Its about that time of year again!!! We’re kicking off our annual Christmas Guides with one for the Nature Nerds & Wild Explorers out there.
***Please remember that I do not buy all of these things for my children. Nope. Not even close.***
1. KANKEN: We are big fans of these Kanken backpacks. Each of the boys has one and they have survived numerous road trips, plane trips and nature hikes. They’ve been fully submerged in ocean water, caught in torrential downpours and hoisted up trees and probably even a few rooftops. These little packs are scrappy and easy to clean. We haven’t had to buy new backpacks since investing in these.
If you go for the nature pack, here are some useful items to place inside…
– Rite in the Rain: These little waterproof notebooks are the best. Yes, they really are waterproof. I’ve accidentally sent them through the laundry a time or two and they came out looking perfect! The boys have used them for a few years now and they come in handy on nature hikes. They also use them for all their rascally boy plans and carry them on all out outings.
– A compact knot tying kit.
-A Swiss Army Knife
– Specimen cases (this size has met the majority of our needs)
–Survival bracelet or even a kit (Survival Kit)
-A small microfiber travel towel (always hands on water exploration days!)
-a little inspirational reading material
-a bush craft guide
–slingshot and a bag of dried beans for practice.
-the best and loudest whistle out there (it saved our bacon once or twice!)
–Binoculars
-a life straw
–Bug Loupe
–a hammock
This may sound terribly obvious, but just in case….
You can also gift them climate appropriate adventure gear for your area. We bought wet suits this year and the boys loved getting to snorkel in the colder channels near the mangroves in early spring. Rain boots or jackets, thicker coats, wet suits, breathable shirts, wherever you life, consider getting one solid set of adventure gear for the kids.
Other Nature Nerd Gifts…
2. Catch and Release Aquarium has been a faithful companion on all our greatest beach adventures.
3. Window Bird Feeders. Oh the joy!
4. Tell the kids you’ll be studying nature all year long! Thats a gift on so many levels.
5. Nature Books
6. Already in a nature group? Consider making a Shutterfly book or other scrapbook for your children, filled with photos of all your adventures. Decorate with stickers or have the group sign each other’s books. Children love these kinds of mementos.
7. Nature themed Board Games
-Bug Bingo (or Bird Bingo)
–Butterfly Wings Matching Game
8. A little adventure in your own backyard…
9. Family Memberships to a zoo, botanical garden, science museum etc.
10. Plan a special road trip to a nearby national park! (Did you know that 4th graders have a special offer from National Parks? Check it out!)
Last but not least….
Subscribe to Wild Explorers! My boys loved going through the Wild Explorers adventure club program, earning badges and completing assignments. The monthly magazine is still a highlight each month!
** Affiliate Links are used in this guide**
farmhouseschoolhouse.com 
Thank you SO MUCH for compiling these lists! Our wish list are full of your finds! (And every time I notice someone asking for gift suggestions in the AYOPS Facebook group, I send them here!)
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