Budget-Friendly & Useful

Shopping for Christmas gifts can be surprisingly hard—especially when you’re trying to find something useful, unique, and affordable for the outdoorsy people in your life. Whether you’re searching for Christmas gift ideas for women, men, your boyfriend, girlfriend, or an adventure-loving friend or family member, this list will make your life so much easier.

Every single item in this gift guide has been tried, tested, and personally used by me. Why take my word for it? Because I own all of these products and genuinely love them. These are practical pieces of gear that hikers, campers, backpackers, and nature lovers will actually use—not just toss in a drawer and forget about.

This list is perfect for anyone who has an outdoorsy person in their life and is struggling to think of gift ideas. And if you’re like me and can never come up with gift ideas for yourself, feel free to send this list to your friends and family as a little hint.

Each product is linked in the title so you can easily shop, compare, and check reviews.

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support the content on this blog at no additional cost to you.

1. Small foldable backpacking and camping chair

Your outdoorsy friends and family will absolutely love this gift.

I actually received this chair from my dad a few years ago (thanks, Dad!) and I still use it constantly.

Unlike a bulky standard folding chair, this one packs down incredibly small and fits right inside a backpack, making it ideal for hikers, campers, and anyone who loves being outside.

It’s the perfect lightweight chair for sitting around the campfire, catching your breath at a scenic overlook, or enjoying sunrise views without sitting directly on the dirt.

2. Hiking and camping sitting pad

This is one of those “once you own it, you always bring it” kinds of items.

A foldable sitting pad is ultra-lightweight, compact, and can be pulled out anywhere — rocks, stumps, or damp ground.

It provides just enough cushion and insulation to make breaks on the trail far more comfortable.

It’s a great alternative to a full chair when your outdoorsy friend wants to stay light on longer hikes or overnight backpacking trips.

3. Hammock

Know someone who loves relaxing in nature? A hammock is the ultimate chill-out gift.

It’s fun, it’s practical, and it’s way more exciting than a typical chair.

Most people think of ENO when they think of hammocks, but the Wise Owl brand offers the same comfort and durability at a more affordable price.

Perfect for reading by a lake, napping between trees, stargazing, or just creating a cozy spot at camp.

4. Water filter for hiking or backpacking

This is a hiking essential I truly wish I had bought sooner.

Before owning a filter, I always carried every drop of water I would need for an entire hike — which made my backpack ridiculously heavy.

A portable water filter allows you to refill from natural water sources along your route, drastically cutting the weight you carry.

It’s also an important safety item to have on hand in case you run out of water or encounter delays. Just make sure your hiking route has a stream or lake available!

5. Hiking Journal

This is such a thoughtful and unique gift for nature lovers.

A hiking journal gives people a place to record trail notes, miles, favorite views, weather, wildlife sightings, and personal reflections.

Journaling outdoors helps you slow down, be present, and practice gratitude.

It’s the kind of gift they won’t expect but will genuinely love — especially if they enjoy documenting their adventures.

6. Teva Sandals

Every outdoorsy person has boots, but not everyone has hiking sandals — and they’re a total game changer.

Tevas are lightweight, comfortable, quick-drying, and perfect for hot days, river crossings, camping, and road trips.

They’re ideal for travel and everyday wear too, making them one of the most versatile outdoor shoes you can gift.

If your friend spends any time near water or just loves summer adventures, they’ll get a ton of use out of these.

7. Hat or beanie

Headwear is essential for anyone who spends time outside.

A good hat keeps the sun off your face in the summer, while a cozy beanie keeps you warm during colder months.

Since moving to Colorado, I’ve become a total hat girl — and honestly, you can never have too many.

This is an easy, affordable gift that feels personal without being overly complicated.

8. Crossbody bag

I absolutely love my little crossbody bag for short hikes and mini adventures.

It’s the perfect in-between when you don’t need a full hiking backpack but still want to carry the basics.

It holds keys, a phone, snacks, sunscreen, chapstick, and whatever small essentials you need for a few hours outside.

This is an especially great gift for outdoorsy women or anyone who likes to explore without feeling weighed down.

9. Hydro flask water bottle + water bottle sling

If your outdoorsy friends don’t already have a Hydro Flask, it’s time.

These stainless-steel bottles keep water ice cold for hours and the built-in straw lid makes drinking on the trail a breeze.

I highly recommend pairing it with a Hydro Flask sling — it keeps the bottle secure and lets you hike hands-free on quick trails where you don’t need a full pack.

This combo gets used all the time and is one of the most practical gift pairings on this list.

10. Yeti mug