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.
And batteries? Nope, forget them at home. This unit comes fully equipped with a solar-powered rechargeable built-in battery. It’s convenient too! No need to get up once settled. Just use the included remote control, or one of the timer options, to power down once ready to call it a night. You can’t go wrong with this one!
4. LED Flying Disc – $34.99
Sticking to a light theme, you have to check out the TOSY flying disc! Believe me, when you’re a long way away from the nearest civilization, things can become a little boring. Most of the time somebody will have a deck of cards, or maybe a spare book if you’re lucky, but with no cell service comes no fun for some.
Enter the electronic frisbee! This thing is super fun and blazes with light on every throw. Any campsite will look like it’s being invaded by aliens as soon as this thing starts flying around! A 30-minute charge provides 90 minutes of fun! It’s great for friends, family, and kids of all ages. Comes in multiple color options. Don’t miss out!
5. Survival Kit – $39.99
This mini survival kit was invented to be gifted by every worried mother out there. It’s a fantastic choice for those who tend to wander a bit farther than they should or for those who love to be prepared for anything. It comes with 235 elements that are crucial for saving the butt of whoever needs it!
Included are what you expect and more; a knife, fishing lures, emergency blanket, multi-tool, flashlight, whistle, survival bracelet, fighter starter, basic first aid, and much more. Check out the full list when you get a chance. I’m sure it’ll be at the top of your list for more than one loved one!
6. Inflatable Lounger Sofa – $45.99
For those who love to chillax comes the ultimate “let’s take a load off” gift. This extremely light and portable lounger is ideal for any situation you can throw at it. The beach, camping, BBQ, concert, pool party, it doesn’t matter, it fits right in.
What’s amazing is how small this thing packs down to. Roughly the size of a large book, the compact design fits into the included shoulder bag at 12”x8”x4” (30 x 20 x 10 cm).
And it barely weighs a thing, coming in at a measly 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg), but is incredibly strong, packing a whopping weight limit of 650 pounds (295 kg)! Incredible! I can’t think of any open-air event where this chair would be out of place! Choose from over 15 color/pattern options and pick one up today!
7. Picnic Backpack – $49.98
A cute blend of utility and style, this all-in-one portable picnic bag is ideal for those who love a good outdoor feast. I mean who doesn’t love a good picnic? If you’re looking for the right gift to inspire personal connection, consider this wonderful gift. All you need to do is pack a lunch for two (or 4), pick a spot in a park, next to a river, or on the beach, and dine anywhere your heart desires!
This thing has it all! Plates, cutlery, wine glasses, salt/pepper shakers, cutting board, cold storage, detachable wine bottle and fleece blanket! It even comes with matching napkins! Makes a great gift for brand-new couples or those who love to be a little “extra”.
Adventure Gift Ideas Under $100
Looking for something a little more extravagant? That’s not a problem. There are loads of options in the $50-$100 range that’ll be sure to blow their socks off! As you probably guessed, the options increase dramatically. Let’s check out some of the best the internet has to offer.
8. Water Filter System – $54.95
We all need water, no matter where we’re going or what we’re doing, so why not give the gift of life with an integrated water filtration system that any explorer or adventurer will surely use? On the go, or resting at a campsite, this quickdraw water filter will be able to adapt to any situation.
It’s rated to stop 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa! Can’t get much better than that! Also, it has the ability to screw on directly to most 28 mm water bottles you’ll find in most stores. Either squeeze the water through the filter for fast access or allow the gravity assist to do its thing. No matter what you do, you’ll have confidence in drinking clean water anywhere in the world!
9. Jet Burner Stove System – $64.95
Any camper, hiker, backpacker, fisherman, kayaker, and outdoor lover will absolutely love this next gift. It’s an all-in-one quick-boil water heating system that makes eating in the backcountry a breeze. Boil a cup of water in about 3 minutes and enjoy that cup of coffee or dehydrated meal in no time!
