Top Picks for 2024: U.S. National Parks Gifts
There is literally nothing on this planet that gets me as excited as our National Parks. And after visiting more than a dozen, I am 100% hooked! If you have a friend or family member who is as much a fanatic for our nation’s beautiful parks, then look no further. Here are our favorite picks for U.S. National Parks Gifts.
Eventually, I would like to visit every single National Park in the US and buy one of every National Park gift in each gift shop. Okay, at least the first part of that is true.
Maybe you know some folks on your gift list that are just as crazy about those National Parks as I am, but you’re not quite sure how to track down the perfect gift that will really “wow” them. Well, it’s a good thing I’m here to help you out!
I am always keeping an eye out for great National Park gifts, and I have even created some of my own that you can take a look at below. Maybe I’m biased, but I really think you’re going to like what you see.
You’ve got things to do, so let’s jump straight into my list of Top Gifts for National Park Fanatics!
Top Gift Ideas for Anyone Who Loves U.S. National Parks
America The Beautiful National Parks Pass
Let me just say one thing as we kick off this list. There is no better gift you could give to one of us “Park nuts” than the gift of adventure! One of the great aspects of this annual pass as a gift is the simplicity of giving such a vast, enormous gift wrapped into one item.
With this card, your friend or loved one will have access to more than 2,000 recreation sites, including every single one of America’s amazing National Parks.
Officially, it’s called the America The Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The pass covers entrance fees and is valid for one year from the month of purchase.
VETERANS AND SENIORS
Note that if your gift recipient is a veteran, you will want to continue browsing our list. Veterans are granted free access to national parks and other federal lands! Note that if your gift recipient is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident aged 62 or older, they may be eligible for a Lifetime Access Pass or a Senior Pass. Check out the details before deciding on this as a gift for seniors because identification is required to be eligible for these special passes.
Fun National Park Socks
These socks come in a variety of designs, from Grand Teton to Joshua Tree to Glacier National Park (my favorite), among others. The version we display below are designed for women, but never fear, we also found some great sock designs for men.
Scratch Off Wall Print
This scratch off print is a really fun idea. It allows the user to display their adventure travels in a unique way. After they visit a park, they can scratch off the gold cover to reveal a picturesque image representing that park.
They can even put this scratch off print in a windowless frame and hang it on the wall of their RV. That would allow someone to continue scratching off each individual park as they dream of visiting all 63 national parks.
This is an inexpensive gift and a perfect way to help your friend highlight their passion for the parks. I will be adding this one to my wish list!
16" x 20"
Comprehensive National Parks Travel Guide
I don’t know of any National Park enthusiasts who are “elitists” and not interested in any other public lands, monuments and historic sites. It’s pretty much one big ball of wax for us, and we are interested in visiting (and protecting) all of our public lands.
This great resource gives you a look at over 400 different locations of natural and historic significance around the country. It will provide very useful and interesting facts about each spot in addition to details pertinent to a visit. Extremely useful and interesting all around!
This 544-page guide covers over 400 parks, monuments, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, recreation areas, and seashores.
National Parks Wall Calendar
Well, they do say that a picture is worth a thousand words. So when you couple the awesome info in that previous book with the images in this calendar, you’ve got a match made in heaven. The perfect 1-2 punch for that special person in your life who just can’t get enough of our National Parks.
But I will say that this gift will stand on its own just fine. You will certainly receive a great reaction from any recipient as they flip through the breathtaking photographs.
Published by National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's National Parks, this wall calendar is filled with incredible photographs of our nation's magnificent parks.
National Parks of America Puzzle
Everybody loves a puzzle! I have some pretty vivid memories of holidays where the entire family chipped away at a puzzle together…but nothing as cool as this one! For me, this puzzle really captures the essence of the National Park experience and I am certain I would have a blast putting it all together.
At 1,000 pieces, it should provide several hours of fun and reminiscing about parks visited and memories made. I love it!
1000-piece puzzle featuring colorful illustrations and map markings of the U.S. National Parks. Finished puzzle measures 27” x 20”.
