to tote around and have been tested in our sketchbook courses. John Muir Laws is also a great resource for those getting started with art outdoors.”
—Carolyn Byers, director of education
Sketchbook:
Versatile, mixed media: 9x12 in. Canson XL Series Mixed Media Paper Pad
Watercolor-specific: Speedball Travelogue Artist Watercolor Journal
Pencils, like this Faber-Castell sketch set, plus a good kneaded eraser and a rubber eraser
Add a little color with a set of Prismacolor erasable colored pencils, Prismacolor watercolor pencils, or a Winsor Newton pocket starter set
For the Adventurous adolescent
Here are a couple nifty gift ideas for teens:
A great read: Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer, Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty
Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube monocular and a photo rig for smartphones
Sibley’s “Guide to Birds” app paired with touch-screen compatible gloves or convertible fleece mittens
For the li’l explorer
Here are a couple tried and true gift ideas for kiddos:
Interactive books for learning: The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs, The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs
Want additional ideas? Check out the Bookshelf for more fantastic nature book suggestions!
* A special note from our staff: Many of these or similar gifts can be found at your favorite independent bookshop, art store, bird supply company, or what have you. Try to shop local when possible!
Cover image: A pair of Northern Cardinals perch on an evergreen branch (via Pixabay).
