Florida’s springs are magical places, drawing adventurers to paddle their clear waters, hike nearby trails, and connect with nature. If you’re shopping for someone who loves exploring these unique spots, this guide is packed with thoughtful gift ideas. Whether they’re seasoned spring-goers or just getting started, you’ll find practical gear, fun items, and conservation-focused gifts that fit their passion for the outdoors. Let’s explore how you can make their next adventure even better!
As an Amazon Associate and Florida Springs Passport Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There are many other links here that are not affiliate links. Regardless, I only recommend products that I either use or would buy for myself.
Table of Contents
- Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer
- Gifts for Wildlife Lovers
- Gifts for the Conservationist
- Stocking Stuffers
Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer
Paddleboards and Accessories
Ok, so a paddleboard is a big ticket item, but if that’s the route you want to take, then a paddleboard is a fantastic gift. If you are shopping around the holidays, you can score some great deals, even some BOGOs! So don’t take it off the list without checking out these deals! It is also possible to find a used paddleboard that is in great condition – that’s how we got ours. We purchased them from a local paddleboard tour company.
Inflatable paddleboards
Inflatable boards (iSUPs) tend to be cheaper and they are, of course, easier to transport and store. Many come as a kit with hand pumps, paddles, and more.
We have two inflatable boards (in addition to our hardboards) for our teens, and we love both:
- BOTE Wulf Aero Inflatable Paddle Board Kit
- Movement Simple (this one is a newer model than the one we have).
Although many iSUPs come with hand pumps, I recommend an electric one! We started with the hand pump, but after one trip where we were worn out even before the paddle, we switched to a battery-powered one. The one we purchased isn’t available anymore, but the OutdoorMaster Shark pump is very similar to the one we have.
Hard Paddleboards
Hard boards tend to be a bit more expensive, but they are more stable than inflatables, and you don’t have to worry about pumping them up. They are always ready to go.
We have two hard boards that Robert, my hubby, and I use more often than then the inflatables:
- Evolve Good Buddy (my board)
- Movement Simple Cruiser
Dry Bags & Phone Cases
Although not as exciting as a paddleboard, dry bags and phone cases will keep the paddler’s items dry. There are many different kinds out there, but I’m going to share the ones that we have and that we actually enjoy using. Phone cases are the trickiest because most people want to have their phones out so they can take photos and videos, but how do you do that, keep it dry, and not lose it?
- Small dry bags, like our Chums rolltop dry bag, are great for keeping personal items like wallets, keys, and phones.
- Large dry bags, like our geckobrands waterproof 30 L bag, can be filled with towels and clothes (or layers) that need to stay dry.
- If we’re being real, the best way to keep from losing a phone is to attach it to the paddleboard or to the paddler. A phone case like the Temdan Waterproof Case will keep the phone dry and has a handy handle so paddlers can keep their phone on their wrist (it’s just looped onto the wrist, not tied).
Hiking Essentials
If I just gave you a bit of sticker shock with the paddleboards as gift ideas, you’ll be relieved to know that hiking gear can be a little more affordable – sometimes. You might be wondering what hiking has to do with springs. Well, some of the trails go through Florida springs areas.
The scenic Florida Trail runs 1,500 miles from the panhandle all the way south to the Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida. Hikers can thru-hike or section-hike. If the hiker you are buying for is looking for new hiking trails, consider purchasing the Florida Trail Hikes: Top Scenic Destinations on Florida’s National Scenic Trail guidebook.
Whether you have a new or experienced hiker on your gift list, gear is always a welcome surprise. Smartwool has my favorite socks. I love the cushioning and the protection they give my feet. I prefer a full cushion crew sock. Here’s the women’s Smartwool Classic Hike Full Cushion Crew, and here’s the men’s version. If you are looking for some that are still for hiking but a little cuter, check out these women’s light cushion crew socks.
Other great options are trekking poles and hiking sticks. Both work well for stabilizing hikers along rocky, gravelly, or sandy trails. My picks are Trekology collapsible hiking poles and handcrafted wood walking sticks like this one from Brazos.
If you are looking for even more hiking gear, check out my Black Friday hiking buyers guide and must-have gear guide.
Items for Adventures on Land and Water
Quick-dry towels are fantastic gifts. They tend to be lightweight and easy to pack. Just grab and go! Your spring lover will appreciate this item, especially if you get it in their favorite color.
Hiking and paddling in Florida often mean being out in the sun and sometimes fully exposed to it. Hats are one of the best ways to keep safe from sunburn. Some folks prefer wide-brimmed, while others prefer a baseball/trucker hat (like me!). I found some really fun ones from a small business owner. Check out her straw hat and her truck hat.
Another gift idea is to take your spring lover on a guided paddle tour! It will be cheaper than a paddleboard and all the gear and will create a memory that will last a lifetime. I recommend my friend Ashley from Florida Paddle Excursions. She takes paddlers along the Rock Springs Run at King’s Landing in Central Florida.
