Every year, non-overlander children open their presents under the tree to find gifts that are, for the most part, useless for the rest of the year. Overlander kids are different—they live lives of exploration and deserve gifts that help fill a year with fun and adventure.
I don’t remember 99 percent of the gifts I received growing up (except for the orange in my stocking that bleak December of ’86—that orange taught me lessons!), but I do remember the day I unboxed the coveted Daisy BB gun and the almost-as-coveted Rambo survival knife. With my grandfather’s stern safety instructions ringing in my ears, I donned my diminutive uncle’s South African Defence Force uniform and disappeared into the forest near our home. My mission? Survive—and villains beware!
Modern overlander children aren’t generally raised on a diet of food coloring and Stallone kill counts, like we were in the ’80s. The kids I meet seem smarter, more in tune with nature, and eager to explore the outdoors on their own terms—given the chance. This year’s gift guide is for the young ones: to inspire and entertain them in camp, on solo missions in the woods, and while exploring with the family.
Disclaimer:
Some products featured in this guide are intended for use under the strict supervision of adults. Items such as knives, slingshots, and pellet guns are not toys and may pose safety risks if handled improperly. Parents and guardians should ensure that children understand and follow all safety instructions and local laws before using the product. The inclusion of these products does not imply suitability for all ages; discretion and responsible supervision are strongly advised.
Bōte Kids FlowRider Aero, A Summer or Southern Option
The Bōte Kids FlowRider Aero is an 8-foot inflatable hybrid paddleboard crafted for young paddlers. It converts between stand-up paddleboard and kayak modes, thanks to a removable seat and a four-piece Kids SUP + kayak hybrid paddle. The board weighs 15 pounds in SUP mode (20.6 pounds in kayak mode) and supports a maximum weight of up to 150 pounds. It’s constructed using AeroUltra technology—a military-grade single-layer PVC hull—delivering durability and rigidity when inflated. Included are a coiled leash, travel backpack, pump, repair kit, and center fin, making it ready for youngsters’ on-water adventures right out of the bag.
$503 | boteboard.com
Helinox Play Collection, Fun for the Entire Family
The Helinox Play collection is a line of packable outdoor games designed for on-the-go amusement in backcountry or backyard settings. The Play series emphasizes portability and durability, delivering compact, travel-ready formats that uphold Helinox’s standards of materials and construction. The collection features compact outdoor games—HeliDisc, HeliDrop, StringTrees, and YutNori—that blend accuracy, agility, and friendly competition, bringing classic and inventive challenges to both backcountry and backyard gatherings. The collection underscores the idea of gathering outdoors and enjoying well-crafted shared experiences, backed by a five-year warranty.
From $15 | helinox.com
Scout LT2 Compact Slingshot
The Scout LT2 from SimpleShot is a compact slingshot kit designed for precision and adaptability, making it perfect for target shooting. It features a modular frame with removable handle scales and integrated clip-type band attachments, allowing for quick switching between over-the-top (OTT) and through-the-fork (TTF) band configurations. The frame length is 131 millimeters with a fork gap of 47 millimeters, and it weighs approximately 110 grams. Included in the package are the frame, handle scales, integrated clips, a 3-millimeter hex key, steel and clay ammunition, a band set, and a paracord lanyard.
$45 | simpleshot.com
Nocs Provision Zoom Tube 8×32 Water Resistant Monocular
The Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8×32 Monocular is an 8× magnification monocular built with a 32-millimeter objective lens and BaK-4 roof prism optics, providing a field of view of about 384 feet at 1,000 yards. It features fully multi-coated lenses, a rugged, rubberized housing, and water-resistant construction (rated IPX4) for use in light weather conditions. With a close-focus range of approximately 10 feet (3 meters) and dimensions of around 126 × 47 mm (4.96 × 1.85 inches), it weighs roughly 241 grams (8.5 ounces). While not designed for deep-sky astronomy, it is compact, lightweight, and suitable for general outdoor observation and everyday use, great for spotting wildlife and scanning a trail.
$80 | nocsprovisions.com
Midland X-Talker T10X3M Three-Pack FRS Walkie-Talkies
The Midland X-Talker T10X3M is a three-pack of license-free family radio service (FRS) walkie-talkies designed for group outdoor communication. Each unit offers 22 channels and 38 privacy codes, enabling teams to coordinate with minimal interference. According to the manufacturer, the radios can reach up to 20 miles under ideal conditions, making them perfect for long hikes. They are powered by three AAA batteries (not included) and feature support for various functions, including weather-alert reception (via NOAA channels), channel scanning, silent mode, and hands-free operation (eVOX).
$50 | midlandusa.com
No.07 My First Opinel with Sheath
The Opinel No. 07 “My First Opinel with Sheath” is designed for children to learn basic carving and outdoor-knife skills under supervision. The knife features a stainless-steel blade with a rounded tip for added safety, paired with the brand’s patented Virobloc locking ring to keep the blade securely open during use or closed during transport. The sheath is crafted from recycled materials, including scrap leather and post-consumer plastic bottles. The overall length is approximately 6.5 inches, with a 3.5-inch blade.
