you can be Everyone is familiar with the various memes detailing the fact that once you reach middle age, you automatically sort, Harry Potter hat style, into one of a handful of hobbies, such as baking sourdough bread, gardening, or bird-watching. I cannot refute this, as I am a middle-aged man and am fond of bird-watching. But I do know that enjoying birds and their various activities is fun for people of all ages. Birds are beautiful, interesting, and unpredictable, and it’s tempting to keep a running life list of all the birds you’ve seen and hope to see in your lifetime.
Whether someone you know is in the birdwatching phase, preparing for the phase, or has been in it for decades, all of these unique gifts – for traveling birders and backyard birders alike – are things I or another Birdwatcher Review team member have tested, gifted, or purchased IRL and enjoyed.
For more specific device recommendations, check out our guides to the best smart bird feeders and best binoculars, and for other gift ideas, check out all of our gift guide coverage, including the best white elephant gifts, best gifts for men, and best viral TikTok gifts.
Update November 2025: We’ve added Birdfy Nest Polygons, a sticker book from Brass Monkey, a BB.Fonts tote, and a warm jacket from Venustas, and have ensured up-to-date links and prices.