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‘Tis the season for stocking stuffers, and there are many amazing options birders will love, no matter what your budget or stocking preferences. But what makes a good stocking stuffer, and which ones are best for birders and bird lovers?

Defining a Stocking Stuffer

Everyone has different gift traditions, from huge piles of amazing gifts under a tremendous tree to simpler exchanges of individual gifts in classic surroundings to jokey fun gifts at holiday parties. Stocking stuffers can have just as much variation, but I’ve always believed there are three defining characteristics of a stocking stuffer…

1. Stocking Size: Obviously, a stocking stuffer needs to be stuffed into a stocking. There are many stocking sizes, however, so exactly what size a gift can or cannot be as a stocking stuffer will vary for everyone. My family uses the smallest of classic stockings, so our stocking stuffers must be correspondingly small.
2. Gift Cost: Stocking stuffers should represent only a small portion of one’s gift giving budget. Of course that budget varies, and what may be an insignificant sum to one person could be a much greater part of another person’s less luxurious budget.
3. Gift Significance: Traditionally, stocking stuffers are lighthearted, fun presents and are not usually the most memorable gifts of the season. Even a small, inexpensive gift – a family ring that costs nothing and would certainly fit in any stocking – may not be suitable for a stocking if it is a very significant item.

Considering these criteria, and keeping in mind that Be Your Own Birder embraces all types of birding preferences, our top picks for stocking stuffers also embrace a wide range of gift options, stocking sizes, and budgets – perfect for any birder or bird-lover’s stocking!

35+ Stocking Stuffers Birders Will Love

• Reusable Straws – As more businesses ditch the practice of providing straws, carrying one’s own reusable straw is a great option to enjoy easy sips without unnecessary litter. These awesome straws are perfect for different drinks and preferences.
  • Stainless Steel Straws – 2 straight, 2 bent, plus cleaning brush
  • Telescoping Straw 2-Pack – Including travel cases
  • Glass Straws – 4-pack in two styles with cleaning brush
  • Wide Smoothie Straws – 8-pack, dishwasher safe and resizeable
• Sporks and Cutlery – Along with straws, alternatives for disposable forks, knives, and spoons are ideal for environmentally-conscious gift giving. There are many options for carrying your own cutlery and reducing landfill waste.
  • 12-Pack Sporks – Rainbow of colors and carrying bag
  • Travel Cutlery Set – Stainless steel, with chopsticks and straws
  • Bamboo Utensils Set – With flexible carrying case
  • Hobo Knife Set – Stainless steel folding cutlery
• Window Clings – An easy, safe, non-damaging solution for birds hitting windows, window clings break up glass reflections and let birds see the dangerous surface. These different options come in styles to suit any birder and help protect any window.
  • Flying Bird Silhouettes – Set of 17 clings in assorted sizes
  • Leaf Medley Decals – 5 large clings per pack, different leaf shapes
  • Full Color Hummingbirds – Large clings with different hummingbirds
• Lip Balm – Whether birding on cold winter days or out on trails in blazing summer sun, lip protection can keep birders smiling. These different options make perfect stocking stuffers not only for birders and birding, but for all nature lovers and outdoor fun.
  • Burt’s Bees – 4-pack of tubes in different flavors
  • S’mores Chapstick Set – Chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker
  • Chapstick with SPF – Classic balm with extra sun protection
  • Candy Cane Chapstick – 3-pack of the classic holiday favorite
• Warm Gear – As temperatures drop, birding can be more uncomfortable, but it is well worth it to see a snowy owl, common redpoll, snow bunting, or other winter species. These warm gear stocking stuffers can keep every birder toasty warm.
  • Wool Fingerless Mittens – Removable mitten and great finger dexterity
  • HotHands – Instant hand warmers for pocket or mitten use
  • Owl Socks – Comfortable crew socks with an owl design
  • Winter Cardinal Scarf – Silk with a snowy cardinal design
• Field Gear – Anything birders can use in the field to help their birding is always a welcome gift, and these different items have all sorts of nifty uses for a birder’s field bag, trail safety, and overall enjoyment of birding.
  • Pocket Stasher Bags – Reusable silicone bags for holding small items
  • Microfiber Cleaning Cloths – Best for use on optics, cameras, and glasses
  • Binocular Harness – Lightweight and adjustable for binns and cameras
  • Keychain Flashlight – Bright LEDs, great for trails without disturbing birds
  • Weatherproof Notebooks – Compact size and water resistant, 3-pack
  • Memory Cards – 5-pack, 16 GB capacity and storage cases
• Small Feeders – The tiniest of bird feeders can be amazing stocking stuffers, and add a fun new feeding station to any birder’s yard, no matter what the yard size – they even work for apartment balconies, RVs, and campsites!
  • Zummr Ring – For hand-feeding hummingbirds
  • Mesh Ball Feeder – Small globe-style feeder for seeds
  • Suet Cage – Standard cake size for offering suet, nuts, or fruit
  • Mini Nectar Feeders – Set of 4 for hummingbirds, great for flower pots
  • Bird Seed Bell – Fruit and nut blend, ready-to-feed
• Armchair Birding – For birders who prefer armchair travels, birding books, and indoor pursuits instead of winter cold excursions or high-budget travel, these amazing gifts can help them enjoy every bit of birding they do right in the comfort of home.
  • Feather-Shaped Bookmarks – Set of 30 for use in all field guides, novels, etc.
  • Bird Pens – 5 ballpoint pens, black ink, bird toppers
  • Flamingo Mug – Elegant curved design and rich color
  • Classic Playing Cards – Backyard bird designs
  • Bird Bottle Opener – Elegant design with opener and corkscrew
  • Bird Wine Charms – Nest, house, different birds, etc.
  • Bird Magnets – Steel construction, pastel colors, vintage style

No matter what stocking stuffers you may or may not prefer, there’s a bird-themed option out there for all your holiday gifting!