2026 Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Hikers, Campers & Adventure Lovers

 Looking for the perfect gift for someone who would rather be outside? Whether they're an avid hiker, a weekend camper, a family adventure enthusiast, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, I've rounded up some of my favorite gift ideas for 2026.

This year's guide includes a mix of things I personally use and love, products on my own wish list, and a few tried-and-true favorites that make great gifts. You'll find practical hiking gear, cozy winter accessories, fun family games, camping essentials, and even a few ideas for the person who seems to have everything.

These aren't just things that look good under the Christmas tree. They're things that can make someone's next adventure a little more comfortable, fun, or memorable.

As always, some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission
if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Freelance Adventurer and helping me continue sharing outdoor adventures!

As a lover of hiking, camping, and the outdoors -
I hope these ideas will help you with your shopping list!

Gifts for Hikers & Outdoor Lovers

Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Socks

You really can't go wrong with a good pair of hiking socks. Darn Tough is one of my favorite sock brands, and their over-the-calf socks are a great option for anyone who spends time hiking, skiing, or exploring in colder weather. They're comfortable, durable, and make a practical gift that will actually get used.

Yeti 20 oz Rambler

A good insulated tumbler is something almost everyone can use. The Yeti Rambler is great for coffee on the way to the trailhead, keeping drinks cold on a summer adventure, or bringing along on road trips. It's a simple, useful gift for just about anyone.

Hydro Flask Micro 200 ml

This little bottle is one of my favorite gift ideas this year. I'm giving one to all the women in my family! It's small, lightweight, and perfect for keeping a little water, coffee, or another favorite drink close at hand. Sometimes the smallest pieces of gear end up being the most useful.

Head Multi Sport Running Gloves

These are the gloves I'm currently using for hiking. They're a great lightweight option when you want something to keep your hands warm without adding a lot of bulk. Perfect for chilly morning hikes, fall adventures, and layering under heavier gloves in winter.

Kavu Original Rope Bag

This is my personal favorite sling bag. The Kavu Rope Bag is comfortable, practical, and has just the right amount of room for everyday adventures. I love having a bag that works for quick hikes, exploring new towns, travel days, and running around with the kids. Plus, there are so many fun colors and patterns.

Skida Winter Neck Warmer

This one is on my personal wish list! Skida makes some of the prettiest winter accessories, and I love their patterns. A neck warmer is one of those winter essentials that comes in handy for skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and everyday cold-weather adventures. It's also a fun way to add a little color to winter gear.

Marin Soothing Hydration Cream

A little self-care is always appreciated, especially during the dry winter months. I love Marin Soothing Hydration Cream for my own dry skin and eczema. It's a product I genuinely reach for, and I think it's a thoughtful gift for anyone who struggles with dry skin or just appreciates a little extra hydration during winter.

Fishwife Tinned Fish Gift Set

If you haven't tried Fishwife yet, this is a fun one! We love their tinned fish, and their gift sets are a great option for food lovers, adventurous eaters, or anyone who appreciates a good snack board. Pair it with crackers and a few other treats for an easy, fun gift. Definitely something a little different from the usual holiday gifts!

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Camping & Adventure Gear

Anker 521 Portable Power Station

For the camper or road-tripper on your list, a portable power station is a really useful piece of gear. The Anker 521 is a compact option for keeping devices charged while camping and powering small essentials. It's handy for charging phones, cameras, and other electronics, and can even power something like an air mattress pump. A great option for someone who likes a little extra convenience when spending time outdoors.

Kelty Low Loveseat 2-Person Camping Chair

This is one of my favorite camping chairs, and I recommend it every single year! The Kelty Low Loveseat is perfect for sitting around the campfire with someone, relaxing at the campsite, or watching the kids play. But honestly, it's just as useful off the campground as it is on one. It's become my favorite sideline parent chair for baseball, soccer, and other kids' sports. It's comfortable, roomy, and gives you a place to sit with a friend (or claim all to yourself!). If you're shopping for a camper or an active family, this is a gift that will get used all year long.

