Top Christmas gifts for nature lovers
Perhaps (like me) you’re looking for meaningful Christmas gifts that support biodiversity and inspire others to protect our native species. Whether you’re shopping for a budding birdwatcher, a bushwalker, or someone who loves our local flora and fauna, here are some thoughtful ideas that give back to nature.
Birdlife Australia’s online shop
Birdlife Australia’s online shop is a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from binoculars and bird-themed calendars to books, clothing and eco-friendly homewares. Proceeds support Birdlife’s vital conservation work, including protecting threatened species and restoring habitats. A bird ID book, socks or a bird-themed tea towel makes a lovely stocking filler that also spreads awareness.
Bush Heritage Australia gift cards
Bush Heritage’s Bush Gifts are virtual gift cards that support conservation projects across Australia. Each card represents a donation to protect landscapes and species—from woodland buddies to wetland birds. You can choose themed cards like “Love Birds” or “Wildflowers” and send them digitally or as printed versions. It’s a beautiful way to honour someone’s love for nature while making a real impact.
Field guides for curious explorers
Field guides are perfect for anyone keen to learn more about local ecosystems. You can find excellent titles at CSIRO Publishing, the Australian Geographic shop, or local independent bookstores (especially Eltham Bookshop). The “Field Guide to the Birds of Australia” by Simpson & Day and “Flora of Melbourne” by Marilyn Bull are both classics, but there are plenty of cheaper, smaller field guides including “My First Checklist of Insects – 100 Common Insects of Victoria” which was a massive hit with my 7-year old nephew last Christmas.
Adopt-an-animal programs
Consider symbolic adoptions through organisations like WWF Australia. These programs let you “adopt” a koala, platypus or other native species, with funds going directly to rescue and rehabilitation efforts. They often come with a certificate and plush toy, making it a great gift for kids.
Pot up some wildflowers
If you’re on a tighter budget, for about $15 you could go to an indigenous plant nursery (such as La Trobe’s Nangak Tamboree, VINC in Fairfield or Edendale in Eltham), purchase a couple of local native plants (there are plenty of beautiful wild flowers indigenous to this area) and pot them up in a cheap basic terracotta pot. In fact, there are some great gifts inside the new retail shop at La Trobe nursery, including cards, wildflower earrings, field guides, kids colouring books and other conservation-focused gifts.
Words and photo digitally edited by Jen Willis