10 Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids Who Like Adventure

Wondering what to get the little adventurer in your life this Christmas? Whether they’re scrambling up rocks, spotting wildlife, or racing you along the trails with their boundless energy, these Christmas gift ideas for kids will keep their spark for the outdoors alive.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the pressure’s on to find a gift that’ll outshine last year’s hiking boots or bug-catcher. We’ve done the hard yards for you and rounded up the best Christmas gift ideas for kids who like adventure. We’re big believers in the benefits of adventure gifts, and these ideas will suit a range of different ages and interests – including budget-friendly options to make outdoor fun accessible to all.

From mini Explorers to the future survival experts, read on for a guide to Christmas gifts that’ll fuel their wild side!

10 Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Adventure Kids

1. Spotto Books

RRP: $16

If you’ve got a bookworm on your hands, you can’t go wrong with a couple of Spotto Books. These are essentially a Where’s Wally-esque scavenger hunt for the real world and provide hours of entertainment. With multiple editions you can get books themed to specific locations, difficulty levels, and themes.

The Big Things edition is packed with fun, featuring all of Australia’s iconic giants like the Big Banana, Big Prawn, and even natural icons like Uluru and Wave Rock. If you’re planning a road trip around the country, you’d have to pick that one. For smaller, more local adventures, check out the Road Signs and Hard to Spot editions (there are plenty more options too!).

Read more: 25 Tips For Road Tripping With Kids

Whether your kiddo is counting off these landmarks on a family road trip or daydreaming about the next one, Spotto Books will keep them entertained for hours. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to turn your holiday drive into an epic adventure challenge all on its own — will they spot them all?

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2. Merrell Agility Peak Kids Trail Running Shoes

RRP: $99

For kids who never sit still, the Merrell Agility Peak Kids Trail Running Shoes are a no-brainer. These trail-ready kicks are designed for everything from playgrounds to rugged paths. Lightweight, durable, and with bungee laces that make getting out the door a breeze, your little Explorer will be ready to take on any terrain.

Read more: Hiking With Kids – 9 Tips to Make it Enjoyable for Everyone

And the best part? The – and I quote – ‘anti-stink lining’ means that they won’t gas out guests when they’re left in the hallway or the middle of the kitchen floor. They come in adult sizes too, so you can twin with your mini-me while tackling the trails together.

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3. Oceanpro Jurian Junior Mask and Snorkel Set

RRP: $48.95

Got a kid who’s more at home in the water than on land? The Oceanpro Jurian Junior Mask and Snorkel Set will have them diving into a whole new world beneath the surface.

The snug-fitting mask and snorkel are designed to be comfy and ensure easy breathing thanks to its purge chamber and dry top. Whether your adventure kid is spotting tropical fish or hunting for hidden treasures, the crystal-clear lens and kid-friendly fit mean your junior snorkeler is set for endless underwater adventures.

Plus they’re available in both lilac and lime colourways. 

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4. Coghlans Fireside Gaming Kit

RRP: $29.95

If you want to add some friendly competition to your next family camping trip, the Coghlan’s Fireside Gaming Kit is your go-to. Packed with classic gaming essentials like cards and dice, this kit brings all the fun of a game night to the great outdoors.

It’s small enough to take anywhere and comes in a reusable tin that keeps everything organised. For rainy days or evenings around the fire it’s a great way to keep groups entertained. And it can just as easily be used at home as outdoors on an adventure. 

Plus, the included game rules mean your kids can learn (or teach you) games like Go Fish or Yahtzee while you roast marshmallows.

5. Patagonia Refugito 18L Kids Daypack

RRP: $129.95

For the adventure kid who’s always on the go, the Patagonia Refugito 18L Kids Daypack is a slam dunk. Made from 100% recycled materials, this compact yet spacious pack is built for the next generation of adventurers who want to make a difference. Patagonia is seriously dedicated to protecting the environment and this product is part of that effort. 

With plenty of room for a water bottle, snacks, and even a laptop, this Christmas gift idea for kids is perfect for school, hikes, or spontaneous weekend escapes. The mesh back panel and shorter straps make it comfortable enough for all-day wear, while side pockets hold all the essentials your mini likes to have on hand. 

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6. Crocs Classic Kids Clog

RRP: $59.99

When it comes to versatility and comfort, nothing beats the Crocs Classic Kids Clog. These iconic shoes are as at home in the backyard as they are at the beach or the campsite.

Lightweight, easy to clean, and customizable with fun Jibbitz charms, they’re the ultimate footwear for kids who are always on the move. Whether your little adventurer is wading through creeks or running wild on the playground, these clogs will keep their feet comfy and supported all day long — no fuss, no blisters, just classic Crocs comfort.

Read more: Family and Adventure Aren’t Mutually Exclusive: We Are Explorers’ Founder on Bringing Up Adventure Kids

Plus they come in a range of colours – creatively named of course! – to suit every personality. Think bolt blue, moss, black, ballerina pink, and even dreamscape. Not sure what colour dreamscape is? Find out! 

