It can be tricky to know what to give someone when it seems like all they want is to be outside enjoying nature’s bounty. An outdoor adventure is an amazing gift, but sometimes it is nice to give (and receive!) a present that can be put in a box.
Maybe they need gear, or maybe sustainable shopping is important to them. Here are ten great gifts you can give the nature lover in your life to show you care about them and conservation.
As an added bonus, when you shop with our corporate partners and Sapling members, you can feel good knowing your gift supports the NFF’s efforts to protect the trees, trails, and wildlife that make National Forests so special.
Gear
Gear might seem like the most obvious choice for someone who loves adventure, but with so many options out there, knowing what to get can be overwhelming. These high-performance, sustainable brands partner with the NFF to support critical conservation work across the country, so not only will they love their new gear, but they will love that it supported public lands!
Redefining the high performance, amphibious hiking boot, the TR1 Merge 2.0™ is an exceptionally breathable, ultra-lightweight hiking boot that combines stability, grip, and ventilation to provide performance on both wet and dry trails. Astral Designs gear is built to protect the maximum amount of soil and water - supporting your foot and the environment!
Warm up a cold night under the stars with high-quality, environmentally thoughtful heat. Ignik Outdoor’s FireCan Elite is safe, easy, and packable - bringing the fun of a campfire to places a traditional campfire can't go. Featuring folding legs, a toolless, quick-release hose, and a removable lid, everything you need is included in one easy-to-carry package that is great for gifts.
Zeal Optics makes the perfect gift for the skier or snowboarder in your life with a broad range of sustainably made sunglasses and high-performance goggles. This season for every pair of Backwoods Lookout Goggles sold, Zeal Optics will work with the National Forest Foundation to plant five trees! Plus, as part of their “Buy A Zeal, Plant A Tree” campaign, they’ll plant one tree for any other sunglass, goggle or accessory lens you buy before year’s end. It's a win-win for you and the planet.
Sustainable Style
For many of us that love forests and fashion, feeling great is about more than just looking good – it is about supporting sustainable style and showing our love for wild places on our sleeve. Here are some ideas if you are looking for a thoughtful gift for the fashionista in your life (or getting a little treat for yourself).
Columbia Gem House envisions a world where responsibly sourced gemstones and jewelry are the rule, not the exception. Check out their Organic Collection for responsibly sourced jewelry that you can customize to match the unique style of everyone on your list. Each piece is crafted with care and made to order, so order early to allow time for shipping.
Looking for a more casual fit for the trail? We have got you covered. The National Forest Foundation collaborated with The Landmark Project on the National Forest Collection to keep you and your loved ones feeling and looking great on your next adventure. With unique designs and sustainable practices, The Landmark Project has something for everyone to celebrate the beauty of public lands.
Stock Up on Essentials
Just because a gift is practical doesn’t make it less thoughtful! Many of us lamented getting new socks for Christmas as children only to realize as adults that a new pair of socks is one of life’s simplest luxuries. So go ahead - treat your loved ones to a well-made, sustainably sourced gift that you know they will love and enjoy!
Is there anything worse than realizing you forgot to restock the toilet paper? Gift a loved one a Bumroll Subscription and they will never have to worry about stocking TP again (and if you live with them, neither will you!). Bumroll is a sustainable toilet paper subscription service that provides eco-friendly, American-made products free of plastics, dyes, and PBA without compromising on comfort and functionality.
Looking for stocking stuffers? Made fresh daily in small batches in a gluten-free kitchen, Off The Farm’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar is packed with 23g of protein, 6g of fiber, and whole-food ingredients like house-made cashew butter, Guittard premium-crafted chocolate, and clover honey. Whether you’re in the front country, backcountry, or on the go, this artisanal protein bar provides the delicious flavor and energy you need to make the most of every moment.
Self-Care Specialties
Everyone could use a little rest and relaxation! Gifting someone you love a new self-care routine or even a small moment of calm is a great way to show them you care and help them recharge after a hectic holiday season.
Rêver Yoga’s Palmera Yoga Mat features hand-drawn palm trees on soothing green hues. Crafted from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, the mat has a durable microfiber suede top and high-density cushioning for excellent joint support. The non-slip surface ensures stability in every pose, whether you’re doing vigorous vinyasa or meditative yin.
The Cold Plunge Kit 4 Pack bar soaps from Every Man Jack come in scents inspired by the West Coast’s picturesque cold-water locales, from Yosemite’s wonder-inducing sights to the rugged Pacific coast. The bars feature naturally derived ingredients like sand, clay, and kelp and are handcrafted with a cold-process method that uses less energy. The plastic-free bars are packaged in 100% recyclable FSC-certified cartons and certified cruelty-free.
Run Wild from Athletic Brewing Co is the ultimate sessionable IPA for craft beer lovers, and because it is non-alcoholic, the perfect gift to bring to your next holiday gathering to ensure everyone feels included. Brewed with a blend of five Northwest hops, it has an approachable bitterness to balance the specialty malt body that has made it an award-winning brew.
Give the Gift of Nature
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones with the greatest impact. With your gift in honor of a loved one, we can restore fragile ecosystems, expand access for all visitors, and preserve the beauty of the forests they care so much about. As a thank you, donations of $150 or more will receive the Celebrate Nature Gift Set including a Bamboo Pen, Water-Resistant Journal, and Eco Tote in January.
Cover photo by Marion Glaser, courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
