Knowing a person’s hobby is often a great place to start when it comes to birthday or Christmas presents. And with over 600 bird species in Britain, it is no surprise that we are a nation filled with bird lovers.
To help you find a fantastic gift for that bird-loving friend or family member, we have put together a range of ideas including equipment to aid them on their search for Britain’s birds, or presents that celebrate the ones they already have seen.
As an added bonus, some gifts will also help out birds in your local area, or donate to much-loved wildlife charities such as RSPB and National Trust.
There should be something on this list for every type of birder. Whether they simply enjoy watching the birds in the garden, or go on ambitious expeditions in search of rare species, we hope you find gift inspiration in this list.
Browse our pick of the great gifts for bird lovers below — all budgets considered.
For more gift ideas for nature lovers, take a look at our guides to the best kit and binoculars for wildlife watchers. And, if you're interested in adopting a sustainable approach to gift-giving this year, discover inspiring ideas in our guide to the best reusable wrapping paper.
Gifts for bird lovers
From practical outdoor gear to books, games and homeware, here are a selection of brilliant gifts for bird lovers.
Luckies Birds of Interest Scratch Map
Using a scratch map is a fun way to record the birds you’ve spotted on your travels. This one features 45 different species, including a grey heron, red kite and green woodpecker, all represented with a colour illustration by illustrator and avid ornithologist, Matt Sewell.
All the bird names are listed at the bottom with gold foil icons you can scratch off, along with a section to note down the location of your spot. As an added bonus, this map is printed on FSC-approved paper here in the UK.
Green Feathers Wi-Fi Full HD Bird Box Camera
This compact camera from Green Feathers is small enough to fit inside any standard bird box. It shoots in colour and has LEDs built in for night vision so you can watch the birds nesting and feeding 24/7.
The camera connects to Wi-Fi for easy viewing on a tablet or smartphone, and there’s a MicroSD slot so you can boost its storage space and set up the camera to record via motion detection.
RAB Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
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We gave this down jacket full marks when we tested it for our full review, so it's one we'd recommend for gifting. Cosy and water-resistant, it's a fantastic choice for bird watchers and should keep the wearer warm and dry during the autumn and winter months.
For more options, see our full list of down jackets we've reviewed.
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Rite in the Rain Waterproof Notebook
For those who like to go bird-watching in all weathers, the Rite in the Rain notebook is a great option. The small, spiral-bound notebook is only 4x6 inches so can easily be slipped into a bag or pocket and features lined, waterproof paper.
It can be used with a standard pencil or ballpoint pen, but for the best results you may want to consider buying a specialist Rite in the Rain pen or pencil.
Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe
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For those new to birdwatching, the Collins Bird Guide is a excellent reference source on birds across Europe, including Britain. Accompanying every bird species is information on size, habitat, range, identification and voice, along with a distribution map and illustrations showing the species in all the major plumages.
Discover more bird ID guides.
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Viking Merlin ED Binoculars 8X42
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When out in nature reserves or the British countryside more widely, a pair of binoculars are great for getting a closer look at birds and their habitats without causing any disruption.
For wildlife watching, eight times magnification is typically best. These 8x42 Viking binoculars are covered in a rubber casing for good grip, and the ED glass provides sharp, bright images and reduced chromatic aberration, also known as "colour-fringing".
Discover more binocular reviews.
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Helinox Chair 2
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A comfortable, fold-up camping chair is a handy item to have in the back of the car for moments when you want to settle down for some wildlife watching. In our review of this Helinox chair, we gave it a 4.5 out of 5 score, and found it lightweight and compact in the bag, yet comfortable to use once set up. See our other camping chair reviews for more options.
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Wrendale Nesting Tins
These three tins are decorated with the beautiful Wrendale designs – hares on the largest tin (25cm in diameter), ducks on the middle tin (22.5cm in diameter) and owls on the smallest tin (19.5cm in diameter).
They are illustrated both inside and out, and are trimmed in green with a matt finish. Perfect for bakers, or anyone that enjoys eating baked goods!
Roamwild Arch Window Bird Feeder
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By attaching to the window, the Roamwild Arch Bird Feeder allows you to watch birds up close from inside your home. The design includes eight perches to allow multiple birds to feed at once, while the arch keeps them sheltered. The tray holds up to two litres of seeds, so it should only need refilling once in a while.
To make a gift bundle, include some National Trust CJ Wildlife Hi-Energy No Mess Seed Mix so your recipient can get straight to feeding the birds.
Find more fun options in our round-up of DIY bird feeder kits.
