Gift ideas for the eagle-eyed, binoculars wielding, birders in your life
For those who find joy in the call of a distant bird, and the thrill of spotting a rare species, the perfect gift can enhance every moment spent in nature. Birdwatchers can be tricky to shop for, especially if they already have a collection of gear. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of our favourite gift ideas for bird watching enthusiasts that will elevate their next adventure—from high-quality binoculars and bird identification guides to universal smartphone adaptors that allow them to capture their experiences.
Best 8x42 Binoculars for Birdwatching
Viking Vistron ED 8x42 Binoculars
Equipped with high-quality extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, these binoculars deliver performance that rivals far more expensive models, making them our top pick for birdwatchers this year. The 8x42 model is ideal, offering an expansive field of view to capture every detail in stunning clarity. For those who prefer a bit more magnification, there’s a 10x42 option (great for steadier hands), and for those who prioritize portability, the 8x32 version is a compact and lightweight alternative.
Viking Binoculars are built to last, backed by a 10-year warranty, and thoughtfully designed for comfort, with a durable, tactile finish and a metal focus ring that’s smooth and easy to adjust. They’re also glasses-friendly, featuring twist-down eyecups and generous eye relief to ensure a comfortable viewing experience for everyone.
Fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging, these binoculars are ready to handle any weather conditions the Great British outdoors can throw at them. We’re truly impressed by their quality and believe you won’t find a better pair of birdwatching binoculars at this price point. See the difference for yourself!
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Best Compact Binoculars
Hawke Nature-Trek 8x25 Compact Binoculars
Within their price range, the Hawke Nature-Trek binoculars are a superb choice for compact binoculars, combining impressive build quality with premium materials and coatings. Unlike many models in this category, these binoculars feature a fully-sealed, nitrogen-filled body, along with fully multi-coated optics—an outstanding find at this price point. They deliver a beautifully wide field of view with 8x magnification and an excellent close-focus distance, making them ideal for general use and up-close observation.
Comfortable to hold, with a smooth, easy-to-reach focus wheel that works well even with gloves, they’re designed for all-day use in any weather. At under £100, these binoculars offer unbeatable value for their quality.
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Best Kids Binoculars
RSPB Puffin Jr 8×21 Children's Binoculars - Blue
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Best Monocular
Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular
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Best Smartphone Adaptor
Hawke Digi-Scope Smartphone Adapter
Has your potential giftee bemoaned the quality of their photos from birdwacthing outings? Or perhaps this gift will inspire them to take up an additional hobby. The Hawke Digi-Scope Smartphone Adapter could be the perfect solution! This innovative adapter makes it easy to capture stunning photos while enjoying a day of birding.
Designed to be compatible with most spotting scopes and binoculars, it allows users to effortlessly attach their smartphones for a seamless photography experience. Thanks to its intuitive design, they can shoot in both landscape and portrait orientations, making it versatile for any shot. Whether they’re trying to document rare bird sightings or simply want to share their outdoor adventures, this adapter is a fantastic gift that can elevate their birdwatching experience and inspire creativity.
Best Spotting Scope
Viking Swallow ED 80mm Scope with Tripod & Smartphone Adapter
Available with either an 80mm or 65mm objective lens, the Viking Swallow ED strikes the perfect balance between price and performance. With high-quality ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses, this spotting scope rivals even more expensive models. The dual-focus wheel operates smoothly and precisely, delivering impressive image quality. We tested it in both daylight and dusk conditions, and it consistently outperformed others in its price range.
Designed to withstand the elements, it’s nitrogen-filled and fully waterproof, and it comes with a rain cover for added protection during wet outings. If you’re looking for a high-quality spotting scope without the hefty price tag of top-tier models, the Viking Swallow ED is sure to impress and elevate your outdoor adventures!
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Best ED Binoculars
Hawke Frontier ED X 10x42 Binoculars - Grey
These binoculars combine exceptional optical performance with a rugged design, making them the ideal choice for birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Equipped with extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and fully multi-coated lenses, the Frontier ED X delivers bright, sharp images with impressive color accuracy and contrast. With 10x magnification, you can enjoy powerful views while maintaining a wide field of view, allowing you to spot intricate details from a distance without sacrificing clarity. The focus wheel is smooth and responsive, enabling quick adjustments to changing scenes, whether you're observing wildlife in its natural habitat or taking in a scenic landscape.
Built to endure the elements, these binoculars are nitrogen-filled and fully waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hands, and the twist-up eyecups provide ample eye relief for glasses wearers. If you're looking for high-quality binoculars that deliver outstanding performance without the hefty price tag, the Hawke Frontier ED X 10x42 is an excellent choice. Elevate your outdoor experience and discover the beauty of nature like never before!
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Best Budget Binoculars
RSPB Puffin 8x42 Binoculars
The RSPB Puffin 8x42 binoculars are an outstanding entry-level choice, making them ideal for casual birdwatchers or anyone looking for their first pair. With an impressively wide field of view and generous eye relief, they offer a comfortable and immersive viewing experience. For those seeking additional options, these binoculars are also available in 8x32 and 10x42 models. Encased in durable armour, the Puffin binoculars provide a secure and comfortable grip, while the central focus wheel allows for easy and precise adjustments. We were particularly impressed by the bright, sharp images they produce, which enhance every birdwatching adventure.
Overall, we loved the Puffin binoculars, and they have received numerous 5-star reviews from our customers. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of birdwatching binoculars under £100, you won’t find a better option than these!
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Best Birdwacthing Book
Philips Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe
The Philips Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe is an essential companion for both novice birdwatchers and seasoned enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide offers detailed insights into over 300 bird species found across Britain and Europe, making it the perfect resource for identifying and learning about your feathered friends.
With stunning illustrations and informative descriptions, this guide provides crucial information on each species' habitat, behavior, and distinctive features, enabling you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of avian life. The user-friendly layout makes it easy to navigate, whether in the field or planning a birdwatching adventure.
Additionally, the guide includes helpful tips for birdwatching techniques and habitat identification, making it a perfect gift for any birdwatcher!
Need more advice on birdwatching?
You may find our guides to the best binoculars for bird watching, best compact binoculars, or the best monoculars and the helpful.
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