Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means that many people are currently scrambling to shop and make dinner reservations. If your ‘better half’ has a love for camping, hiking and all things outdoors, we’ve got you covered! Check out these outdoorsy Valentine’s Day gifts for the camping lover in your life…
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I am going to start by being honest, I have never been one to buy into the Valentine’s Day hype. A holiday that is supposed to encourage us to share our love with the important people in our lives has quickly become a commercial nightmare. Each year we find ourselves face to face with advertisements asking whether our Valentine’s Day plans are big enough, expensive enough or elaborate enough to ‘show your spouse that you care’.
However, I married a romantic. What does that mean for me? I am now discovering how to embrace a holiday that I have gone out of my way to avoid for most of my life (we’ve been married for a few years now, but I’m still working on it lol). Anyone else out there struggling with this? I know I’m not alone!
One of the best changes that I made was to shift my thinking – I didn’t need to plan a candlelit dinner with a bouquet of roses in the middle of the table and buy him the most expensive gift on the market to show that I cared. In fact, I didn’t’ have to get behind those generic gifts at all!
The best gifts for any holiday – Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Christmas – are those that show you know your spouse well. I’m not saying there is no place for the usual jewellery and chocolates – if that’s what your ‘special someone’ loves, go for it! However, if that’s not their thing, find something that is.
In our house, we’re not as big into the material items that are often showcased this time of year. I don’t wear a lot of jewellery, I like my flowers outside in the garden as opposed to in a vase on my table and we’d rather eat a meal cooked over a campfire then head out to a 5-star restaurant that’s packed with people for Valentine’s Day. It’s not to say that we don’t embrace love and romance, but we do it in our own nature-loving way.
That doesn’t mean we have to push Valentine’s Day aside!
Rather than buying a traditional gift this season, why not search for outdoorsy Valentine’s Day gifts that will speak to our individual interests and our interests as a couple? The following gift suggestions range from physical gifts to experiences, each designed with a camping/hiking lover in mind. These are sure to bring a smile to the face of outdoor travellers everywhere!
Check Out These 14 Outdoorsy Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Camping Lover in Your Life:
#1 – Camping Getaway for Two
The most obvious choice for this list – why not plan a weekend away for Valentine’s Day? The weather is still chilly this time of year, but there are many great Winter Camping opportunities available! If you and your significant other are more adventurous, you could head out with a tent for the weekend. After all, you’ll generate plenty of body heat snuggling up together, right?
If you’re looking for something that isn’t quite that hardcore, why not rent a cute cabin for the weekend. You can still get out and enjoy the great outdoors hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc., but with the luxury of a warm cabin to return to. What’s more romantic than curling up next to that special someone in front of the fire? It’s like a scene straight out of a movie!
#2 – A Picnic Gift Basket
This is one of those gifts that you give now but, depending on your personal preferences, you may not make use of it until a little later in the year when the temperatures start to warm up. That being said, a winter picnic can also be a lot of fun if you’re dressed appropriately. Especially if you’re enjoying your picnic next to a warm campfire!
While there are many different styles of picnic baskets available on the market today, my favourite is a backpack style. The backpacks have one compartment holding all of your dishes and utensils and a second insulated compartment for food. The best picnic backpacks also include a wine bottle holder and a blanket, meaning that everything you need is conveniently packed up and ready to carry on your back. This makes it easy to take a short hike together to a more private backcountry picnic spot.
Don’t forget to include your favourite bottle of wine for that extra special romantic touch.
Apollo Walker Picnic Backpack Bag for 2 – $40.98 USD
#3 – Sleeping Gear Overhaul
For those of us who have been camping for a significant length of time, our sleeping gear is often some of the oldest and most worn gear that we own. Why? It’s not exposed to the elements and therefore tends to last longer. That isn’t to say we wouldn’t enjoy a new set up, but we often prioritize items like our tent (obviously), rain gear, hiking boots, etc. first as they keep us safe from everything that the natural world throws our way. However, there’s no denying that a good night’s sleep is a make it or break it for a successful camping trip!