No need to carry multiple pieces of cooking supplies either as the entire thing collapses into itself! It’s incredibly lightweight, coming in at under a pound and a half (.7 kg) and simple to get going. Just push a button and boom, fire!
10. Night Vision Goggles – $69.99
If you’re looking for something more on the “techie” side, but don’t want to spend an excessive amount of money, consider these easy-to-use goggles. They make a great choice for hunters, backyard campers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more!
Capture and record the moment in a 4K video or 36 MP picture on the 32 GB included TF card! Choose from one of the 7 infrared options to see in complete darkness. The 5x optical and 2x digital zoom will light up anything within 650 ft/200 meters on the crisp 3” screen. This thing is a steal, especially at its low price!
11. Heated Fleece Vest – $75.99
Talk about cool, or should I say hot? This snappy unisex fleece vest is a fun pick for anybody who’ll be in colder climates, but particularly for the more active individual. The multiple heating areas will keep anybody wearing it warm as toast for up to 10 hours!
Easily switch between 3 heating modes ranging from 100° to 140° (40° to 60° C). Excellent for those who need a flexible option in the middle of a run, during a ski or snowboard session down a cold mountain, or boating on an icy lake through a windy day.
12. National Parks Annual Pass – $80
Granted this one is U.S.-specific, but it’s such a great idea I had to include it on the list. If you know somebody who loves going to National Parks, this item is a must. With this 1 year pass, access is granted to over 2,000 recreation areas all over the U.S.A.
Worried about them going alone? No problem. The pass covers up to 3 guests or 1 car full for the pass owner. Popular locations like Zion or Yosemite charge $20 each, so purchasing this for a group of 4 pays already pays for itself. A no-brainer! They also have options for seniors, the military, children, and more!
13. Trekking Poles – $89.95
These things are a game changer. Whether you’re giving to an expert hiker or somebody starting their life on the trails, these trekking will be loved! They’re great for distributing a heavy load and providing stability over rough and unstable terrain, plus they help save your knees and back by reducing the impact and pressure of long walks and large elevation gains.
They collapse too! Heavy travelers will appreciate their compacted length of 24” (60 cm) and lightweight design of less than a pound (.5 kg) for the duo. They were voted the #1 trekking pole by Backpacker Magazine so you know they’re legit!
Trekking poles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and uses. If you want to know more, read up on how to choose the right trekking pole for a detailed breakdown of the best set for different occasions.
14. Flexible Solar Panel Charger – $99
The world revolves around technology, there’s no way around it, but if you can adapt and overcome, there’s nothing you can’t do or nowhere you can’t go. If you know an adventurer who roams the wild lands, yet loves their electronics, this solar panel charger is a fitting choice!
Its streamlined design allows for ease of use either stationary or on the move. The flexible solar cells sit well on the top of a backpack, the side of a boat, hanging from a tree or pretty much anywhere you can think of placing it. The total weight is less than a pound (.5 kg) and the entire thing is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and shockproof. Great gift for any age!
Adventure Gift Ideas Under $150
If money isn’t as much an issue for you as the “wow factor”, check out this next set of adventure gift ideas. Each is fun, inventive, and will be surely cherished. I almost guarantee that giving one of these will automatically propel you to the top of their cool list!
15. Truck Bed Tent – $109
Camping is fun but sometimes you don’t want to sleep on the ground. Maybe you’re scared of the local wildlife, the area is saturated with noisy camping neighbors, or the ground itself isn’t suitable for staking down a regular ole’ ground tent. In these situations, a truck bed tent is ideal. Heck, you don’t even need to pack up your tent in case you need to move.
All of these reasons, and more, make this a superb gift. This thing is waterproof, easy to set up, spacious, and compatible with pretty much every pick-up truck on the market. It’s not just a simple shell either. Inside you’ll find storage pockets, a top hook, side vents, and a mini skylight! A brilliant gift for any outdoor enthusiast.
