This article highlights some of the most amazing camping gifts for kids. We cover the essentials as well as educational and fun options.
If you have a loved one obsessed with camping, hiking, and/or the great outdoors, chances are their kids have been exposed to those activities as well.
There are plenty of articles focused on essential camping gear or camping gift ideas but, somehow, a lot of these articles exclude kid-specific items.
If you are looking for kid’s camping gifts, this is the place for you. In this article, you will find an extensive list of camping items for kids.
With so many incredible gifts to choose from, I am sure you will become very popular among outdoors-loving children!
Now, scroll down and get ready for the fun!
Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.
Table of Contents
About This Camping Gifts for Kids Guide
First of all, let me congratulate you for taking the time to find the perfect gift for that special kid in your life. More than ever, I believe it is extremely important to expose kids to the outdoors from an early age.
I want to share some things because I want that chosen gift to be memorable.
I am all about functional (something that can be used) and experiential (sharing an experience or paying for somebody to have an experience) gifts.
When it comes to camping gifts, functionality is the way to go. Therefore, I will start by presenting some essential kid camping gear. Of course, I will provide durable and well-priced options. But, these options may have a whimsical twist (since we want to be colorful and vibrant as well).
Then, I will move to the fun camping gift ideas for kids! Because we all want to have fun while camping! I will not limit the options to kid’s camping toys. There are some suggestions that will help kids to learn about their surroundings or explore their creative side.
Since we are talking about camping, you need to check these articles:
Camping in Southern California
Camping in Los Angeles
Camping in San Diego
Camping in San Luis Obispo
Essential Camping Gifts for Kids
As mentioned, let’s start by taking a look at some indispensable but cool camping gear for kids.
Kids Camper Tent
For obvious reasons, we will not let a kid spend the night in his/her own tent but, common, they will love to have access to their own private suite (I mean, tent) for napping, playing, and other adventures.
Alprang sells an easy-to-set-up, lightweight dome tent ideal for indoor and outdoor play. The neat thing is that the front door opens wide providing easy visibility (a must with kids) to the interior. The tent is made of sturdy material.
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NARMAY sells play tents in bright colors. These provide plenty of light and ventilation.
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USA Toyz manufactures a super cute teepee tent. These are colorful, water-resistant, portable, light, and safe. Each tent comes with a flashlight projector toy.
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Sleeping Bag
Kids will probably want a sleeping bag featuring their favorite characters or stories. However, I recommend getting a quality bag, irrespective of the design, since this is a key piece of camping equipment.
Tuphen sells an excellent 4-seasons sleeping bag. This will serve all your camping needs. The bag can be opened to be used as a quilt, carpet, or tarp. The outside lining is waterproof, easy to clean, and made of durable material. The inside is made of soft microfiber. The bag comes in different colors.
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The bags from Oaskys are another great choice. You can choose between a one-person or a two-person bag. The two-person bag can be untied and converted into two one-person bags. This is a good option for those who want to snuggle some nights and sleep on their other nights.
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Blanket
Blankets have so many uses when camping. I think they should be included in any kid’s camping stuff list.
The Amazon Basics blankets are decently sized and remarkably soft and warm.
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SOCHOW sells glow-in-the-dark blankets (perfect for camping). They come in animals, stars, planets, unicorns, seashells, dinosaurs, and other prints.
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Chair
There are tons of options when it comes to camping chairs for kids.
You can go the classic route and select a Coleman Kids Quad Chair. Coleman is a reliable outdoor brand. You know you will get a chair that will last long.
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But, since we are dealing with cool kid’s camping accessories, you may want to choose something more eye-catching.
For example, you can choose a cutie pie butterfly or giddy buggy chair from the Melissa & Doug brand.
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Toy to Enjoy sells a very nice T-rex chair geared toward kids between 2-5 years.
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Kid’s Camping Mug
The stainless steel mugs from F-32 come in the cutest designs!
A silicone sleeve with 3D designs covers the well-built mug. A lid with 2 sipping holes prevents spills and other accidents. The mug can also be used for soups, hot/cold cereals, and snacks.
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Andaz Press allows you to order a customized stainless steel camping mug. You can choose between several designs and add a name or message.
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Colorful Flashlights
Kids love flashlights! The EverBrite 6 pack comes in an assortment of colors. The flashlights are the perfect size for little hands. Batteries are included.
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Water Bottle
When camping, we all need a reusable water bottle. Kids too!
For keeping beverages icy cold for up to 24 hours, it is hard to beat the stainless steel, wide-mouth bottles from Hydro Flask. These come in a wide array of colors. The cool thing is that the coating is designed to last and to be slip-proof. They come in four sizes (20, 32, 40, and 60 ounces).
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Towel
Towels belong to the camping supplies for kids list. It is easy to forget to pack them, so I recommend having some dedicated for camping.
YIFONTIN manufactures towels specially designed for kids (no chemicals or harmful dyes). They have a wide range of designs (dinosaurs, unicorns, sharks, etc.)
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Dawhud Direct has some hilarious selfie towels.
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Flip Flops
Flip flops are another outdoor gift idea for kids. They can be used when visiting the beach, lake, or river (or camping near them). And, they are needed when using the camping showers or hanging around the campsite.
Flip flops with a backstrap are a good idea for smaller kids. KRABOR sells highly rated pairs.
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You cannot go wrong with classic Havainas.
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Of course, I need to recommend the flip flops manufactured by Rainbow Sandals, a Southern California institution (located in San Clemente).
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Sandals
In addition to flip flops, I recommend packing hiking or sport water sandals for kids.
I am a huge fan of Tevas and Chacos. Consequently, I recommend getting sandals from those top-quality brands for kids.
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Backpack
A backpack can pack clothes and accessories or carry essentials for a hike or day outing.
