It’s that time of year again and we’re all trying to find Christmas gifts for kids that aren’t just more screen time and clutter. If your kids love camping, hiking, and being out in nature, outdoor gifts are such a fun way to nudge them outside a little more. This guide focuses on outdoor gifts for kids that help them explore, play, and also make memories—whether you’re at a campground, on a family hike, or just hanging out in the backyard.
From cozy kids’ gear to nature play sets, this guide highlights outdoor gifts that are all about fresh air, muddy boots, and also big smiles.
Disclosure: This post contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we may earn small commission – at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!
20 of Our Favorites: Christmas Gifts for Kids
These Christmas gifts for kids are perfect for little campers, junior hikers, and also backyard explorers.
1. Kids’ Camp Chair – Christmas Gift for Little Campers
A kid-sized camping chair certainly makes them feel like part of the crew at every campsite and backyard fire.
- Great for: campfires, tailgates, backyard s’mores, and also backporch sitting
- Gift idea: look for a sturdy, foldable chair with a cup holder and fun print
2. Cozy Kids’ Sleeping Bag – An Outdoor Gift for Campout-Loving Kids
A cozy sleeping bag just their size turns camping into a big adventure instead of a chilly night.
- Great for: camping trips, sleepovers, and also fun living room “campouts”
- Gift idea: choose a temperature rating sleeping bag that works for your usual camping season
3. Headlamp Magic – a Christmas Gift That Guides Kids Along at Night
A kids’ headlamp is one of the easiest camping gifts for kids and they absolutely love it.
- Great for: night hikes, tent reading, and bathroom runs at the campground
- Gift idea: pick a headlamp with an easy button and adjustable strap
4. Kids’ Hiking Backpack – Trail-Ready Gift for Little Adventure Guides
A small hiking backpack lets them carry their own snacks, water, and also little treasures from the trail.
- Great for: family hikes, day trips, and nature walks
- Gift idea: choose a light pack with a chest strap and a few easy pockets
Give the Gift of an Adventure
Want to go bigger than toys and gear? Turn this year’s Christmas gifts into a Smoky Mountain adventure and start planning a fun family getaway to Tennessee.
5. Kids’ Water Bottle – Christmas Gift for Little Adventurers
An insulated water bottle for kids is a simple outdoor gift you know will get used.
- Great for: hikes, school days, road trips, and also sports
- Gift idea: pick a durable bottle with a lid they can open on their own
6. Kids’ Adventure Binoculars – a Christmas Gift to Guide Their Curiosity
Kid-friendly binoculars turn every walk into a mini safari or birdwatching tour.
- Great for: hiking, state parks, zoos, and backyard bird feeders
- Gift idea: Fill a fun bag with binoculars and backyard bird book
7. Nature Journal – Christmas Gifts Kids Can Take on Every Adventure
A nature journal is a thoughtful Christmas gift for kids who love to draw and write about what they see outside.
- Great for: hikes, camping trips, and also simple backyard nature time
- Gift idea: pair a journal with fun pens or stickers for extra creativity
8. Pocket Magnifier – Tiny Tool for Big Discoveries
A pocket magnifier helps kids slow down and notice tiny details in nature.
- Great for: leaves, rocks, insects, tree bark, and also shells
- Gift idea: add a small pouch so they can clip it to a backpack
Encourage Kids to Learn as They Explore
Pair these little Christmas gifts with a field guide so they can learn as they explore trails, campsites, and even the backyard.
9. Critter Exploration Kit for Kids – A Christmas Gift for Tiny Explorers, Big Adventures
A simple bug kit is one of the most fun outdoor gifts for kids who love creepy-crawlies.
- Great for: backyard play, camping, and park days
- Gift idea: look for a kit with a small container and a magnifier
Fun Gift Bags for Kids
Make the gift packaging as fun as what’s inside by using colorful, themed gift bags for kids. 👉 Check out these fun, colorful gift bags for kids to make your outdoor Christmas gifts look just as exciting as they feel to open.
10. Rock Tumbler – Outdoor Christmas Gift for Curious Kids
A rock tumbler is a fun outdoor gift for kids who love collecting rocks, shells, and little treasures on hikes and camping trips.
- Great for: turning trail finds and backyard rocks into smooth “gems” they can keep or trade
- Gift idea: choose a kid-friendly rock tumbler with simple settings and a starter kit of stones and grit
11. Trail-Ready Hiking Boots for Kids
Sturdy hiking shoes make hiking gifts for kids feel exciting and “grown up.”
