
Whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers or the perfect gift for that special someone in your life, check out our guide to the best outdoor gifts for under $50.
The holidays can be stressful. Family, travel, and money can all play a role in that stress. But when it comes to gifts, we want to make shopping smooth and simple.
We have rounded up some of our favorite items that won’t break the bank. Find clothing, footwear, camping accessories, and more in this gift guide.
The Best Gifts Under $50
Stanley Perfect Pour-Over Set
Show off your barista skills at the campsite or in your backyard. This set includes a stainless steel pour-over filter and camp mug (with a plastic lid) and doesn’t need paper filters. Both are dishwasher-safe. Get 25% off from Nov. 27 to Dec. 7.
Sponsored by StanleyBaffin Cush Slipper
“Like a sleeping bag for your feet,” say reviewers. These down booties would be just as good on a winter camping trip as they would be around the house. A shearling lining is cozy on your feet, with or without socks. And a drawstring keeps the breeze off your feet.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods
Hyperlite’s super popular Pods are designed to keep your backpack organized and add another layer of weatherproofing on the trail. They fit perfectly in Hyperlite packs but can be used for all kinds of adventure, travel, and gear-stashing goodness. Of course, they are made of Dyneema so they are super lightweight, durable, and waterproof. Plus, they are made in Maine by people who love the outdoors as much as you do.
The North Face Terry Henley Shirt — Men's
This cozy henley would be a perfect gift for anyone who prefers a looser-fitting long-sleeve shirt. Whether you’re working from home this winter and need something that feels semi put-together or you want something to layer with, this shirt would work. Reviewers find it to be soft, comfortable, and versatile.
Luci Lights by MPOWERD Solar String Lights
Light up the holidays and take care of the environment with these solar-powered string lights from MPOWERD. Hang them up in the backyard with included clips or string them between two tents in the backcountry to give everything a cozy vibe. Complete with a USB port, you can charge your phone, power the lights, or charge the battery.
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter 1L Bottle
This a favorite among a few GearJunkie staff for its ease of use and packability. In our review, we noted, “The BeFree is basic filtration. You just fill the bottle with water and drink. It takes very little pressure to pull water through the filter tip, and thus you can kind of squeeze the very pliable HydraPak SoftFlask bottle and blast water into your mouth, or suck water through.”
We use it hiking, backpacking, fishing, climbing, etc. It’s a solid product that would make a surprisingly useful gift.
Peak Design Mobile Phone Case & Accessories
This product is so new that isn’t even out yet, but it’s awesome, so we added it to this guide anyway. Peak Design’s Mobile Kickstarter runs until Dec. 17. It features a rad phone case with a magnetic slot on the back. The slot connects to all kinds of handy accessories like a car mount, mini tripod, bike mount, and more.
We were fortunate enough to test an early prototype and have fallen in love with it. Our favorite feature is that the case/adapter fits into all the mounts both vertically and horizontally. You just rotate your phone 90 degrees and it clicks in — it’s great. The phone case is available for a handful of popular phones, and there’s also a Universal Adapter that will work with an existing phone case.
Sabre Bear Spray with Holster
Bear spray is an easy, practical gift that will be carried on all kinds of adventures. If you or someone you know spends time in bear country, it’s essential to carry bear spray as a precaution. Plus, it may help in the event of a bear encounter. Bear spray does expire, so giving or asking for it as a gift is a perfect way to resupply.
Runamok Maple Pantry Favorites Syrup Gift Box
Who wouldn’t want a bunch of maple syrup for the holidays? Try out four types of flavored syrup with this fun gift pack. They can be used on pancakes like traditional syrup or as a flavoring for cocktails, on ice cream, and more.
SAXX Underwear
If you’re shopping for a guy this holiday season, look no further than SAXX. These premium underwear are game-changers. The soft panels inside help with support, comfort, and separation to combine into something new, exciting, and super comfy. Gifting underwear is perfect because it’ll actually get used. There are plenty of choices, from everyday pairs to adventure underwear to workout underwear. And, if you’re a guy, get a pair for yourself while you are at it.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Long-Sleeve Shirt — Women's
This comfy long-sleeve shirt works just as well in the backcountry as a base layer as it does staying cozy at home. Made out of moisture-wicking and quick-drying Capilene fabric, it performs well while feeling as soft as cotton. The longer hemline stays put under a backpack or a harness instead of riding up and getting in the way. And raglan sleeves help with comfort and chafing, especially while wearing a pack.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack
This is an awesome daypack for a great price. Because it has no real structure, it packs down really well, which makes it a great daypack for a longer backpacking trip or traveling. But even without structure, it’s still comfortable to carry for most people. It has a pocket for a water reservoir and can fit layers, food, and other essentials for a day hike. If you want a more stable back, add a water reservoir with a rigid backing like the Osprey Hydraulics 2L reservoir.
Smartwool Margarita Sock
Despite the cliche of hating socks as a gift, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be stoked to get a high-quality pair. Although these socks are advertised as a “lifestyle” sock, I can say from experience that these were also the perfect adventure sock when you need that thin sock to fit well in athletic shoes (or even climbing shoes!). The wool is soft, warm, and comfortable. And they come in lots of fun colors, making this a perfect stocking stuffer.