The best gifts for bird lovers: fun and practical present ideas for Christmas 2024

Knowing a person’s hobby is often a great place to start when it comes to Christmas presents — so shopping gifts for bird lovers is a piece of cake. And with over 600 bird species in Britain, it is no surprise that we are a nation filled with bird enthusiasts.

To help you find the best gifts for bird lovers, whether that is a friend or family member, we have put together a range of ideas. This includes 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 here 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 some Christmas present inspiration in this list — all budgets considered.

The best gifts for bird lovers (just in time for Christmas 2024)

Luckies Birds of Interest Scratch Map

Best overall gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13084497

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.

SQUIRREL_13084497

Green Feathers Wi-Fi Full HD Bird Box Camera

Best high-end gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13084485

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.

SQUIRREL_13084485

RAB Neutrino Pro Down Jacket

Best tried and tested gift for bird lovers

Buy for men: SQUIRREL_TEXT_13120517

Buy for women: SQUIRREL_TEXT_13090422

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.

SQUIRREL_13120517

Rite in the Rain Waterproof Notebook

Best notebook for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13084484

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.

SQUIRREL_13084484

Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

Best book for bird lovers

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 here.

Viking Merlin ED Binoculars 8X42

Best gift for bird watchers

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 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 here.

SQUIRREL_13081487

Helinox Chair 2

Best practical gift for bird watchers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13077318

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.

SQUIRREL_13077318

Roamwild Arch Window Bird Feeder

Best bird feeder gift

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13088575

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.

Customised Handmade Bird Seed Wreath

Best Christmas-themed gift for bird lovers

Buy now from Etsy (£15)

These handmade wreaths made by Robins and Rascals, are packed with your choice of bird seed mix, are ideal for bird enthusiasts — and poultry owners. They can come in a apricot, berry or mixed finish, just message your preference when you check out.

Buy now from Etsy (£15)

Sara Miller Chelsea Collection Bird Mugs

Best mug gift for bird lovers

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.

Handmade Ceramic Bird Egg Cup

Best small gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13119968

We love these cute ceramic egg cups, which make a fun gift that'll brighten up the breakfast table. They're available in four colours including, blue, green, red and yellow. It is the perfect stocking filler, or one for a Secret Santa event.

SQUIRREL_13119968

Jacobi Jayne Flutter Butter Original Pods, Pack of 3

Best bird feed gift

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13084504

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.

SQUIRREL_13084504

Metal Bird Feeder Tray

Best unique bird feeder gift

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13120006

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.

SQUIRREL_13120006

Fallen Fruits DB22 Bird Doorbell

Best home decor gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13148900

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.

SQUIRREL_13148900

Gift In a Tin Bird Feeder

Best child-friendly gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13120010

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. Find more fun options in our round-up of DIY bird feeder kits.

SQUIRREL_13120010

Solid Chocolate Bird

Best chocolate gift for bird lovers

SQUIRREL_TEXT_13104113

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. You could even perch them on your Christmas tree to surprise your guests.

SQUIRREL_13104113

We know 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, as well as the best reusable wrapping paper.