10 Unique Gifts for Hikers You Probably Haven’t Thought Of

The holidays are right around the corner and time for grabbing unique gifts for hikers and all your other loved ones is quickly running out. If you’re like me, you thrive on finding the perfect gift for the people you love most, but sometimes we’re stumped about that great gift idea.

If there’s a nature lover on your list, you might be wondering what to get them, especially if you aren’t as in love with the outdoors as they are. You’re in the right place though. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned hiker or someone new to the trails, this guide is packed with budget-friendly gifts perfect for exploring Florida’s natural wonders.

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1. Cooling Towel

Florida’s heat can be relentless, but a cooling towel is a simple way to stay refreshed on the trail. Lightweight and reusable, it’s a must-have for hikes year-round. It’s a great accessory for other activities, too. 

Working in the garden? Cooling towel. Out on the boat? Cooling towel. At a festival? Cooling towel. Come to think of it, this is a great gift for any outdoorsy person on your list.

Why They’ll Love It: Easy to pack and keeps them cool even on humid days. These are the ones I recommend:

• 4 Pack Cooling Towel – hard to beat a 4 pack, especially at this price, and there’s a variety of colors to choose from.
• Tough Outdoors Cooling Towel – single or 3-pack with a handy carrying pouch and different colors to choose from.
• 8 Pack Cooling Towels – when four towels isn’t enough, go for the 8 pack. Also available in a variety of colors.

2. Sunscreen Stick

Sun protection is a must when you’re outdoors in Florida (or anywhere, really), and a compact sunscreen stick is convenient when you’re on-the-go, like three miles into a hike with another ten to go. And the hurricanes toppled trees so there’s less shade than you remember. No one wants to carry around a bottle of sunscreen, but a sunscreen stick is a different matter.

Why They’ll Love It: Mess-free and small enough to fit in any hiking bag or pocket. Here are my favorites:

• Babo Botanicals SPF30 – Zinc oxide & shea butter; fragrance free and Made Safe certified.
• Pipette Mineral Sunscreen – Vegan, cruelty-free, and safe enough for babies.

3. Bug Spray or Insect-Repellent Wipes

Florida’s trails can be a haven for mosquitos and other pesky bugs, making this an invaluable gift for hikers. If you’re hiking in the evening to beat the day’s heat or catch an incredible sunset, you’re all but guaranteed to encounter mosquitoes. And if you’re hiking in more remote places, like on sections of the Florida Trail, chances are you’ll come home with ticks if you don’t protect yourself.

Why They’ll Love It: Keeps the bites away without adding much weight to their pack. I keep bottles of bug spray in multiple locations in the house and always have insect repellant wipes in my hiking/photography go-bag. Because nothing’s worse than ruining a walk by forgetting the bug spray. Here are a few recommendations:

• OFF! Botanicals Insect Wipes – I’ve used these for years and like that they’re plant-based and work as advertised.
• Natrapel Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes – Another DEET alternative. These say they work for 12 hours, but again, it’s Florida so no. Still a good option for families or anyone who prefers not to use a product with DEET.
• Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellant – Doesn’t actually last for 7 hours in Florida but still a solid choice.

4. Compact First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, but a small first aid kit ensures hikers are prepared for scrapes, blisters, or minor emergencies. Though I keep a larger kit in the car, it’s handy to have band-aids and other first aid items in the backpack, just in case. 

A good first aid kit for hiking should include a variety of band-aids, tape, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, and a finger splint. Some include a foil sheet, too. My favorite compact first aid kits attach to backpacks or belts with a snap or carabiner. 

Why They’ll Love It: A practical, trail-ready safety item that every hiker needs. Here are some to consider, or make your own!

• KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit – Designed for kids, but it’s cute and has everything a hiker in Florida needs.
• General Medi Mini First Aid Kit – Includes a foil blanket and small clip for the backpack. Plus, it’s soft-sided so is less cumbersome than others.
• Water-Resistant Mini First Aid Kit – The hard case is ideal for hikers who plan to hike through wet conditions.

5. Homemade Trail Mix Kit

Put together a thoughtful, personalized trail mix gift with a variety of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Add a Florida twist with dried oranges or coconut flakes. This is particularly useful for anyone who has food allergies or very specific tastes.

Why They’ll Love It: A tasty snack for energy on the go, with a personal touch.

6. Florida-Themed Bandana

A versatile accessory that can be used as a head covering, sweat rag, or even a trail marker. Choose one with fun Florida designs like palm trees, oranges, flamingos, or (cough cough) their favorite Florida university.