The backpacks from TRENDYMAX come in over 30 catchy patterns. They hold 20 liters which is a good size to carry essentials (without overpacking).
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Abshoo has cute designs perfect for smaller kids (3-7 years).
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Hat or Cap
A wide-brimmed hat protects the face, ears, and neck from the sun. Connectyle sells hats that block UV rays. In addition, hats feature a chin strap that keeps the hat fastened and an aperture that lets air in on the sides.
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Fun Camping Accessories for Kids
Here are additional camping gift ideas for kids that can be categorized on the nice to have list.
Hammock
Wise Owl manufactures my favorite outdoor hammocks. Their products are built with the same material used in parachutes. So, you know this is an item that is going to last ages. In addition, their hammocks have been designed for easy setup. No ropes or knots are needed. Items pack small and are easy to carry.
The company manufactures a hammock for kids and toddlers. It the perfect size for them.
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Sofa Hammock
A sofa hammock may be a nice gift for those who want to hang around a campsite while keeping things simple comfortably.
If you do not know what I am talking about, take a look at the Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa. This cool-designed portable coach does not require a pump to inflate. It has been created with an ingenious way to easily inflate and deflate it. It fits two adults sitting and one lying down.
Kids will love to hang around this portable sofa.
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Walkie Talkies
Wishouse Walkie Talkies are guaranteed to provide hours of fun. Their sets (come in packages of 3) have 22 channels and have a 1-3 miles range (depending on the area). The included batteries are rechargeable so parents do not have to worry about replacing them. A flashlight is attached to the walkie-talkies.
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Camping Journal
This interactive camping journal prompts kids to log information about the campsite, activities performed, animals/plants observed, and friends they made. It also has games, stories, and photo ideas.
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Binoculars
Binoculars are a fun way to get a closeup of animals, plants, and surrounding vistas. The ones manufactured by Scotamalone provide excellent focus and zooming capabilities. Their non-toxic materials are gentle on a kid’s hands and eyes. This hand-sized piece comes with a storage bag, neck strap, and cloth to clean the lens.
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S’mores Kit
I know it is relatively simple to put together the ingredients to make s’mores, but receiving a kit as a gift would be so much fun. Parents will need to keep this gift under vigilance, though.
Hershey’s (of course) sells a kit to prepare 18 s’mores.
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They also sell a s’mores caddy, which keeps ingredients organized.
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MallowMe sells a premium marshmallow roasting stick set in case one of those is needed.
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Camping Kits for Kids
Below, you will find multi-piece kid’s camping kits. These, also known as outdoor explorer kits, come with the accessories needed to inspect the campsite surroundings. Kids will have tons of fun taking a deeper look at the flora, and fauna (hopefully, not-so creepy fauna).
The ESSENSON Outdoor Explorer Kit covers many bases. It comes with a hat, backpack, binoculars, compass, magnifying glass, insect collecting case, and more. In short, it contains most things a child will need to inspect the campsite landscape.
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The HQ 4KIDS BY Outdoor Adventure Kit comes with 7 pieces: binoculars, flashlight, compass, magnifying glass, whistle, binocular case, and small bag.
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JOYINS Outdoor Explorer Kit comes with a vest, hat, and accessories such as bug catching case and binoculars.
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Kidz Xplore Outdoor Explorer Kit comes with 20 pieces designed to catch and study bugs.
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Meland’s Camping Set for Kids may be a better option for toddlers. This set has a tent, toy camping stove, toy camping lamp, and other toys resembling camping accessories.
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Camping Craft Kits for Kids
Even when packing a robust selection of kid’s camping toys, you may want to bring a selection of activities that bring the family together. Below, you will find a selection of craft kits that will help you to keep everybody busy.
Camp Crafts Kit
This set from Creativity for Kids comes with 12 art projects, including rock painting, wind chime creation, and frame painting.
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Arts and Crafts Kits for Kids
The arts and crafts kit from Craftikit comes with supplies to create 20 projects (each project comes in its envelope to avoid disorganization).
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Rock Painting Kit
Creativity for Kids sells a kit that comes with the rocks (in case it is not easy to find them), waterproof paint, ideas on what to paint, and designs that can be transferred to the rocks (to give them that extra oomph).
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Bouncy Balls
With this kit from Creative Kids, the entire family can create and decorate spheres, ovals, and squares.
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Fairy Lantern Craft Kit
This kit from FunzBo comes with 2 Mason jars, LED lights, silhouettes, flowers, and other materials needed to create beautiful lanterns.
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Kid’s Camping Toys
Finally, here are camping toys for kids suggestions. Hopefully, these will bring opportunities to try new things and involve the entire family.
Giant Bubble Kit
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Toss and Catch Ball Game
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Sidewalk Chalk
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Rocket Launcher
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Card Game
A card game called Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (for real) is fast-paced and easy to learn. It is wildly popular among families so, give it a try. The company that has created this game has other fun options as well.
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Camping Books for Kids
I am a book nerd and love reading books about nature, survival skills, and the outdoors. That is why I couldn’t leave out books from this camping gifts for kids guide. These can be taken to the campsite or read at home to keep kids dreaming about camping.
Llama Llama Loves Camping
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Pete the Cat Goes Camping
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Curious George Goes Camping
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Campfire Stories for Kids
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Exploring Nature Activity Book
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Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail
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Ultimate Survival Guide for Kids
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Hope this kid’s camping gift guide helped you to inspire a child about the outdoors. Let me know what else would you add!
More Camping Resources
If you want to get even more camping gear or gifts ideas, make sure to check out my extensive gear/gift guides:
Best Camping Gift Ideas for Camping Lovers
Best Camping Gifts for Couples
Camping Essentials You Need to Pack
What are your favorite camping gifts for kids?
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