$40 | opinel-usa.com
MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes
The MSR Shift Youth Snowshoes bring adult-level performance to younger adventurers by employing the same steel traction bars and crampons found on their full-sized models, ensuring a secure grip on varied snowy terrain. Built with a streamlined deck and designed to fit kids’ footwear sizes from US 1 to 7, these snowshoes support up to approximately 125 pounds of user and gear weight, adapting to a range of snow conditions. Durable enough for repeated outings and comfortable for all-day use, they offer young outdoor enthusiasts the freedom to explore winter landscapes with confidence.
$129 | cascadedesigns.com
Leki Rider Vario SL+
The Leki Rider Vario SL+ ski poles are designed for junior skiers who are growing rapidly and require gear that accommodates their growth. These adjustable poles feature an aluminum shaft that extends between 85 and 105 centimeters via a Speed Lock Plus mechanism, allowing for quick length adjustments without the need for tools. The slim Turbo Sport grip is designed for smaller hands and features an adjustable buckle strap for secure handling. With a two-piece construction, steel tip integrated into the shaft, and racing/trekking-style basket, the design aims to offer durability and versatility for young skiers.
$55 | lekiusa.com
The Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
The Deuter Kid Comfort child carrier, in my opinion, is the best type of child carrier for outdoor adventures. It’s designed to transform hiking with young children into a more comfortable and capable endeavour, and the Aircomfort Sensic Vario mesh back system offers efficient load transfer and ventilation for the wearer. At the same time, a large padded head cushion keeps the young passenger elevated and relaxed during longer hikes. Side-entry access and an easy-use belt system enhance safety, and the carrier supports children who can sit upright from roughly nine months old, with a maximum child weight of 40 pounds. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a superior option to wheeled carriers, this backpack-style solution stands out.
$320 | deuter.com
The “Kids” Collection From Thermos
The “Kids” collection from Thermos is engineered to meet the demands of young adventurers and their parents alike. Designed with durable, dishwasher-safe materials and a variety of vibrant colours and patterns, the range includes water bottles, food jars, and lunch boxes that keep meals and beverages just the way children like them. This collection emphasizes ease and reliability with intuitive lids and kid-friendly form factors, yet it maintains the quality and performance of adult-level drinkware. For outdoor excursions or everyday school routines, this line offers robust functionality and thoughtful design, putting the hands of young explorers in the right place.
From $22 | thermos.com
Knog Frog Bike Light Set
The Knog Frog Bike Light Set features a compact, USB-C rechargeable front and rear light duo, engineered for everyday commuting or rapid deployment on adventure rides. Using chip-on-board (COB) LED technology, it delivers up to 40 lumens of forward light and 20 lumens of rear light, with superior side visibility via a curved lens to enhance safety on roads and trails alike. With an integrated, flexible strap mount that requires no tools, nine distinct light modes, and an IP65 water-resistance rating, it is tailored for riders. It offers installation and dependable performance in low-light conditions.
$46 | knog.com
What I Want for Christmas :: Editor Picks
The older I get, the more I realize that I am just a big kid playing at being an adult. I live in a military-style vehicle for most of the year. I wear clothing that can be best described as utilitarian, and my favorite movies are still westerns and World War II films. I only ask for three gifts this year. Is that too much to ask?
Daisy Adult Red Ryder Ultimate Shooting Kit
The Daisy Adult Red Ryder Ultimate Shooting Kit includes an adult-sized version of the classic Red Ryder BB rifle and a full complement of accessories for a “full day of plinking.” The package consists of the adult Red Ryder rifle, a 2,400-round BB supply, protective shooting glasses, a branded gun sleeve, and the Shatterblast Six-Shooter target system. The rifle is a lever-action, .177-caliber spring-powered airgun with a smooth-bore steel barrel, delivering velocities of up to 350 feet per second and a maximum claimed range of 195 yards. It is recommended for shooters aged 10 and up.
$65 | daisy.com
The CFMoto Ibex 450
The CFMoto Ibex 450 is a mid-sized adventure motorcycle powered by a liquid-cooled 449 cc parallel-twin engine, producing around 44 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 32.5 pound-feet of torque at 6,250 rpm. It features a 6-speed transmission with a wet, multi-plate slipper clutch, tubeless spoked wheels (21 inches front, 18 inches rear), and adjustable KYB suspension offering 7.90 inches (200 mm) of travel. The bike’s seat height is 32.3 inches (adjustable down to 31.5 inches) and its dry weight is approximately 386 pounds. Standard equipment includes a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, fold-in mirrors, a USB-C charging port, and a 4.6-gallon fuel tank. Did I mention that it looks and rides amazing?
From $6,499 | CFMotousa.com
Overland Journal Subscription
Overland Journal invites young and old readers alike to discover and rediscover the spirit of exploration, whether they are just beginning their adventures or seeking renewed inspiration. Published five times a year, the magazine combines in-depth expedition stories, expert gear reviews, and evocative photography from every corner of the globe. Created by a team with centuries of collective field experience, it celebrates self-reliant travel and the pursuit of meaningful journeys over mere destinations. Each issue offers thoughtful, well-crafted content that encourages curiosity, respect for the environment, and a deep connection to the overlanding community—making it an essential companion for those who live to explore the world.
From November 26 to December 1, 2025, receive 50 percent off all subscriptions and available individual back issues. No code required.
$65/yr | overlandjournal.com
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