50 Outdoor Gifts UNDER $50
This post may contain affiliate links.
Find the best budget-friendly outdoor gifts that are under $50 in this gift guide!
Looking for holiday gift ideas for all those outdoorsy people on your list but don’t want to break the bank? This post is for you!
We’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor gifts under $50 in this post. From our favorite outdoor clothes, camping gear, stocking stuffers, and more, you’re sure to find something for all the outdoor enthusiasts on your list this year.
Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Gifts
GEOPROJECT National Park Sticker Bottle
We love this idea — it’s basically a National Park passport that doubles as your favorite water bottle. Each sticker represents a park you’ve visited, so it’s a fun way to track your adventures and relive those memories every time you take a sip. It’s perfect for the goal-setter or list-checker in your life who dreams of visiting all 63 national parks.
AeroPress GO Coffee Maker
The AeroPress is our favorite way to make coffee in the outdoors (and at home!). If you’re not familiar with it, you simply add coffee grounds to the chamber and add water to brew. Then, you press the coffee through the filter at the bottom of the chamber and there you have it! An excellent cup of coffee and virtually zero mess. This is a perfect gift for campers, van life and RVers, or roadtrippers
REI Co-op Roadtripper Pod
We love these little water-resistant Roadtripper Pods for keeping gear and small items organized in a day pack, on road trips, and while camping. Perfect for toiletries, electronics, gear repair kits, or anything else with a lot of smaller bits.
Black Diamond Moji+ Lantern
The Moji+ Lantern is a great little light that is perfect for outdoor use. It can sit on a camp table, or be hung to light the space from above (such as in a tent). The light is dimmable, and since the housing is frosted, it gives a nice, even glow instead of blinding you.
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Backpack
We’ve learned that having a small daypack on a camping trip is always worth it. This one folds into itself, weighs almost nothing, and still carries snacks, a jacket, and a water bottle with ease. Great for hikes, errands, or tossing in your luggage “just in case.”
OXO Outdoor 7-Piece Spice Shaker + Bottle Set
We’re big believers in packing real flavor for the campsite, and this little OXO set makes that easy. The sealed containers hold all your favorite spices, and the squeeze bottles are perfect for olive oil or vinegar. No need to lug your whole pantry! OXO’s new outdoor line with REI nails that sweet spot between home-quality design and camp-ready durability.
GSI Bugaboo Ceramic Frypan
We don’t always cook in a non-stick pan, but when we do, it’s this one! The ceramic coating cooks evenly and cleans up like a dream. It’s perfect for pancakes, eggs, or sautéing veggies on a camp stove, and the handle folds inward for easy storage.
Patagonia Fisherman’s Rolled Beanie
Simple, warm, and stylish, this recycled-poly beanie hits all the right notes. It feels broken-in right away and layers easily under a hood or helmet. A classic winter staple that’ll get worn all season long, and still look good next year.
Welly First Aid Kid
Even if you already have a first aid kit, you can always use another. This one comes in a colorful, hard-sided tin that’s perfect for camping, car trips, or the kitchen drawer. We love how easy it is to see and grab what you need — no digging through a soft pouch of mashed supplies.
Fodor’s Travel Guides The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA
A complete guide to America’s most spectacular natural treasures, Fodor’s Travel Guides The Complete Guide to the National Parks of the USA: All 63 Parks from Maine to American Samoa contains everything you need to plan your next trip. The 960-page guide covers hiking trails, historic sites, campgrounds, and itineraries for every National Park. Get the most out of your national park system!
Lodge 4-in-1 Dutch Oven Tool
If you or someone you know loves cast iron cooking, this thing is gold. It props lids, lifts hot pots, and doubles as a trivet — all while keeping your hands safely away from the heat. We use ours constantly with our Dutch oven and even as a mini stand for skillets over coals. It’s one of those “how did I not have this before?” gifts.
REI Trailgate Gear Cubes
We use these Pack Away cubes all the time! They are one of the best ways to keep clothing organized when camping or on a road trip. Avoid the “exploding duffle bag of clothing” scenario by separating out tops, bottoms, undergarments, and socks into their own separate cubes. We also like to have an extra empty one for dirty clothes.
Rome Pie iron
We’ve owned one of these for years, and it’s still one of our favorite ways to cook over a campfire. Toasted sandwiches, gooey dessert pies, even mini pizzas, it’s all part of the fun! It’s the kind of nostalgic, hands-on camp gear that brings everyone (especially older kids) together around the fire.
Kelty Camp Chef Roll
Add some soft-sided “cabinetry” to your outdoor camp kitchen with the Ketly Camp Chef Roll. This hangable utensil and tool organizer features 4 zippered pockets to keep your camp kitchen essentials in arm’s reach. Hang it from your car’s roof rack, a nearby tree, or off the side of your picnic table.
Rolla Roasters
These telescoping roasting forks are the perfect way to roast marshmallows and/or hotdogs over a campfire! The double prong prevents the marshmallow from spinning, giving you a lot more control. They collapse down and come with their own storage bag. Perfect!
