39 Outdoor Gifts UNDER $50
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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 under $50 gift ideas from REI. 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.
In Partnership with REI
REI is our favorite place to buy gifts for outdoorsy people on our lists. In the event we get a color or a size wrong, REI makes it SO easy for the recipient to return or exchange it for the correct item. With free shipping for REI members, we also love that we get to skip the in-store holiday melee and shop from the comfort of our couch.
Best Budget-Friendly Outdoor Gifts
Eureka Sprk Camp Stove
This portable and packable single-burner camping stove comes with a 10,000 BTU burner that is perfect for cooking up all kinds of one-pot camp meals on your next outdoor adventure. This stove would be great for minimalist car campers, or for families who might need an extra burner for cooking larger meals.
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
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.
Soto Amicus Stove Backpacking Cookset
Whether you’re heading out on a backpacking trip or picnicking after a day hike, the Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo provides everything you need to cook a meal in a lightweight package. It includes 1 small pot (500 ml) and 1 large pot (1,000 ml), as well as the Soto Amicus stove. We’ve personally used this stove on a number of backpacking trips and really like it.
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.
GCI Comfort Pro Camp Chair
If you’re going camping, you’re going to need a comfy camp chair! The GCI Comfort Pro chair features sag-free materials, resulting in a comfy chair with nice support. The chair folds up when not in use into an included stuff sack, so it’s easy to pack and store. If your gift recipient isn’t into those Knex-style chairs and just wants something straightforward to set up, this chair is a great option!
Lightweight Dry Sacks
These lightweight dry sacks come in sizes ranging from 2L to 35L. They are a super practical outdoors gift for people who recreate in rainier climates—perfect for protecting electronics like cell phones or cameras, keeping down jackets dry, or just keeping small items of gear organized!
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 Tarn series of kid backpacks by REI Co-op 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!
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
The Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp is one of the top-selling headlamps at REI for under $50, and it’s a great pick for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. It’s lightweight but powerful—offering up to 400 lumens of light and a beam distance of 300+ feet on high.
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!
Stanley Quencher
Finally, an insulated mug that fits in a standard car cup holder! Perfect for keeping your iced coffee, tea, or water freezing cold on a long road trip (or daily commute). Available in a variety of sizes and colors, Stanley also makes it super easy to customize your mug with text or graphics.
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.
Black Diamond Screentap Gloves
Stretchy, cozy, and touch screen compatible! These Screentap Gloves by Black Diamond keep your fingers warm but still allow you to operate your smartphone. Check your navigation app, take a photo or two, and send a quick text update—all while keeping your digits warm!
Ducks Back Rain Covers
While some backpacks have integrated rain covers, many do not. If you live in an area that tends to get a lot of rain, one of these Ducks Back Rain Covers can really come in handy. They come in multiple different sizes and easily cinch over your backpack to keep the rain out.
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is a great gift for outdoorsy pups (or their companions!) This harness allows for a full range of motion and is padded for comfort. There are two leash attachment points—one on the back, and one in the front, which you can easily switch between depending on your dog’s needs.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Shirt
We have owned multiple generations of Patagonia’s Capilene baselayer series and have nothing but good things to say about them. They have all the amazing technical features you need (moisture-wicking, breathable, quick-drying, anti-microbial) with a natural fabric feel. Perfect as a winter base layer or as a summer top layer.
REI Pack Away 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.
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.
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.
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.
Outdoor Research Gaiters
Keep your feet happy and clean by keeping dust, pebbles, and other trail crud out! These breathable trail gaiters are perfect for dusty desert trails, crumbly mountain scrambles, and light snow banks.
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!
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, snow-shoeing, or X-country skiing on a bluebird day can lead to a lot of reflected sun exposure, making a UPF base layer really important.
Goodr OG Sunglasses
Winter, spring, summer, and fall, a good pair of sunglasses is an essential piece of outdoor gear all year round. We highly suggest opting for their polarized and full UVA & UVB spectrum protection, which will give your eyes the best protection on the water, snow, and land.
Smartwool Reversible Headband
A wool 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.
OR Flurry Sensor Gloves
Keep your fingers warm with these Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor Gloves. Weather resistant on the outside, and soft and cozy on the inside, they are perfect for cold-weather hikes, snow-shoeing, and cross-country skiing (or just around town!).
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!
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!
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.
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 new 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 the Ten Hiking Essentials (and then some). Comfy enough to carry all day, and even hydration pouch compatible.
GSI Folding Steak Knives
Grilling up some steaks on your next camping trip? Level up your camp silverware with GSI GSI Outdoors Rakau Folding Steak Knives! This foldable kit of steak knives is a perfect gift for that grilled meat enthusiast on your list!
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.
Patagonia Black Hole Mini Hip Pack
Perfect for a cellphone, wallet, and keys, as well as all your other daily carry essentials, the Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Mini Hip Pack is made from extremely lightweight yet tough fabric. Can be worn as a fanny-pack or cross-body sling.
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.