GIFT Ideas FOR THE NATURE LOVER
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We live busy lives. And then the holidays come along and things get even busier. Holiday shopping doesn't have to amp up your stress level. Gift-giving should be thoughtful, but it doesn't have to be hard.
Keep it simple and you can't go wrong. Take the stress out of holiday shopping with these gift ideas for the nature lovers, hikers, birders, gardeners and nature photographers in your life. Quite honestly, these ideas can be used all year through. Need a gift for a nature lover for a birthday, a thank you, or other occasion? This guide can be useful all year long. In the meantime, Happiest of holidays to all! |
Simple gifts with a nature motif are always thoughtful.
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Support Your Local Artists and Small Businesses:
Watch your local newspaper outlets and social media feeds for local holiday craft fairs and markets. You can even search on markets like ETSY by region, so, even if you are shopping online, you can narrow it down to artists in your area. Local craft boutiques and shops are a big part of our communities. They feature the creations of a lot of talented local artists, makers, photographers and more, offering truly special gift items. Many of them nature-themed. |
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Give a Gift to the Earth.
Many organizations offer the purchase/adoption of seedlings for forest restoration in Wisconsin, and in other parts of the United States. Locally, the Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa features an Adopt A Seedling program. They offer four different types of seedlings, at differing price points. Or you can even create a custom donation in honor of your recipient. A thoughtful gift, and it's good for the planet. |
You can adopt a seedling through Forest Exploration Center's ADOPT A SEEDLING program.
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Autumn on the trail at Peninsula State Park, Door County.
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Easy does it. Sometimes the easiest gifts are the best ones. Give the gift that keeps on giving all year long with annual park stickers, passes, and nature center memberships.
Wisconsin State, National, and County Park Stickers: Fortunately, annual stickers are now available to purchase online. They sometimes have special combo packages available during the holidays. Wisconsin State Park Sticker A National Park Sticker Waukesha County Parks Sticker Washington County Parks Sticker |
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Nature Center Memberships:
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center Wehr Nature Center Boerner Botanical Gardens River Bend Nature Center Riveredge Nature Center Retzer Nature Center Urban Ecology Center Want to gift to someone not in the Milwaukee area? Check out this resource for Nature Centers Across Wisconsin Tip: Most nature centers have great gift shops. Opt outside at a nature center for some exploration, then do a little holiday shopping in their gift shops! |
A wander along the trail at Wehr Nature Center is always lovely.
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You can't go wrong with books and magazine subscriptions that focus on a persons interests. Following are just a few suggestions.
Magazine Publication Subscriptions: Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine Birds&Blooms Magazine Our Wisconsin Magazine Birding Magazine Outside Magazine - Online Subscription Mammoth Tales - Ice Age Trail Alliance Magazine |
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Books for the Wisconsin Hiker and Local Park Explorer
Explorer's Guide - 50 Hikes in Wisconsin Best Easy Day Hikes - Milwaukee Ice Age Trail Guidebook The Milwaukee Bucket List: 101 Real Milwaukee Adventures - by Barbara Ali The Milwaukee River Greenway - by Eddee Daniel Around Wisco - The Ice Age Trail by Cameron Gillie |
Guides to Wisconsin's parks, preserves, and trails cover a lot of ground.
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Camera gear is personal, and can be expensive to give. But a world of accessories for photographers make great gifts.
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Gifts for a Nature Photographer
The Smartphone Photography Guide by Pete Cope Extra Camera Memory SD Cards (the more memory the better) Selfie Sticks; Portable, bendable, tripods Gift Card for prints or books at their favorite photo print shop Arts Cameras Plus - Camera gear, photo processing, classes. Gift cards available for gear or workshops and classes Mike Crivellos - Camera gear, photo processing Wildtree - Uniquely designed, handmade, camera straps and more. Moment Mobile lenses for smartphones A walking stick/monopod. One accessory, two great uses. Styles, durability, and prices vary. But even the cheapest ones are handy to have on-hand. Accessories: extra dust blowers, cleaning cloths, a mini mount or tripod for on-the-go smartphone shots. |
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Specialized Outdoor Gear:
There are some great Milwaukee area shops that can help you find the perfect gear for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts on your list. Sherper's A wide selection of outdoor gear, including boots, camping equipment, binoculars and more can be found at this Milwaukee area local outdoor gear shop Stan's Fit For Your Feet Hiking Boots, Socks and Accessories Yellow Wood - A Premier Outdoor Gear Shop Patagonia - An outdoor clothing and gear company that, for over 30 years, has been giving back 1% of its profits towards preservation and restoration of the natural environment. REI Co-op: Gear and clothing for a wide array of outdoor enthusiasts. |
Boots, socks, scarves, jackets, hats, and more are perfect for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
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Bird Watching and Backyard Birding Gear:
Wild Birds Unlimited Stores - Bird feeders of all kinds, bird food of all kinds, bird baths, books on birding, and a wealth of knowledge in feeding backyard birds. Bird Collective - A great online shop that offers all kinds of unique merchandise for birders, and fans of birds. Bonus: 20% of their profits are donated to projects that help to reverse the decline of bird populations. Nocs Provisions - Compact, high quality, colorful binoculars in multiple styles. Stein's Garden & Home - Wild bird feeders and food in several Wisconsin locations. The Nest - Unique shop in Greendale that carries bird feeding supplies, along with unique bird enthusiast gifts and decor. Stoned Birdhouse: Functional Yard Art - made locally. Birdhouses, bird feeders, gourmet birdseed wreaths, and more. Birds Choice - Bird feeders, bird houses, and more, made from recycled materials in Chilton, Wisconsin. |
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SUPPORT THE PARK NEXT DOOR AND FIND GREAT GIFTS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST
Get yourself a little something, too. Many of the images from The Park Next Door are available to purchase as prints, notebooks, phone cases, holiday ornaments, and more at my FineArtAmerica site. You can get a gift for someone, or yourself, and support the website at the same time. Check out the Art For Your Walls feature page, or visit the art site directly. 
Solitary Snowfall Framed Print
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Dreamy Evergreen Ornament
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All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2024 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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