Exploding Kittens Card Game

One of our favorite family games! Exploding Kittens is easy to learn, entertaining, and small enough to throw in a camping bin or travel bag. It's great for family game nights, rainy camping afternoons, road trips, and vacations. If you're looking for a gift that encourages a little less screen time and more family fun, this is a good one.

Fahlo Scout Wolf Tracking Bracelet

This is such a fun gift for animal lovers and curious kids. Fahlo bracelets come with an animal tracking experience that lets you follow a real animal's movements through an interactive map. The Scout bracelet features a wolf, making it a particularly fun choice for anyone fascinated by wildlife. It's a gift that combines a little jewelry with a whole lot of learning about the natural world.

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Gifts That Give the Gift of Adventure - Without More "Stuff"

Seacoast Hikes & Nature Walks Ebook

Looking for a gift for someone who lives in or visits the New Hampshire and Southern Maine Seacoast? My Seacoast Hikes & Nature Walks ebook is filled with places to explore, from easy nature walks to longer hikes. It's a great way to help someone discover new local trails and spend more time outside.

Whether they're new to the area or have lived here for years, there's always another trail or nature spot to discover!

AMC Membership

An Appalachian Mountain Club membership is a wonderful gift for anyone who loves hiking and exploring the outdoors. Membership supports the organization behind so many of the trails, huts, conservation efforts, and outdoor experiences throughout the Northeast. It also comes with member benefits and discounts. It's a gift that gives back to the places we love to explore.

Hiker's Weather App Subscription

For the hiker who likes to know exactly what they're getting into before heading out, a Hiker's Weather subscription is a great gift. A one-year subscription is just $14.99, making this one of the more affordable gifts on the list. Mountain weather can change quickly, and having access to detailed forecasts can be a valuable tool when planning hikes.

Audible Subscription

This might be my favorite gift recommendation of the entire list. I actually asked for an Audible subscription last year, and it has been THE BEST gift. I listen while driving, walking, hiking, doing chores, and whenever I have a little downtime. It's a great gift for anyone who loves books but doesn't always have the time to sit down and read. If you have a reader, audiobook lover, or frequent road-tripper on your list, this is a winner.

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Give the Gift of More Adventures in 2027

At the end of the day, the best gifts are the ones that get used, make life a little easier, or inspire someone to try something new.

Whether you're shopping for a dedicated hiker, a family that loves camping, a friend who enjoys exploring new places, or someone who just appreciates being outside, I hope this list gives you a few ideas.

And if you're anything like me, maybe you'll find a few things to add to your own wish list, too!

Happy holidays and happy adventuring!

Thanks for following Freelance Adventurer on Instagram and Facebook. Here's to more trails, fresh air, and adventures in 2027!

• Outdoor holiday gift guide 2026

• Gifts for hikers

• Gifts for campers

• Gifts for outdoor lovers

• Hiking gifts

• Camping gifts

• Gifts for adventurous families

4 Days in Newport, RI: A Family-Friendly Itinerary with Mansions, Seafood & Sunsets

4 days in Newport with my bestie and
my kids - mansions, seafood, and sunsets.

Every year my friend Leanne and I plan a girls' trip somewhere new. This year's destination was Newport, Rhode Island - a place that had quietly climbed to the top of my travel wish list after I became completely hooked on HBO's The Gilded Age. After watching the extravagant mansions and imagining life during America's Gilded Age, I knew I had to see Newport for myself.

The twist? This year my two kids (ages 8 and 10) came along.

What I expected to be a history-filled getaway turned into one of our favorite family trips. Newport surprised me with how easy it was to balance historic sightseeing with kid-friendly fun. Between mansion tours, arcade games, swimming, seafood feasts, sunset cruises, and plenty of ice cream, everyone found something to love.

The biggest splurge? Definitely the food. We made it our mission to chase incredible seafood, creative cocktails, and as many sweet treats as we could fit into four days.

The crew - me, Leanne, and my kids (age 8 & 10)

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Wayfinder Newport, which I chose for affordability without comfort and convience. The pool gave the kids a chance to unwind every afternoon, and one of our favorite perks was the complimentary shuttle to Bowen's Wharf. Not having to worry about parking in downtown Newport made exploring so much easier.

The outdoor pool was a big win for my kids. 
It also had floaties, loungers, and a pool bar.

