Tweens and teens are an awesome demographic of people, despite what you may have heard from well-meaning adults trying to offer advice. Every age has its wonderful traits, and this one is no exception!
Of course things are shifting now that they are more than halfway to adulthood, and gift-giving shifts as well. Kids this age are less into cutesy toys and more into outdoor gifts for tweens and teens that invest in their special personal interests, and that show a desire to truly connect.
As a mom of FIVE(!!) kids that fit into this age category, I’m really excited to share some of the outdoor gifts for tweens and teens I’ve found that they have enjoyed in the past, or that I’m looking forward to giving this year. Happy gift-giving!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, if you purchase something through one of these links and use the discount codes provided, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
All products and brands recommended are hand selected by our team, so thank you for supporting us by clicking through!
Favorite Recommendations
The Akova Legacy Hardshell and Milk x Whiskey Tumbler Fleece pair together really well! Depending on the conditions of the day, they would be a great combination all winter long.
Akova Legacy Hardshell
Would we even be parents if we weren’t thinking about how to keep our kids warm? I love that this quality coat is something that my teens, nearing full size, can wear for years. It feels good as a mom to set them up well for their young adulthood!
The Akova Legacy Hardshell, available in both mens and womens, is a lightweight waterproof outer layer that is perfect for all winter activities, from skiing to hiking to backcountry snowball fights. It’s got some great details like armpit vents, a helmet-compatible hood, and 8 quick access pockets so it can be a go-to no matter what your cold weather plans are.
It’s available in adult sizes S-3XL, but if your tween isn’t quite there yet, the Akova Elevated Hardshell for kids is a great way to bridge the gap until they are ready for the Legacy!
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
Milk x Whiskey Tumbler Grid Fleece Hoodie
My teenagers LIVE in sweatshirts in the winter. Sometimes in the summer too! What I love about this hoodie is how versatile it is, and how it can be worn as an outer layer on those more moderate winter days, but then, because it’s not super bulky, fits under a shell when the temps dip down or the snow is falling.
The Milk x Whiskey Tumbler is made of lightweight breathable fleece with reinforced seams, so it is both comfy and durable. It also has several practical pockets, including a zippable phone-sized pocket so teens can be reachable but not risk losing their phone on adventures.
The Tumbler Fleece is available in four bold and earthy colors, adult sizes XS-2XL.
Additional Apparel
Now you’ve got the essentials above all set to keep out the chill and the snow, here are a some accessory outdoor gifts for tweens and teens, to spice up their ‘fit. Just prepare to get some good-natured eye rolls when you call it a ‘fit.
Hey Dude Shoes
Not only do these popular shoes have endless designs so your teen can show off their personality, they also work really well as a camp or ski lodge shoe, perfect slip-ons for after the boots come off. Be the cool parent who puts these under the tree!
Patagonia Trucker Hat
A trucker hat somehow never goes out of style, and very few clothing items say “cool American” more succinctly.
Buff Multifunctional Neckwear
The “multifunctional” in the name refers to the various ways you can use these neck gaiters as headbands, neck protectors, and face barriers. The pattern options mean they are another great way to highlight your kid’s interests.
Smartwool Merino Gloves
A simple pair of lightweight wool gloves is perfect all winter, as teens learn to drive while gripping the cold steering wheel, or aim to keep fingers warm while buckling ski boots.
Fostering Independence
Tweens and teens are still kids in need of guidance, but they love to have little ways to stretch their wings! Here are some outdoor gifts for tweens and teens to help us moms and dads ease into that phase of parenthood as well.
Icemule Handlebar Cooler
This bike cooler is a fun addition to a bike ride with friends–toss in some ice and a few cans of soda, and now it’s a party! It officially holds 3-4 cans with ice, but I’ve squeezed in 7 mini Cokes.
Katadyn BeFree Filtering Water Bottle
Fill this bottle from a lake, creek, sketchy water fountain…it quickly filters for an on-the-go clean drink without having to check with mom.
REI Trailmade 1P Backpacking Tent
Give your growing tween or teen some personal space and the ability to sleep in on a family camping trip by providing them with their own tent.
Sporty Older Kids
As our kids reach the tween and teen years, our era of being better than they are at athletics is quickly coming to a close. Why not embrace their strength and abilities with these sporty outdoor gifts for tweens and teens?
Isle Pioneer SUP Board
Stand-up paddle boarding is fun for all ages, but tweens and teens are definitely getting big enough to carry and maneuver their own. Read our Isle Paddle Board review for more!
Black Diamond Climbing Shoes
My kids love to go climbing at our local gym (another gift possibility–a bouldering gym punch pass!), and their own shoes makes them feel like real climbers.
MTEN Pickleball Set
Pickleball is really enjoyable, and if you haven’t tried it, you should give it a shot with your teens! They will beat you at it, of course, but it’s fun enough to be well worth it.
Creative Ventures
Not all outdoor adventurers have to be active all the time, and sometimes tweens and teens just want to chill. Give them a creative outlet that also leans into their adventurous side!
MakeStickers Custom Waterproof Stickers
I am really excited about giving this to my very artistically-minded teenage daughter this year. She will love creating stickers for her own water bottle, or to give as gifts to fellow backpackers, and perhaps you’ve got a teen with a similar creative bent.
