10 Awesome Last Minute Gift Ideas for Someone Who Loves the Outdoors 🏕️

We all know someone who practically lives outside— they’re always on some sort of outdoor adventure, whether it’s hiking mountains, camping under the stars, or just enjoying a good backyard bonfire. 

When it comes to gift shopping for your outdoor-loving friend, you might think that picking the perfect present requires weeks of planning and a specialized knowledge of gear. Not true! Luckily, you don’t have to overthink it. 

We’ve pulled our resources to write the ultimate list of  last-minute gift ideas for the outdoorsy person in your life that are practical, thoughtful, and guaranteed to make their next adventure even more epic. Here’s a sneak peek at what we have for you today:

• Tools that will make hitting the trails easier than ever
• Safety equipment to ensure they make it home unscathed from any adventure
• Gifts that give back to initiatives near and dear to an outdoors lover’s heart

Real Quick – GiftYa is a Great Eco-Friendly Gift Option for the Nature Lover in Your Life 🌿

Gift cards make a great gift for nature lovers because it allows them to stock up on any gear they might need… but all that single use plastic? Not exactly a selling point.

That’s why GiftYa is a great last minute gift for someone who loves the outdoors – in just a few seconds, you can send a customized digital gift card to some of their favorite local and national brands right to their phone or email. They can redeem it in a bunch of ways too, whether they use it like a gift voucher code or connect it to a credit card they already have for instant use (reduce, recuse, recycle!)

Here are a few options from the catalog to get you started:

• Grab an REI gift card for all their climbing, biking, hiking, boarding, and more needs
• Send a Home Depot gift card so they can grab the tools they need before a big trip
• Text a gift card for the local bike shop or camping supply store, like Boise’s Bikes & Beans or Bike Board and Ski in Presque Isle, ME

And more. So check out the catalog to see all of your options!

1. Portable Campfire

Picture this: your friend’s out on a camping trip, but the firewood is soggy or the area doesn’t allow traditional campfires. Enter the portable campfire! It’s compact, convenient, and mess-free, which makes it a genius gift for any outdoor lover. You can find portable campfires that come in tin cans, and all your friend has to do is light it up for hours of toasty warmth. It’s ideal for making s'mores, staying cozy on cool nights, or even bringing a bit of that campfire vibe to the beach or their backyard.

The best part? You can grab one of these at most outdoor or sporting goods stores. A perfect last-minute gift that’ll light up their next adventure—literally!

2. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter

Every outdoor enthusiast knows the importance of staying hydrated, especially when they’re far away from clean water sources. A reusable water bottle with a built-in filter is a game-changer for hikes, camping trips, or even international travel. Brands like LifeStraw or Grayl make bottles that allow your friend to scoop up water from a stream or lake and safely drink it without worrying about contaminants.

These bottles are easy to find at outdoor stores or even major retailers, making them a quick yet thoughtful gift for anyone who loves exploring the wild. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which is a bonus for any nature lover.

3. Quick-Dry Towel

Whether your outdoorsy friend is kayaking, hiking, or just hitting the beach, a quick-dry towel is a super practical and lightweight gift. These towels are made from microfiber, meaning they dry incredibly fast and fold up into a compact size. They’re perfect for wiping off sweat after a long hike, drying off after a swim, or even as a makeshift blanket during a picnic or at the campsite.

You can easily find them at sporting goods stores or even online, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. It’s one of those gifts they might not think to buy for themselves, but once they have it, they’ll wonder how they ever lived without it.

4. Outdoor Blanket

Outdoor blankets are a fantastic gift for anyone who loves spending time in nature. They’re versatile, easy to pack, and can be used for everything from picnics to keeping warm on cool nights. The best outdoor blankets are waterproof on one side and cozy on the other, which makes them perfect for everything from beach days to mountain-top sunsets.

Brands like Rumpl make high-quality outdoor blankets that fold down into small, portable sizes, but you can also find more budget-friendly options at stores like REI or even Target. This is the kind of last-minute gift that feels luxurious, but it’s totally practical, too.

5. Headlamp or Portable Lantern

When your friend is out in the wilderness after dark, having a reliable light source is a must. A headlamp or a small portable lantern is an absolute essential for any outdoor enthusiast. Headlamps are perfect for hands-free lighting during nighttime hikes, setting up camp in the dark, or navigating the woods. Lanterns, on the other hand, provide a more ambient glow and can be hung in a tent or around the campsite.

These are easy to find at outdoor retailers and even some grocery stores in the camping aisle. Look for models that are rechargeable or come with long-lasting battery life—trust me, they’ll appreciate it on their next trip!

6. Multi-Tool

Every outdoorsy person should have a trusty multi-tool in their gear arsenal. It’s pretty much a camping essential, not to mention super useful for hiking, biking, and all sorts of other outdoor activities. Whether they need to open a can, cut rope, or repair gear, a multi-tool is like having a toolbox in their pocket. Brands like Leatherman and Swiss Army make high-quality multi-tools that include knives, scissors, screwdrivers, and more—all in one compact gadget.