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7. Black Diamond Wiz Kids Headlamp

RRP: $54.99

When the sun goes down, the adventure doesn’t have to stop, thanks to the Black Diamond Wiz Kids Headlamp. Perfectly designed for little Explorers, this lightweight headlamp offers 30 lumens of brightness to keep nighttime nature walks or backyard campouts well lit and way less scary.

With a smart auto-shutoff feature to prevent battery drain and a breakaway safety strap, it’s as kid-proof as it is practical. The headlamp even works upside down, so no worries if they put it on the wrong way — adventure on, no matter the direction!

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8. DD Hammocks Junior Frontline Hammock

RRP: $80
If your kid dreams of sleeping under the stars, the DD Hammocks Junior Frontline Hammock is the ticket to their next big adventure. This scaled-down version of DD’s popular adult-size Frontline Hammock is perfect for kids, offering all the comfort and bug-free bliss of its adult-sized counterpart.

Whether they’re snoozing in the backyard or out in the wilderness, the integrated mosquito net ensures they’re protected from pesky critters, and the lightweight, breathable design keeps them cozy all night long. Easy to set up and packed with features like internal storage pockets, it’s the perfect intro to hammock camping for little outdoor enthusiasts.

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9. Opinel NO. 7 Junior Outdoor Folding Knife

RRP: $39.95

For the young Explorer who’s ready to take their adventures to the next level, the Opinel No. 7 Junior Outdoor Folding Knife is a trusty sidekick. With a rounded tip for added safety and a durable stainless steel blade and safety-first locking ring, this knife is perfect for whittling sticks, making sandwiches, or tackling other camp tasks — always under adult supervision, of course! It’s sharp enough to get things done, but has been made for juniors to learn. 

Read more: How To Get Your Kids Into Fishing (While Avoiding Disaster)

The built-in survival whistle adds an extra element of fun (and is another good safety feature!), and the rugged, weather-resistant design that doesn’t require any special maintenance means it can handle anything the outdoors throws at it. It’s a great first knife for any budding camper or scout!

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10. Adopt an Animal! 

RRP: $59+

Calm down – we’re talking an animal that lives in a zoo or sanctuary that thanks to your donation, gets to live a little more comfortably. Thanks to Queensland’s Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary you can adopt a bilby, koala, echidna or wombat. Or all four if you want a whole menagerie for your little one. 

Donation amounts range from $59 to $99 per animal, and provide support for 12 months. It’s a one-off donation so you’re not locked into recurring payments. When you donate you’ll receive a certificate and plush toy, fact sheet, and quarterly updates about the species you selected. This makes this a great option for kids that are curious about the world and love animals.

This gift isn’t just a cuddly toy but a chance to understand ways people can make a positive difference to other creatures, and learn more about a native Aussie animal. That’s what we call a win-win-win-win. And as far as Christmas gift ideas for kids go, this is a seriously easy one to organise.

Give a gift that does good, and teach your child about the environment at the same time. 

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Adventure Gift Ideas by Age

Finding the perfect Christmas gift that adventure kids will love can be overwhelming, especially when they’re constantly growing and changing their interests. Here are some gift ideas suited to different age groups:

• For toddlers (ages 2-4): Consider gifts that promote sensory exploration, like a flower press, a set of sidewalk chalk, or a water table.
• For bigger littles (ages 5-6): Look for gifts that encourage active play and skill development, such as a tricycle, books, or set of bubbles.
• For primary school kids (ages 7-10): Gift ideas might include outdoor gear, such as a backpack, versatile outdoor shoes, or a camping stove.
• For tweens (ages 11-14): Consider gifts that promote independence and exploration, such as a hammock, a skateboard, or a geocaching kit.
• For high schoolers (ages 14+): Look for gifts that challenge and inspire, such as a virtual animal adoption, a kayaking trip, or a wilderness survival course.

Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Options

You don’t have to break the bank to give your child the gift of adventure and we’ve all been feeling the pinch this year! Here are some budget-friendly Christmas gifts for kids for you to consider:

• DIY projects: Consider making your own adventure gifts, such as a birdhouse, a terrarium, or a homemade obstacle course. This will encourage them so spend more quality time outdoors too!
• Second-hand gear: Look for gently used outdoor gear at second-hand shops, garage sales, or Facebook marketplace
• Local parks and recreation: Many local parks and councils offer free or low-cost outdoor programs and activities. Adventure experiences are great gifts for kids and the memories will last a lot longer than a single Christmas.

Got more Christmas Gifts to Buy?

Check out some of our other Christmas gift guides!

• Outdoorsy Christmas Gifts Under $50
• Outdoorsy Christmas Gifts Under $25
• The Best Christmas Gifts for Campers

Header image by @henry_brydon

Table of contents image by @bedawson