- Great for: trails, muddy parks, and also rocky creek beds
- Gift idea: choose waterproof or water-resistant shoes with good grip
12. Backyard Explorer Kit – Christmas Gift for Curious Kids
A little explorer kit makes such a fun outdoor gift for imaginative kids.
- Great for: backyard adventures, park play, and camping evenings
- Gift idea: include things like a compass, whistle, small flashlight, and map
13. Kids’ Walkie Talkies – A Favorite Christmas Gift for Little Explorers
Walkie talkies are a classic Christmas gift for kids that works indoors and out.
- Great for: campsites, hiking trails, neighborhood play, and forts
- Gift idea: look for walkie talkies with simple controls and clear range, not just flashy lights
14. Fun Rain Boots – Puddle-Ready Christmas Gift for Kids
Fun rain boots are certainly a practical outdoor gift for kids that keep little feet dry on rainy hikes, muddy campsites, and backyard nature play.
- Great for: puddle stomping, rainy campground walks, creekside exploring
- Gift idea: pick lightweight boots with easy-on handles, bright colors, and slip-resistant soles
15. Nature Card Game – Fun Play for Kids
A simple nature-themed game keeps the fun going after the hike is over.
- Great for: tents, cabins, hotel rooms, and rainy days
- Gift idea: look for waterproof cards or travel-size games
16. Kids’ Fishing Kit – A Great Catch for Little Anglers
A basic fishing kit is an exciting outdoor gift for kids who are ready to try something new.
- Great for: lakes, rivers, ponds, and family camping trips
- Gift idea: choose a kid-size pole with an easy push-button reel
Family Fishing Fun in Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee State Parks are perfect for exploring trails, casting a line, and turning a simple day of fishing with your kids into a fun family adventure.
17. Hammock Hangout – A Christmas Gifts Kids Will Love All Year
A small hammock is a dreamy camping gift for kids who love swinging, reading, or just hanging out.
- Great for: camping, backyard trees, and also porch posts
- Gift idea: pick one that’s easy to hang and includes straps
18. Trail Snack Box – Little Adventurer Fuel Kit
A fun snack container makes kids feel like official little hikers.
- Great for: hikes, road trips, and also fun park days
- Gift idea: fill it with your favorite trail mix or the snacks they love most
Easy Snack Ideas for Kids
Pack small containers with simple snack mixes like pretzels, Cheerios, and mini crackers. These easy grab-and-go snack boxes are perfect for travel days and trail days and keep kids happy between stops.
19. Backyard Play Tent – Kids’ Campout Hideaway
A small tent can be used for camping, but also for backyard and living room play.
- Great for: first “campouts,” reading nooks, and also maginative games
- Gift idea: set it up under the tree on Christmas morning for a big wow moment
20. Kids’ Rain Jacket – A Rainy-Day Christmas Gift
A bright rain jacket keeps adventures going even when the weather is iffy.
- Great for: rainy hikes, wet campsites, and also school days
- Gift idea: choose a packable jacket that fits in their backpack
Easy Christmas Fun: Simple Moments, Big Memories
While you’re buying gifts and wrapping them up, it’s easy to forget the little moments. But those simple memories are what your kids remember most. So, mix in a few easy Christmas traditions as you travel or stay home:
- Drive around and look at Christmas lights
- Watch a Christmas movie and drink hot chocolate
- Bake and decorate Christmas cookies together
👉 Be sure to check out our favorite Christmas cookie recipe—we’ve been using this one for years, and it’s always a hit.
Happy Trekkn, Friends!
Outdoor Christmas gifts don’t have to be fancy to be special. Simple camping and hiking gear, nature play kits, and little adventure tools can spark so many memories for your family.
I hope this guide gives you fresh ideas for outdoor gifts for kids who love to explore, climb, dig, and wander. So be sure to comment below and share what you picked out for your young adventurers. And when your kids are out testing their new gear—on a hike, at a campsite, or in the backyard—snap a few photos and tag us @TennesseeTrekkn so we can cheer on every happy little trekker.
Explore MorE of Tennessee
- Places to Stay – Browse cabins, hotels, and family stays for your next Tennessee trip.
- Things to Do – Find fun hikes, attractions, and adventures for your crew.
- Little Trekkers – Check out kid-friendly trails, parks, and outdoor fun for your youngest explorers.
Disclosure: This post contains links from our trusted partners, including Amazon. If you book or purchase through these we may earn small commission – at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support!