Stocking stuffers sometimes end up being throw-away plastic junk from the dollar store; why not spend a few more bucks and get something they’ll really use and love! I rounded up some of the most fun and useful stocking stuffers for kids who hike and camp to share – I’d love to hear if I missed any that your family has enjoyed and I’ll happily add them!
If you like this post, be sure to check out these other ones while you’re here!
- 45+ of the best gifts for someone who loves national parks
- 40+ Gift Ideas for Nature Loving Kids
- 16+ best stocking stuffer board games for kids
- 25+ outdoor toys for big kids
- 12+ nature themed board games for kids
- 32+ indoor energy burning toys
- 20+ glow in the dark outdoor toys
Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash
Some ideas that don’t link well but would be well received, I think:
- “Nature art kit” with a small sketchbook, paintbrush, and watercolor pencils
- A coupon for a solo parent hike
- “Adopt” a local animal at a wildlife refuge near you as a family
- A coupon to go on a geocaching afternoon (see how to geocache here!)
- Outdoor fort building kit with some natural twine, clippers, and a small hand saw
Pin this post for later with this collage image or link:
40+ hiking stocking stuffers for kids!
I highly encourage you to check out your local national park gift shop, science center, animal rescue, and outdoor outfitting shops in your area and see if you can find what you’re looking for and support your local economy! However, I realize not everyone has those and sometimes sanity requires just ordering online. I’ve tried to provide links to other shopping sites as I can find them – we love shopping at REI because of the member dividend you get back and the 1 year guarantee!
These aren’t organized in any particular order, so just keep scrolling and see what might surprise you!
This is such a clever idea, if you have things in your yard to pluck and pick you can have fun with these little animal figurines by Taksa Toys!
A cute little first aid kit for kids to keep in their packs, from REI.
Skip the single use plastic and get them a rechargeable glow stick from REI!
We have a set of these folding nature guides, they are fantastic! Some are country-wide like animal tracks and poop identification, but there are also many regional ones so be sure to search for your specific state when it comes to birds, wildflowers, etc. They are light, easy to look at, and waterproof to take into the woods with you.
Have you heard of foraging pockets? Perfect for collecting goodies (as always, check wherever you’re going to follow rules/regulations :D) as you hike, I think they are so sweet.
Shop Chaos Fairy Creations on etsy!
Snacks are a given but I won’t link out alllll the things we eat on the trail. Consider getting your kiddo’s favorites or something a little fancy and new, like this freeze dried ice cream!
Get up close and personal with things you see on the trail with a pocket microscope! We own this one and it works great.
Shop: Amazon
Compass is an obvious one but a lot of the 99 cent ones break in a few weeks. Here is a nice quality one that older kids can use for orienteering, too.
If your kid loves poop, try an owl pellet kit! These are very popular in homeschooling groups; you get to dig through and see what bones are inside.
A cool patch featuring their favorite animal, trail, national park, or proudly declaring they poop in the woods, haha!
This notebook will write and stay strong even if it’s raining! This is both practical and a fun novelty to test it out.
Look up in the sky and spot stars with a handy chart that makes it easy, this is a great one for camping.
Shop: Amazon
Go birding with a beautiful, hand painted bird call necklace.
A classic gift for older kids, the swiss army knife will have them feeling prepared for anything.
A fun “play” bandana you can use and have fun with like one for a nature game or constellation spotting!
Headlamps are a must if you’re ever hiking near sunset, they are fun for exploring and keep you safe.
If your kiddo loves birds, choose one of the many species in this series, they also make an authentic bird call when squeezed!
Shop: Amazon
Skip disposable stuff and keep handy utensils in your pack for eating lunch on the trail.
Matches are expected but why not trying fire starting with a fun ferro rod striker?
Grab them a cool sticker for putting on their water bottle or notebook; shop small on Etsy with the pictured above.
There are also somefrom REI or Amazon
Wool socks are so cozy and a must for hiking longer distances or colder weather – Darn Tough is a brand that guarantees their products for life and they have really cute designs!
Get hands working with a knot tying kit and card.
Be sure to follow whatever gathering/picking guidelines exist on your trails, but if you can take some blooms you can preserve them with this fun mini flower press.
Shop: Amazon
Get bodies moving and brains working with a nature scavenger hunt game that the whole family can play.
Shop: Amazon
If your kids like taking pictures, we have really enjoyed the instax camera, it spits the photos out just like a polaroid.
Shop: Amazon
For cold-blooded kiddos, get them some fancy rechargeable handwarmers! You can also DIY these.
Instead of packing long metal marshmallow sticks, try one of these little add-ons that makes a stick a little simpler (and cleaner!) when making s’mores.
My kids are SO amused by drinking from streams. Keep in mind that the lifestraw is designed as an emergency device and is actually a bit exhausting to use regularly, consider a sawyer filter if you think it will be used often or for backpacking.
Walkie talkies are a classic hit with kids and perfect for roaming on the trails.
Have you heard of the kula cloth? Designed for girls and women to be a reusable TP, they have pretty designs on their website directly!
Shop: REI – Kula Cloth website
If a head lamp isn’t your style, get a sweet little lantern that can hang in the tent or be held by little hands on night walks.
Balaclavas are my favorite for winter; they protect from wind chap and keep little faces warm. Lots of different materials and styles to choose from.
For kids under 4 or 5, I’d get a specific pair of kids binoculars, but older than that and they can use a nice compact pair just as easily and with better quality!
If you live in a hot climate, consider a cooling towel. You get these wet and drape them on the back of your neck while hiking, they’re fabulous.
If you hike in wet climates or camp near water, try some waterproof playing cards that will survive getting muddy and soaked while you play war or rummy.
Shop: Amazon
Bug magnifiers are a classic gift and this nifty one will make it easy to scoop up the critters without touching them.
Shop: Amazon
New beanies make me happy just like my kids! Pick a fun design or their favorite color and get wild (consider looking for local crochet/knitters to go handmade too).
If your kiddo hates mosquitoes, get them ready for summer hiking with a mosquito hood! My son needs one of these.
Lips need sunprotection too and lip balm is a more fun gift than plain old sunscreen.
If you’re stopping for s’mores or stories, get a situpon to stay comfy and warm in winter. There are a bunch of different styles or DIY one with an upcycled bubble wrap mailer and duct tape!
Did I miss anything you think is a good fit? Leave a comment and I’ll add it!
Leah says
Love this! Just found your site, and its full of awesome info. Thanks!
swoodsonsays says
Thanks for reading Leah!