50 Gift Ideas for Birders and Bird Lovers! (2023)

Finding unique bird gifts is VERY challenging.

And it’s especially hard if you don’t love watching birds yourself! But today, you have come to the right place.

I have compiled a list of over 50 potential presents and gifts for bird lovers. 

You will find bird gifts across ALL price ranges, from CHEAP stocking stuffers to incredibly expensive optics. You will even find some ideas that don’t cost a dollar. Yes, that means free!

There are 50 unique bird-watching gift ideas listed below!

Stocking Stuffers – Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

Most of these bird presents cost under $50!

#1. Movies, Films, and Documentaries

The Big Year

Seriously, who doesn’t love watching an entertaining film or an inspiring documentary about birds? Movies make great gifts for bird lovers!

Check out this list below for some ideas: Bird Movies, Films, and Documentaries Every Birder Must Watch!

#2. Bird T-Shirts

There are awesome t-shirts explicitly designed for people who love birds and birding. Personally, I love wearing funny, unique, and original t-shirts that fit my personality. The perfect shirt can make an excellent gift! Not surprisingly, there are LOTS of great options on Amazon.

#3. Bird Books!

An inspiring, entertaining, or funny book always makes an excellent present or gift for birders. Read the article below for a list of books that give options no matter what your bird lover enjoys.

#4. Buy a bird field guide!

National Geographic makes a wonderful field guide for birds in North America.

A field guide that shows you the types of birds that live near you is essential. There are many on the market, depending on your location. You can even find excellent field guides focusing on the birds living in your specific state or province.

And for those of you who like a bit of humor in your bird gifts, check out the field guide below. 🙂

Have you ever heard of the White-breasted Butt Nugget before???

#5. Magazine Subscription

Everyone likes reading magazines. Nobody likes paying the annual subscription!

Easy bird gift = Paying annual subscription.

Below are 3 of the most popular birding magazines in North America: Bird Watchers Digest / Audubon / American Birding Association

#6. Wearable hummingbird mask

Check the price of the Hummviewer HERE.

This gift is perfect for someone who loves watching and attracting hummingbirds! Just fill the small tubes with nectar, sit back, and wait for the hummers to feed right in front of your face.

And if the Hummviewer is too expensive, you can also buy a hummingbird feeder ring. 🙂

View Price HERE

#7. Alcohol That’s Associated with a Bird

For birders who enjoy the occasional drink of alcohol, here is an easy birding gift. Find a bottle of wine, liquor, or beer named after a bird or has a bird picture on the label. For example:

Awesome Bird Gifts

The Bells American Amber Ale has a photo of a Great Blue Heron.

Alcohol as bird gifts

There is Wild Turkey Bourbon.

Wine as bird gifts

Or The Little Penguin wine brands.

Among MANY others!!

#8. Penguin cocktail shaker

Buy on Amazon

I’m speaking from experience when I tell you this is a great gift for birders. That’s because a friend got this exact penguin cocktail shaker a few years ago!

Honestly, I don’t use it that often, but it looks great sitting on the bar in our basement. 🙂

#9. Wingspan Board Game

Show for Wingpsan HERE.

Wingspan is an incredibly popular board game! Unbelievably, it has almost 10,000 5-star Reviews on Amazon. In addition to having lots of fun, you will also learn a lot of facts about birds and their habitats.

Here is a brief description of the game:

“You are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves.”

Lastly, the recommended age for Wingspan is 14+.

#10. Bird Puzzles

Backyard Birds of North America Puzzle

Puzzles make a great gift for someone who loves birds.

And with a little searching, you will find DOZENS of different bird puzzles available online.

#11. External Battery for Electronics

A portable battery is a must if you are heading out for a day of birding. It has often saved me, especially since smartphones suck up batteries like sponges. The Solar Power Bank 26800 is what I use. View Cost - Amazon 

#12. Microfiber to Clean Lens Glass

Useful gifts for bird watchers

For the longest time, every time my binoculars or camera lens got dirty, I never had the correct microfiber cleaning cloth available. I finally solved that problem with a simple purchase.

