Shopping for the perfect gift can sometimes be stressful, but here at TMM, we have decades of experience with finding the best presents for active, outdoorsy kids. From gear for spending time outside to toys that can be used outdoors, this post contains some of our absolute favorite items and will help you find the best gifts for outdoorsy kids.
This list of our favorite gifts for outdoorsy kids contains items that are both practical and playful, and these items will inspire winter outdoor fun and make your shopping easy! Make sure to check out our complete collection of Gifts for Outdoorsy Families for even more inspiration.
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Gifts for Staying Warm – Outerwear
Winter is a great time to get outside, and colder temperatures and early sunsets provide opportunities for fun activities like skiing, snowboarding, and Family Winter Play After Dark. As fun as winter outdoor play can be, having the correct gear is especially essential during cold weather.
These items are among our favorites for helping kids stay warm, and they are kid approved, too!
Akova Element Jacket
We absolutely love the beautiful, bright colors of the Akova Element Jacket that kids find attractive and parents love for the way it helps keep track of the kids on the slopes. The technical specs of the jacket are also impressive. The 150g of Thermore Freedom Insulation will keep kids warm even on the coldest days.
Check out more of our favorite Akova Gear and our thoughts on the Element Jacket and Elevated Bib!
Akova Elevated Bib/Pant 2.0
The convertible nature of this item is one of our favorite parts, and the ability to wear these as either as a bib or regular pant style makes the Akova Elevated Bib/Pant 2.0 perfect for a full range of winter activities. These pants are extremely durable and will keep your child warm and dry, while looking stylish with the range of beautiful colors.
Town Hall Skip Town Insulated Jacket
We love this Town Hall Skip Town Insulated Jacket because it is incredibly versatile and can take on both snowflakes and sprinkles. The jacket is durable, reversible, and insulated and can be worn as an outer jacket or a mid layer. We also like how Town Hall’s commitment to sustainability shows with the use of 100% recycled materials in the jacket’s shell, liner, and insulation.
Kids Essentials for Keeping Warm
Base layers are the most important part of the layering sandwich and keeping hands warm will definitely keep your kids happier outside. Keeping the head warm is important, especially in the little ones.
Iksplor Base Layer
Kids love the Iksplor Base Layer because it is soft and cozy and comes in a variety of bright colors. Parents love it because it is washable and the 100% merino wool keeps kids warm. We also love the thumbholes in the top that helps keeps the sleeves in place when kids put a coat or mid layer on top of this base layer set.
Jan and Jul Trapper Hat
This Jan and Jul Trapper Hat is insulated and rated to up to -15C/-5F! The hat is water-repellent and windproof which makes it perfect for playing in the snow. We love that the hat has an adjustable cinch strap so it can continue to be worn as kids grow bigger. Check out our Jan and Jul Snow Gear and Rain Gear reviews for more thoughts.
Chopper Mill Mittens
Chopper Mill Mittens are waterproof, windproof, and very warm. Their brand includes a one-of-a-kind Re/Pair plan. If you lose a single mitten, they will send you a new one for free including shipping! If you lose further mittens, they also have the option of purchasing just a single mitten. The mittens include replaceable name patches because they are designed to be durable enough to be handed down from kid to kid!
Gifts for Staying Dry
Staying dry is very important for spending time outdoors when the weather is wet and cold. Everyone enjoys time outside more when they are physically comfortable. These are some of our favorite items for keeping kids comfortable, and they make great gifts.
Reima Vesi Rain Jacket
We love the Reima Vesi Rain Jacket because it keeps kids dry all day, even on the wettest days. The additional features are amazing, especially the removable hood, elastic cuffs, and reflective details. This waterproof jacket is extremely durable and both water and dirt repellent.
Reima Waterproof Rain Mittens
Reima Waterproof Rain Mittens are the perfect gift for any child who enjoys exploring outside in cold and wet weather. The material is soft and flexible allowing for free movement, and the knit lining is both comfortable and warm. As with all Reima products, these mittens are very durable.
Reima Tec Outdoor Jumpsuit
We love the Reima Tec Outdoor Jumpsuit for kids who like to play outside on wet days. The suit is specifically designed for very wet weather and snow and is rated up to -10C. The insulation is 100% recycled material. The jumpsuits come in sizes 9 months – 3T. Reima also makes a bigger kids jumpsuit that goes all the way through size 10 kids!
Gifts for Kids Playing Inside
As much as we love spending time outside, sometimes we find ourselves unable to go out for a variety of reasons. In those situations, we like having some indoor toys that still have an outdoor vibe. These outdoorsy themed gifts are perfect for times when kids are playing inside.
Big Kids Playing Inside
These gifts are great for all ages of children- even adult ones! A variety of ages can enjoy using these items, and they are perfect for playing together as a family, too.
