20 Perfect National Park Gifts for Anyone Who Loves National Parks

Looking for the perfect national park gifts for the outdoor enthusiast in your life? You’ve come to the right place.

Here’s a list of the perfect national park gifts for anyone who loves our national parks and exploring the outdoors.

The list includes gear they’ll need to get outside, maps to plan their adventures, and decorations for their homes so they can enjoy national parks all year.

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1. America the Beautiful Pass

Easily the best of all the national park gifts for someone hoping to visit the parks. Nothing will help someone explore the national parks more than this pass. While you can purchase them at REI, it’s best to buy directly from a national park if you can. The National Park Service gains more funding this way. Also, there are more options available at USGS online or the park nearest you than there are at REI. Check out a complete list of park passes here.

Shop at USGS Shop at REI

2. Maps

If you’ll be exploring the national parks, you’ll most certainly want a map.

My favorites are the Trails Illustrated collection by National Geographic. These maps are sturdy and made from the best waterproof and tear-resistant material.

Most of the larger national parks in America are sold individually, but you can also purchase a map of the entire country and each of the parks.

For a real bargain, you can buy the complete collection of Trails Illustrated maps here on Amazon.

3. National Parks Calendar or Planner

There are so many national park calendars out there, and it makes sense. These are some of the most beautiful places on Earth and make great backdrops for your calendar.

Personally, I love the larger WPA Poster style of this oversized calendar. The National Park Foundation also releases one every year with proceeds going directly back to the National Park Service.

You could give one of these national park gifts every year!

4. National Parks Cross-Stitch Kits

Another one of my favorite national park gifts involves crafts. There is a true pleasure in making something that helps you reminisce about past visits to national parks.

These cross-stitch kits are no exception. They’re perfect for beginners and skilled stitchers alike. The full kits are available on Etsy while patterns are also sold on Amazon at the links below.

5. Wall Posters of National Parks

Without a doubt, my favorite posters are made by Ranger Doug. He works with his staff to create posters similar to the old WPA style, back when getting people to visit national parks required decent marketing.

The posters are beautiful, but the designs are also featured on everything from note cards to pocket knives if you don’t have the wall space.

Shop Ranger Doug’s Posters Shop for Posters on Amazon

6. Books About National Parks

Guidebooks are one of my guilty pleasures, especially when it comes to national parks. I love reading every little thing I can about a park before I visit in order to make sure I don’t miss anything.

Additionally, they make great coffee table books, especially those featuring beautiful photos. The information inside is helpful for years, making these excellent evergreen national park gifts.

Check out more of my favorite national park books!

7. National Parks Passport Book

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new national park is stamp my passport book. I love this free souvenir and register of my visit, and I know I’ll cherish the many passport books I’ve acquired for the rest of my life. They’re easily some of my most prized possessions.

There are four different types of passport books. The smallest and least expensive is the original blue book. There’s also a collector’s edition featuring details about over 400 national parks.

Lastly, there’s the explorer’s edition binder, the best option for anyone who goes to national parks on a regular basis. For kids, there’s also a Junior Ranger edition.

8. Scratch Off National Parks Maps and Posters

Looking to keep track of your progress on your way to visit every national park? There is a wide variety of scratch-off maps and posters available online. There are also some you can put pins in if you prefer to keep track that way.

9. Camera to Record Your Trip

No visit to a national park is complete without a way to record it.

For the best photos, you’ll want to invest in a nice DSLR to capture your adventures. Telephoto lenses and tripods will assist greatly in your photo-taking.

If you’re backpacking and need something lighter, the Canon Powershot takes amazing photos at an affordable price.

10. National Parks-themed Games

If you like games, there’s an incredible number of options for you. Some games are based on national parks while there are other classics, such as Monopoly, Yahtzee, Trivial Pursuit, and Jenga, with national park themes.

11. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

While I love movies, I’m not a huge fan of documentaries. This one is the exception, in addition to others by Ken Burns. Watching this truly instilled in me a passion for the places I love to visit.

To go behind the scenes and delve into the history of America’s greatest places, look no further than this epic documentary.

12. Books Written by Park Rangers

One of the best ways to learn about parks is via the rangers who protect them. Check out the books below, all written by park rangers. My favorite is Ranger Confidential, an honest portrait of the park ranger life by Andrea Lankford.

13. Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated every day, especially if you’re in the great outdoors. Many national park lovers will cover their beloved water bottles in stickers from their park visits (see #18). A water bottle is one of the best, most practical national park gifts you can buy.

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14. National Park-Scented Candles

One of the best gifts for national park lovers is something that will remind them of their favorite places while they’re at home. This set of candles is perfect for that.

Featuring different parks and their scents, these candles will transport you back to that campsite in Zion or the Hoh rainforest in Washington any time you light them. There are a variety of parks available below.

15. National Park Coloring Books

Coloring books are proven to be one of the best ways to relieve stress. Coincidentally, so is exploring the outdoors and experiencing nature. Why not combine them both? You can color photos or posters from your favorite national parks in the coloring books below.

16. Daypack Perfect for Exploring the Parks

Because you need something to carry all these great national park gifts in, why not invest in a great new day pack? I wrote an entire post on the best daypacks for women in 2020. The best part? They’re all under $160 with the cheapest being under $50, giving you a wide range of affordable options. Check it out! For even more gear ideas, read my post on the best outdoor gear.

17. National Parks Puzzles

Living in Alaska, I’m always looking for things to curb my cabin fever. It’s good to have a wide range of activities to do indoors.

While I’m thinking about my next national park adventures, one of my favorite ways to pass the time is by doing puzzles. There are literally hundreds of thousands of puzzles out there in the world, but choosing one with images from national parks always brings a smile to my face.

18. National Park Stickers

Now that you’ve got your water bottle, it’s time to showcase your love for national parks. Cover that bottle in stickers from your favorite places. I like to use stickers from parks I’ve brought that water bottle to, telling its story. I do this with my car as well – it’s been all over the country with me multiple times, and it’s covered in stickers to prove it. The more stickers, the better! For the best results, use vinyl and waterproof stickers.

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19. National Parks Mug

For all the coffee drinkers out there, now you can showcase your love for national parks with the ultimate gift. I know that in my house there are too many national park mugs to count. Amazon has a great selection of mugs from parks across the country.

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20. Reusable National Parks Tote Bags

Naturally, the best national park presents are also good for the environment. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen reusable tote bags for sale at every national park I’ve been to in the last 10 years. It’s a great way to support the parks, support the environment, and admire the beauty of America all with one small bag.

Shop on Amazon

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