Finding gifts for an outdoor-inclined loved one can sometimes be a challenge.  And, since the economy has shifted, many of us have eschewed the “Big Fancy Gift” for more reasonable, practical items. And yet, we still want to give gifts that support their love of the outdoors.

Since I come from a family of both readers and outdoors people, I know there is an easy gift option that meets both objectives – books.

Field guides are always popular gifts for outdoor lovers. (Photo Credit: Flickr/Namibnat)

Here are some categories and suggestions from my own shopping list.

Hiking Guides: These are always handy.  From detailed guides for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail to references for hiking with kids, hiking guidebooks help you find new adventures and ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Field Guides: My parents are such avid birders they have to replace their copy of the Audubon Field Guide every few years, so that’s always an easy gift. You can also expand the outdoor experience by giving field guides for wildflowers, constellations and other animals.

Gardening Reference: I admit that I have a “brown-thumb.” But I still want a nice garden and can always use some advice.  Gardening reference books come in handy as I try to figure out everything  – from what plants to put in the ground to how to maintain a wildlife friendly garden.

Books for Children: I find it is a bit harder during the winter to keep my kids outside and engaged with nature.  But I have also found that by encouraging my children to read kids’ books about the environment and the natural world, they are doing more than just reading.  They are exploring the outdoors with their mind.

Books about the Outdoors: Last but not least are nonfiction books with outdoor and wildlife themes.  Two of my favorites in this category include A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson which I credit with re-energizing my inner-hiker and encouraging me to start sharing the joy of hiking with my children and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer that confirmed my respect for people who climb Mount Everest – and the fact that I never want to do it myself.

Lastly, and of particular importance for the National Wildlife Federation: This year, you can make a difference for wildlife when you do your holiday shopping.

With the holidays just round the corner, National Wildlife Federation and Borders Books are partnering to host Borders Benefit Days for Wildlife. When you shop online or in store from Dec. 18-20, 15% of every purchase goes to benefit NWF.

Here’s how:

• Borders.com: Enter the promo code NWFD1219H at checkout.
• In store: Use this coupon at participating Borders, Borders Express or Waldenbooks.

So feel free to curl up next to the fire this winter with a good book.  And keep in mind that while you are being inspired and getting ready to be outside in the spring, you have helped support the National Wildlife Federation.

Find out how to honor a wildlife gardener in your life with a gift certification.

If you know someone new to gardening, or who has already certified a habitat, you can boost that friend or family member’s efforts as well. Consider these gifts:

Plants and seeds: When parents and teachers launched the habitat project at my children’s school, it was a grassroots, small-budget affair. The first plants we added came from our own gardens. Cheers to seeds and transplants! Many flowers bloomed the first season.

Time: Sharing your love for gardening is an incredible gift. Whether it’s lending your neighbor a hand with a chore, helping with a restoration project or volunteering at a local garden, the contribution is meaningful.

Garden accessories: Man-made features can also enhance the wildlife value of a garden. A nesting box was added to the aforementioned schoolyard habitat, a gift from a teacher who is a birding enthusiast. Tree swallows took up residence the first year, eastern bluebirds the next—and students enjoyed up-close views of avian family life. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

What’s your favorite garden gift?

Learn more about attracting wildlife to your garden and how to create a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat^® >>

Everyday the headlines reflect a change in the way Americans relate to the environment and the way they live their lives. This holiday season, green is all the rage and now is the time to show your audience exciting ways to spread holiday cheer and do something good for the planet too.

Nature Friendly Gift Ideas:

1. Bird Houses and Feeders: These inexpensive gifts add personality to any yard and give wildlife a place to call home. Or how about a “do-it-yourself” family project like homemade edible ornaments that will make your yard look festive and feed the birds at the same time?
2. Organic, Sustainable and Fair Trade Products: From coffee and wine to wreaths and flowers, many programs deliver “green” and environmentally friendly products to homes that will be a tasty or beautiful reminder of your holiday spirit.
3. Magazine Subscriptions for Kids: Get the kids away from the video games with engaging magazines like NWF’s classic, award winning Ranger Rick. It’s fun and interactive just like Wild Animal Baby and Your Big Backyard for the younger kids.
4. Experience Nature: Technology can help you experience nature. Take the new Identiflyer on a nature hike to identify the calls of 216 birds and frogs. For the less tech savvy, field guides are a traditional way to connect with nature. Both make great gifts!
5. Recycled Products: From fashions to tableware to yard art, there is new life from what was once headed to the landfill.

Green Holiday Tips:

1. Christmas Trees and Lights: Buy an organic, locally grown Christmas tree. Trees provide habitat for wildlife and absorb carbon dioxide while they are growing.  A better idea is buy a living tree in a pot, plant it and enjoy it for years.  New generations of affordable and stylish LED holiday lights are safe and use less energy than ever.
2. Save Paper: Holiday cards and wrapping paper are two paper-heavy holiday traditions. Green your holiday this year by using cards and wrapping paper made out of recycled materials. Get the kids to make your own wrapping paper or cards. Have some fun and use recycled paper decorated with colorful holiday stamps, stickers or freehand designs or a personal touch.
3. Entertaining: Make your holiday party earth-friendly by serving organic and locally produced foods.  Visit local farmer’s markets or natural grocery store for heritage breed turkeys, or really have an impact by going totally vegetarian for the holiday.
4. Holiday Decorating: Buy an ornament and a portion of the cost goes to wildlife conservation or to plant a tree.  That’s a simple way to “green” your tree. Don’t forget about the classics like popcorn, cranberries and ginger bread men to give your tree a nature friendly, homey and nostalgic look.

Have a Green Holiday!

When it comes to gift-giving, there are all sorts of green options, like Gavin Hudson’s 12 gifts of Christmas. One of our super-activists, Frank Zaski, sent us some great ideas about how we can incorporate giving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLS) during the holiday season. Hey, it isn’t festive, but it’s useful!

Here’s Frank’s advice:

“We know that compact fluorescent fight bulbs (CFLs) are a no-brainer when it comes to saving electricity, money and the environment. However, most people are slow to adopt them and CFLs account for only a small percent of US residential lighting.

One way it increase CFL usage is to encourage the giving of CFLs for Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, house warming, birthdays, parties, etc. In addition to the many environmental benefits, an $8.00 three-pack of CFLs can actually result in a $120 “gift” of savings spread over five years.”

So let’s remember while shopping for the new-fangled green gifts that going with the traditional CFL is still doing a load of good, both for your pocket and for wildlife.

Got any other green gift ideas? We’d love to hear them!

Interested in shopping for gifts through NWF? Here’s a quick list of options:

• Purchase NWF’s Field Guide to Birds or Insects.
• Give a gift membership.
• Adopt a polar bear or other wildlife species.

Do you have any green gift ideas? Add a comment!