Now I keep a few handy in my backpack, in my car, in my drawer…

MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths  View Price - Amazon

#13. Waterproof Notebook / Pen

Bird Watching Presents for Bird Lovers

I always carry a notebook.

You never know when inspiration hits, or you think of something that you want to remember. I know many people enjoy nature journaling as well.

Having a durable, waterproof notebook has been a GREAT purchase.

Try this product –> Rite in the Rain Spiral Notebook. 

Don’t forget the pen! Rite in the Rain All-Weather Durable Clicker Pen

#14. Water Bottle

They are so simple, yet they make such useful bird-watching gifts!

I have tried other water bottles but always seem to return to a Nalgene.

Over the past year, I have also become a fan of Hydro Flask water bottles. They do an incredible job of keeping my drinks hot or cold.

#15. Bumper Stickers

Personally, I am not a huge fan of having a bumper sticker on my car. But for those who enjoy them, some hilarious birding bumper stickers are available.

Here are two different sites with lots of options. You may not understand some of the puns or jokes if you are not into watching birds!

Bird Watching Bumper Stickers on Zazzle.com:   My favorite is “I want to believe” regarding the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Bird Bumper Stickers at Cafepress.com

#16. Glasses, Cups, or Coffee Mugs

I found this coffee cup on Amazon.

I think a cool gift for bird lovers is glassware. Why not smile every time you take a sip?

For example, my favorite coffee mug has some pretty impressive drawings of penguins on it.

(picture of my cup)

Etsy has awesome glasses with birds on them. They come in every style, no matter what you enjoy drinking. They even have vintage stuff!

#17. Funny bird socks

Buy on Amazon

Who said getting socks as a gift had to be boring? It turns out that birds and a funny saying can make socks really fun!

Buy on Amazon

#18. Bird Jewelry

There are endless options when it comes to jewelry that is shaped like a bird. From bluebird earrings to penguin necklaces to chickadee bracelets!

But, when it comes to bird jewelry, it seems hummingbirds are the most popular.

When I was searching, Etsy had a huge and diverse selection.

#19. Paintings

Audubon Prints as Bird Gifts

Displaying a unique painting is interesting, fulfilling, and a great talking point.

Some of my favorite bird paintings are Audubon prints. I have a few hanging in my office.

Also, try going to a local art festival and finding a piece from someone in your community. That way, you have an original! Check out this tool that searches for regional art fairs in the United States and Canada.

#20. Bird Identification Poster

I have a few posters hanging around my office that are bird identification charts. They are incredibly interesting, and I find myself gazing at them all the time! The best part is there are many different options and styles, from backyard birds to owls to hummingbirds. Amazon has a nice selection to browse!  View Bird Posters

#21. Photographs

I have two thoughts regarding photographs for bird gifts.

1. Find and purchase a photograph from a talented photographer.

or

2. Take a personal photograph and turn it into an art piece.

Here is what I mean: Common Loon bird gift

I had taken a picture of a Common Loon from my kayak. My friend took that photo and converted it into a large canvas.

What an unforgettable bird gift!!

For help, check out Shutterfly: You can create memory books, calendars, canvas art, and more!

#22. Bird Statues

This outdoor cardinal statue is available on Amazon.

Many people have bird statues and figurines scattered throughout their houses or gardens.

Etsy seems to have a HUGE selection of bird statues to give as presents. Hundreds of different types are available, from mass-produced to individually crafted.

#23. Clothing, Shoes, Hats, etc

This section is dedicated to everyone who likes to head outside to watch birds! As you can imagine, Mother Nature rarely cooperates. It’s usually hot, cold, wet, or humid.

Having great clothing and gear can make all the difference. Many people (including myself) are very cheap when it comes to spending money on clothes. 

Getting something that will last a long time AND is comfortable would make an excellent bird-watching gift.

Here are some ideas. You will need to do more shopping and research depending on the exact needs of your bird lover.

