The 10 Best Gifts for Bird Watchers: Unique and Thoughtful Ideas for Bird Lovers

If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a birder in your life, you’re in the right place. I have strong opinions and high standards for a lot of the products that birders love—because I am one, and have been for a long time. Whether they’re a seasoned birder or a casual bird watcher, finding the best gifts for bird lovers can be both fun and rewarding. Here, we’ve curated a list of the best gifts for bird watchers that are sure to delight any bird lover, from unique items to essential birding gear. For specific recommendations, see our most recent Ultimate Gift Guide.

Let’s dive in.

1. Bird Watching Binoculars

A top-quality pair of binoculars (there aren't really any specifically for bird watching) is an essential tool for any birder. When choosing binoculars as a gift, look for those with excellent clarity, a lightweight design, and a comfortable grip. High-quality binoculars will enhance the birding experience, making it easier to spot and identify birds in the wild. The most common size is 8x42 and you can’t go wrong with them. Some more experienced birders might prefer a little more magnification with something like a 10x42. I love Kowa binoculars and find them to be outstanding in every price-point they offer.

2. Bird Identification Guide

One of the best gifts for bird lovers is a comprehensive bird identification guide. Books like The Sibley Guide to Birds or National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America are excellent choices. These guides are invaluable for identifying species and learning more about birds in their natural habitats. It’s also fun to have a physical book, as opposed to an app, that you can leaf through while curled up inside in your bird hoodie.

3. Bird Shirt for Women, Men, or any Gender Non Conforming Birders

For the stylish lady bird watcher, consider a bird shirt for women that combines fashion with their love for birding. Look for unique designs that feature beautiful bird illustrations or sentiments that capture the experience of bird watching. Not only are these shirts a unique gift for bird lovers, but they also allow them to express their passion for bird watching in a fun and fashionable way. All of the Bird Club styles are unisex, providing sizes, cuts, and shapes for women, men, and all gender non-conforming birders.

4. Bird Feeder

Bird feeders make wonderful gifts for birders who enjoy watching birds up close from the comfort of their home. There are many types of bird feeders available, from simple seed feeders to more elaborate designs that attract specific species. This gift will bring birds right to their backyard, providing endless enjoyment. Hit me up if you have questions about building the perfect bird sanctuary area in your yard to attract the biggest variety of birds—which is its own blog post to come.

5. Bird Watching Journal

A bird watching journal is a thoughtful and unique gift for bird lovers who enjoy documenting their sightings. These journals are perfect for recording the personal details of the species they’ve observed, the locations they’ve visited, and their thoughts and experiences during birding trips. It’s a great way to reflect on their bird watching adventures. I particularly love the journals that can withstand being thrown around a bit and include blank pages for drawings and illustrations.

6. Birding Books

When searching for the perfect gifts for bird watchers, nothing beats the timeless appeal of a well-chosen birding book. For those who love to delve deep into the world of birds, birding books make some of the best gifts for bird lovers. A few standout recommendations are Owls of the Eastern Ice by Jonathan C. Slaght, a captivating tale that blends an epic adventure with ornithology, making it an ideal addition to any birder's collection. As well as A World on The Wing by Scott Weidensaul, Birding Without Borders by Noah Strycker, and What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley. Birding books offer endless knowledge and inspiration, making them thoughtful gifts for birders who appreciate both the art and science of bird watching. I’m an avid reader and have read just about every birding book, so please reach out if you want to know more details.

7. Bird-Themed Home Decor

For those who love to bring their passion for birding into their home, bird-themed home decor can be the perfect gift. From wall art featuring bird silhouettes to decorative bird figurines, these unique gifts for bird lovers will add a touch of nature to their living space. I particularly like some of the crocheted and felted birds. Specific reccos to come.

8. Eco-Friendly Birding Gear

If the birder in your life is environmentally conscious, consider gifting them eco-friendly birding gear. Items like recycled material hats, organic cotton bird shirts for women, or sustainable birding bags make perfect gifts for birders who want to protect the environment while enjoying their hobby. All of our items at Bird Club are eco-friendly, ethically sourced, and sustainable.

9. Bird Watching Experience

Sometimes the best gifts for bird watchers are experiences rather than physical items. Consider gifting a guided bird watching tour, or, my personal favorite, a pelagic birding tour, which is a trip out to sea to encounter birds that only live in the open ocean. Trips range from 2 hours to 5 hours to multiple days. These experiences can provide unforgettable memories and allow bird lovers to immerse themselves in their passion.

10. Wellies

Whether you call them wellies, muck boots, or rubber boots, they are an incredible tool to have. It might sound surprising, but they truly are a game changer, especially if you live in areas with undammed rivers or frequent rain. The freedom to walk anywhere with confidence, knowing your feet will stay dry, is unmatched. This is particularly true when exploring marshes, swamps, and flooded forests—habitats that birds thrive in. I even have a pair that adapts to all seasons—worn without liners in the warmer months and with thick, insulated liners for cold days, even in snow. Specific recommendations to come.