Start with who you are shopping for
The best gift depends on the person. Before you pick, consider three things.
- Experience level. A beginner usually benefits from a good field guide or an easy-to-use app. A long-time birder probably already owns binoculars and guides, so consumables, upgrades and fun extras may fit better.
- Where they bird. Someone who mostly watches from the kitchen window may enjoy feeder and yard gifts. A person who hikes may prefer gear that is light and weather-resistant.
- Budget. There are good options at almost every price, so you do not need to spend a lot. Prices change often, so check current listings rather than relying on figures you may have seen.
If you are unsure, a gift receipt or a gift card to a bird store is a reasonable fallback.
Optics
Binoculars are the most useful piece of gear in birding. Many birders use 8x magnification, which tends to balance a steady image with a reasonably wide field of view, and 10x is also popular. A common size is 8x42. Because fit and comfort matter, it can help to know whether the person already owns a pair before buying. If you are buying for a beginner, a well-reviewed mid-range model is generally a better choice than a very cheap one, which can give a dim or blurry view.
Binocular harness. A harness spreads the weight across the shoulders instead of the neck. It is a small gift that suits anyone who carries binoculars for long walks.
Monocular. A compact monocular is light and pocketable, which can suit travelers, though most serious birders still prefer binoculars for everyday use.
Lens cloth and rain guard. Inexpensive extras that most binocular owners appreciate.
Field guides, apps and journals
- Field guides. A regional field guide with clear illustrations or photos is a classic. Choose one covering the person’s area. Popular, well-regarded series include guides from Sibley, Peterson and National Geographic.
- Apps. Free tools such as Merlin Bird ID from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology can already identify many birds from photos or sounds. Some paid apps and subscriptions exist too, but check what the person already uses first.
- Life list journals. A dedicated journal or checklist gives them a place to record sightings. If you are not sure what that is about, our explanation of what a lifer is and how life lists work is a handy primer. A waterproof notebook is a practical choice for field use.
- Books for reading. Natural history and bird-behavior books can suit someone who enjoys backyard birds but does not own much gear.
Feeders, baths and backyard gifts
For people who watch from home, backyard gifts are often the most used.
- Feeders. Tube, platform, hopper and suet feeders each attract different birds. Choose a sturdy model that is easy to take apart and clean, since feeders need regular cleaning to keep birds healthy.
- Seed or suet. A bag of quality seed, such as black oil sunflower, is practical and welcome. Check what the person already feeds before buying.
- Camera feeders. Feeders with built-in cameras can send photos and clips of visitors. They tend to cost more, usually need a reliable Wi-Fi signal and may rely on solar charging, so they suit a tech-friendly recipient.
- Bird baths. Fresh water attracts birds that do not eat seed. Heated versions can help in cold climates.
- Window feeders and window decals. Window-mounted feeders give a close view, and bird-safe decals can help reduce window strikes.
- Birdhouses. A well-made nest box can be a nice gift, but different species need different dimensions, so check the design before buying.
Games, apparel and small gifts
- Wingspan. A well-known strategy board game themed around attracting birds. It is aimed at older kids and adults and is popular with nonbirders too.
- Puzzles and card games. Bird-themed options suit a range of ages.
- Apparel. Shirts, caps and socks with bird designs are easy gifts. Warm wool socks are a practical choice for anyone who birds in cold weather.
- Mugs and prints. Checklist mugs, art prints and calendars are low-cost and fit most tastes.
Memberships and experiences
A membership to a local Audubon chapter or bird club often comes with newsletters or magazines and access to field trips. A guided bird walk, a class or a donation in their name to a conservation group can be thoughtful, especially for someone who already has plenty of gear.
Gifts to skip
- Very cheap binoculars or toy-grade optics that can frustrate rather than help.
- Low-quality feeders that are hard to clean or that squirrels destroy quickly.
- Artwork or books with obvious identification errors, which experienced birders tend to notice.
- Anything that harms birds, such as sticky or poorly designed products, or products that encourage feeding foods birds should not eat.
FAQ
What to get someone who is into birding?
Match the gift to their experience: a field guide or journal for beginners, and upgrades, consumables or experiences for experienced birders. If they feed birds at home, quality seed or a good feeder is a safe choice.
What is the hottest gift right now?
Trends change quickly, but camera-equipped feeders and bird identification tools are among the more talked-about items. A well-chosen pair of binoculars is a long-lasting classic.
What is the fancy name for a bird watcher?
The formal term is “ornithologist” for someone who studies birds professionally. Hobbyists are usually called birders or birdwatchers. For more on terms like these, see our guide to birding slang.
Which birds give you gifts?
Some crows and ravens have been reported to leave small objects for people who feed them regularly. This is anecdotal rather than guaranteed, but it is a charming story among backyard watchers.