I’ve given plenty of kids camping gifts over the years, from stocking stuffers to big presents. They’re always a hit and get a lot of use. From camping gear to fun outdoorsy toys, here are my gift ideas for the adventurer kid.
Camping Gear For Kids
Binoculars
Spot birds, squirrels and other wildlife up close, or use them at night to see the moon, binoculars are a fun way to get kids interested in nature. This set is sturdy and kid-sized, perfect for their first pair.
Mini Microscope
Kids love finding interesting bugs on hikes or at the campsite and this pocket microscope lets them see critters up close.
Bug Catcher and Viewer
This bug catcher is perfect for bug-hunters and would be ideal for backyard adventures or on a trip.
Compass
If you are a family who regularly likes to hike, you’ll know how important trail safety is. Get kids interested in responsible trekking at an early age with this compass and take it on a trial run to a nearby park. For an extra challenge, look up your local orienteering club for a map and try a course.
Keep your kids safe with an emergency hiking whistle, so they can call for help if they accidentally stray from the trail.
LED Light Beanie
One of my kids’ favorite activities when camping is taking a night walk, when everything is just a little bit spooky and they get to use a flashlight.
These beanies with attached LED flashlights are the perfect gift for an outdoorsy child, keeping their heads toasty and their hands free. Best of all, the lights are easily recharged, no need for batteries.
Sleeping Bag for Kids
This REI sleeping bag is rated down to 25F and can be cinched at the bottom for smaller legs, leaving plenty of room for growth while keeping them warm at night.
Toddler’s Sleeping Bag
For 18-36 months old toddlers, you need a blanket that will keep them sunup without covering up their face as they move around at night. This quilted Baby DeeDee sleep nest is designed for outdoors, keeping your baby warm and safe all night. It’s also good as outerwear in a stroller during the winter.
Deuter Child Carrier
Whenever I pass a parent with a toddler on a trail miles from the nearest parking lot, they are always using this Deuter carrier. If you are into hiking and you don’t want to wait until your kid is old enough to walk some serious miles, this will keep you trekking comfortably.
Backpack
The Osprey Daylite is the ultimate day pack and now your kids can carry their own water with this smaller, kid’s version of the classic.
Smart Wool Toddler Socks
Socks are a classic Christmas gift, so make them warm and durable with Smart Wool.
Warm Toddler Snow Boots
Keep their tootsies warm all winter in these adorable Merrell kicks. When looking for toddler shoes, make sure the toe box is generous and the sole flexible. These fit the bill and actually look good too.
Rain Jacket
Another good hiking safety tip: have your kids wear bright jackets. Red and yellow are the most attention-grabbing colors. A good waterproof will keep out wind and rain, add a warm base layer if it’s chilly out.
Games For Toddlers
Sticks and stones make great playthings but these fun, portable games are guaranteed to keep kids entertained outdoors.
gofindit Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to get kids to explore nature. This one is ideal for young kids as well as bigger siblings. Set a timer to make it more of a challenge.
WaterWow
Fill the included brush with water and watch the illustrations come to life. It’s very satisfying, makes no mess and is easy for small hands to grip. Once dry, WaterWow pictures go back to black and white and you can start again.
Crayola Coloring Books and Crayons
Classic coloring books and chunky crayons for the win.
Dump Truck
A campsite is basically a giant sandbox, so take a sturdy plastic truck like this one from Green Toys. All toys from this brand are made from recycled plastic and can be used in water, sand, dirt, left in the sun, dropped, whatever. They are impressively durable.
Camping Toy Set
This cute camping toy set, complete with fire and s’mores, is perfect for toddlers who want to go on a make-believe camping adventure. It’s recommended for 18 months and up.
Camping Toys For 4-5 Year-Olds
Hoyle 6-in-1 Fun Pack
The great thing about this 6-in-one pack is the age range they are suited to. Snap Jack and Memory are the easiest to play, while Old Maid and Crazy 8 are better for older kids.
Blue Orange Games Mindo Unicorn Brainteaser
Kids can play this clever little puzzle game themselves. It has several levels of difficulty, so it will still be challenging next year.
Stomp Rocket
Stomp Rockets are such a fun outdoor toy. Just be careful not to use it under trees (you can buy extra rockets when you inevitably lose them).
Camping Toys For 8 Year-Olds
UNO
My seven-year-old is obsessed with this game. He is also annoyingly good at it. If anyone has any tips on beating a seven-year-old at UNO, message me.
Toss and Catch
Easier than regular catch, this is a fun campsite or beach game.
Paint by Stickers
Combining paint-by-numbers and stickers, these innovative activity books are ideal for some quiet time.
Ice cream maker
Want to eat ice cream while camping? Combine ice and rock salt, plus some ingredients, then let the kids roll the ball around for a while. Crack the whole thing open and dig in!
VTech Kiddizoom Action Cam
If your kid has asked for a Go Pro but you’re not sure kindergarten is the right time for a several hundred dollar piece of kit, this VTech camera fills the gap nicely.
We’ve got one and it’s small, easy to use and sturdy. It’s been underwater, captured on-the-go footage of bike rides and taken snaps of us all out and about. You will need a memory card but everything else is included in the kit.
A camera is a good camping toy for an eight-year-old, as you can encourage them to take pictures of treasures they find along the way, rather than take anything home.
Alternatively, this creator cam comes with a tripod, so your little creator can film themselves on adventures.
Books
National Geographic Junior Ranger Book
If you’re planning a National Parks road trip, this is a good way to get your kids excited, with facts, photos and activities for every US National Park.
Pete the Cat Goes Camping
If you have a little Pete the Cat fan, this is a good book to read to prepare them for their first camping trip.
The Camping Trip
This is a great kid’s guide to camping. It’s all about trying new things, and how much fun you can have with your family outdoors.
Where’s Rodney?
This book is for every kid who can’t sit still, and would always rather be outside than inside. It’s a celebration of nature, and the feeling of freedom it brings.
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist
A true story of a daring scientist who chased her dreams and changed the world, despite the restrictions placed on women in the early 20th century. It will appeal to all bug fans, adventurous kids, and anyone who hates to be told “no”.
Toddler outdoor activity book
Need some inspiration? This book has tons of ideas for outdoor play, which will come in handy on hikes, camping or just at the local park.
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