  • Waterproof Hiking Boots and Shoes:

 

  • Hiking Socks:
    • Make sure the material is not cotton!
    • I have lighter, thinner pairs for summer. Thicker, warmer pairs for winter.
  • Breathable hiking shirts:
    • Under Armour famously put in our heads – “Cotton is the enemy.” I couldn’t agree more, whether it’s hot or cold weather.
    • Avoid bright colors. It tends to scare birds away!
  • Sunglasses

    • These slip right over your shoes! Amazing product.

#24. Bird Friendly Coffee

Java Planet makes my FAVORITE bird-friendly coffee. Use code BIRDWATCHINGHQ to save 10%.

There is no denying that coffee is delicious, and most people are addicted to the stuff. 

But unfortunately, a typical coffee plantation is an ecological desert that doesn’t support much wildlife. Purchasing bird-friendly coffee is a show of support for Mother Nature and birds. It is grown on family farms that support wildlife habitats.

For example, the coffee is shade-grown, which means the coffee tree grows under the shade of other trees. And from personal experience, the coffee is delicious!!

Check out these two articles for loads more information:

Optics: Get Closer To The Birds!

Binoculars, cameras, and spotting scopes can make excellent gifts for bird lovers. (Go Back to Table of Contents)

#25. Binoculars

Having quality binoculars is a necessity for anyone who loves watching birds! They make excellent bird-watching presents and come in all price ranges.

Learn more: The 10 Best Bird-Watching Binoculars!

  • This list provides binoculars from cheap to expensive ($125 – $2,600). It also has a helpful comparison chart and explains how to choose binoculars.

#26. Spotting Scopes

Spotting scopes have more powerful magnification than binoculars, allowing you to watch birds from far away.

I know many birders that do not own a spotting scope, but wish they did!

Need help finding a good option?

#27. DSLR Camera or Photo Accessories

Birding Presents and Bird Gifts

A DSLR camera is a great birding gift idea for someone who wants to upgrade their existing camera or start taking pictures of the birds they observe.

Photography is a natural extension for many birders. Many people consider themselves a photographer first and a bird lover second; others are the opposite. Read More –> 7 Best DSLR Cameras for Wildlife Photography.

If they already own a camera, think of accessories or lenses as a potential gift. Photography is an expensive hobby, and photographers always want to upgrade their gear!

#28. Tripod

A functional and quality tripod makes an excellent birding gift. A tripod gives a sturdy place to rest a spotting scope or camera (even binoculars!) to steady your view while looking at birds.

Make sure that the tripod and optic are compatible!  View Tripods

#29. Trail Camera

Presents for people who like birds

Trail cameras take pictures or videos (depending on the settings) whenever an animal walks in front of the camera and trips the sensor. They are entertaining for anyone who loves the outdoors and nature and make unique bird-watching gifts. I love playing around with my trail camera.  

It is so much fun to check the pictures to see what has been walking around just outside. There are dozens of great options on Amazon, depending on how much you want to spend.

#30. Netvue Birdfy Feeder Cam

best bird feeder cameras

View Today's Price!  | Use Coupon Code “BWHQ850” to save 10%!

A bird feeder camera is a truly unique gift for birders!

Netvue was the first company to manufacture an “out of the box” bird feeder with a camera built into the design! The camera is 1080p, giving incredibly clear video and pictures of the visiting birds!

What’s neat about the Birdfy Feeder Camera is that you can watch the birds from your phone! The app makes it easy to record or capture interesting moments that can be shared quickly and easily. In addition, you can set up notifications to be alerted every time a bird comes to the feeder, although this can get annoying quickly if you have a high-traffic feeding station. Also, please note that the bird feeder must be close enough to your house to connect to your Wi-Fi to work.

One negative to this style of bird feeder camera is that you have to recharge the batteries in the camera. Netvue says their battery lasts up to 6 months, but this will vary depending on how many birds visit your bird feeding station. But they also have the option to buy a small solar panel, which continuously charges the battery for you.