Day 1: Boats, Chowder & Golden Hour on the Water

We arrived in Newport around 1:00 p.m. and were lucky enough to get an early check-in. The kids immediately changed into swimsuits and spent some time in the pool while we settled in.

That evening we hopped aboard the hotel's complimentary shuttle to Bowen's Wharf and wandered through the shops along Thames Street.

For our first Newport meal, we chose Newport Chowder Company, where I highly recommend ordering the clam chowder with the lobster topper. We also made our first stop at Nitro Bar to see what all the hype was about - and yes, the nitro coffee lives up to it.

Chowder with a "lobster topper"

Plenty of shops and eateries at the wharfs

The highlight of our first day was a Gansett sunset cruise. As the boat cruised through Newport Harbor, we passed enormous yachts, Fort Adams, Castle Hill, and even got to watch the Monday night sailboat races. It was one of those experiences that immediately makes you feel like you're on vacation.  We had originally looked into a sail - but most sailboats didn't allow children.

Back on shore we grabbed Ben & Jerry's, watched the sunset from the wharf, and caught the shuttle back to the hotel.

Monday Night sailing races in Narragansett Bay

Sunset in Newport

Day 2: Touring The Breakers & Walking the Cliff Walk

We kept breakfast simple with bagels and cereal at the hotel before heading to The Breakers for our 9:00 a.m. entry.

If you're visiting in summer, I highly recommend booking the first tour of the day. Parking was plentiful, and it felt much less crowded.

The self-guided audio tour is done through your phone. There is a children's version available, but each child needs their own device. I brought along a couple of old phones and downloaded the audio before arriving, which made everything much easier. Don't forget headphones!

You'll need to download the audio tour and have headphones

The extravagance in The Breakers was impressive

Even the kids really enjoyed exploring the mansion. The stories behind each room helped bring the incredible architecture and Gilded Age history to life.

After touring the mansion, we walked part of the famous Cliff Walk out to the Chinese Tea House before returning the same way.

Cliff Walk is long - we only did a section.

Cliff Walk has some rocky portions.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed packed picnic lunch and another swim before taking the shuttle downtown again.

The kids were thrilled to discover Ryan's Amusement Arcade, which quickly became one of their favorite Newport attractions.

Ryan Amusement on Thames was a
kid-friendly break.

Dinner that evening was at The Mooring Restaurant, where reservations are definitely worth making in advance. The seafood was outstanding, and it was one of our favorite meals of the trip.

After dinner we wandered Thames Street again, eventually finding the colorful umbrella-lined Swinburne Row.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. A major summer rainstorm rolled in, soaking all of us before we hurried back to the shuttle and called it a night.

Umbrellas on a rainy day in Newport

Day 3: Cinnamon Rolls, Historic Taverns & Sunset at Castle Hill

Our morning started with one of Newport's most famous treats - a sourdough cinnamon roll from Co-Dough. Pair that with another nitro coffee from the Nitro Bar location at Equality Park, and I completely understood why people wait in line for both.

Co-dough sourdough cinnamon roll and nitro coffee drink

The kids wanted another round at Ryan's Arcade while Leanne enjoyed some shopping before we met for lunch at the iconic Clarke Cooke House.  I ordered the crab cake along with a classic Narragansett beer while soaking in the harbor views.

Lunch spot at Clarke Cooke House

Great Lunch spot at Clarke Cooke House

Dessert came next with frozen Del's Lemonade on America's Cup Avenue.

Yes...dessert before another pool break.

Frozen Lemonade on Dels

Later that afternoon we headed to White Horse Tavern, America's oldest operating restaurant, serving guests since 1673.  This ended up being my favorite dinner of the trip.  The bacon-wrapped scallops were incredible, and somehow my son managed to finish every bite of his beef Wellington. If you go, don't skip the famous "Candy Bar" dessert.

A fancier attire and vibe at White Horse Tavern

Because we had an early dinner reservation, we still had time to catch sunset at Castle Hill Inn.  Before settling in on the lawn, we took the short five-minute walk to Castle Hill Lighthouse.  Then we grabbed a set of Adirondack chairs overlooking Narragansett Bay. The chairs are first-come, first-served, so arriving early definitely helped.