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Sara Miller Chelsea Collection Bird Mugs
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From British designer Sara Miller, these four beautiful mugs are made from fine china decorated with touches of real 22-carat gold. The style is inspired by vintage prints from Asia and feature an array of birds in an enchanted garden.
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Wildlife Charity Membership
Buy at:
- British Trust for Ornithology (choose your amount)
- National Trust from £10 a year
- RSPB from £5 a month
Gifting a wildlife charity membership helps a conservation organisation continue with their work, and usually comes with benefits such as magazines, access to reserves and heritage buildings. There's often a range of membership options available, such as individual, joint, junior and family.
Customised handmade bird seed wreath
- Buy now from Etsy (£26.61)
These handmade wreaths made by Wade House Crafts, are packed with your choice of bird seed mix, are ideal for bird enthusiasts - and poultry owners.
Each wreath contains 3.5 lbs of seeds, they also come with cranberries or dried flowers making them even more special.
Choose between high-quality ribbon or rustic twine so they’re easy for the bird-lover in your life to hang up, ready for their favourite birds to visit.
Personalised Bird Watcher Leather Journal
- Buy now from Etsy (£28.46)
Help the bird watcher in your life document their feathered friends with this personalised handy leather journal, which features 100 sheets of lined paper.
Ideal for notes, lists, and any other bird-related records, this lightweight vegan leather notebook from Wedgeport Gifts comes with an elastic closure band and ribbon bookmark for easy navigation between pages.
Measurements: W 5.8" x L 8.5" x ⅝” (14.73cm x 21.59cm x 1.6cm)
Blue Bird Egg Cup
- Buy now from Wolf & Badger (£20)
We love these cute ceramic egg cups, which make a fun gift that'll brighten up the breakfast table.
Available in four colours including, blue, green, red and orange.
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Concrete Bird Bath
- Buy now from Graham and Green (£24.95)
This bird bath offers two-for-the-price-of-one! Not only does it give garden birds a much-needed water supply, but it's also a stylish garden feature for someone special in your life.
Made entirely from concrete, it features a stepped bowl allowing birds to land safely.
Keep it in tip-top condition by regularly replacing water and cleaning the bowl.
Jacobi Jayne Flutter Butter Original Pods, Pack of 3
This bird-friendly peanut butter is a delectable choice to lure in wild birds, including tits, finches, and sparrows. It's made without salt, ensuring the birds' well-being.
Packed with vital oils, fats, and protein, it's a year-round essential, particularly during chilly weather.
Metal Bird Feeder Tray
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This compact-sized bird feeder tray will fit perfectly on a windowsill, for allowing close encounters with birds while contributing to their well-being, especially during harsh weather.
Measurements: H.6cm, L.22cm, W.9cm.
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Christmas Gift Card from Garden Wildlife Direct
- Buy now from Garden Wildlife Direct
A gift card tailored for bird enthusiasts is the perfect choice allowing them to choose either a present of their choice, whether it’s a luxury accessory or practical item.
Available in any increment starting from £10, the recipient with be emailed with the gift card.
Traditional Perched Bird Doorbell
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A thoughtful gift for bird enthusiasts, this traditional doorbell is crafted from durable, solid cast iron, designed to withstand the elements, making it suitable for year-round outdoor use.
Featuring pre-drilled holes for effortless installation near your front door, it offers a charming and functional accent to your home.
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Gift In a Tin Bird Feeder
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This 'build your own' bird feeder lets nature enthusiasts of all ages craft their own avian haven in the garden. The wooden set includes a user-friendly step-by-step guide for constructing a charming wooden house adorned with a colourful roof.
Ideal for various small birds, it can be easily situated in a tree or affixed to a window using the provided suction cups.
Measurements: Height: 100mm; Width: 142mm; Depth: 52mm
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Solid Chocolate Bird
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These adorable hand decorated birds are available in solid Belgian chocolate, (34% milk chocolate, 55% dark chocolate, which is also suitable for vegans) and white chocolate.
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Flights of Fancy Bird Watching Kit
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A super gift for young bird enthusiasts, this kit contains everything they’ll need to both spot and identify birds.
The kit includes 24 identification cards showing 72 common British and European birds, folding binoculars, notepad and pencil for field notes, feeding recipes and a guide to simplify identification.
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We konw there's nothing more satisfying than finding a loved-one a themed present that matches a hobby or passion. Whether it's a charming bird feeder, a beautifully illustrated guide, or a cute accessory, these ideas are guaranteed to delight bird-loving family and friends.
For more gifting inspiration, take a look at our pick of the best nest boxes to buy online. And, if you're looking for sustainable presents for family and friends, check out our guide to the best eco friendly gift ideas.