15 Exciting Gift Ideas for Beginner Naturalists

All you truly need to explore the natural world is a deep sense of curiosity—but the right tools can make a significant difference. A high-quality pair of binoculars can elevate any birdwatcher's experience, while a flower press can preserve a fleeting blossom as a cherished keepsake. Here are 15 thoughtful gift ideas for the amateur naturalist in your life.

1. Athlon Optics Midas G2 UHD Binoculars; $288

A high-quality pair of binoculars can turn that fuzzy speck in the sky into a sharp, easily identifiable bird. When it comes to value, the Athlon Optics Medas ED 8x42 binoculars exceed expectations for their price. These sturdy, adjustable binoculars let you zoom in on distant wildlife and offer a bright, crystal-clear view.

2. Nature's Hangout Window Bird Feeder; $29

Give the gift of a closer look at backyard birds with this suction-cup acrylic window feeder. The cups are strong enough to keep the feeder securely in place, even when heavier birds land on it. In fact, many reviewers claim it stays intact even under the weight of a 'chubby squirrel.'

3. The Naturalist’s Notebook; $13

This notebook allows your budding naturalist to become the expert of their own backyard or a favorite nature spot. Structured like a five-year journal, it enables them to log years of observations and witness how the local environment evolves. It's perfect for tracking the familiar creatures and plants that frequent their yard or noting special events like rare wildlife sightings or unusual weather patterns.

4. Scats and Tracks of North America; $19

Ever come across a mysterious pile of animal droppings? This field guide is an invaluable resource for any amateur naturalist, helping them identify the scat and tracks of nearly 150 North American species. Learning to recognize these signs is an excellent way to understand which animals are nearby, even without seeing them in person.

5. Scuddles Gardening Tools Set; $24

Encouraging more pollinators in the garden starts with dedicating space to native plants. Help your budding naturalist create their own native plant garden—or any garden they desire—with this comprehensive set from Scuddles, featuring essential tools like a trowel, weeder, and gloves, all neatly packed in a convenient tote.

6. Microfleur 9-inch Max Microwave Flower Press; $65

With the Microfleur Max Microwave Flower Press, your budding naturalist can preserve a variety of plants as lasting mementos, while keeping their vibrant colors intact. Simply place the specimens between the two platens and microwave the press. Once dry, the preserved flowers can be used for a range of crafts, framed, sent as a gift in letters, added to a journal, or used to decorate items like candles and glassware.

7. Bird Feathers: A Guide to North American Species; $50

This book offers a comprehensive guide to everything your naturalist may want to know about that feather that just drifted down from the sky. It helps identify the bird species as well as which part of the bird the feather came from. (However, remind your amateur naturalist to admire the feathers they find without collecting them—gathering feathers from native North American birds without a permit is prohibited.)

8. National Geographic Hobby Rock Tumbler Kit; $60

Transform ordinary stones into stunning gemstones with this rock tumbler from National Geographic. The kit includes a selection of rocks, but you can also add your own. Polishing your stones will elevate your collection to a whole new level of brilliance.

9. Veichin Shadow Box Frame; $18

Your budding naturalist will need a space to showcase the treasures they find on their nature walks. This shadow box frame is designed to be easily opened, offering plenty of opportunities to refresh and rearrange their growing collection.

10. Brown Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit by Forest Origins; $32

Bring the experience of finding a mushroom-covered log into your amateur naturalist’s home with this kit from Forest Origins. Not only will it add a touch of fungi flair to their space, but it doubles as both a scientific and culinary adventure: Unlike the wild mushrooms they might come across in the forest, these are safe to eat.

11. Yaya Organics Extra Strength Tick Repellent; $20

Anyone venturing into the woods should be cautious of ticks. This DEET-free tick repellent uses organic oils to keep these bloodsuckers at bay, allowing your naturalist to spray their shoes and clothes with peace of mind, free from harsh chemicals.

12. Wingspan; $50

When your amateur naturalist isn’t exploring the outdoors, they can enjoy a cozy night at home with friends playing Wingspan, a bird-themed board game that has earned rave reviews since its release in 2019. Featuring 170 bird cards that are both scientifically accurate and beautifully illustrated, the goal is to attract the most diverse birds to your wildlife preserve, with each bird offering different point values. The base game focuses on North America, but there are expansion packs available for Europe and Oceania as well.

13. LED Lighted Zoom Pocket Microscope with Aspheric Lens System; $14

This compact, lightweight microscope allows naturalists to examine flowers, lichens, feathers, and rocks up close. Featuring an aspheric lens, it delivers sharp, clear images of magnified objects.

14. GearLight LED Head Lamp; $15

Perfect for night explorers, this headlamp lets your giftee stroll through the woods after dark to discover nocturnal wildlife. The beam will illuminate moths, the glint of spider eyes in the grass, or maybe even a critter on the hunt under the moonlight.

15. Adult Unisex Safety & Hunting Vest; $21

Naturalists generally prefer wearing muted colors to avoid disturbing wildlife. However, if your giftee enjoys exploring areas accessible to hunters, they’ll need something more visible to stay safe. This unisex safety vest easily slips over any outfit and can be adjusted to fit even bulkier jackets.