Lightweight and Durable Travel Daypack
Listen, you can’t get out to visit a National Park without a solid backpack to carry your gear and keep you out of trouble out on the trails. For most of us, a daypack like this 35 liter backpack is just about the perfect size to hold all of the necessities for a good day hike.
This one is ultra-lightweight and able to be packed up into a small pouch when not in use. Looks to me like it has all of the features I would be looking for in an “adventure pack” for the parks!
Durable and packable backpack for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.Available in a variety of colors.
National Parks Postcard Collection
This pack of beautiful postcards contains a full set of all 63 National Parks. The pictures are amazing. Suggest to your friend receiving this gift that they can use them to create a mini journal. With each visit to a park, write the date, time, temperature and names of friends or family in the travel group. I like to write about my favorite hiking trail and any wildlife sightings.
These are also an amazing, inexpensive option for decorating the walls in an RV kitchen, a dorm room, or a small apartment. Plus, you may benefit from this gift if you receive a lovely note from your friend or family while they’re on the road!
Each card measures 4" x 6".
Comfortable Tee Shirt
If you’ve read much at all on this site, you probably have some clue that I am a HUGE fan of Glacier National Park. I love all of the parks for one reason or another, but Glacier is it. Whether your loved one has visited this park or not, this is the perfect gift. If they haven’t visited yet, it’s the perfect reminder that they HAVE to visit this park as soon as possible.
Glacier is the gold standard in National Parks. Period. Give them the shirt that will pull them in that direction.
Fodor’s Travel Guide
If your intended recipient is most likely to find plenty of parks to keep them occupied in the Western portion of the US, this may be the ideal option for you. Especially if they live in the West, they may have little desire to drive to see the parks in the East just yet. Because believe me, there is PLENTY to see in the West. No doubt.
So give them a gift that goes more in depth on the parks that they are most likely to visit in the near future. They will be wowed for sure!
Includes colorful illustrations and photographs, itineraries, detailed maps, and recommendations from local residents.
100 Parks 5,000 Ideas
Filled with helpful travel tips and beautiful National Geographic photography, this expert guide showcases the best experiences in the top national, state, and city parks throughout North America.
In the sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 ideas, National Geographic turns to the United States’ and Canada’s most pristine–and adventure-filled–national, state, and city parks with 5,000 ideas for the ultimate vacation.
Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
National Parks of the USA Push Pin Map
Ah, the classic red push pins. That’s what you’ve got with this higher end gift option that allows your loved one to place a red push pin on every National Park that they are able to visit, while also keeping their eye on the next “targets” on their list.
It’s like a pictorial bucket list that will serve them for many years to come! Be the best gift giver ever with this beautiful and thoughtful gift option.
Waterproof Nature and Outdoor Stickers
Ok, so this isn’t EXACTLY related to the National Parks…but it’s an awesome set of 50 stickers for the “Outdoor Enthusiast”. These are perfect for decking out a laptop, a water bottle, a car window, or anything else where they can express their love for the outdoors.
It’s priced nice and low so this could just be a simple “add on” gift to one of these other options on the list. A super fun addition to give them a creative outlet!
50-piece collection of waterproof, vinyl stickers with outdoor images.
Which National Park Gifts are a Perfect Choice for You?
You’ve got quite a list to choose from right there, my friend. I hope that you’ll be able to find the right gift, or combination of gifts, to let that special someone know that you care. I promise that your effort to help them indulge their desire for exploration and adventure will mean the world to them.
If you’ve found any other awesome gifts that represent our nation’s beautiful national parks, let us know! We love hearing from our readers and you can easily leave your recommendations and suggestions in the comments box below. We just might add your ideas to this list!
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Todd loves a competitive game of table tennis, a breathtaking hike, and exploring new places. He lived and traveled in an RV with his family as they traveled throughout much of the US and parts of Canada. Todd has extensive knowledge about RV travel, safety, and accessories and has shared many of his stories here on TREKKN. When he’s not busy launching and building small businesses, you may find him staring at pictures of Glacier National Park (probably his favorite spot on earth).