Bird Feeding Gifts

Watching birds in your backyard is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Providing products or solutions that help to create an ideal habitat makes excellent bird gifts. Go Back to the Top

#31. Bird House / Nestbox

Giving a birdhouse will always be a great present! And there is no shortage of birdhouses for sale online and in local stores. My recommendation is to check out the nest boxes available from JCS Wildlife. They are all designed so birds will ACTUALLY use them. Many of the pretty or unique birdhouses you find are not made to attract nesting birds. Here is another fun idea:

Build a birdhouse!

This would be a fun activity to complete together! You can create a memory AND provide a birding gift. There are thousands of different plans available online to build birdhouses! Please don’t get overwhelmed.

#32. Bird Feeder

Press PLAY below to see a LIVE view of my bird feeders. 🙂

Bird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, from cheap to expensive. Before selecting your present, determine the birds your bird lover likes to see the most and wants to attract. A hummingbird feeder is much different than a finch feeder or a general feeder that attracts multiple species.  Here are some resources that show you my favorite bird feeders!

#33. A bird feeder that attaches to a window!

View Today's Price – Use code “BWHQ” to SAVE 10%!

Putting up a window bird feeder outside our kitchen was one of my best decisions. My kids love watching the birds up close, and anyone who visits is immediately attracted to the back windows to see the action. If I am quiet, I can easily get next to the window to observe each bird’s beautiful plumage or feeding habits.

It’s big enough to fit 4 or 5 birds at once easily. Most birds use the perches, but a few species (House Finches, for example) tend to sit right on top of all the seeds to eat and relax.

And don’t worry. The FOUR suction cups do a great job of keeping the feeder attached. I have NEVER had it fall from my window.

#34. Bird Bath

best glass bird baths

View prices on Amazon!

Pink Glass   |   Hummingbird

Birdbaths can make excellent presents for bird lovers! Most people tend to have a bird feeder, but surprisingly, many backyard bird habitats are missing water! There are many options available. Some are very stylish and also make great decorations for the home garden. 

#35. A Birdbath De-Icer

heated bird bath deicer

View $ on Amazon

The reason that I included this external de-icer is simple. It can be placed inside any non-heated bird bath basin to heat the water instantly.

Having an open water source in freezing temperatures is an excellent way to attract birds in winter. When temperatures drop below freezing, birds have the hardest time finding water. It’s nice to be there when the birds need water most.

This specific de-icer from K&H Pet Products has the following features: 

  • Maintains open water up to -20 degrees F.
  • It is thermostatically controlled and uses only 50 watts. The heater kicks on at around 34 degrees.
  • It can be spray painted any color to match your bird bath.
  • It will not rust, leave stains, or calcify.

#36. A SQUIRREL-PROOF Bird Feeding Pole

bird feeder poles that is squirrel proof

The Squirrel Stopper is very popular and definitely one of the BEST bird feeding poles available. It is one of the ONLY poles built specifically to STOP squirrels.

A spring-loaded baffle is attached directly to the pole to accomplish the almost impossible feat of stopping squirrels. The baffle has incredible flexibility and can move up, down, and side to side. I’ve never seen squirrels get past the baffle, nor have I heard of it happening to anyone else!

  • PRESS PLAY below to see how the baffle works!

#37. Bird Nesting Cube Filled with Alpaca Fleece

Buy on Amazon

This unique gift is filled with alpaca wool, which birds use to help build their nests! You just have to hang it up during spring, and you should see birds pulling out the wool to use.

The Bird Nesting Cubes are created from all-natural, dye-free alpaca fleece. Not only will the eggs and chicks have a soft bed, but the alpaca fleece helps to regulate body temperature, keeping the eggs and babies safe from shifting temperatures.

#38. NATIVE Bird-Friendly Plants, Trees, or Flowers

tiered height hummingbird garden

Creating a bird-friendly backyard is not complete without having natural food, shelter, and nesting places. Most birders also enjoy plants and gardening, so it’s like providing two bird gifts!