LEGO Friends Adventure Camp from Scheels
Lego blocks and building sets are perfect for a wide variety of ages. The employee owned company, Scheels, has a great selection of Lego sets that your whole family will love. The Lego Friends Adventure Camp is fun for kids to build and will also inspire kids to dream about their next camping adventure.
Trekking the National Parks Board Game
Older kids will have fun learning about parks by playing this Trekking the National Parks game that features all 63 national parks. Experience the national parks from your home and get inspired to plan a trip! TMM team member Jackie has a great list of the best Camping Board Games for Families for even more inspiration about games.
Smartivity DIY Pinball Machine
TMM writer Laura gifted this DIY Pinball Machine to their son! He spent hours constructing it and then playing with it This version of the classic games is perfect for all ages. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and once the build phase is complete it continues to be a huge hit as a functional pinball machine!
Little Kids Playing Inside
We love these indoor toys for younger kids that keep them happily entertained for hours while inspiring thoughts of spending time outside. These toys are durable and portable as well, so they can easily be taken to a campsite or other outdoor adventure.
Duplo 3-in-1 Treehouse from Scheels
Kids love building and playing with Scheels DUPLO 3-in-1 Treehouse set. This cute set will inspire children to do creative playing inside and to plan for outdoor adventures.
Endoscope with Light
We love winter activities, but sometimes when it is cold and wet outside, it can be fun to explore the indoors in new ways. The Kids Endoscope with Light can be used both indoors and outdoors. The waterproof camera allows kids to look up close inside fish tanks, ponds, and drains. It can also be used to look in bird nests, under couches, and pretty much anywhere else kids can dream up!
Nugget Play Couch
The Nugget Play Couch is one of the most versatile indoor toys! It can be used to jump on, to build forts, and to slide down. It is great for kids as young as 6 months old to start climbing on but our 8 and 10 year olds still play with the Nugget daily! The Nugget Chunk ottoman is a fun addition for big body play! The covers are removable and machine washable and are available in multiple colors.
Gifts for Playing Outside
We love playing outside in all weather and during all seasons. These tools for active outdoor play are great for helping outdoorsy kids to stay active year round, and they make awesome gifts for all the kids in your life.
Winter Gear
Having the correct gear is key for a successful outdoor adventure when the weather is wet and cold. These items are among our favorites for winter.
Giro Crue MIPS Snow Helmet
The Giro Crue MIPS Snow Helmet is amazing for a variety of winter sports from skiing to sledding, and you can even use it for biking in the cold, too. It keeps kids both safe and warm, and the Form Fit system makes it easy to adjust the helmet for the perfect fit.
Smith Daredevil OTG Snow Goggles
We love these Smith Daredevil OTG Snow Googles for the protection they provide and the comfort of the fit. They work well with snow helmets and can even be worn over glasses.
REI Campwell Camp Wrap
The REI Campwell Camp Wrap is a super versatile item that will keep you warm and cozy wherever you find yourself adventuring this winter. You can wear this as a cape with a hood or use it as a blanket.
L. L. Bean Sonic Snow Tube
The L.L.Bean Sonic Snow Tube is perfect for sledding fun. The tube is durable and ready for years of use, plus it goes really fast!
All Seasons Outdoor Gear
Outdoorsy kids love to play outside year-round. These items are some of our favorites for outdoor adventures in any weather.
REI Tarn 18
We love the REI Tarn 18 because it is durable and can be used for a day out at the park or backpacking trips. The chest and waist straps keep the weight balanced, making this bag very comfortable for kids, even when they have loaded it up with all their treasures.
Sunday Afternoons Play Hat
Kids love the Sunday Afternoons Play Hat for the comfort and bright colors and patterns, and adults love the awesome sun protection and quick drying fabric, plus the chin strap to keep the hat secure no matter the activity.
Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp – Kids’
The Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp is perfect for night walks during the short days of winter, and it also works well for camping trips. We love that this model is durable, water resistant, and has an auto shut off after two hours to prevent battery drainage.
All Seasons Outdoor Fun
These are some of our favorites for playing outside all year long. They make great gifts for outdoorsy kids.
GoFindIt Card Game
This GoFindIt card game is a perfect inclusive family game that gets kids outside and using their senses to explore nature.
Owala Free Sip 16oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
The Owala water bottles have been a huge hit for all of our kids. They each have their own color which makes them easy to keep track of. The bottles are 100% dishwasher-safe, can be used with or without the straw, and the lid seals to be completely leak-proof.
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
We love the large size of this ENO DoubleNest Hammock that has room to be enjoyed with a friend, and these hammocks are lightweight, durable and pack up small when not in use. This hammock can be used year round, from enjoying some fresh spring air and reading a book to snuggling up with some blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate for some wintry relaxing.
Find the Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids
Outdoorsy kids love gifts that help them stay comfortable and busy when they are adventuring outside. This guide of our TMM team favorites can make your shopping a breeze, and the kids in your life will enjoy these gifts that will prepare them for and inspire them to participate in winter and all season adventures.
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