The Best Budget Adventure Gifts (for the whole family!)
THIS is it. I started writing my gift list for Christmas and quickly realised there might be others out there who would love to know what to buy for that person in your life who wants to have more adventures, or who loves the outdoors, or just kids who need something that isn’t on a screen! I’ve included some of the best things we’ve used over the past couple years, and some ideas that would be amazing to have (hint, hint). Some of these are for the cautious/prepared adult, some for the kids and others for your adventure loving friend or partner. There are ideas for toddlers to teens to adults.
This list is different to the others you’ll find in a Google search because it is NOT a list of extreme stuff for proper Adventurous People. It’s for average families looking to have more fun and make memories. We also tend to do gift shopping on a budget. So lots of these ideas can be stocking fillers or main gifts, but they aren’t your high-tech big brand suggestions. These are real things you can use.
PLEASE READ: I am not paid to promote any of these products, they are genuine recommendations. IF HOWEVER you would LIKE to purchase something, please consider clicking my Amazon affiliate link so I receive a commission of any sale you purchase through Amazon (at no extra cost to you!). Thanks so much!
The best gifts for mum, dad, and the kids to help you have even better adventures together in the new year:
A fit-in-your-pocket waterproof picnic blanket – this is mind-blowing. Imagine the difference this would make when everyone is ready to sit down for a snack but the ground’s all wet!
Mosquito repellent stickers for keeping mozzies off kids or an armband they can wear to keep mozzies away.
A rechargeable camping fan, extra awesome for summer camping on an unpowered site!
Quick-drying towels (which are small enough to fit into a normal-sized bag), perfect for spontaneous swims, unexpected rain, packing for a camping trip, or even wiping off a wet swing at a playground.
Carabiner clips, which have been endlessly handy in my family for hanging dirty shoes or water bottles off bags on a walk, and have also doubled as hooks for hanging gear in tents, and even toys to keep my preschooler busy while packing/unpacking gear.
Packable camping hammock. The thing about getting ‘packable’ stuff is they are WAY less bulky and can fit in your bag.
Waterproof playing cards to take camping or on a day out. These are washable and sturdy. Everyone needs a pack of cards when you’re camping in the rain! (Bonus - they don’t get wrecked if you’re having a few drinks around them!)
Roof racks and ropes… depending on your car and your needs, you can get soft roof racks for sports equipment or proper ones for your vehicle.
Camping chair or beach chair
Torches for the kids to have fun at night, or waterproof headtorches for when you need your hands for fishing/camping
11. A portable firepit (that can even fit in a small backyard) and accessories like rainbow fire colour, extendable safety marshmallow toasting sticks and a fire proof mat to protect the grass, deck or patio underneath your firepit.
12. Kids camera (I like the ones which don’t print instant pics, since my kids take a HEAP of ridiculous photos)
13. Instant photo printer (more for adults and teens). These are awesome for sticking photos in journals or around the house, we love them. They add so much to nature or travel diaries.
14. Nature Journal - these are especially great for kids
15. Waterproof notebook for journalling or doing kids activities, without worrying about the weather, while hiking and camping.
16. A telescope or microscope or binoculars. I’ve linked to kids ones, but don’t forget adults love these things too.
17. EVERYONE needs a day pack for adventures. It should be big enough to fit water bottles, snacks, sunscreen and then all your tiny packable things like a raincoat and quick-dry towel, my 20L one is perfect for me.
18. Portable espresso coffee machine (pods). These have transformed our camping trips, I’m no longer choosing between driving to the nearest town to get my coffee fix or enduring instant coffee.
19. Thermos for road trips, camping and picnics
20. Travel mug that keeps drinks hot/cold for ages (great for coffees AND mojitos!). The spill-proof ones are ever so handy when you have kids around too.
21. Backyard tent (an easy pop up one for playing and spontaneous backyard sleepouts)
22. Polarised sunglasses
23. Waterproof phone pouch for water play/sports, beach days (sand proof), snow and rainy adventures. Get a clear one so you can take photos without having to remove it from the bag!
24. ‘Bad’ weather clothes and gear – raincoats, gumboots, gloves, beanie, scarf, windproof jacket, thermals, sunshirt, snow boots, hiking boots, a good hat. Any of these can be awesome gifts or stocking fillers too!
25. Travel games (e.g. small packable games or travel related games) There are so many to recommend, depending on your kids ages. You can get travel specific games like I Spy Travel, or just any game that packs into a little case/tin (e.g. Pass the Pigs, Spot It, Boggle, IQ Puzzles, etc)
26. Mesh bags for smaller kids to keep their collections when walking (e.g. sticks, leaves, shells). We’ve got these ones.
27. Buckets and shovels also make great gifts for smaller kids, toddlers in particular.
28. Packable light-weight long raincoats to fit in your bag/pack
29. Battery chargers (basic or even solar-charged for longer camping trips)
30. A balance board to practise balance and build core muscle strength at home (e.g. while you’re on off-season for snowboarding/skiing or surfing).
31. Water guns and reusable water balloons.
32. Fishing gear (rod, tackle box, lures, hand nets, yabby pump, fishing shirt, etc) for adults or kids.
33. Car key lock box which is great for camping or even bike riding/surfing, when you don’t want to take a bag with you.
34. Water shoes for wearing around rock pools
35. Kite, soccer ball, frisbee, etc. Outdoor toys that don’t have rules and can be played with anywhere!
36. A flower press.
37. A beach umbrella or sun shade or cool cabana!
38. A beach wagon for carrying your gear
39. Rear bike rack (which sits over the rear tyre) for extra storage on a bike ride.
40. Multitool kit. There are honestly so many different types, whether you want a case full of essential tools or a nifty all-in-one, or even one that fits in your wallet. These are great for teens up to adults.
41. A special hiking umbrella (i.e. super wind proof, or packable to fit in a backpack)
42. Snorkels, goggles and flippers
43. Boogie board, surf board, kayak, paddleboard, or even blow-up water toys. Get out in the water this summer!
44. A cool tshirt or mug (etc) that captures their spirit and values relating to adventure. There are heaps of funny quotes and ideas on Etsy, here are the adventure shirts for men that I’ve designed and given to my hubby in the past. Bored Lovers Never Bored and Choose Your Own Adventure tee.
45. A hat (not just fashionable, but think practical - good for swimming, or packing in a bag, or windy weather)
46. Books about the outdoors: stars, plants/bugs, birds in your country, hiking guide, camping spots, fishing guides
47. Sparklers and glow sticks (guaranteed to get you having fun after dark!). Here are some great ideas.
48. Lessons - e.g. surfing, skiing, kids sports, cooking lessons, language learning
49. Experiences - e.g. surf lesson, ticket to the zoo (or up close animal encounters), memberships, high ropes course, extreme sport ‘thrill experience’.
50. Photo book (or other photo gifts) showcasing special memories from adventures you’ve done together.
Note:
If you’re buying from Amazon or Etsy and you’re in Australia, make sure you select Ships from Australia in the search criteria (I’ve tried to do that on most of the links I’ve provided). That’ll make sure you get your gift in time for Christmas.
P.S I’m not paid to suggest any of these items, so f you’re going to purchase from Amazon, please use my affiliate link so I receive a commission of the sale (at no extra cost to you). Thank you!! Of course you can get many of these things at your local outdoor/tool/sports shops - so shop local where possible.
Your Turn
Let me know what you’re buying, so I can add it to my list! Seriously, tell me in the comments. I check them regularly!