And having a backyard full of native plants usually increases the total amount of wildlife you will see. (Butterflies, squirrels, deer, etc.) Audubon has a helpful search tool to help find plants for your area. It can be filtered by what kind of plant you desire or bird you want to attract.

I also recommend talking to your local nursery for their expertise. Just explain that you only want native plants and are trying to attract birds and other wildlife.

#39. Bird Food Shaped Like…Birds

Buy these owls on Amazon.

For those of us who love feeding birds in our backyard, getting a huge bag of sunflower seed, nyjer seed, or peanuts is much appreciated. Unfortunately, many gift-givers don’t find it very exciting to purchase bird food as a gift.

To meet halfway, you may want to purchase birdseed that has been shaped into an animal, character, shape, or ornament. They are a lot of fun! My daughter got me one as a gift this past Christmas.

These masses of seed are held together by gelatin, which makes the birds work harder to get their food. The birds can’t eat the seeds until they dislodge them, which gives us more time to observe!

Birding Vacations and Travel

Almost everyone loves to travel to new places! Whether it’s to the next county over or the other side of the world, seeing new birds and having memorable experiences is exciting! 

(Go Back to Top)

Incorporating travel plans into your birding gift could be the most memorable present you can give!

#40. Birding Tour to an Exotic Location

Bird Watching Tour During Holidays

Many reputable and ethical tour companies support eco-tourism. They operate across the entire world and on every continent. 

And the best part about this birding gift?

You get to buy yourself a ticket alongside them! ☺

Many companies specialize in traveling to exotic locations to see birds. Some tours are extreme (birding from dawn until dusk), and others are more laid back, which include many other activities a non-bird lover may enjoy. Please ask around and do extensive research. 

To find an incredible trip perfect for you, try reading this post:

#41. Attend a Bird Watching Festival

These events are enjoyable and bring lots of birders and bird lovers together. The typical agenda of a bird festival is lots of guided birding tours in the local area, guest speakers on different topics, and a vendor area to check out the latest and greatest stuff.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a great search tool to find festivals and fairs near you! It specializes in the United States and Canada but has options internationally. 

#42. Annual Pass to the National Parks

There are over 50 national parks and 500 national refuges in the United States, and they all have birds!

Get your outdoor adventurer and bird lover a national park annual pass! It is a unique gift and will save them money and encourage more traveling.

FREE Bird-Watching Gift Ideas!

These ideas for birding presents should not cost ANY money. (Go Back to Start)

#43. Give the Precious Gift of Time to Watch Birds

It doesn’t matter how much money you have; you can’t buy more time. So many of us are scrambling around every day, going to work, watching our kids, or taking care of the endless “To Do” list of obligations. Most of the time, birding gets pushed to the end of the list of things to do.

It can be powerful to give the gift of time to go birding.

Do something to help take care of their regular responsibilities and free up their schedule. Some examples include babysitting their children, mowing the lawn, filling in at work, etc. Get creative!

#44. Schedule Time to Go Birding With Them

Presents for Bird Lovers

My guess is that you are buying a bird gift for someone else, but bird-watching is not your favorite thing. Otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be reading this article for ideas. 🙂

I think it’s special to show a willingness to participate and learn about another hobby just for the sake of someone else. I recommend putting a time on the calendar and saying, “This is the day we are going birding together. I want to learn more.”

Take the initiative! Be open to learning about bird watching; you may find you have a new hobby. This may be the most meaningful gift for birders on this list! I know I would appreciate this. 

#45. Secretly Learn About Birds and Surprise Them With Your Knowledge!

Gifts for Bird Lovers How cool would this be!!?? Without them knowing, try learning 20 of the most common species of birds in your area by sight and sound. Ask them to take a walk and then blow them away with your new knowledge.

I can just imagine you saying… “Was that a Northern Cardinal I just heard? Wow, I can’t believe how active the Blue Jays are in that tree!”

I recommend using a website like Quizlet to find flashcards of common birds in your location. Then, use the Larkwire app or website to learn those bird sounds and songs.

