One of the things I *hope* I am successful at as a parent is fostering a sense of passion for the outdoors. I want them to love and care for all living things, take interest in protecting those things, and find joy in simply being out in nature. (Fingers crossed, am I right?!)
When it comes to gift-giving, oftentimes I am on the lookout for an activity or an experience that will teach them something, but also provide some fun! Today I threw together a list of gifts for kids who love nature! Some of these might not necessarily be exciting for kids to receive (I mean, most kids wouldn’t be excited to receive a squirrel feeder), but they would make gifts to give a family so that they can experience and enjoy together.
The idea behind this list is to get kids interested in nature, how animals eat, how they live, how things grow, the circle of life, etc. Sure, there are plenty of toys that get kids outside, but these gift ideas are specifically centered around experiencing some aspect of nature.
15 Gifts for Kids Who Love Nature
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1. Window Bird Feeder
I love this Window Bird Feeder! First of all, I love watching birds. I think it’s because I am getting old…but that is not the point! The point is, this bird feeder is perfect for a kitchen or living room window. You and your kids will get a seat at the bird’s dinner table.
2. Squirrel Feeder
Your kids will get a kick out of watching squirrels bounce up on this Squirrel Feeder. The corn cobs are attached to the end of a bungee cord, so when the squirrels jump to grab their dinner they swing and bounce all around.
3. Garden Tool Set
Every gardener needs proper tools, even the littlest gardeners! They make some really cute garden tool sets for kids. This Flamingo Garden Tool Set and this Dinosaur Garden Tool Set are absolutely adorable!!
4. Ladybug Garden
Learn the life cycle of a ladybug with Ladybug Land! This is an awesome family activity. We all enjoyed watching the ladybugs grow and change! In fact, it wasn’t until this kit that I learned what baby ladybugs look like!
5. Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden is similar to Ladybug Land in that you get a front-row seat to the complete lifecycle of a butterfly. A truly neat experience that everyone should have! Read more about ours here.
6. Ant Farm
An Ant Farm is next on our list of critters to learn about. I think my kids will love learning about ants and watching them work!
7. Critter Catcher
Every child needs a Critter Catcher if, for nothing else, to catch lightning bugs in the summer! Our Critter Catcher has been put to good use, and I’m sure yours will too!
8. Bird House Kit
Older kids will enjoy assembling a cute birdhouse with this Bird House Kit. One assembled, watch as your backyard birds take up residence. You might even get lucky and get to see a few babies when Spring rolls around!
9. Bird Feeder Kit
Build a bird feeder, decorate it, then watch as birds from near and far enjoy their backyard feast!! This Bird Feeder Kit is simple to assemble, fun to paint, and even easier to hang.
10. Root View Kit
A Root Vue Kit is awesome. It gives you and your kids a front-row seat to watch what happens underground as root vegetables grow!
11. Stepping Stone Kit
This Stepping Stone Kit would be a fun gift for a child, but also a fun gift for a parent or grandparent.
I’ve always thought it would be neat to have stepping stones with my kid’s hand or footprints throughout the years. A fun memory to look back on!
12. Flower Building Kit
A Flower Building Kit is the perfect way to encourage and foster a love of nature. My daughter has so much fun creating different gardens and bouquets with this cute toy.
13. Grow It! Toddler Gardening Set
Another fun indoor toy for the youngest of gardeners. The Grow It! Toddler Gardening Set is absolutely adorable!
14. Fairy Gardens
Fairy Gardens are so fun and this Fairy Garden Kit is great to get your little one started! Fill your fairy garden with real plants (my daughter loved going to the garden center and picking out special plants) or fake plants for a little less maintenance. Throw in a few of these Fairy Garden Extra’s and you will be set to go!
15. Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger Hunt Game is great for kids as young as 3! Non-readers use the picture cards while older kiddos can challenge themselves to learn new STEM concepts. The game can be a quick 10-minute game or as long as an hour. That kind of flexibility is something I really appreciate in a game. Go Find It is another game that even 3-year-olds can enjoy. A great activity to bring along on a picnic or camping trip!
A Few More Gift Ideas
There is more where that came from when it comes to gift guides! Please check out the gift guides listed below for more gift-giving inspiration!
- Christmas Gifts for Kids: The ultimate gift guide when it comes to kids under the age of 6.
- Gifts Under $20: Great gift ideas for co-workers, neighbors, secret Santa, etc.
- Cat Lovers: A bit random, but if you have a cat-lover in your life you definitely need to check out this list!
- Stocking Stuffers: Originally created as Easter Basket ideas, these items would also work great for stockings!
- Personalized Books: These books make such thoughtful gifts!
These are great ideas! We don’t have the ladybug one yet, so I’ll have to check it out. Another fun we found are dig kits. They get to unearth their own fossils/gemstones while learning about what they’re finding.
Thanks, Haley!! I highly recommend the ladybug kit! I totally forgot about those dig kits!! We have done a dinosaur fossil kit before and my son really liked it!!