You might be familiar with different Memes When you reach middle age, you automatically settle, Harry Potter hat-style, into one of a handful of hobbies, such as making sourdough bread, gardening or bird watching. I can’t argue with that, since I’m a middle-aged person who is picky about bird watching. But I do know that enjoying birds and their various activities is fun for all ages. Birds are beautiful, fascinating, and unpredictable, and it’s interesting to keep a running life list of all the birds you’ve seen and hope to see in your lifetime.
Whether someone you know is in their birding phase, preparing for it, or has been for decades, these unique gifts—for traveling bird-watchers and backyard bird enthusiasts alike—are items that I or other bird-loving review team members have tested, gifted, or purchased IRL.
For more specific gear recommendations, check out our guides to the best smart bird feeders and the best binoculars, and for other gift ideas, check out all our gift guide coverage, including the best white elephant gifts, the best gifts for men, and the best viral TikTok gifts.
Best Tried and Tested Gifts
Update November 2025: We’ve added the Birdfy Nest Polygon, a sticker book from Brass Monkey, a bb.Fonts tote, and a heated jacket from Venustas, and confirmed up-to-date links and pricing.