Cocktails for the adults, Shirley Temples for the kids, sailboats drifting by, and one of the prettiest sunsets of the trip - it was the perfect way to end our final evening.

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Relaxing spot on Castle Hill Inn Lawn - chairs are first come

Waiters will come to you once you sit down for your drink order.

Day 4: One Last Newport Food Stop

Our last morning was spent packing, squeezing in one final swim, and making one final food stop before driving home.  We couldn't leave Newport without visiting Wally's Wieners, where we ordered the towering five-hot-dog and curly fry platter.  Milkshakes made the perfect finale before we hit the road back to New Hampshire.

Wally's Weiners was a great lunch spot!

Tips for Planning Your Newport Trip

• Make restaurant reservations: Some of Newport's most popular restaurants book up well in advance, especially during summer weekends.

• Visit midweek if possible: One of the best decisions we made was traveling Monday through Thursday. I'd seen videos of hour-long waits for Nitro Bar, Co-Dough, and restaurants around Bowen's Wharf. During our midweek visit, we experienced only short waits and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

• Take advantage of hotel shuttles: The complimentary shuttle from Wayfinder saved us both money and the hassle of finding parking downtown.

• Download mansion audio tours ahead of time: If you're traveling with kids, download the audio tour before you arrive and bring headphones. It makes the experience much smoother.

• Book tours early: We had hoped to take the Viking Trolley Tour during our stay, but it was already sold out by the time we looked. If it's on your list, reserve tickets ahead of time.

If you're traveling with kids...

• The hotel pool was absolutely worth it for afternoon downtime.
• Ryan's Amusement Arcade ended up being one of the highlights for both of my kids.
• Next time we'd love to visit the Audrain Automobile Museum and the Sailing Museum, which we just couldn't fit into this itinerary.
• If you're planning to watch sunset at Castle Hill, I'd also recommend bringing a deck of cards or a travel game for the kids. I brought a blanket so they had somewhere to sit on the lawn, and it worked perfectly while I soaked in the view.  

Final Thoughts

Newport completely exceeded my expectations.  I originally planned this trip because I wanted to immerse myself in the Gilded Age history, but I left realizing Newport is just as much a destination for families as it is for history lovers.

Whether you're touring opulent mansions, sailing past million-dollar yachts, eating incredible seafood, watching sunsets over Narragansett Bay, or simply letting kids burn off energy at the arcade and pool, Newport offers a little bit of everything.

It was the perfect mix of girls' getaway and family vacation - and I already know we'll be back.

Can't wait to go back to Newport!

Want More? Check out my instagram for video and read my blogs about similar trips here:

Family Weekend in NYC

Puerto Rico Family Vaca

3 Days in Key Largo

1 Week Girls Trip in Southern Florida

Newport Rhode Island - perfect four days

A Family Weekend in Downtown New York City

  

 Two years after our first trip to New York City with the kids - where we focused on Midtown classics like Central Park, Times Square, Broadway, and the American Museum of Natural History - we returned for a completely different adventure.

    This time, we based ourselves downtown and spent the weekend exploring history, food, and neighborhoods, with a visit to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the centerpiece of the trip.

Here’s how to recreate this easy and fun family weekend in NYC:

Friday Night: Arriving in Tribeca

    We arrived Friday evening and met up with my friend Lydia and her kids (check out her blog and instagram).  We were lucky enough to be able to stay with her parents in the Tribeca neighborhood. I was able to score free street parking (available here from Friday night through Monday morning). Parking rules in NYC can be confusing, but if you carefully read the signs and understand alternate side parking schedules, it’s possible to avoid expensive garages for a weekend.  After the drive down from New Hampshire, we settled in and called it an early night.

Saturday Morning: Bagels, Coffee, and Battery Park

    The next morning started the way every NYC morning should: bagels and coffee from a neighborhood shop just a short walk from the apartment.

    From there, we took a casual subway ride to the World Trade Center stop and walked down toward Battery Park. Along the way, we stopped at the National September 11 Memorial to show the kids the 9/11 Memorial pools and talk a little about the history of the site.