Duncan and Stone Travel Journal
These beautiful journals have prompted entries as well as plenty of space for thoughts and memories from your tween or teen’s travels. Not only will they enjoy creating the pages, it will be something they will be so grateful for in years to come.
Outside Inside Backpack Watercolor Kit
The same daughter I mentioned above always brings this on our backpacking trips. It’s light and small, and super easy to tuck along on for some peaceful painting moments on just about any adventure!
Adventurous Accessories
Tweens and teens can showcase their adventurous side with neat outdoorsy accessories, even when they are hanging out with friends after school.
Wander Club Keychains
These chains clip onto keys or a bag, and the tokens are a fun way to document travels! There are tokens for over 200 countries, all 50 states, and 125 cities, as well as several other special locations.
Travel Pins
Vintage-style pins with scenes depicting mountains, rivers, and forests can jazz up a backpacking pack, or a basic one for school. My teen also uses them to decorate the seat back in front of her in our van, but I’m not exactly suggesting that. 😉
Swiss Army Knife
There is so much variety when it comes to pocketknives or folding knives. The Swiss Army multiuse knife is truly a classic, and is both cool and ultra functional. For older teens, a Bowie knife may peak their interest.
Family Connections
Older kids are certainly flexing their independence, but they also still need that meaningful quality time with family. These aren’t just outdoor gifts for tweens and teens, they’re gifts for creating treasured time together.
Explore Our National Parks Puzzle
When I pulled this jigsaw puzzle featuring beautiful national park paintings out at our table, my tweens and teens just started gathering. It’s gorgeous and challenging, and made us all eager to visit more parks!
Campfire Stories
These prompts will let your kids share stories from their lives, and you can even share some of your own while enjoying chilly nights around a backyard fire. It’s time and memories that you will both treasure in years to come.
Trekking the National Parks Game
If your kids enjoy visiting national parks, they will definitely enjoy this board game. It’s highly popular for good reason, and it’s fun way to hear where your tweens and teens hope to travel.
Techy Gifts
I love how the outdoors is a way to disconnect for both my teens and myself, but it can be hard for Gen Z to go cold-turkey without electronics. And it is possible to lightly blend the outdoors with technology without ruining either!
JBL Clip 5 Waterproof Speaker
The perfect gift for your tween or teen to blast the latest pop-county crossover hit while you cringe nearby–a time-tested generational experience. It’s waterproof and dustproof, and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Shokz Wireless Headphones
If you’ve got an active kid, whether via biking, hiking, running, skateboarding, or more, these motion-friendly wireless headphones make great outdoor gifts for tweens and teens, as they are a major upgrade over tiny earbuds that are easy to lose.
InstantGo Wireless Power Bank
This lightweight charger can go wireless or can charge via USB-A or USB-C, which means your tech-savvy kids can charge up to three devices at once. Maybe they’ll even charge your phone while they’re at it.
Catch the Travel Bug
As kids get older, they may start to get excited about planning their own travels! Lean into making those special memories together when you can, and let your teens participate in building travel dreams of their own.
Juniper Grover Journals Passport Wallet
These classy leather passport holders can hold a mini notebook when in use within your home country, and look elegant and mature for your budding world explorer. There are slots for money and debit cards–another checkbox on the teenager independence list.
Airline Ticket Gift Card
Take travel participation to the next level, and give your teen the freedom to choose your next destination. You will have the privilege of seeing into their interests, and also get to enjoy the trip together.
PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack
Just because you’re giving them more freedom doesn’t mean you have to completely put aside parent safety mode. A slash proof and RFID blocking backpack is an ideal outdoor gift for tween and teens, for adventurous trips among crowds.
Stocking Stuffers
Even those double-digit kids get excited to see their stocking hung by the chimney with care. Alongside the Pez dispensers and toothbrushes, squeeze in a few outdoorsy teen items.
Darn Tough Socks
Socks are kind of a requirement when it comes to stocking stuffers, so upgrade them to sturdy wool socks that have a lifetime guarantee (for real, I’ve used it!). Available in mens, womens, and kids sizes, they are some of my favorite outdoor gifts for tweens and teen.
Everbrite Headlamp
Our family loves these headlamps, and they come in two- and five-packs if your tween or teen tends to have a hole in their backpack for this kind of item. Again, speaking from experience, unfortunately.
Waboba Foldable Silicone Frisbee
This little frisbee is perfect for kids to toss into a backpack so they can turn just about anywhere into a game-playing space. The silicone material makes it easy for all ages to catch and play.
Enjoy Giving Outdoorsy Teen Gifts
Gift-giving for tweens and teens might feel intimidating, but it can actually be a lot of fun! It’s a great time to encourage their interests and independence, and definitely not too late to see those eyes light up when they open a special gift from someone who loves and cherishes who they are now, and who they are becoming.
Looking for more outdoorsy gift ideas?
Related Articles:
- Teens Outdoors Tips
- Mindful Family: Ways to Bring Your Family Closer to Nature
- Balancing Organized Sports and Outdoor Time
- Exploring National Parks with Teenagers
Outdoor Gifts for Tweens and Teens 2024
© 2024, Tales of a Mountain Mama. All rights reserved. Republication, in part or entirety, requires a link back to this original post and permission from the author.