Every year at this time I dread the influx of toys that come into our home, only to be used a few times and forgotten about. I do love seeing the joy in their little faces when they open that toy they wanted so badly.  I also know the fate of said toy in a matter of weeks when it either breaks, or they are over it. Therefore, I have come up with 20 nature gifts for kids for the holidays or anytime.

The playroom toy graveyard is inevitable, but there are many nature gifts for kids that will give you a great return on your investment that kids will love too.

1. Kids’ Snowshoes

  • Snowshoeing is such a great family activity. It is affordable, fun, and you are sure to get your exercise. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is snow on the ground. They are easy for kids to get on, and can be worn over their regular snow boots. Bundle up, and after a fun hike in the snow, sit around and have hot chocolate together. 

2. Mini Explorer Light-Up Terrarium

Create, build and care for your own ecosystem! This is a great project for kids and families to do together. 

3. My Fairy Garden Magical Cottage

Winters can be long and dreary. This project can be done in a sunny window where you can watch a fairy garden grow no matter what the season! 

 

4. Child-Safe Kitchen Knife Set

Spend quality time as a family by letting the kids help prep in the kitchen.  This set of knives and cutting board is perfect for any aspiring chef, or kids who just want to help out in the kitchen. 

5. Outdoor Exploration Kit

This Kit includes Binoculars, Fan, Magnifying Glass, Hand-Crank Flashlight, and a 5-in-1 multi-tool, all in an adorable Tin Storage Case. Take it along on a family hike, or in the backyard for a day of exploring. This is one of my favorite nature gifts for kids!

6. Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find?

A take-along, interactive, nature field guide for children! Filled with activities, on-the-trail art projects, and nature games.  It even comes with a real pull-out magnifying glass to help them get a close-up look at the tiniest of nature’s treasures!

7. Hiking Journal For Kids

Great for recording dates, locations, and memories of hikes and nature walks with the family. 

8. Junior Metal Detector

Hunt for hidden treasures together,  anywhere you can dig. Such a fun family adventure, you never know what you will find!

9. Matchbox Treasure Truck Metal Detector

Sure this can be classified as a toy, but it is one of those rare toys that my kids still play with still after many years. Bring it to the beach, or use it in your backyard. It will provide hours of outdoor fun and exploration hunting for treasures under the ground.

10. Lunar Telescope For Kids

Perfect for beginners! Portable and easy to set up. Exploring the wonders of the solar system is both educational and fun. Also comes with glow-in-the-dark stickers for your child’s room. 

11. Night Sky Guide Book

This guidebook will help young stargazers spot and identify stars and planets. Great for camping, vacation, or your backyard to encourage kids to stop, look up, and learn about the stars. 

12. Kids’ Gardening Tool Set

Gardening tools and gloves made for smaller hands make a great gift to help encourage children to learn more about gardening. Comes with a watering can, gardening gloves, shovel, rake, trowel, kids smock, and gardening tote.

13. Herb Garden With Pizza Party Activity Kit

This is a top pick right here. This super idea combines the activity of growing herbs, and making pizza! Two of my most favorite things. Kids get an indoor growing experience, and at the end, a pizza-making activity using their very own homegrown herbs.  

14. Complete Fishing Kit and Travel Case For Kids

Kid’s love to fish, and this 37 piece kit is made for younger fishing fans. Therefore , it is the perfect fit! Easy to cast reel for children, carrying case, and a net to catch other aquatic creatures!

15. Dome Tent Set

Comes with a sleeping bag and chair. Perfect for sleepovers, or backyard fun. 

Rock Painting Kit

Spend time together painting and decorating rocks. Maybe write special and meaningful  thoughts and start a family rock garden. 

17. Outdoor Science Lab For Kids

Choose from 52 Family-Friendly Experiments for the Yard, Garden, Playground, and Park!

18. Nature Bound Bug Catcher Kit

For the bug and insect-loving child, this kit has it all. A vacuum suction to gently capture bugs, a built-in magnifier, and a habitat for viewing. 

19. ROCK ON! Geology Game

A fun and educational game that connects children to nature. The game includes a rock and mineral collection, a break-open geode, plus polished rock and mineral pieces with an identification guide. 

20. Snow and Sand Coloring Kit

A great gift that can be used in any season. Make colorful sandcastles in the Summer and snow forts in the Winter! 

Did you know that research shows kids who spend time in nature become happier adults? Read HERE

Of course, we can’t enjoy nature if we do not take care of our Earth. HERE are some great ideas to do with your kids to care for Mother Earth.

The Omnia Oven is a great gift idea for the adult camper in your life!

For one stop shopping, you can purchase your Amazon Gift Cards here!

*Post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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12 Comments

  1. Excellent list Jen!! Great suggestions for anyone & everyone. Fun, educational family time, building strong, healthy foundations.

  2. This is fantastic! It not only is more practical and creates less clutter than traditional toy gifts, but it also enhances cognitive development. Thank you for posting this list….before I bought anything! 🙂

    1. Thank-you Lori! Any time I can reduce clutter in my home, I am happy! The best part is they are gifts kids will totally love too! Thanks for reading!

  3. These are fantastic and some I have never seen before they will be sure to be under our tree this year!

  4. These are fantastic and some I have never seen before they will be sure to be under our tree this year!

    1. Thank-you Debby!! You will have to let me know which ones you get and how you like them! Number #13 on the list is my personal favorite 😉

  5. Thank-you Debby!! You will have to let me know which ones you get and how you like them! Number #13 on the list is my personal favorite 😉

  6. Jen, this is an awesome list. Such great ideas. Thank you for sharing!

  7. I can completely relate to the “toy graveyard”! Thank you so much for these amazing useful ideas!!

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