Gift shopping for loved ones during the holidays can be a daunting undertaking, especially if they seem to own everything they could ever want or need. The beauty of having a friend or family member with a passion for the outdoors, however, is that there’s always something practical they could use – even if it appears that they already have it all. There are plenty of essential supplies to stock up on, practical pieces of outdoor gear, and novelty items that make great gifts for campers.
Since camping gear can get quite expensive, we’ve combined a list of the best items for gift-giving under $50. Whether they’re seasoned thru-hiking backpackers or leisure weekend campers, you’re sure to find something special to surprise them with this holiday season!
An Insulated Camping Cup
Adventuring outdoors often means not having access to refrigerators to keep your drinks cool, or microwaves to warm them back up again quickly. The best solution? Insulated camping cups! An insulated cup is designed with two layers of material, typical metal or plastic, with a vacuum-sealed space between them. Thanks to the laws of science (which we won’t explain here), this allows anything in your cup to retain its original temperature for longer. Whether they’re camping in a freezing winter wonderland or enjoying the heat of the desert sun, your loved one can enjoy a comforting or refreshing drink from an insulated camping cup. Spruce up this simple present by gifting a number of different lids with it, including a chug cap for cool drinks and a café cap for warm ones.
High-Quality Camping Bags
Raise your hand if you’re also guilty of using the same travel bags for the last decade…or more. It’s easy to put off replacing things like bags when you already have ones that do the job. If this sounds like your gift recipient, you can’t go wrong with purchasing a few high-quality camping bags for them. There are a million different styles, materials, and types of camping bags you can get. Top-load bags are a great choice if you’re looking for a style they likely don’t have already, and the unique design allows for more convenient packing. Filios canvas duffel bags are a more classic, tried-and-true pick that any outdoorsman would be happy to have. For a more affordable, everyday bag, consider a canvas messenger bag.
Firewood Log Carriers
Another practical and fun item that your loved one may not purchase for themself is a durable firewood log carrier. Long gone are the days of cradling an armful of firewood from the woods back and forth to your campsite, crossing your fingers that none fall along the way. Log carriers make this essential task a breeze, allowing campers to easily transport a larger number of firewood logs to camp. Plus, it’s way less messy to put them in a carrier instead of up against your body. A majority of campers look forward to lighting up their campfire as soon as they get to camp, so you can’t go wrong with this thoughtful and functional gift. Loved ones with wood-burning tent stoves will love this, too! Plus, the large capacity of a log carrier is perfect for carrying other things too, like tools, toys, and other small pieces of camping gear.
Poly Tarps
Tarps are one of the most versatile pieces of gear around, serving multiple useful purposes at a campsite. Most commonly you’ll see tarps used as tent footprints to protect the bottom of a shelter, makeshift canopies to create shade at camp, and barriers to protect gear from rain, moisture, and other natural elements. But their functionality doesn’t stop there. You can go as far as building a shelter with a tarp and collecting rainwater, just to name a few more creative use cases. Because of their natural versatility, outdoorsmen can never have too many. There are a few different kinds of tarps, but poly tarps are a safe bet when it comes to gifting. Thanks to the polyethylene materials, these tarps are naturally waterproof, making them a bit more versatile than other fabrications. Opt for a heavy-duty tarp if you want to guarantee its durability and longevity.
Outdoor Apparel
If clothing is something you’re comfortable gifting your loved ones, functional workwear and casual everyday items are the best pieces of apparel for a camping enthusiast.
Casual Everyday Items
Casual apparel items are the perfect double-whammy, giving your gift recipients clothing they can wear every day – at camp and home. When it comes to basics, stretch jogger pants are a solid choice. Campers are always bending down and moving around throughout camp, making stretchy clothes that move with you a necessity. Cotton t-shirts are a safe bet, too. If you go this route, pick a shirt that either speaks to their interests (like hunting, for example) or is a closet staple like a simple black tee.
Functional Workwear
For apparel that’s a bit more functional, opt for outdoor workwear. Tactical pants are a phenomenal addition to any outdoorsman’s wardrobe. Not only are they reinforced in critical areas like the knees, but they also feature tons of multi-purpose pockets to hold all your essential gear. Whether they’re setting up a winter hot tent, embarking on a fishing camping trip, or anything in between, a pair of tactical pants will serve them well.
If your loved one is always building something to enhance their campsite, a work apron is another awesome gift that’s as affordable as it is functional. Multi-use pockets can hold plenty of the tools they use most and high-quality construction details like industrial-strength cotton canvas ensure their new apron lasts a lifetime.
Wrapping It Up
It can seem impossible to come up with gift ideas for people who already seem to have everything. On top of that, finding affordable items that your friends and family will love is an added challenge. For readers with camping enthusiasts in their lives this holiday season, you’re in luck! There are so many functional, exciting, and low-cost gifts out there that will enrich the camping experience for anyone who receives them. From unique items like firewood log carriers to campsite staples like poly tarps, there’s sure to be something that will put a smile on the faces of the outdoor lovers in your life – without breaking the bank. Happy gifting!
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