Eddie Bauer 280 Lumen Rechargeable Lantern
We used to hang a lantern from the back of our hatchback, and it made the best camp kitchen light. This one has a warm glow, adjustable brightness, and recharges via USB. It’s perfect for tents, tailgates, or outdoor dinners . It’s a versatile gift that’ll get constant use.
Flip Fuel Device
This clever device lets you transfer fuel from one partially used isobutane canister to another. If you know someone with a box of half-used backpacking fuel canisters in their garage, trust us—they will LOVE this gift!
Black Diamond Spot 300 R Headlamp
This headlamp is one of those underrated camp upgrades—bright enough to prep dinner after dusk, yet light enough to forget you’re wearing it. With 300 lumens, rechargeable battery, and simple one-button control, it’s built for real use—not just the “emergency only” shelf. Gift it to anyone who camps, hikes, or hikes-to-camp, and they’ll thank you the next time they’re fumbling with a headlamp off-trail.
National Parks Trivia Game
Think you know your national parks? This trivia game will test even the most seasoned road-tripper. It’s the perfect mix of nerdy, nostalgic, and outdoorsy — ideal for evenings at camp when you’ve run out of ghost stories.
RTIC Everyday Cooler
These fully insulated coolers are perfect for everyday use. They come in a bunch of colors and different sizes—from 6 to 28 can capacity—all of which are under $50! We like the fact that the lid opens back for easy loading, and the whole thing collapses when you’re done for easy storage.
Camp Craft Cocktail Kit
We love this as a fun, unexpected gift idea. Just add your favorite spirit to the jar, let it infuse, and you’ve got a ready-to-pour cocktail the next day. It’s easy, portable, and classy, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good drink under the stars.
REI Sahara Shade UPF Shirts
The Sahara Shade UPF Hoodie from REI is a perfect option for any time of year! Obviously, the lightweight, breathable stretch fabric is great for staying active during the summer. But they are also great for winter activities as well. Winter hikes, snowshoeing, or X-country skiing on a bluebird day can lead to a lot of reflected sun exposure, making a UPF base layer really important.
Eddie Bauer Water-Repellent Outdoor Blanket
Cozy fleece on one side, water-repellent fabric on the other — perfect for campfires, damp benches, or impromptu picnics. It’s the kind of blanket that permanently lives in your trunk or camper. A guaranteed hit for anyone who’s always cold (we all know someone).
REI Co-op Kid’s Tarn Backpacks
Is there is child in your life that enjoys getting outdoors? (Or who you’re encouraging to enjoy the outdoors!) The REI Tarn kids’ backpack is a great option. Available in a few different sizes, these bags are the perfect places to store all kinds of fun hiking necessities, like snacks, walkie-talkies, binoculars, and more snacks!
Wool Socks
Wool socks are basically the ultimate outdoor gift that everyone loves to receive! No matter how many pairs you own, you can also use another. We love Darn Tough socks and wear them all throughout the year. So we’re always excited to get another pair every December!
Battery Powered String Lights
We use string lights every time we camp: over the picnic table, inside the tent, you name it. These battery powered lights add a warm, cozy glow that totally transforms a site. They’re easy to set up and way more relaxing than the harsh beam of a headlamp.
Stanley Quencher
This one barely needs an introduction—it’s the tumbler that launched a thousand trends. Insulated, durable, and cup-holder friendly (finally), it’s perfect for road trips, camping, or just staying hydrated all day. Megan’s been using hers nonstop for two years—it’s that good.
REI Trail Waist Packs
This REI Trail Waist Pack is great for casual hikes and outdoor walks that don’t require a lot of gear. The Trail 2 (pictured) has enough room for keys, a wallet, a cell phone, and a small snack, while the Trail 5 has enough room to stash those essentials along with 2 water bottles and a packable outer layer like a windbreaker.
GoToobs
These silicone squeeze tubes are incredibly versatile containers for transporting liquid. Perfect for cooking (oil, vinegars, dressings, etc) or for bringing just a little bit of shampoo and conditioner. We love their double-locking lids, which ensure there is never a tragic accident inside your backpack.
REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Gloves
A lightweight, warm pair of gloves is one of those things you can always use — especially for chilly mornings at camp. We love these for setting up gear or sipping coffee outside the tent. They’re touchscreen compatible and easy to stash, making them an immediately useful winter gift.
Coghlans Fireside Gaming Kit
We like keeping this kit packed with our camping gear so it’s always ready to go. It’s got cards, dice, and dominoes — basically everything you need for a rainy day or a lazy night around the campfire. Having a dedicated set for camping means you’ll never forget it at home again.