Subway "rides" are the kids favorite

9-11 Memorial is free to visit

    One thing that made navigating the city easier than our last visit: the subway system now allows tap-to-pay directly with a credit card or phone. No MetroCard needed - we simply tapped our cards at the turnstiles and went.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty

    We purchased ferry tickets about a week ahead of time and included access to the pedestal (“the base”) of the statue. If you’re planning a visit, make sure you book through the official ferry operator website since there are many confusing third-party ticket sites online. The official site is: Statue City Cruises

    Security before boarding feels very similar to airport security, so plan a little extra time for screening. Once onboard, the ferry was crowded on the beautiful spring day, but the excitement of approaching the statue from the water made it worth it. The ferry stops first at Liberty Island, where everyone disembarks.

Boarding the ferry

Climbing to the Pedestal

    Our first stop was the pedestal access. We decided to climb the stairs to the observation level instead of taking the elevator, and the kids loved the challenge. The views over the harbor and skyline were incredible.

    Afterward, we walked around the base of the statue and ate the lunch we had packed. Food options on the island are limited and expensive, so bringing lunch worked really well for our family.

    We also spent time in the museum, where the interpretive film was surprisingly engaging. The kids completed the Junior Ranger worksheet and earned badges, which added an interactive element to the visit.

A clear day!

Being sworn in as Jr rangers

View from the top of the pedestal

Ellis Island

    From Liberty Island, we boarded the ferry to Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and no additional ticket was required. At Ellis Island, we wandered through the historic immigration building, watched another museum film, and explored the exhibits and gift shop.
    One of my kids’ favorite small details of the day: collecting National Park passport stamps. At Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island - all separate National Park Service sites - they were able to add unique stamps to their books.
    By late afternoon, we took the ferry back to Battery Park and headed toward Chinatown.

Ellis Island Museum

Ice Cream, Sushi, and the High Line

    We made our way to Chinatown for ice cream at the iconic Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. The unique flavors and old-school feel made it a fun stop after a long day of sightseeing.
    For dinner, we grabbed Japanese food in Chelsea at Juban before heading to The High Line for an evening walk. The warm May weather made it the perfect way to wind down the day.

Waiting in line for ice cream in busy Chinatown

Busy night on the High Line

High Line Walk

Sunday: Dim Sum and Chinatown Wandering

    Sunday morning was intentionally slower. After a leisurely start, we headed to Golden Unicorn for dim sum. If you’ve never had dim sum, it’s a traditional Cantonese dining experience where servers bring around carts filled with small plates and dumplings to share. You pick dishes as they pass by your table - everything from pork buns and soup dumplings to sesame balls and sticky rice. It’s fast-paced, fun, and especially great for groups because everyone gets to try a little of everything.
    After brunch, we spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon wandering Chinatown - popping into shops, browsing markets, and soaking up the energy of the neighborhood before packing up and driving back to New Hampshire.

Steamed dumplings at Dim Sum

Chinatown

Soup dumplings were a hit

Tips for Recreating This Trip

• Book Statue of Liberty Tickets Carefully: There are many unofficial ticket sellers online. Use the official ferry operator:
  Statue City Cruises Official Tickets

• Subway Tip: NYC’s subway system now supports tap-to-pay with a credit card or phone through OMNY. No need to buy a MetroCard for a short trip.

• Learn more here:
  OMNY Subway Payment System

• Read Parking Signs Closely: Street parking can save a huge amount of money, but NYC parking signs are complicated. Double-check alternate side parking schedules, street cleaning rules, and meter hours before leaving your car.

• Pack Lunch for Liberty Island: Food options are limited and expensive at the Statue of Liberty, so packing snacks or lunch makes the day easier and more affordable with kids.

• Junior Ranger & National Park Passports: If your kids enjoy the National Parks program, bring their passports. Battery Park, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island each have their own stamp.

• Lanyards: I printed my kids emergency contact cards and put them on lanyards. Since they don't have smart watches or phones, this way - if they ever got separated from me, someone could call me. It's a strategy I use for student travel trips and brought peace of mind in the busy subway!

Chinatown street shopping

Read about similar experiences here:

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- Ogunquit Family Weekend

- Montreal Family Weekend