Last Updated on 27 July 2026 by Colette
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If you are looking to buy gifts for children who love the outdoors and are keen campers – or perhaps you want to set them off on that path and encourage them to explore and try camping and adventuring in the great outdoors then I’ve put together a gift guide featuring a few camping gift ideas for children.
I think there is real value in kids having their own camping gear – things that they can take ownership of, take responsibility for and to enjoy using. (I also know I’m quite precious about some of my camping kit – you want to borrow my stove? Go for it. My sleeping bag or camping chair? Hands off!)
Some of the ideas on this list are very much camping specific but others could be used all year round making them even better value for money! Either way, they should all be things which will appeal to outdoorsy children and help to encourage their sense of adventure. It’s worth considering educational or creative toys, like the ones offered here, to make sure they’re engaged and stimulated instead of bored and restless while camping.
1. Their own tent
A small, easy-to-set-up tent can be a fantastic gift for kids who love camping! It will allow them to have their own space during camping trips or maybe in the back garden. Ben has had his own tent for years now (we upgraded him to 3-man this summer) – he takes complete responsibility for pitching it and packing it. He loves that it gives him his own space and that he doesn’t have to share a bedroom with his sisters
2. Sleeping Bag
A colourful and comfortable sleeping bag is a super practical but fun camping gift for kids – there are so many types of sleeping bag to choose from now (you can find more information on choosing a sleeping bag here) but picking out something in their favourite colours is always going to be a win!
3. A cosy camping blanket
We use a lot of blankets when we are camping – we use them underneath SIMs for extra warmth (they stop the air in the mattress from getting so cold), we use them as extra warmth in bed for colder camping trips but mostly we use them for extra warmth on an evening when the sun has gone down and the temperature drops – especially if we are staying on a campsite that doesn’t allow fires. A camp blanket that is easily washable and stores in a stuff sack is ideal. I have a gorgeous one from Voited which has a lovely fluffy fleece back but I always worry about getting it dirty so would actually recommend something like the Olpro Blanko which is reversible, water-resistant and windproof – giving way warmth and protection than your standard fleecy blanket!
4. Camping lantern or torch
When we are camping, our kids seem to be obsessed with torches and lanterns – we have a whole box full of head-torches and lamps. A child-friendly camping lantern or flashlight can make camping more enjoyable and safe and is a great gift idea that doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Look for lanterns that are durable, lightweight, and have adjustable brightness settings. Ben and I both have this super bright rechargeable torch – people always comment on how good it is! We also really rate this collapsible, dimmable light.
5. Camping chair
For years we avoided buying our children their own camping chairs, making do with the foldable stools that came in our table – but as they’ve got bigger and do spend more time sat chatting around the campfire or playing card games, we’ve found they do really appreciate having their own camping chair. Of course our kids are quite big now so they just have adult sized foldable chairs (nothing expensive or fancy) but there are plenty of mini camping chairs designed for children which can provide comfort and a sense of ownership during camping trips or outdoor gatherings. Look for chairs that are lightweight, foldable, and durable.
I should also mention how much we love our PACMAT sit mats – these are great for sticking in your bag and making sure you’ve always got somewhere warm, clean and dry to sit on your adventures!
6. Card games
My three love a good card game when we are camping – they used to really enjoy Dobble (which is brilliant for camping as it is easy to pick up and play and comes in a storage tin) but as they’ve got older they just love a proper pack of cards – Ben has a great waterproof set of cards which is ideal for using on camping trips and something the whole family can get involved in. Card games are a great camping gift and relatively inexpensive if you’re looking for a great stocking filler.
7. Nature guide books
Books that introduce children to the wonders of nature, wildlife, and camping can be a great gift. Amy has a cow book which she takes out and about to help her to identify different breeds of cows so you can either tap into an existing passion or go for something a little more general. Look for guides with colourful illustrations and age-appropriate information.
8. Camping snacks
Snacks are a super important part of a camping trip – you can buy pre-prepared s’mores kits or you could make your own with skewers, biscuits, marshmallows etc. You could add in sachets of hot chocolate or different packets of sweets. Whatever you fancy really!
9. Magic fire
If you’re a fan of a campfire, then we love these sachets which you add to a fire and they turn the flames all different colours – my kids were super impressed the first time I used one! (I recommend using them after you’ve finished your s’mores though, I don’t think you should cook over them!)
10. An outdoor adventure kit
Why not put together a camping adventure kit – you could include things like a compass, magnifying glass, mini bug-catching tools, and a nature journal to encourage their curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors.
11. A camping mug or water bottle
Keeping your drinks cold or hot, and free from wasps or bugs, can be a bit of challenge when you’re camping so we always use cups and bottles with lids – we tend to stick to stainless steel that won’t be easily damage. Personally I love my Yeti cup but they are pretty expensive.
12. Outdoor games
It’s not often my kids would tell you they are bored when we are camping – card games, books, campfires, trees to climb and new places to explore usually keep them well entertained but it’s definitely worth having game or two up your sleeve. A game of DONKEY only requires a ball – they usually use a tennis ball or sometimes a rugby ball, we love Mölkky or this badminton set is lightweight and easy to pack and store and up to four people can play at a time.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect camping gift for a birthday or Christmas, I hope this list has given you some ideas of cool camping gifts for kids of all ages!
Have a read of these posts next:
Camping kit we recommend investing in
Family camping trip packing list
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