Why They’ll Love It: Stylish and functional, with a hint of state pride. I don’t use bandanas often as I prefer a hat, but they’re definitely useful for your head or a mouth covering when in particularly dusty areas. Try one of these for your favorite hiker:

• Florida Flag Bandana – The Florida flag…on a bandana. 21” x 21”.
• Ambesonne Florida Bandana – Travel theme with a vintage feel. 22” x 22”.
• Vermillion Orange Bandana – An orange print all over. 22” x 22”.

7. Sun Hat

A wide-brim or UV-protected hat shields hikers from Florida’s intense sun, making their time on the trail more comfortable. Not only does a good hat protect you from the sun, it helps to protect your eyes from the light, keeps your face cooler and hair out of the way, and can act as a rain guard.

Why They’ll Love It: Combines sun safety with a practical gift they’ll use again and again. I have so many hats but only a couple really work well for being outside all the time. Here are a few to consider:

• Wide Brim Ponytail Hat – I discovered these a couple years ago and switched immediately. For hikers with long hair, it’s great to get that hair off your neck.
• Fishing Hat – Before I discovered the ponytail hat, this was my go-to choice when hiking or kayaking. Works great if you don’t mind your hair down or have short hair.

Sun Hat with Neck Flap – A hat with a neck flap is a great choice for people with short hair. The neck flap protects the back of the neck from sunburn.

8. State Park Entrance Fee

Give the gift of adventure by covering the entrance fee for one of Florida’s beautiful state parks or an annual pass for a year’s worth of adventures. With over 175 parks to explore, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. 

Insider tip: the annual passes are usually on sale from mid-December to mid-January. For 2024, the half-price cost was $30/individual or $60/family. You really can’t beat that price if you visit a lot of state parks.

Why They’ll Love It: Opens the door to Florida’s natural wonders without spending a fortune. 

• Visit the State Park’s website to learn more about purchasing an state park pass.

9. Hiking Journal

Hiking journals serve many purposes. Some people use them to keep track of their adventures, jotting down trail notes, wildlife sightings, or future hiking goals. Some use them to draw in or write their thoughts, almost like therapy. I use mine when writing inspiration hits to write a scene I might use in a future story or the start of a poem.

Why They’ll Love It: Encourages reflection and makes their hikes even more memorable. Though I created my own from my photos and what I needed, here are a few that your hiker might like:

• The Hiker’s Journal – 168 pages. Compact yet comfortable to write in and includes a log list as well as 2-page templates to record notes and observations of each hike logged.
• Hiking Logbook – 101 pages. This best seller is available in paperback or hardcover. There’s no hike log list, but there is, for each hike, a page for recording the hike and one for journaling.
• Hiking Journal – 110 pages. Geared more towards artists, this logbook includes a page for recording the hike and a page for notes with half a page for drawing or photographs.

10. DIY Nature Kit

This idea might appeal more to the young hikers in your life than to the adults. Maybe? A DIY nature kit allows you to customize the kit for the hiker’s interests. Assemble the kit with a magnifying glass, small notepad, and colored pencils for exploring Florida’s unique flora and fauna.

Why They’ll Love It: Adds a creative element to their hikes, whether they’re sketching plants or examining seashells up close.

Wrapping It Up: Gifts for Hikers

From practical gear to personalized treats, these gifts are perfect for Florida hikers who love hitting the trails. Whether you’re shopping for the holidays or just because, these thoughtful ideas are sure to inspire their next adventure.

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you’re looking for a great community for sharing travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems, go join my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots.

Hiking Resources:

Hiking Boots: My go-to hiking boot is Merrell’s Waterproof Hiking Boot. It’s extremely comfortable, lightweight, and water-resistant – perfect for Florida!

Hiking Day Pack: This daypack from Waterfly has been the best addition to my outdoor gear this year. I often take my camera and phone as well as the water we have to have in Florida’s heat. This pack is lightweight and has tons of pockets for storing everything I need to take with me.

Swell Water Bottle: I most often take my Swell bottles with me because they keep water cold, a must for me when hiking in Florida’s heat.

Collapsible Water Bottle: This is a great water bottle to keep in a hiking pack and fill at home or keep in the car in case you forget your Swell bottle at home.

Walking Poles: Though Florida’s mostly flat, there are places and times when walking poles are useful. I love these for their durability and because they’re collapsible so are easy to carry and store.

Hotels: We use Booking.com for lodging when we’re ready to compare and book hotels.