Gifts for Wildlife Lovers
Manatee Magic
Manatees and Florida go hand in hand. And in the winter, these chubby mermaids head to the springs to stay safe and warm.
If you are shopping for a manatee lover, there’s tons of manatee merch out there, from eco-friendly plushies to reusable water bottles. But, if you are looking for something a bit more unique, what about an eco-tour or manatee snorkeling tour?
Get Up and Go Kayaking, which is recommended by Save the Manatees, leads guided paddles with manatees throughout Florida. They have clear kayaks and knowledgeable guides who care about their kayakers and wildlife!
Crystal River Watersports and Manatees in Paradise, which is also recommended by Save the Manatees, both offer manatee snorkeling tours. Several years ago, I snorkeled with manatees, and it was a life-changing experience. I highly recommend this as a gift if you can manage it.
Alligator Fun
Alligators can be found throughout the Sunshine State – from springs to ponds to rivers and lakes. They are fascinating and can sometimes challenge us to face our fears.
If you are looking for a gift for an alligator-lover, consider alligator-themed items like socks, mugs, and quirky home decor.
Interested in something a little bigger? Many state parks offer boat tours. During these tours, a knowledgeable captain will take visitors out on the water, teach them about the area and point out wildlife, like alligators! Some of my favorite boat tours are at Blue Spring State Park, De Leon Springs State Park, and Silver Springs State Park.
Birdwatcher Bliss
Florida springs and the areas around them are wonderful places to birdwatch. Some favorites are scrub jays, which live in the Florida scrub that can be found near springs, like Blue Spring State Park, and anhingas, which live in nearly every body of water throughout the state.
Of course, every birdwatcher needs binoculars, but if you are looking for other ideas, here are a few handy (and fun) items:
- thorough 300+ page Florida bird field guide
- folding Florida birds pocket guide
- pocket bird passport journal
- for a laugh: The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America
Gifts for the Conservationist
Adopt an Animal
An animal adoption is a very meaningful gift for the animal conservationist in your life. The adoption is symbolic of course, but it will help fund conservation efforts by various organizations. The adoptee typically gets a certificate of adoption, a photograph and biography of the animal, and a fact sheet.
If you go this route, I recommend adopting a manatee through Save the Manatees or land-based wildlife through the Florida Wildlife Hospital.
Springs Conservation Gear
Reusable water bottles are a great gift and a way to reduce single-use plastics, but if you would like to gift items that also donate to conservation organizations, I have some recommendations for you!
The Florida Springs Council (FSC) is a non-profit advocacy group I love. From educational events to fundraising to taking legal action to enforce laws that protect the springs, the FSC is worth supporting. The spring lover in your life will appreciate a “Profanatee Manatee” tee or sticker, or a Protect Florida Springs shirt from the FSC shop.
If you are looking for another design, check out this Protect the Florida Springs tee from a local business that donates 10% of its proceeds to the FSC.
Annual Passes, Donations, and Learning Materials
If the spring-lover in your life enjoys Florida State Parks, you can gift them an annual pass. It will get your loved one free admission to parks.
Plant a tree in honor of your conservationist. The Florida State Parks Foundation allows you to plant a longleaf pine for every dollar that you donate. The longleaf pine is part of the Florida ecosystem and is in serious risk of extinction.
If you’re interested in a more traditional donation in honor of your nature lover, the Florida Wildlife Federation will allow you to donate once or monthly.
If the spring lover in your life is interested in learning more about the geography, politics, and restoration of Florida Springs, I recommend this book by Christopher F. Meindl. I own it, and I’ve learned a lot of fascinating information about the springs here in Florida. It has given me the tools to share this knowledge with other springs enthusiasts.
Stocking Stuffers
The Florida spring lover in your life will love these stocking stuffers! I mean, who doesn’t love a stocking stuffer?
- Waterproof sunscreen for eco-friendly water lovers.
- Springs-themed stickers
- Florida springs buttons
- Mini first-aid kit
- Lip balm with SPF (I love this brand!)
- Florida springs coloring sheets!
- Florida Springs Passport
An extra note about the Florida Springs Passport. It’s a small booklet featuring 20 springs all over Florida, where you can stamp the ones you visit and jot down fun memories. Even though I’ve had it all year, I’ve only visited two of the springs—so it’s also helping me plan for next year!
Looking for More Shopping Guides?
If you’re still searching for the perfect gift or gear, check out these guides packed with practical and fun ideas for hikers and paddlers alike:
- Best Hiking Essentials to Buy This Black Friday
- Winter Paddleboarding Gear – Florida Edition
- Hiking Essentials: Your Guide to the Must-Have Gear for a Successful Hike
- The Ultimate Paddleboard Guide: The 9 Best Picks for Every Need
- Ready, Set, Paddle! Essential Gear to Jumpstart Your Paddleboarding Journey
Ready to gift springs-related items to your loved ones? Let me know which gift you’d pick—or drop your own ideas in the comments!