Gear

The Best Gifts for National Park Lovers

Posted by
Amy Jurries
January 07, 2024

National Park blanket
Photo: Amy Jurries

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Our national parks were America’s best idea. Celebrate the national park lover in your life with any one of these unique national park gifts. 

Welcome to the great outdoors, where the beauty of nature meets the joy of gift-giving! If you have a nature lover or adventure enthusiast in your life, you’re in for a treat as we explore ten of the best national parks-inspired gifts. From cozy blankets that transport you to the heart of Yosemite to stylish apparel that lets you carry the spirit of the Grand Canyon wherever you go, we’ve curated a collection that celebrates the majesty of our nation’s treasures. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone who simply appreciates the wonders of the wild, our guide has you covered with unique and thoughtful items that blend functionality with a touch of wilderness magic.

But we haven’t stopped at just the basics. Our list goes beyond the expected, featuring pet beds and accessories that allow your furry friends to join in the adventure. Picture your pup lounging in a Yellowstone-themed bed—because nature-inspired fashion isn’t just for humans! So, whether you’re on the hunt for a practical gift like a durable wallet for those everyday adventures or stylish sunglasses that shield your eyes in Rocky Mountain style, we’ve scoured the market to bring you the best of the best. 

Let the gift-giving journey begin, as we navigate through a wilderness of possibilities to find the perfect national parks treasures for your loved ones.

 

1. Rumpl National Parks Original Puffy Blanket

Rumpl National Park blanket
Photo courtesy of Rumpl

The Original Puffy Blanket from Rumpl is more than just a blanket—it’s an adventure companion. Rumpl’s National Parks collection of puffy blankets celebrates the beauty and diversity of America’s national parks. Warm, cozy, and durable, each blanket features a stunning design inspired by a specific park, such as Grand Teton, Yosemite, or Zion.

The blanket is made of 100% recycled materials, saving up to 60 plastic bottles per blanket from hitting the landfill. It has a water-resistant and stain-resistant shell that can handle rough rocks and dirt with ease and the hollow-fiber synthetic insulation provides warmth and comfort in chilly temperatures. The blanket is lightweight and packable, fitting into a small sleeve that you can easily carry or store. Integrated loops at each corner mean you can stake the blanket out or secure it to Rumpl’s Everywhere Mat for added comfort and ground protection. A small clip lets you wear the blanket as a cape to become your own national park superhero.

The Rumpl National Park blanket is not only functional, but also stylish and meaningful. The design reflects the colors and patterns of the natural landscapes, creating a visual connection between you and the park. The blanket also supports the conservation efforts of the National Park Foundation, as Rumpl donates 1% of its revenue to this organization.

Buy at Backcountry

 

2. Swiftwick National Parks Socks 

Swiftwick national park socks
Photo courtesy of Swiftwick

The VISION Impression National Parks Collection from Swiftwick is a creative line of socks with high-performance features that let you rep your favorite national park on your feet. Whether you are hiking, biking, or just relaxing, these socks will keep you comfortable and stylish.

The Swiftwick National Park socks are made with high-quality fibers that wick moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry, cool and blister-free. They also have a thin channeled upper that provides ventilation and breathability, a seamless toe box that eliminates friction, a Y-shaped heel that prevents slipping, and an arch band that supports your foot shape and keeps the sock in place.

But what makes these socks really stand out are the 360° prints of some of North America’s most treasured national parks. Created in partnership with Anderson Design Group, a local Nashville business, these prints capture the beauty and nostalgia of park visits with a vintage poster style. You can choose from a variety of designs, including Acadia, Glacier, Mt. Rainier, Death Valley, Olympic, Bryce Canyon, Jasper, Banff, Yellowstone, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Arches, Rocky Mountains, and Grand Teton.

The Swiftwick National Park socks are not only stylish and comfortable, but also sustainable and charitable. They are made in the USA from 100% recycled, responsible, or renewable fibers. They also support the work of the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks.

Buy at Backcountry

 

3. Pendleton National Park Pet Napper

national Park dog bed
Photo courtesy of Pendleton

Looking for a present for your dog? Get ready for a case of the zoomies when Fido sees his new Pendleton National Park Pet Napper. This dog bed is soft, cozy and durable, and will serve your pet well for years to come. Available in a wide variety of styles (Zion, Olympic, Grand Canyon, Acadia, Badlands, Crater Lake, Yellowstone, and Glacier) to match the decor of your home, the iconic national park stripe design is beautiful and vibrant, reflecting the stunning scenery of each national park it represents. 

The polyester polar fleece cover is both warm and comfortable, with a cotton canvas backing that is sturdy and easy to clean—the cover is removable and machine washable, adding a nice level of convenience. The dog bed’s high-loft polyester fill provides good support for your dog’s joints and spine. This well-made, stylish and functional gift for your dog comes in four different sizes.

Buy at Amazon

 

4. Thread National Parks Wallet

Thread Wallet
Photo courtesy of Thread

A great gift for only $20, the Thread National Parks Wallet is a minimalist yet functional wallet with the capacity to hold up to 8 cards and some cash. Made from a combination of leather and a durable elastic material, the stylish wallet is lightweight with a slim profile to easily fit in your jeans or coat pocket. A D-ring enables you to attach a set of keys or secure the wallet to a lanyard, while an RFID secure pocket keeps your digits safe from possible theft. 

