It's that time of year again! The holiday shopping lists are growing, the festive decorations are coming out, and we're thinking about one of our favourite things to give: the joy of birdwatching!
Whether you're shopping for someone who knows every bird visiting their backyard by name, someone who's just discovered the excitement of their first chickadee, or someone who simply loves nature, we've got a few ideas.
And the best part? Many of these gifts bring joy long after the wrapping paper has been cleaned up.
Here are some of our favourite gift ideas for the bird lovers (and future bird lovers!) on your list this holiday season.
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| Black-capped chickadee with Cranberry Wreath. Photo by Kristen Martyn. |
1. For the Person Who Has EVERYTHING: A Window Feeder
You know that person who's impossible to shop for? This is a great idea.
A window feeder brings the birds right up close, offering an incredible view of chickadees, nuthatches, cardinals and other backyard visitors from the comfort of home.
It's a particularly wonderful gift for someone who enjoys their morning coffee by the window, works from home, or simply appreciates a little extra nature in their day.
Pair it with a bag of WBU No-Mess Blend or sunflower chips, and you've got a gift that practically unwraps itself!
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| Northern Cardinal at window feeder. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. |
2. For the Backyard Birding Beginner: A Little Bit of Everything
Know someone who's always commenting on the birds in your yard but hasn't started feeding them yet?
This is your opportunity!
A simple bird feeder, a quality seed blend and a little advice are all it takes to introduce someone to a hobby they might enjoy for years to come.
Our Share the Joy Boxes are a wonderful option for beginners, bundling together bird-feeding essentials into a ready-to-gift package.
And if you're building your own gift, consider including a bird identification guide so your recipient can start putting names to those new feathered friends.
Warning: this gift may result in frequent texts asking, "WHAT BIRD IS THIS?!" 😂
3. For the Bird Lover Who's Been VERY Good: A Heated Bird Bath
Some gifts are a little more practical, but that doesn't make them any less exciting!
A heated bird bath keeps water available for backyard birds when temperatures drop below freezing.
And while feeders tend to get all the attention, water can attract birds that don't typically visit seed feeders.
Imagine looking outside on a snowy morning and spotting an American Robin, Northern Cardinal or woodpecker stopping by for a drink.
It's a wonderful addition to an established backyard feeding station and a gift that can be enjoyed throughout the winter.
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| American Robin at heated bird bath. Photo by Leanne LeBlanc. |
4. For the Festive Bird Lover: Seed Wreaths & Holiday Treats
Who says the birds can't get in on the holiday decorating?!
Our seasonal seed wreaths and festive seed characters are some of the most FUN gifts to give this time of year.
They're decorative, they're delicious (according to the birds!), and they bring a little extra holiday cheer to the backyard.
Our cranberry wreaths are a seasonal favourite, combining a variety of seeds, nuts and fruit into one beautiful bird-friendly decoration.
Pair a wreath with a compatible feeder for an extra-special gift, or choose a festive seed character for something a little more playful.
Perfect for teachers, neighbours, hosts, or anyone who could use a little more joy outside their window.
5. For the Serious Birder: Binoculars & Birding Essentials
If there's one thing birdwatchers love, it's getting a better look at their birds!
A good pair of binoculars can completely transform a walk through the woods, a visit to the lake or even a few minutes spent watching the backyard.
And with winter visitors like Snow Buntings, Pine Siskins and other exciting species appearing across Ontario, there's plenty to look for.
Pair binoculars with a field guide, or put together a little birding bundle with a notebook and other essentials.
For someone who's already hooked on birdwatching, these are gifts they'll reach for again and again.
6. For the Backyard Birding Expert: Upgrade Their Feeding Station
Already have a bird lover in your life who seems to own every feeder imaginable?
There's ALWAYS room for one more. 😂
Consider helping them expand their setup with a specialty feeder, a new seed cylinder feeder or an Advanced Pole System.
Different feeder styles can accommodate different foods and feeding preferences, creating new opportunities to attract and observe backyard birds.
A peanut feeder might bring more Blue Jays and woodpeckers into view, while a finch feeder offers a front-row seat to American Goldfinches and other small seed-loving visitors.
And for someone who's constantly battling squirrels, a squirrel-resistant feeder might just become their favourite gift of the year!
7. For the Stockings: Little Gifts for Nature Lovers
Not every gift needs to be big!
Sometimes the smaller, thoughtful surprises are the ones people love most.
A few of our favourite stocking stuffer ideas include:
WBU Bark Butter® and Bark Butter Bits
Bird-friendly coffee
Bird-themed mugs and ornaments
Small bird identification guides
Feeder cleaning brushes
Window collision prevention decals
Gift cards for a future visit
You could even put together a little birdwatching morning kit with coffee, a mug and a few treats for the backyard birds.
Because really, is there a better way to start a winter morning?
Give a Gift That Keeps Bringing Joy ❤️
One of the things we love most about birdwatching is how easy it is to share.
You don't need to be an expert, travel somewhere special or own expensive equipment to appreciate the excitement of a new bird visiting your yard.
Sometimes all it takes is one feeder, one curious chickadee and someone willing to stop and watch.
This holiday season, we hope you'll consider giving a gift that encourages someone to slow down, look outside and discover a little more of the natural world around them.
And if you're not sure where to start, come visit us at Wild Birds Unlimited Barrie or Newmarket! We'd love to help you find something special for the nature lover on your list.
Happy holiday shopping and happy birdwatching!
Warmly,
Heather
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