Why not spoil your significant other a little with a new sleeping set up? For those that prefer backcountry camping, you will need to take the portability of your gear into consideration. If you’re more interested in car camping, you can take it a step further, creating a ‘bedroom’ feel in your tent if you so desire.
If you camp with your significant other regularly and openly discuss your gear preferences, you likely already know what style of camping they prefer. If not, you might have to do a little digging… While some campers like to feel as though they are snuggling into a full-fledged bed, others like a more ‘rustic’ experience. Worst-case scenario, if you can’t decipher your spouse’s preferences, pick up something simple like a special wool camping blanket and include a gift card saying that it is to ‘pick out your perfect sleeping set up together’. That will give the shopping experience a romantic twist!
Coleman All-Terrain Plus Double High Airbed Queen Size – $97.06 USD
Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed with Side Tables and Battery-Operated Pump – $116.99 USD
KingCamp Double Sleeping Air Mattress Pad with Built-In Foot Pump – $49.99 USD
Teton Sports Mammoth Queen-Size Sleeping Bag – $139.99 USD
Arcturus Military Wool Blanket 64” x 88” – $35 USD
#4 – Share an Outdoor Activity
For those that already go camping together regularly and have all the gear they could imagine wanting, you might need to think outside the box a little. Why not take some time to consider the activities that you enjoy while you’re out camping. Remember, keeping the Valentine’s Day theme in mind and trying to take a more romantic spin, you may want to stick with something that can be done as a couple. Some ideas including snowshoeing, canoeing/kayaking, fishing or hiking.
Depending on the activity, you can either book an excursion and gift your loved one that booking or create a gift basket with the gear. Either way, include a sweet card explaining that you look forward to experiencing this together.
If your loved one has always dreamed of trying white water rafting, why not book a getaway this year?
Have you always talked about kayaking or snowshoeing at your favourite park together? Create a little gift basket including all the gear that you need to head out and enjoy it.
Enkeeo All-Terrain Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Snow Shows – Starting at $69.99 USD
Intex Challenger 2-Person Inflatable Kayak Set – $85 USD
#5 – Book Their Dream Camping Trip
If you’re struggling to find those perfect outdoorsy Valentine’s day gifts, a trip as a couple is always a great idea. But what if you’re not in the mood to head out camping during the winter months? Rather than focusing on booking a trip in the immediate future, why not plan for something big later in the season? Most parks will allow you to book well in advance. For example, the Ontario Provincial Parks are available to be booked 5 months in advance. Take a moment to consider locations that your significant other has mentioned wanting to visit but never had the opportunity and make that dream a reality! While it may not seem like much handing them a card with their booking details and a picture of the park contained within, it will mean the world to an outdoor travel lover!
#6 – A Hammock Built for Two
There are few things as relaxing when kicking back at the campsite than the opportunity to kick back in a hammock and take in the beauty of the world around you. This can easily be made into a more romantic experience by opting for a double hammock, curling up with your spouse and relaxing together – especially if you do so with a glass of your favourite wine in hand. Can you picture it?
If you really want to gift the full experience, create a small gift basket including the double hammock, a bottle of your favourite wine and a couple of plastic or stainless-steel wine glasses with lids. Why lids? How romantic would it be if one of you ended up wearing your wine in the process of climbing into the hammock? Better safe than sorry…
Wise Owl Outfitters Double Hammock with Tree Straps – $37.95 USD
Tru Blu Steel Outdoor Vacuum Insulated Wine Tumblers with Lids (Set of 2) – $21.97 USD
#7 – Valentine’s Day Hike
If you’re looking for something a little more low key or budget-friendly, why not plan a hiking trip for Valentine’s Day this year. There are many incredible trails around the globe just waiting to be explored, you just need to find something close enough for a day trip.
If you’re not familiar with the trails in your area, check out the AllTrails app! This is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, making it accessible to anyone. Opening the app, you can browse trails nearby, read the reviews of other hikers and see their pictures of the area.