Designed by the ultra-talented Jonah Stowe of Stowe Collective, the line of wallets features iconic images from four different national parks, including Arches, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite, to help you feel closer to nature and remind you of your love for the outdoors as you go about your everyday life.

Buy at Public Lands

 

5. Parks Project x Public Lands National Parks Nalgene

water bottle
Photo courtesy of Parks Project

Support a great cause as you sip from the durable and eco-friendly Parks Project Nalgene. Nalgenes are the original outdoor water vessel, but this one adds a bit more style to the brand’s notorious durability.

The 32-ounce water bottle is made of BPA-free plastic that is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The wide mouth makes it easy to fill or clean and fits most filtration devices for clean water in the backcountry. A screw-on, leak-proof lid ensures you won’t end up with a wet backpack. Unlike double-wall, vacuum-sealed water bottles by brands like Hydroflask or Yeti, this Nalgene only weighs a handful of ounces. Sure, it won’t insulate your water, but the featherweight design is still a favorite for hikers and backpackers looking to shoulder lighter loads.

Buy at Public Lands

 

6. Goodr National Park Sunglasses

Goodr national park sunglasses
Photo courtesy of Goodr

Show your appreciation for nature and have some fun in the sun with a pair of the Goodr National Parks sunglasses. This collection of nine pairs of polarized shades is inspired by some of the most beautiful places in America, such as Zion, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. 

The Zion National Park sunglasses, for example, come with a brown frame and a yellow lens that mimic the colors of the sandstone cliffs and the sun. Comfortable and lightweight, they fit snugly on your face without slipping or bouncing. The lens quality is excellent, and they provide a clear and crisp vision without any glare or distortion. 

Each pair comes with custom packaging that features a map of the park and some fun facts. The sunglasses are perfect for hiking, biking, or just enjoying the scenery. They also look stylish and cool, and they match well with any outfit. 

Buy at Public Lands

 

7.  The Landmark Project National Parks T-Shirt

Death Valley t shirt
Photo courtesy of The Landmark Project

Any national park lover on your list will be thrilled to receive a National Parks T-shirt from The Landmark Project. These high-quality cotton graphic tees feature stunning designs of some of the most iconic landscapes in the US, such as Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon, and more. 

The sustainable t-shirts are soft, comfortable, and durable, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. They also have a tagless label and a printed care instruction to avoid irritation. By wearing these t-shirts, you are not only expressing your appreciation for the natural beauty of the country, but also helping to preserve it for future generations as the company partners with conservancy organizations to support their vital work, making a tangible impact on the environment.

Buy at Backcountry

 

8. National Geographic Secrets of the National Parks

Secrets of the National Parks book

Love the national parks but often feel like you are missing out on some of the hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences these places offer? Then check out National Geographic’s book on the Secrets Of The National Parks which features 32 amazing parks across the US and reveals the best spots and activities that most tourists don’t know about.

The book is divided into four regions: East, Southwest & Rockies, Pacific, and Alaska & Hawaii. Each park has a brief introduction, a map, and a list of highlights, followed by detailed descriptions of the recommended trails, viewpoints, wildlife encounters, and cultural attractions. The book also includes tips from park rangers and local guides, as well as stunning photographs that capture the beauty and diversity of these natural wonders.

The book introduces you to lesser-known and equally fascinating aspects that you might otherwise have overlooked. For example, did you know that Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley is home to many of the park’s wolf packs, that the Everglades’ Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail is the domain of the pink flamingo, and that Yosemite’s Snow Creek Trail offers astounding views of Half Dome and Tenaya Canyon? The book will also inspire you to visit some lesser-known parks such as Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota and Haleakala in Hawaii.

Buy at Amazon

 

9. Arcade National Parks Belt

national park betls
Photo courtesy of Arcade

The Arcade National Parks belt offers a comfortable, stretchy, and stylish way to secure the outdoor pants or jeans of those who lead an active lifestyle. The low-profile belt buckle won’t dig into your stomach when you bend over or sit down, and as it’s made of plastic, you won’t have to remove it at airport security. 

The belt is made from a durable recycled polyester that is machine washable. The variety of patch artwork on the series of belts is inspired by the iconic national parks of Glacier, Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Joshua Tree. This unique and eye-catching belt will be sure to get plenty of compliments from your friends. 

Buy at Amazon

 

10. Yukon Charlie’s National Park Snowshoe Kit

Yukon Charlie snowshoe kit
Photo courtesy of Yukon Charlie

You read that correctly: even snowshoers can pay homage to our beautiful national parks. With a design inspired by the winter terrain in our national parks, the Yukon Charlie’s National Park Snowshoe Kit includes snowshoes, poles, and a travel bag for easy transport to the trailhead. The V-shape construction of the ultra-strong aluminum snowshoe frame allows for a natural stride, with an easy-pull binding system that makes the snowshoes quick and easy to get on and off.

A plate beneath the ball of your foot sits on an axle to help the forged steel toe crampons dig into different types of snow and slope angles for added stability and traction on sketchy or uneven terrain. The snowshoes also have an integrated heel lift that when activated, helps reduce calf fatigue on steeper slopes. The poles are adjustable with trekking and snow baskets that can be switched depending on the terrain and the durable travel bag comes with a shoulder strap for easy carry.

The snowshoe kit is available in four different sizes to ensure they offer enough surface area to match your weight and keep you afloat. 

Buy at Amazon

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