'Tis the season for spreading outdoor joy, and here at Em Outdoors, I've curated a fantastic list of affordable gifts for the nature lovers and adventure seekers in your life – all under $30! Enjoy!
The holiday season is here, and while we’d love to gift our outdoorsy friends and family the best gear, our wallets might feel differently—especially with rising costs! Thankfully, there are plenty of thoughtful and affordable options to bring a little warmth and practicality to the lives of your adventure-loving friends and family. I’ve put together a collection of fun, budget-friendly gift ideas, all under $30-ish, that the outdoor enthusiast in your life will love without stretching your budget.
1. Reusable Hand and Body Warmers (Price: ~$30)
Reusable hand and body warmers make a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys cold-weather adventures. Unlike disposable warmers, these eco-friendly options can be recharged, providing instant warmth for hands and pockets all winter long. Hot Poc offers some choices that are both practical and affordable for keeping cozy on the go!
2. Fuel Canister Refill Adapter (Price: ~$20)
A fuel canister refill adapter is a fantastic tool for the eco-conscious camper. It allows you to transfer fuel between canisters, so you can top off partially used ones and avoid waste. This adapter is compact and easy to use, making it a practical addition to any camping kit for efficient and sustainable fuel use on outdoor adventures. There's plenty of options online - this one on Amazon is around $20.
3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw (Price: ~$30)
The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw is an essential gift for hikers, campers, and travelers. This compact device allows users to filter water directly from rivers, lakes, and streams, removing bacteria and parasites without the need for pumps or batteries. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for emergencies and outdoor adventures, ensuring clean, safe drinking water on the go.
4. Tick Key (~$10)
A Tick Key is a must have for those looking to explore the backcountry... or just some really tall grass. We encountered so many ticks this past season which reminded us of the importance of this little tool. It's a key part of every adventurers' first aid kit.
5. Outdoor Cookbook (Price: ~$20)
An outdoor cookbook is an ideal gift for those who love to combine their passion for cooking with their adventures. Outdoor specific cookbooks provide recipes tailored for campfire and camp stove cooking. Check out this Trailside Cookbook as an example.
6. Instant Coffee Packets (~$15)
Instant coffee packets, like these ones from Canadian Heritage Roasting Co., are a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts who want a quick caffeine boost on the trail. Lightweight and easy to pack, they offer a convenient way to enjoy a warm cup of coffee anywhere.
7. Kula Cloth (~$26)
The Kula Cloth is an eco-friendly companion offering a portable, antimicrobial pee cloth that is not only practical and sustainable but also comes in all sorts of fun prints.
8. Dehydrated Backcountry Meals ($5-$15)
Is someone you know planning a backcountry trip sometime soon? Consider getting them some of their favorite dehydrated backcountry meals or snacks. These meals are a lifesaver, offering a lightweight and easy way to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals deep in the wilderness. And they're pricey! So they will appreciate the gesture.
9. Travel-friendly Games (Price: $12 - $20)
Compact and portable games are great for spicing up campfire evenings and bonding with friends and family while on the go. Yahtzee, Hanabi, Anomia or Cribbage are all great options.
10. Travel Clothesline (Price: ~$19)
Another one of my essential travel items I've talked about in my previous blog posts and on Instagram is the Sea To Summit travel clothesline. Super handy, well designed and goes for $18.95 at MEC.
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11. Nature Guide Book (Price: ~$20)
A nature guide book offers a wealth of information and insights into flora, fauna, and natural habitats. You can choose one specific to the preferred area too. Check this one out for Ontario here.
12. Cord Tightener & Wiregate Carabiner Clip (~$10)
I discovered these carabiners last year and they are a lifesaver for setting up tarps. These Cord Tightener & Wiregate Carabiner Clips are both a carabiner and cam mechanism which can tighten, tension, connect, and secure whatever you're trying to rope up.
13. Foldable Solar Lantern (~$30)
A foldable solar lantern helps campers and backpackers travel light while keeping their campsite well-lit. Compact and collapsible, they’re easy to pack and take up minimal space.
14. Camping Utensil Set (Price: $20 - $30)
Give the gift of eating campfire meals with a compact camping utensil set. It's a practical addition to any camper's gear collection. Check out this GSI option here.
15. Thermal Socks (Price: $15 - $25)
A classic Christmas gift. Keeping feet warm in Canada's cold winters is a priority. Gift a couple of pairs of high-quality thermal socks to keep your friends comfortable and cozy during their outdoor escapades. I recommend basically any sock from Darn Tough or Smartwool - did you know Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty? Both brands can be found at MEC.ca and lots of other outdoor stores.
16. First Aid Kit (Price: $15 - $30)
Safety third! There are tons of options out there for first aid kits tailored for outdoor activities and emergencies. MEC has lots of options for these and they vary depending on the duration of the activity. Check out this Day Trip Kit.
17. Bandana or Buff (Price: $20 - $30)
A great stocking stuffer: bandanas or buffs are versatile and multifunctional to protect against the elements. And they come in all sorts of fun colors - check it out!
18. Massage Therapy Gift Card (Price: choose your own adventure!)
Give the gift of relaxation with a massage therapist gift card, providing your adventurous friend or family member with a well-deserved break from their outdoor escapades to soothe their muscles and unwind.
19. Soap Nuts (Price: ~$20)
Have you ever heard of *soap nuts*? They’re a natural, eco-friendly alternative to laundry detergent—and they’re perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors or travelling. They’re super lightweight, which makes them ideal for traveling, camping, or hiking trips. Plus, they’re biodegradable, so you can wash your clothes while being kind to the planet.
20. Travel Cocktail Kit (Price: ~$30)
Got a friend or family member who doesn't like to compromise on delicious drinks while in the backcountry? Consider gifting them a travel cocktail kit like these ones from The Cocktail Box Co. All you need to do is pack a few mini travel-sized liquor bottles and you can make a great drink right at your campsite.
These affordable gifts show that you don't need to spend a fortune to make the outdoor enthusiasts in your life happy.
Do you have recommendations for great gifts for outdoor fanatics? I'd love to hear from you. Comment below!
Happy gifting and happy holidays!
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