#8 – Romantic Campsite Overhaul in a Box
This is another idea that involves looking ahead to the camping season, whatever that may hold for you. Close your eyes for a moment and picture enjoying a romantic dinner together at the campsite. What does your campsite look like? Now, take this image and create a gift basket that will allow you to create it the next time that you head out camping together.
Some ideas include romantic lighting ideas such as a set of solar panel or battery-operated string lights or torches, a nice camp-friendly tablecloth for your picnic table, stainless steel or plastic wine glasses (see option #6) and an outdoor Bluetooth speaker for romantic music. Remember: this is a very personal thing. One couple may love romantic music while another prefers radio-free camping, and that’s okay! Roll with what feels right for YOU and don’t worry about the opinions of others (as long as you’re being respectful of those camping around you).
If you’re including a Bluetooth speaker for romantic music, don’t forget to make a playlist to go with it!
Irecey Solar Powered String Lights – $17.88 USD
Zoutog Battery Operated String Lights – $15.99 USD
Deco Home Outdoor Garden Torch – $29.99 USD
Altec Lansing Mini LifeJacket Jolt Bluetooth Speaker – $79.99 USD
#9 – Coffee Lover’s Gift Basket (with a Camping Twist)
Is your loved one a coffee addict? Does caffeine flow freely through their veins? No judgement here, I’m sure many (including my husband) would argue that I fall into this category! If so, here’s a simple and cost-effective gift idea that will speak directly to their heart. Put together a gift basket with their favourite coffee, some non-breakable mugs for the campsite and a coffee cone brewer. After all, what says love more than a hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning?
Be prepared: You may be expected to make the coffee as part of this deal!
Brovino Stainless Steel Coffee Mugs with Lid (Set of 2) – $17.97 USD
Goodiez Metal Drip Coffee Cone Brewer Pour Over – $15.99 USD
#10 – Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Dog-Mom/Dog-Dad
There is a special group of campers/hikers that always have their furry friends by their side – a group that I am proud to say that I am part of. If you’re shopping for a dog lover, why not include one of the things that matter most in their lives? Their dogs! So, let’s talk about outdoorsy Valentine’s Day gifts with a fun ‘dog’ twist!
Few things speak to my heart the way that my pups do. Therefore, the quickest way to my heart is to include them in the mix. If you’re looking to stick with the outdoor travel theme for the campers and hikers in your life, why not pick up some gear that they can use when taking their dogs out on the trails? Ideas include a hands-free leash, dog seat covers for their vehicle, dog food travel sets, dog toys to play with while camping or a dog bed for their pet(s) to curl up next to them in the tent at night. The sky’s the limit!
Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Dog Leash – $22.97 USD
Vailge Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover – $32.94 USD
Top Dog Travel Bag Including Food Storage Containers and Collapsible Bowls – $39.99 USD
#11 – Snuggle Up on A Loveseat Style Camp Chair
What is your loved one’s favourite part of the camping experience? If the answer is spending time by the fireside, roasting marshmallows and watching the flames, then this gift idea is for you! Rather than sitting in your own individual camp chairs near the fire, why not curl up together and add that spark of romance with a loveseat style camp chair? You can add an extra special ‘camping’ touch by including a set of marshmallow sticks and the supplies to make smores!
Coleman Quattro Lax Double Quad Chair – $43.79 USD
MalloMe Premium Marshmallow Roasting Sticks (Set of 8) – $21.99 USD
#12 – Don’t Forget the Basics!
I can’t put together an ‘Outdoorsy Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Camping Lover in Your Life’ list without bringing it back to the basics for a moment. If your significant other is a big camping lover, take a step back and consider whether there is something necessary for their outdoor adventures that they are currently in need of. I’m not talking about the frills, that’s what the other points on this list were referring to. Instead, look at the basic needs of a camper.
Is it time for a new tent? Did their favourite propane stove quit working last season? Have they talked about needing new tarps before they kick off the 2020 camping season?
