1Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars
Good binoculars change birdwatching completely, and the Nature DX gets the basics right for not much money. The 8x42 size is the one most birders choose, bright enough for dull mornings in a hide. They're waterproof and fogproof, focus down to 2 metres for close birds and come with a limited lifetime warranty. Celestron sponsors the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Pros
- Bright, sharp views for the price.
- Waterproof and fogproof.
- Focuses close for garden birds.
Cons
- Experienced birders may already own a pricier pair.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Celestron product page ↗
2Birdbuddy Pro Solar smart feeder
A camera feeder brings the birds right to their phone. Birdbuddy snaps photos and video of every visitor and sends an alert, and its app helps name the species. The solar roof keeps the camera charged, so it rarely needs taking down. It works without a subscription, and a paid plan adds automatic identification.
Pros
- Close-up photos of every visitor.
- Solar roof keeps it charged.
- Works without a subscription.
Cons
- Needs home Wi-Fi to reach the feeder.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Birdbuddy product page ↗
3Brome Squirrel Buster Plus feeder
Every garden birder has watched a squirrel empty their feeder. The Squirrel Buster Plus closes its feeding ports when anything as heavy as a squirrel climbs on, and the spring can be adjusted so bigger birds can still feed. It holds over 2kg of seed, has six ports and comes apart by hand for cleaning.
Pros
- Shuts out squirrels.
- Adjustable for heavier birds.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Pricier than basic tube feeders.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Brome product page ↗
4Chris Packham's Birdwatching Guide
Chris Packham's guide is written for people who are just getting into birds. It explains where and when to look, whether that's a garden, a local park or the coast, and it doesn't assume expensive kit. It's fully illustrated, so it suits someone who has started noticing birds and wants to know more.
Pros
- Written for beginners.
- Fully illustrated.
- Covers gardens, towns and countryside.
Cons
- Too basic for experienced birders.
- A guide rather than a field identification book.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Amazon UK book description ↗
5Wildlife World natural log robin nest box
A nest box gives a garden birdwatcher something to watch every spring. This one is a hollowed-out silver birch log with the bark left on and an open front, which suits robins, pied wagtails and spotted flycatchers. The lid hinges up for cleaning, and the wood is FSC certified and can stay out all year.
Pros
- Looks natural in a garden or hedge.
- Hinged lid for cleaning out.
- FSC-certified timber.
Cons
- Open front only suits certain species.
- Each log looks slightly different.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Wildlife World product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves birds
Birdwatchers range from garden feeder fans to keen twitchers, so think about how they watch. The best gifts for birdwatchers help them see birds closer, feed them better or learn more. Binoculars suit beginners, while a camera feeder suits garden birders. A nest box or a beginner's guide works for anyone.
How we picked these gifts for birdwatchers
We picked each product for what birdwatchers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