Eddie Bauer 4.5 L Waterproof Pouch
Whether you’re paddling, hiking, or just dealing with rainy weather, this pouch keeps essentials dry. We use it to stash our phones, keys, or snacks when we’re near water. It’s small, simple, and surprisingly handy — the kind of gift they’ll thank you for later.
humangear GoBites Bio Long Spork
We’ve used humangear sporks for years and are so excited they finally made a long version. It’s perfect for getting into those deep freeze-dried meal bags. Lightweight, durable, and surprisingly giftable — we keep extras around for friends.
Lodge 10” Cast Iron Skillet
There are few outdoor gifts under $50 that can be passed down for multiple generations, but a cast iron skillet is absolutely one of them! We use cast iron to cook virtually everything, both at home and when we’re out camping. It has incredible heat retention, is naturally non-stick, and is super easy to clean—especially if you have one of these compact scrapers.
GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Percolator
If you’re making coffee for a group, there’s no better way than by using a stove top percolator. This tried-and-true method allows you to make a large batch of strong coffee, without having to use a ton of grounds. This GSI Glacier Percolator is one of the best, with a stainless steel finish, heat-resistant handle, and crack-proof resin cap dome.
REI Active Pursuits Quarter-Zip Pullover
We love this pullover! It has a technical fabric (breathable, stretchy, and moisture-wicking) but with the natural feel of cotton. Perfect for any outdoor activity. It’s great on its own for summer hikes or shoulder season runs, but we also love it as a base layer during colder weather.
REI Co-op Women’s Active Pursuits Shorts
A pair of durable and quick-drying hiking shorts would be a welcome gift for outdoorsy gals! REI’s Active Pursuits Shorts are made of recycled 4-way stretch fabric and feature a wide waistband and flat seams for comfort.
REI Roadtripper Duffel Bag
The luggage of choice for most campers, it’s hard to beat the soft-sided versatility of a good duffel bag. This REI Roadtripper Duffel is made using abrasion-resistant and water-resistant polyester fabric. Perfect for road trips, camping adventures, and/or air travel.
REI Co-op Men’s Active Pursuits Shorts
Shorts weather is more of a state of mind than an actual temperature range. Whether you’re hitting the trail or going for a run, a good pair of shorts can come in handy any time of year. For me, if I’m doing something active and the temperature is above 30 degrees, it’s game on for shorts!
Patagonia Headband
A headband is a great outdoor gift for women (or men!) who like to wear their hair in a bun or ponytail while hiking. This headband keeps ears cozy and provides some additional warmth to the head–perfect for winter and fall hikes that aren’t too cold.
Smartwool Reversible Neck Gaiter
A cozy neck gaiter is one of the best ways to stay warm throughout the winter. It traps the heat from escaping your jacket and keeps cold air from finding its way down inside. This reversible neck gaiter from Smartwool features a double-sided pattern that feels soft and cozy!
Verve Craft Instant Coffee
We have entered into a new age of high-quality, gourmet instant coffee. Verve Coffee is one of our favorite roasters and their instant coffee line tastes every bit as good as their in-house coffee. Just add hot water and stir. This will be a guaranteed hit with any outdoorsy person who would enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee with their views.
Rite in the Rain Outdoor Notebooks
This waterproof journal is a fun stocking stuffer idea. It’s made with coated paper that repels water, mud, and dirt, and can be used in any weather and on any adventure!
REI Flash 18 Pack
Everyone could use a quick and easy day pack. Simple, clean, and functional, the REI Co-op Flash 18 daypack is just 9.5 oz., yet roomy enough to hold all your hiking essentials. Comfy enough to carry all day, and even hydration pouch compatible.
REI Insulated Camp Mug
A classic, sturdy camp mug is always a win. We’ve collected a small army of these over the years, and they somehow all get used. Pair it with a bag of coffee, cocoa, or tea for an easy, thoughtful, and under-$25 gift that’ll see daily use.
Nomadix Towel
The lightweight, quick-drying, and anti-microbial fabric is what makes the Nomadix Towel our go-to towel for beach days, lake swimming, and river floating. It dries us off in seconds and dries itself out in minutes.
OXO Santoku Knife
A proper kitchen knife at the campsite makes all the difference. This full-size Santoku knife feels great in the hand, slices beautifully, and stores safely thanks to its locking sheath. We love that it brings real cooking functionality outdoors — no more struggling with a tiny pocketknife to chop an onion.
Eddie Bauer Ripstop Sling Pack
Perfect for quick errands, travel days, or hikes, this sling pack keeps your essentials close and organized. The crossbody fit is comfortable and secure, and the ripstop fabric holds up to plenty of use. It’s one of those low-key practical gifts that ends up becoming a favorite.
REI Gift card
Still unsure what to get? You can’t go wrong with a gift card from REI. As the nation’s largest outdoor retailer with over 100 physical locations and an extensive online store, chances are if it’s a hiking-related product, REI has it. They also have an incredible return/exchange policy, which makes them our number one pick for a gift card.
Save this post!
Enter your email and we'll send this post to your inbox! Plus, you'll receive our newsletter full of great tips for all your outdoor adventures.