This may not be the most ‘romantic’ gift on the list, but for those who truly love spending all their free time outdoors, it shows that you’re listening. If this is what brings them happiness, remove any obstacles that may prevent them from getting out there and enjoying it as often as their schedule will allow. That, to me, is a clear sign of true love!
#13 – Personalized Camping Sign
A big trend that caught my eye at the Ontario Parks in 2019 was the number of people who had a personalized sign that they would place by (or on) their site posts or place near (or hang off) their trailers/RVs. Some of these signs include funny little sayings, the names of the family members, pets’ names, the name they assigned to their trailer/RV and even the location that they come from. They can be made from wood, tin, or even fabric flags. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you!
Personalized Humourous Metal Camp Sign – $16.99 USD
Retro Camp Trailer Personalized Campsite Flag – $29.99 USD
#14 – Valentine’s Day for the Family
Who says that Valentine’s Day is just about the couple? If your family has grown, you may no longer focus that much on the ‘romantic’ side of the holiday, and that’s okay! Why not explore some fun family-friendly Valentine’s Day options. Sticking with the ‘Outdoorsy Valentine’s Day Gifts’ theme, why not pick up something that can be enjoyed by the whole family while at the campsite. There are many great outdoor games and activities that are fun for kids of all ages, encouraging the family to spend time together. By picking up the necessary supplies, this is a great way to encourage that quality family time.
Another idea would be to plan an outdoors-themed vacation to celebrate the holidays. If you’re looking for a shorter time commitment, you could plan a family hiking trip. On the other hand, if you would like to plan a weekend trip away, why not book a yurt or cabin for the weekend and make it a family trip? You could bring along Valentine’s Day themed crafts and snacks to play up the theme further.
Obuby Walkie Talkies for Kids – $19.99 USD
Prextex 3 in 1 Carnival Outdoor games Combo Set – $21.99 USD
What was the best gift that you’ve ever received and why does it stand out? If you have any other ideas for fun outdoorsy Valentine’s Day gifts, feel free to share them in the comments below!
I’ve also never really cared for the Valentine’s hype. I don’t think me and my partner are even going to bother doing something specific for Valentine’s Day, and we’re not doing gifts or cards, unless theirs something one of us really wants
We are HUGE camping addicts so I think I’m just going to use this as an excuse to indulge in that further. We don’t have any trips planned until April, but we can start getting things ready and gift each other some of the gear we’ve been eyeing up for the season!
I’m definitely not a camping fan but I like the idea of a cabin break for two. Although Flora would kick off big time if she were left behind so perhaps a cabin break for the family instead. Really good idea, Britt, thank you, it would make a refreshing change from our usual getaways, I’ll have to look into it – happy Valentines to you and yours btw 🙂
There really is something magical about heading to a cabin during the winter – we’ve been looking into renting a pet-friendly one and heading there with the dogs at some point 🙂
These are the best Valentine’s gift ideas I’ve seen! Thank you.
Thank you!
These are wonderful ideas. Getting outdoors is so enjoyable without the need to spend a lot of money for a memorable time together. I’ve never been camping but I, definitely, have to give it a try. It just sounds like a wonderful experience. Thanks for the nudge.
That’s the best part – once you have the gear necessary, it really is a cheap vacation. However, it doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. Instead, I find it SO relaxing and it’s a great way to center our minds and prepare ourselves to handle all that life throws our way.
Great ideas and do different.
Thanks
Ahh a camping getaway sounds so good! Or a picnic. Definitely something I didn’t do in a long time and need to!
I am definitely counting down to our first camping trip of the season. I couldn’t convince my husband to do it this year, but I’m hoping I can talk him into winter camping next year!
Very neat ideas. These are very sweet and romantic ??
Thank you!
Great ideas! My husband loves the outdoors more then me but all for clamping! Just not fond of sleeping on the ground!
You can create your own ‘glamping’ experience with a nice camp cot and a big enough tent! I have even seen people bring little folding tables the side of a side table and create a ‘bedroom set’ in their tent!