This is a perfect last-minute gift because you can grab one from just about any sporting goods store or even hardware stores. Plus, multi-tools come in lots of sizes, so you can find one that fits your friend’s needs, whether they’re an ultralight backpacker or weekend warrior.

7. Collapsible Camp Chair

Comfort is key when spending long hours outdoors, and a collapsible camp chair is a simple but much-appreciated gift. These chairs fold up into compact, easy-to-carry sizes and are perfect for lounging by the campfire, watching the sunrise, or hanging out at an outdoor concert. Look for lightweight but sturdy chairs that come with features like cup holders or padded seats for extra comfort.

You can pick one up at outdoor retailers, and some big box stores even carry them in their seasonal camping sections. It’s the kind of gift that’s both practical and instantly useful, whether they’re camping in the backwoods or just relaxing at the local park.

8. Personalized Enamel Mug

For the coffee (or tea) lover who enjoys sipping their favorite brew while surrounded by nature, a personalized enamel mug is a charming and functional gift. These mugs are durable, lightweight, and perfect for everything from early-morning coffee at the campsite to evening hot chocolate by the fire. What makes it extra special is the option to personalize it—whether with their name, a favorite quote, or you just find a cool outdoor-themed design.

Enamel mugs are readily available at stores like Urban Outfitters, REI, or online retailers that offer fast shipping options. Add a bag of gourmet coffee or tea (like maybe Hikers Brew from Trailhead Wheels?), and boom: you’ve got a thoughtful, last-minute gift that’s both personal and practical.

9. Hiking Socks

It might sound simple, but a good pair of hiking socks can make or break an outdoor adventure. High-quality socks made from merino wool or synthetic materials help keep feet dry, warm, and blister-free, which is essential on long hikes or in cold weather. Brands like Darn Tough, Smartwool, and REI Co-op make socks that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable enough to handle rough terrain.

This is one of those gifts that’s easy to pick up last minute but will be incredibly appreciated by anyone who loves hiking or camping. After all, no outdoorsy person ever has said, “I have too many pairs of great hiking socks.” Trust me, this gift will get a lot of use!

10. National Park Pass

For the ultimate outdoor lover, why not give the gift of adventure? A National Park Pass grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests. This is an amazing gift for someone who loves exploring nature and discovering new landscapes.

You can purchase a pass online and print out a temporary pass right away, making it an easy last-minute option. Alternatively, many outdoor retailers or visitor centers at national parks sell them in-store. This gift is perfect for anyone who loves hiking, camping, or road-tripping across the country, and it’s something they’ll enjoy all year long.

And speaking of National Parks, you can pair this already awesome gift with something unwrappable when you snag something from Park Hats to complete the gift. They have designs featuring every National Park from Acadia to Zion in dad hats, beanies, and more. But the best part about this one is that it’s a gift that gives back by donating 10% of all profits to National Parks. So not only will you get them a park pass so they can enjoy all of the natural beauty this country has to offer, you’ll be getting them a gift that helps preserve those same parks for their enjoyment and for generations to come!

That’s it on our list of last minute gifts for people who love the outdoors.

Finding the perfect last-minute gift for an outdoor enthusiast doesn’t have to be stressful. From portable campfires and water bottles with filters to personalized mugs and National Park passes, these gifts are practical, thoughtful, and sure to make their next adventure even better. 

The key is to think about what they might need or want for their outdoor excursions—whether it’s something to keep them comfortable, help them explore new places, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Happy shopping, and here’s to many more outdoor adventures for your favorite nature lover.

PS - Can’t get enough? We’ve also done deep dives on things to do around some of the National Parks they know and love, plus gift guides for different types of outdoor enthusiasts. For further reading, check out:

• Wedding Gifts for an Outdoorsy Couple: To help them explore the great outdoors together
• Last Minute Gifts for Adventurous Dads: So they can explore the great outdoors for a real adrenaline rush
• Gift Ideas for Bicycle Riders: So they’re prepare for whatever the road or trail throws at them
• Gift Ideas for Your Beloved Outdoorsman: Outdoorsy gifts just for him, whether he’s a hiker, nature lover, bird watcher, fisherman, or any other type of outdoor adventurer
• Things to Do Near Moab with Kids (and Kids at Heart): For family-friendly fun around Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Your Guide to Breakfast in Bar Harbor, ME: For finding the best spots to fuel up before a hike in Acadia National Park
• A Beginner’s Guide to Bend, OR: Your guide to outdoor adventures and things to do around the Deschute River, Cascade Mountains, Mackenzie River Wilderness, and Mt. Bachelor

…and we’re always writing more, so stop back soon! 🏕️