#46. Make a Craft

When it comes to making crafts, I don’t have much experience or knowledge! But I hear they can be made for free (or cheap)!

For example, my wife and daughter recently made a wreath using birdseed and a pie tray (and a few other ingredients). They had fun making it, and the wreath was an excellent gift for me. Plus, the birds devoured it!

Making crafts as a great bird gift

If you need suggestions, Pinterest will have many more ideas than I could ever give.

Selfless Giving

Some bird lovers would rather spend their money and time on the greater good. Here are some unique bird gift ideas for them. (Go Up to Beginning)

#47. Donate to a Bird Charity or Conservation Group

Donate to a charity or conservation organization in the name of your bird lover. 

Here are some of the most prominent charities that do a lot of good for birds and animals;

BirdLife International  / American Bird Conservancy / World Wildlife Fund / Wildlife Conservation Network / Audubon

Think Local! Countless local charities and organizations are doing many great things, too!

Do some research to find one that is worth your investment. It may be easiest to ask the recipient of this gift where they want to see the money go. They probably already have a favorite charity or organization.

#48. Adopt a Bird

This is a symbolic adoption; you won’t be going to a rescue center and surprising your friend with an actual bird as a gift!

This is more like sponsoring a bird. You provide money and receive information about the specific bird you have supported. I have been given this gift before by adopting a penguin for the year. It’s fun and makes unique bird gifts.

Here are just a few examples of different species you can support and adopt:

Snowy Owl / Emperor Penguin / Macaw / Flamingo / Brown Pelican

#49. Volunteer Together

Find a local organization and devote time to helping birds or restoring habitat. I would contact your local park (city, state, or national) for ideas or a local bird organization (like an Audubon chapter).

Tell them you want to help local birds, wildlife, and habitat, and see what they recommend!

#50. Participate in Project FeederWatch

Best Bird Gifts for Bird Lovers

Anyone who feeds birds in their backyard should participate in Project FeederWatch. It’s a citizen science project that monitors and counts the birds that visit your backyard feeders in winter.

FeederWatch data help scientists track broadscale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

The annual cost to participate is $18, which covers the cost of materials and the annual report that is sent every year. Give the Gift of Membership Today!

Help me add more of the BEST gifts for birders and bird lovers!

I did my best to create this list of great presents for bird lovers, but I want to keep improving it!

What unique bird gifts have you given (or received) recently?

(Go Back to Top)

Please use the comments below!

Thanks for sharing and visiting.

Happy birding!

Scott

Scott is the creator of Bird Watching HQ. His goal is to inspire you to care more about the birds and wildlife in YOUR backyard. Over the past 5 years, he has been focused on improving the habitat in his own yard by doing things like adding native plants, not using pesticides, etc. He is happy to report that over 50 species of birds have now been seen on his 1.5-acre property (that's in a suburban neighborhood). Learn more about Scott on his About page. And make sure to check out his LIVE bird cameras.

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3 Comments

  2. A neat bird art gift option I discovered is Hawk and Warbler art from this Etsy store. I bought their Warblers of the Eastern US poster for myself and a friend (tho not seeing it now–maybe sold out?). Anyway, lovely stylized bird art for sale. Etsy store: alexlehnerart.

    Reply

  3. Mosquitoes are the worst. I bought a mesh jacket with hood that goes over your face and pants. They draw string close around wrists and ankles. Now I can watch the birds and not get annoyed. Worked like a charm. My family did laugh a bit as I do look a a bit comical but hey I’m bite free with it on. Both pieces on Amazon for around 30 bucks. It worked great for summer meteor watching too!! Love all the great info and tips. And funny too!! Thank you. Oh btw I found a great bird feeder pole system on Etsy for about 140 dollars. For the first time ever the squirrels can’t get to my feeders!! It’s made of PVC piping and they slide right down. I hope the guy patents his design. You just have to make sure your feeders aren’t long tube feeders or hang too low because as you know those little 🤬can jump 4 feet up.

    Reply