16. Flying Camera Drone – $120.99
Since everybody is on social media nowadays, why not give something that can also be used to share with others? Drones are arguably the cameras of the future, so gifting this will keep you ahead of the curve! Attach your phone and you’re ready to go! It’s a versatile and action-oriented gift that makes a great addition to any adrenaline junkie’s repertoire!
Not only is this next gift versatile and a great deal, but it’s also simple to set up and use. Everything is automatic with this thing, including take-offs and landings. One-click video sharing, the auto-follow feature, and its 60-minute flight time are additional features that should sway any potential buyer’s mind. You almost can’t pass it up!
17. Pair of Camp Rocking Chairs – 129.99
I had no idea this was a thing until recently. What will they think of next? Check out not 1, but a 2-pack of rocking chairs for any outdoor event or setting. They’re terrific accessories for camping, BBQs, picnics, sporting events, or simply bringing out on a sunny day in your backyard.
It’s not just something to sit on, this thing is comfortable and equipped! It features drink holders, pockets for your phone, wallet, or keys, and even a built-in head pillow! Not a bad deal, especially for the pair. Plus, who won’t want to try sitting in them!?!
18. Metal Detector – $139.99
Know any treasure hunters always on the lookout for their next fortune? Or maybe there’s someone in your circle who spends an exuberant amount of time at the beach and could use something cool and useful to help pass their time. How about parents with young kids who love to explore? If yes to any of these, check out this handy dandy metal detector!
This thing even hunts underwater with its waterproof searching coil. Lake beds, river sides, and coastal areas will be no match for its hunting prowess! You never know, it could pay for itself after a few lucrative finds!
19. Two-Person Inflatable Kayak – $141.55
Usually, prices skyrocket when it comes to water sports. You can easily drop $600 – $700 bucks on a canoe or more! That’s what makes this next item so special. For less than $150 you can give a thrilling gift that’ll be enjoyed for years! This kayak is perfect for lazy days on the lake or cruising down the local river with a friend or loved one.
Don’t have an SUV or pick-up truck? That’s fine since this thing packs down to the size of a large gym bag and weighs less than 40 lbs. (18 kg), including the oars that come with it! It’s an incredible deal for anybody, particularly those who are active and love to be on the water. Still on the fence? Maybe one of the 29,000+ positive reviews will sway you!
20. Handheld GPS Device – $144.99
When looking for a good GPS handheld on the market, you’ll usually come across prices in the $300 range. Most of the time they come with many unneeded, and unwanted, bells and whistles like a high-resolution display or thousands of programable waypoints. Some of us just need the basics to lead the way.
That’s where this next gift comes in. The Garmin eTrex SE is a great introductory GPS device without all the fluff. If you worry about loved ones who tend to go off the beaten path, ease your heart and mind a bit gifting this. It’s rugged with high water resistance, lasts for up to 1,800 hours, comes with a digital compass, and is pairable with your smartphone! A great safety backup in case problems arise in the backcountry!
21. Knife Making Kit – $149.99
Know somebody who loves to tinker? Maybe you have a friend or family member who gets an extra sense of gratitude from things they’ve made themselves. How about a show-off in the ranks? Well, for all of the above and more, I present this combination of guide and supplies.
This kit features everything you need to create a workhorse of a knife. There’s metal for the blade, wood pieces for the handle, files, and sharpeners to make it sharp, brass connectors, sandpaper, and a wood finish. It even comes with a bench vise for safety and ease of use! The premier project kit for those who love to work with their hands!
Final Thoughts
So what do you think? Did I do a good job? I hope so! I tried to give a broad range of both utility and price points while staying open to the different types of adventure one can go on. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or even yourself, I hope you have a great starting point for all of your shopping needs!
Remember, when searching for great adventure gift ideas, look for how the product will benefit and impress! As long as you try to check both boxes, you’ll go down as one of the all-time best gift givers ever!
Happy spending!
