21 Best Adventure Gift Ideas
Looking for some of the best adventure gift ideas on the market and don’t know where to start? I feel ya. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect thing, especially for those who lean toward the outdoor life and have no use for “typical” presents like perfume/cologne or gift cards. You search and search, only to come up with a goose egg. Why must they be so difficult!?!
A bit shamefully, I fall into this category of gift receiver. I usually don’t want or need another wallet, tie, or gym bag. I appreciate the sentiment, don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather have my friends and family save their money instead of spending it on something I won’t use.
However, a fun and unique gift that’s both practical and useful is another story. Since I love traveling and exploring the outdoors, I much prefer something I can take along with me on my travels. For instance, a few years back my Aunt gave me these backpacking cubes that separate my items and I couldn’t have been more grateful. I use them to this day!
You see when it comes time to find a gift for that special adventurer in your life, the most important question you should ask yourself is, “Will they use this?”. We trekkers are streamlined by nature so if we can’t utilize the item, we don’t want it, no matter how “cool” it is.
Sure there are some outliers out there but for the most part, if you’re shopping for a nature lover or thrill seeker, err on the side of utility over flamboyance.
Buuuut, why not strive for both!?! Can’t the perfect present satisfy both parties, that’s to say, make both the giver and receiver equally happy? Wouldn’t it feel great to give something awesome, unexpected, and handy? It’s like a trifecta at a horse race, win/win/win!
That’s where this article comes into play. I aim to give my top 21 items that not only any adventurer can use and appreciate, but also make you look like a badass gift giver! Sound like a deal? Great, let’s get going!
Prices dated May 2024
Adventure Gift Ideas Under $50
Let’s start with those looking for adventure gift ideas on a budget. Maybe you have a fun-loving cousin who is never around because they are too busy wandering around the world, but you still want to send them something for their birthday or Christmas. Or you have lots of brothers or sisters and can’t drop too much moola on any one gift. Either way, check out the following ideas that should at least give you a starting point!
1. Engraved Brass Compass – $22.95
For the first gift idea, I recommend this beautifully designed brass compass. Besides physically showing them the way, let this symbol of affection tell your recipient how you’d like to wish them a safe and secure journey, on their next trip, and in life.
The compass comes enclosed in a classy wooden box and etched with the famous Thoreau quote, “GO CONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OF YOUR DREAMS LIVE THE LIFE YOU HAVE IMAGINED”.
Whether it’s for a recent graduation, a notable anniversary, a fulfilling retirement, or a tearsome bon voyage party, this gift works for all occasions. Truly universal.
2. Our Adventure Book Travel Diary – $25.99
This next item makes a great gift for trailblazers with a flair for retro. It’s both a travel diary and scrapbook, small enough to fit in most travelers’ luggage or backpack, but big enough to document all the crazy shenanigans explorers tend to get into.
Not only does it come with 150 vintage-style pages, a bunch of stickers, bookmark cards, and a decorative box, but it even has a pocket space in the back to store all the quaint stamps, travel tickets, or decorations the traveler has accumulated on their journey. A unique gift that will surely be appreciated!
3. Solar Camping String Lights – $29.99
I don’t know if this next gift idea counts as “glamping”, but it’s pretty cool nonetheless. This 2-in-1 lighting system will make any campsite stand out with its camping lantern and almost 40 ft. of retractable string lights. The duo makes decoration easy, yet fun and elegant. Perfect for the fancier traveler.
