COLUMN: Looking for last-minute holiday gift ideas?

     Are you still searching high and low for that perfect Christmas gift? If you are like most of us, you are still struggling to complete your holiday shopping. Sometimes it can be difficult to find unique, educational, and meaningful gifts. Over the years, I have compiled a list of nature related gift ideas that might be perfect for someone on your list.

     Native trees, shrubs, and flowers make wonderful gifts for those who enjoy the beauty of nature. Plants add color, texture, and diversity to our landscape while providing vital food for wildlife. Researching, planning, and planting are fun educational opportunities for family members to enjoy together. Check out your local garden centers and seed companies for gift certificates, books, and garden/yard tools.

     Binoculars and spotting scopes will always thrill birding enthusiasts and have the power to kick start a lifelong love of bird watching for youngsters.  Bird field guides, feeders, bird baths, bird bath heaters, boxes of suet cakes, and bags of bird seed all make gifts that keep on giving. Birdwatching is a wonderful educational year-round activity that everyone, young and old, can do from the comforts of their own home.

     Hikers will appreciate walking sticks, water bottles, backpacks, and fitness trackers, in addition to quality socks, outdoor clothing, and tech gear. Gift certificates to restaurants or lodging near state parks or hiking destinations are another excellent choice.

     Cross country or downhill skis and snowshoes can be good gifts for someone who has everything else. These offer a variety of health benefits and are wonderful winter outdoor opportunities when the snow starts falling.

     Camping gear, outdoor cooking utensils, and passes and gift certificates will thrill most anyone who enjoys camping. Youth and young adults enjoy the new hammock style sleeping bags. In the past few years, many newly innovative camping products have become available for those interested in the newest technology.

     For those who hunt or fish – rods, reels, gun cases, equipment, targets, clothing, books, and items related to their sport are readily available at local stores. Youngsters will cherish their very first bow or rod and reel combo kit. If you have time to be “crafty” you can make some of these things yourself - like fishing flies or a sock style gun case.

     Trail cameras are fun for even the non-hunter who just wants to know “what or who is out there.” The advances in technology are utterly amazing and can provide hours of interesting and educational entertainment. In addition, these cameras give insight into the quality of habitat your land provides – the more entertainment the better the habitat.

     Emergency preparedness bags or survival kits are something everyone should have - one for your vehicle and one for your home, as well as small kits to take on hikes or when out hunting and fishing. I always like to say – “Like the goat in the cartoon movie “Hoodwinked” it’s always good to be prepared!”

     Nature themed or conservation magazine subscriptions, like Iowa Outdoors, is a great option that continues to give all year long. These appeal to kids and adults.

     Gift certificates for trips or experiences are always extremely popular. These can be for anything from weeklong hunting or fishing trips, and resort opportunities, to a weekend riding bikes along a scenic trail. The possibilities are endless!

     Children would be thrilled with many of these gifts including just the opportunity to participate in these activities with their parents, grandparents, or siblings. Children love to have fun and learn with nature exploration kits - like making plaster animal tracks, growing their own garden, or building a bird or bat box. Active gifts that get kids outside provide hours of irreplaceable learning opportunities.

     Gift giving should be fun. Often the gift of time and the experiences in the out-of-doors outweigh the things you may receive in a neatly wrapped present. I wish you the best in finding all the gifts on your list and hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season.