I am lucky that my wife is not a big fan of Valentine’s Day and always says that you should feel the way you do on Valentine’s Day all the time. We’re not big celebrators of the day but have done a couple of these things. We purchased a picnic basket years ago and use it on a regular basis. I would be way more into camping then my wife would but she would absolutely do a cabin and anything that involves our dogs for sure! I will run some of these ideas by her and see how it goes.
We are super excited because the Ontario Parks have decided to designate a limited number of their cabins and yurts as dog-friendly starting April 1st. We have always wanted to go stay in a yurt in the winter, but refuse to go without the pups. We’ll definitely be looking at booking one this year!
Some such lovely ideas here. I dream of all of these but not sure my husband would agree to any of them hahaha! Love the idea of the coffee bundle though, that could change his mind:)
I think that coffee bundle would be enough to change any coffee lover’s mind! lol
Great suggestions! I’m not the most otdoorsy person but the idea of a hike and picnic sounds lovely. I’ve never really been one to make a big deal out of Valentine’s so I like that a lot of these suggestions aren’t OTT x
Sophie
We definitely aren’t big into the over the top Valentine’s Day plans that you see plastered on social media trying to convince people to spend more lol I’d much rather hit the trails with the pups to celebrate 🙂
I really love these outdoorsy Valentines day gifts. My husband would love the coffee lover’s gift basket. I will have to check out those stainless steal mugs with the lids. I’d really love to go camping soon. Thank you for sharing these awesome gift ideas.
We LOVE our camp mugs – Especially the fact that they can stand up to ANYTHING. Trust me, I’ve tested it on our many adventures lol
Love the hammock for two! We’re off camping soon so might have to get one!
We each have our own hammocks right now – They are both capable of holding 2 but I tend to use mine more often for myself and my German Shepherd mix while my husband curls up with his Flat-Coated Retriever? Is that bad? Hahaha
I love these ideas Britt! We need to go camping this year! I think the kids would love it!
It is SO much fun – we go with our nieces each summer and I LOVE watching the kids out playing in nature, using their imagination and stepping away from our device-heavy society!
I’m definitely one of those people that thinks we shouldn’t wait for Valentine’s Day to express our love to our loved one! And I have to say that I love these Valentine’s Day gift ideas so much more than a “romantic” dinner in an overcrowded restaurant! I’m all about taking a romantic hike to a place with an incredible view and sharing a small picnic! No chaos, no phones, just being together and surrounded by the beauty of mother nature! I absolutely love the hammock built for two – I didn’t know that existed!!!
YES! I love that camping/hiking together encourages us to unplug from the world and genuinely just focus on each other in that moment (or in our case, focus on each other and the dogs more often than not lol).
Camping and hikes seem like a romantic date! It’s so much more fun than dinner dates and much less awkward (if you’re a socially shy person like me). Great post, love these ideas ?
—Athena Christy
https://athenachristy.wordpress.com/
That’s another great angle to look at that I hadn’t included, the opportunity for those who are socially shy or even experiencing social anxiety to celebrate the holiday 🙂
A hammock built for two – how lovely. It’s nice to think about St. Valentine’s day as an outdoor event, start above are so much more romantic than a candlelit dinner!
Yes! I would much rather be outside under the stars than sitting in a 5-star restaurant.
Same here, I’ve never been into Valentine’s day either, I think the most I liked about it was buying Valentine’s cards with cartoon characters on it and give it to friends, but I stopped doing that in high school. lol. As someone who is not romantic at all, I feel you but lucky for me I am single. I really like to hear that you are embracing this for your husband, I think that is lovely. I really like that all of your suggestions are around things yall are into, and not that typical Valentine’s thing that people do. Very unique.
I personally believe that gifts that are centred around a person’s interests rather than just a generic gift for a specific holiday is a sign you truly know and love a person.
I am a die hard romantic. What would life be without some romance? I love all the different things you have chosen outdoors that are amazing gifts. The getaway is awesome, the picnic basket is great in summer just by the lake, sleeping gear with anti mosquito stuff, an outdoor activity can be simple, gift basket is my favorite. Just buy something that is amazing for your significant other. Thanks for this amazing post.
