Five Star Gift Ideas

For a son who loves backpacking and hiking in national parks, there are several meaningful and practical gift ideas you can consider. Here are a few suggestions:

1. National Park Pass: A yearly National Park Pass is an excellent gift for any nature lover. It will grant your son access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. This pass will not only provide him with endless opportunities to explore new hiking trails but also support the conservation of these beautiful areas.

2. Quality Hiking Gear: Every backpacker needs reliable gear, so consider upgrading your son's hiking essentials. Practical gifts like a high-quality backpack, a durable tent, comfortable hiking boots, or a lightweight yet warm sleeping bag can greatly enhance his outdoor experiences. Choose brands known for their durability and reliability.

3. National Park Maps and Guides: Help your son plan his future adventures by gifting him a set of detailed national park maps and guides. These resources provide valuable information about trails, campgrounds, wildlife, and local attractions. Consider a coffee-table book featuring stunning photography and interesting facts about national parks to inspire his wanderlust.

4. Personalized Outdoor Gear: Customized gear can add a personal touch to your son's outdoor adventures. Consider engraving his name or a special message on a compass, multitool, water bottle, or even his backpack. These personalized items will remind him of your love and support while he's exploring the great outdoors.

5. Outdoor Cooking Set: Backpacking often involves cooking meals on the trail, so consider gifting your son a lightweight and compact outdoor cooking set. Look for options that include a stove, pots, pans, and utensils designed specifically for backpackers. This practical gift will allow him to prepare delicious meals amidst nature and enjoy his camping experience even more.

6. Outdoor Photography Equipment: If your son also enjoys capturing the beauty of nature through photography, consider gifting him some photography gear. A tripod, a wide-angle lens, or a high-quality camera bag can enhance his ability to capture stunning shots of national parks. Pair it with a photography workshop or book to help him enhance his skills.

7. Experience or Adventure Voucher: Instead of a physical gift, consider gifting your son an experience or adventure voucher. This could be a guided hiking tour in a national park, a camping trip, or even a backpacking course to help him learn new skills. This can be a fantastic opportunity for him to explore new places, meet like-minded people, and further indulge in his passion for the great outdoors.

Remember, the best gift is one that aligns with your son's interests and passions. By choosing a meaningful and practical gift related to hiking and backpacking in national parks, you'll not only make his Christmas special but also support his love for nature and exploration.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”