A Guide to Buying the Perfect Gift for a Bird Watcher
Buying a gift for someone who loves bird watching is surprisingly fun — bird watchers tend to appreciate anything that helps them get closer to nature. Whether they’re a beginner who’s just starting to spot robins in the garden or someone who travels with a full birding kit, this guide has plenty of ideas at every price point.
Here are 33 gift ideas for bird watchers, perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or a “just because” surprise.
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Bird Watching Essentials
1. Lightweight Binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is the number-one item for any bird watcher. Look for something lightweight, clear, and beginner-friendly.
High-quality, lightweight binoculars designed for birding make spotting birds easier and more enjoyable.
Like these ‘Binoculars for Adults Bird Watching usogood 12×50 High Power Binoculars’
2. Pocket Bird ID Book
Perfect for taking out on walks, these books help with identifying common UK species.
A regional or comprehensive bird identification book
3. Bird Identification Cards
Sturdy, waterproof cards they can keep in their backpack for quick reference.
4. Bird Watching Journal
A dedicated notebook to track sightings, dates, locations, weather, and sketches.
5. Bird Watching Starter Kit
These kits often include a journal, a basic bird guide, and accessories for new bird watchers.
Gifts for Garden Bird Lovers
6. Bird Feeders
From squirrel-proof feeders to clear window feeders, these make brilliant gifts for anyone who wants more birds visiting their garden.
7. Bird Houses / Nesting Boxes
Choose designs suited to robins, wrens, blue tits or general garden birds.
Choose a decorative or functional feeder that attracts local birds to their garden.
I like this cork bird feeder, from Etsy.
A well-designed birdhouse can provide shelter for nesting birds and add charm to their garden.
8. Bird Bath
A stylish bird bath makes a gorgeous garden feature and attracts a variety of species.
9. Suet & Seed Gift Box
A ready-made food hamper for garden birds — always useful.
10. Window Bird Feeder with Suction Cups
Let them watch birds up close, right from the kitchen window.
Tech Gifts for Bird Watchers
11. Wildlife Camera
A motion-activated wildlife camera lets them capture footage of garden birds without disturbing them.
12. Smartphone Telephoto Lens
Ideal for hobby bird photographers who want to take better photos with their phone.
13. Apps or Digital Bird Guides (Gift Subscriptions)
There are several great UK bird apps with call identification, maps, and sighting logs.
14. Bird-Friendly Smart Feeder
Some modern feeders come with cameras and alerts — a fun gadget gift.
Gifts for Bird Watchers on the Go
15. Thermal Travel Mug (Bird-Themed)
For early morning birding sessions in chilly weather.
16. Waterproof Notebook
Perfect for jotting notes outside even in the rain.
A dedicated notebook for recording bird sightings, with sections for dates, species, and observations.
How about a personalised one like this.
17. Hands-Free Binocular Harness
More comfortable than a standard neck strap — ideal for longer walks.
18. Compact Backpack for Birding Gear
Lightweight, organised, and big enough for binoculars, a guide, snacks, and a notebook.
Beautiful Bird-Themed Gifts
19. Bird Art Prints
Illustrations, watercolours or vintage-style prints make lovely gifts for the home.
Framed art or prints featuring their favorite bird species add a personal touch to their home.
20. Enamel Bird Pins
Fun little stocking fillers with robins, owls, blue tits, puffins and more.
21. Bird-Themed Mugs
Especially lovely if personalised.
22. Bird Lover’s Calendar or Planner
Packed with illustrated species or UK birding facts.
23. Cushion Covers / Tea Towels with Bird Designs
A subtle way to bring their hobby into home décor.
24. Jewellery Inspired by Birds
Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets featuring feathers or bird silhouettes.
Experience Gifts for Bird Lovers
25. Guided Birdwatching Tour
Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to search for sea birds, owls or rare species.
26. RSPB Membership
Supports conservation and includes access to reserves, magazines, and birding guides.
27. Wildlife Photography Workshop
Great for anyone who wants to improve their bird photography skills.
28. Adopt-a-Bird Gift (Charity Donation)
Symbolic adoptions help fund conservation work and make meaningful gifts.
Creative & DIY Gifts
29. Build-Your-Own Bird Feeder Kit
A fun hands-on gift for kids or crafty adults.
30. DIY Bird Watching Scrapbook Kit
Let them design their own memory book.
31. Bird Colouring Book for Adults
Relaxing and beautiful — perfect for winding down after a long walk.
32. Puzzle Featuring Birds
Lovely for quiet evenings at home.
33. Bird-Themed Socks, Scarves or Hats
Cute, cosy, and always appreciated.
Their are lots of bird merchandise when you start looking, like this – Easily Distracted By Birds Sweater.
Final Thoughts
Bird watchers are easy to buy for because they genuinely appreciate thoughtful, nature-themed gifts. Whether you choose a practical piece of birding equipment, a garden accessory, or something cute and bird-themed for the home, any of the ideas above will make their day.
Smartphone Clip-On Lens
A telephoto lens for smartphones allows birders to capture clear photos of birds in the wild. Like this Apexel Universal Phone Cameras Lens Kit.
Bird bath
A decorative bird bath can attract more birds to their garden while adding beauty to their outdoor space.
See this HH Home Hut GARDEN ORNAMENT.
Wildlife Camera
Motion-activated cameras let them observe birds and other wildlife without disturbing them.
Like this MAXDONE Wildlife Camera WiFi Bluetooth with APP, 48MP 30FPS Solar Trail Camera with Night Vision.
Bird-Themed Puzzle or Game
Fun indoor activities like bird-themed jigsaw puzzles or trivia games. Like this –Birds of a Feather jigsaw: 1,000 pieces
A perfect gift for birdwatchers
How about a mini birdwatcher to go in the garden, or mantlepiece!
Bird Watcher Keyring
I like this cute bird watcher keyring.
Bird Nerd pin badge
How about a pin badge for the bird nerd.
Bird Watcher tie
Ties for the birder.
FUNNY BIRDWATCHING MUG
Funny Blue Tits Bird Watching Cup.
I hope I have given you some ideas here, but for some Quick Tips
- Prioritise lightweight and portable items for field birders.
- For tech-savvy birders, consider birding apps or wildlife cameras.
- If in doubt, go with universally loved gifts like feeders, binoculars, or a birding organisation membership.
This thoughtful approach will help you find a gift that takes their birdwatching adventures to the next level!