10 Gift Ideas for the Adventurous, Outdoorsy Dad in Your Life
- Written by
- On Thursday, June 8, 2023
For those of us scrambling to find a gift for that special father figure in our lives, and said father figure happens to be an adventure-loving, outdoorsy kind of guy, we've put together 10 gift ideas that are sure to make him feel loved.
A new pair of hiking boots
For the man who loves spending time in the great outdoors, snag him a new pair of hiking boots to help him make the most of his adventures. Look for boots that are comfortable, durable, and weather-resistant, like these Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots.
A camping gear upgrade
The avid camper will appreciate a new piece of gear to help him make his next trip even more enjoyable. Consider getting him a new sleeping bag, camping stove, or tent, like the Kelty Discovery Trail Tent that’s lightweight, easy to set up, and comes in multiple sizes to fit 1-3 people.
For more gear ideas, check out 9 Camping Accessories You Don't Need But Definitely Want
A fishing rod and tackle box
For the guy who loves to fish, he'll be thrilled to get a new rod and tackle box. Choose a rod that's appropriate for the type of fishing he likes to do, and you'll earn bonus points for filling the tackle box with his favorite lures and bait.
Need inspiration? The Shakespeare Ugly Stick GX2 Spinning Rod and the Plano Pro-Latch Tackle Box are an ideal combination, both being affordable and durable.
A set of binoculars
Give Dad a close-up of - well, anything, with a new set of binoculars. Chances are he may have a pair, but he’ll likely appreciate the improvements you’ll find with newer ones. Choose a pair that's lightweight and has a magnification that's appropriate for the activities he'll be using them for.
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars are a great option for the dad who loves to wildlife watch. They're easy to carry and they have a magnification of 10x42, which is perfect for viewing all sorts of wildlife from a distance.
A GPS watch
Gift the man-on-the-go a GPS watch so he can track his progress on hikes, bike rides, and other outdoor activities. Choose one with features that are important to Dad. For example, beyond GPS tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music GPS Watch has features such as heart rate monitoring, training plans, incident detection and assistance, load monitoring, and music storage.
A drone
A drone is a fun (albeit potentially excessive) gift that your gadget guy can use for photography, videography, or just for exploring the outdoors. Choose a drone that's easy to fly, has a good camera, and can withstand the elements.
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 Fly More Combo is a versatile option and also comes with a number of accessories, such as a carrying case, extra batteries, and a remote controller.
A subscription to an outdoor magazine
Given how much screen time we succumb to these days, a subscription to an outdoor magazine is an old school way for Dad to stay up-to-date on the latest outdoor news and trends. Choose a magazine that covers the activities he is most interested in.
Outside Magazine is a favorite, with coverage of the sports, people, places, adventures, discoveries, environmental issues, health and fitness, gear and apparel, trends and events that define the active lifestyle.
If dad's a reader, you might also want to check out our list of 9 Outdoor Books Every Outdoor Enthusiast Will Love
A gift certificate to an outdoor store
For the hard-to-please or the “I have everything I need” guy, a gift certificate to an outdoor store allows him to pick out his own gear, especially if you're not sure what he needs or wants.
Most outdoor stores - like REI or Cabela's - offer eGift Card options that will send the recipient an email with the gift certificate info on the day of your choice. Super ideal for last minute shoppers who don’t have time for a trip to the store or to ensure your gift “arrives” in time.
A custom-made outdoor sign
A custom-made outdoor sign is a unique and personal gift that's sure to put a smile on his face for years to come. You can choose a sign that reflects his interests, such as his favorite outdoor activity, his favorite quote, or his favorite place. We found some great options on Etsy, like this custom cabin welcome sign.
For more sign ideas, check out: These Rustic Cabin Signs Are-Actually Charming, Not Cheesy
A donation to his favorite outdoor organization
For the activists who are passionate about the outdoors, a donation to his favorite outdoor organization is a unique way to show your support for what he cares about, all while giving back. We love orgs that will match donations, like the National Park Conservation Association, which will dollar for dollar match donations made through June 30.
Bonus Idea: Your Time
Of course, what most dads and dad figures really want is to spend time with you. Check out our full list of activities and places to go for inspiration to create your own adventure with pops!
Best of luck, gifters!
Curious about getting off-grid yourself? Check out all cabins for sale across the country.
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