Even just spending time together is a great way to celebrate. We spent all afternoon yesterday on the trails with the pups and my heart was SO full when the day came to a close. That’s the kind of stuff that I love.
I’ve always been the type that want to catch my wife off guard. One or two of these sounds interesting and doable.
I’m glad you were able to find a couple that work for you on here!
I love this entire list! Like you, I’m not one to really buy into the whole Valentines Day thing, but with that said, ‘A Hammock Built For Two’ sounds pretty amazing! Also a coffee lovers gift basket sounds like it would be right up mine and my husbands alley. This was a wonderful collection of Valentines gift ideas, thanks for sharing!
We’re both BIG coffee lovers, not going to lie. I can work coffee into just about any situation hahaha
I’m a big fan of practical gifts and these outdoorsy valentines gifts sound great. I really like the idea of a Valentine’s Day hike and I’d be happy to receive any of these gifts.
We are big fans of practical gifts in our family… Birthdays, Christmas… If someone takes the time to identify something that I could actually use in my life, that means SO much to me. At the same time, I love watching someone actually use/need a gift I picked out for them.
This is definitely a unique twist on things. I’m not much of a camper, but I love all your ideas!
Thank you!
Love these suggestions! I’m not a massive fan of the valentines day hype either but I do love to get outside so I love the idea of a nice hike and a picnic, it just sounds perfect!
Samantha | https:\samanthajblogs.co.uk
I think people forget that they can put together a great gift for little to no money. Unfortunately, the stigma around this holiday seems to center largely around buying the biggest and the best to ‘prove you love’ someone.
I really needed this because i’ve been trying so hard to figure out Vday. I opened the link for the hammock, it would look amazing outside.
I am a HUGE hammock lover! Not only do I spend a lot of time in one in my backyard, we have a couple others that are portable for camping purposes.
What a great way to spend Valentine’s day. I would love it if my boyfriend takes me on adventure trips like this. A wonderful way to build each other trust.
We generally go camping at least once a month from April to October, although this year I’m pushing my husband to get out of his comfort zone a little and try a winter camping trip with me 🙂 We hike all year round. It’s a great way to spend time together and bond with one another while letting go of the stress that we face in our day to day lives.
I’m not a fan of valentines day. I feel it is just a commercial holiday designed to make you go overboard spending money. Plus I don’t need a special day to be told how my husband feels about me. He should be doing that every day. But we both do enjoy camping. I’m headed to check into the loveseat camping chair you linked to, because that would be awesome. Sitting outside together and cuddled up watching the sunset. I can totally see it.
That’s my view about the holiday as well… I hate that the commercials paint this image that you have to buy the biggest and most expensive jewellery or you are somehow failing to show your loved one how much you care. True love is SO much more than that. I think that’s why I love the camping focused ideas that I listed here because we camp so often that they would be used all the time on our adventures.
lovely gift ideas! I am in love! My personal favorite is picnic basket – we want to get one but it doesn’t feel very necessary so we tend to push back in the list. makes a great gift!
I think that’s one of the best reasons to go that route with a gift – they are the items that we spoil one another with that may not always make it to the top of the priority list otherwise!
Booking some sort of outdoor trip is a really lovely Valentine’s Day idea because you get to make memories from it as well! x
Yes! I am a much bigger fan of spending quality time together and making memories rather than focusing on material gifts. Even when we do focus on material gifts, we often purchase items that can be used for our adventures 🙂
I’ve never been camping. My allergies keep me from spending an overly huge amount of time outside, and it’s just not for me. But my sister in law and her husband would love this! They are big campers and hikers. Thanks for sharing!
I can’t imagine my allergies keeping me inside because I am such an outside person. I deal with allergies too (although they sound like a far lesser severity), so I know how much that can suck!
I love this list! My favorites are #6 and #9! No pun intended. Coffee and hammock sound perfect.
Those are two of my favourite choices too!