Gifts for Walkers: Thoughtful Ideas for Outdoor Lovers
Na'ím Paymán
Apr 29, 2025
Whether it’s a birthday, a thank-you present, or just a treat for someone special, finding the perfect gift for someone who loves walking can be a joy in itself. Walkers are often passionate about the outdoors, nature, and the simple pleasure of a long stroll in fresh air. At the Stromness Hotel, based in the heart of Orkney, we know a thing or two about great walking and great hospitality. That’s why we’ve created this guide full of thoughtful gift ideas for walkers, perfect for inspiring your next purchase or even your next adventure.
Explore perfect gifts for walkers, from practical gear to unique keepsakes. Discover thoughtful ideas for outdoor enthusiasts and plan your next adventure.
Why Gifts for Walkers Make the Perfect Present
People who enjoy walking often rely on simple yet reliable equipment. The right gift can enhance their experiences, boost comfort, and add a personal touch to every trek. Whether they’re seasoned hikers or weekend wanderers, thoughtful gifts show that you appreciate their love for the outdoors.
Top Gift Ideas for Walkers
Practical Walking Gear
Must-Have Walking Accessories
- Waterproof jackets: Lightweight, breathable, and ready for Scottish rain.
- Walking poles: Great for stability, especially on hilly terrain.
- Gaiters: Keep mud and water out of boots.
- Backpacks: Choose ergonomic designs with hydration packs.
Footwear and Comfort Essentials
• Walking boots or trail shoes: Durable, waterproof, and suited to their walking style.
They provide proper ankle support and grip, making them essential walking gifts for walkers who enjoy mixed terrain. A good pair can prevent injuries and improve confidence on long, uneven trails, making them one of the most practical gifts for the walker.
• Merino wool socks: Temperature-regulating and blister-resistant.
They wick moisture away from the skin, helping feet stay dry during long hikes. Their natural odour resistance also makes them ideal walking gifts for walkers who go on multi-day adventures.
• Foot care kits: Think balms, blister plasters, and toe protectors.
These kits help maintain foot health, especially after long-distance treks or challenging terrain. They make thoughtful gifts for the walker who values recovery and comfort after every outing.
• Gaiters: Ideal for keeping mud, water, and debris out of boots on tougher trails.
They are especially useful in wet climates, protecting both footwear and trousers. Gaiters are smart walking gifts for walkers who enjoy year-round outdoor adventures.
• Insoles: Provide extra cushioning and support for long-distance walking.
They help align posture, reduce joint impact, and ease pressure on arches. Insoles make excellent gifts for the walker who wants more comfort without swapping their favourite boots.
• Lightweight waterproof overshoes: Useful for wet weather and protecting footwear during muddy walks.
They are easy to pack, quick to slip on, and extend the lifespan of walking shoes. These overshoes are practical walking gifts for walkers who regularly explore damp or unpredictable terrain.
Fun & Stylish Socks for Walkers
If you want more playful wording, here are a few alternatives:
- Colourful & Character Socks for Happy Walks
- Cute, Cosy, and Character-Themed Walking Socks
- Beautiful Walking Socks & Fun Designs for Trail Lovers
- Stylish Socks That Make Every Walk More Fun
Hydration & Drinkware Essentials
A sturdy mug or water bottle is one of the most practical gifts for the walker, especially for long days outdoors.
Mugs & Water Bottles for Every Type of Walker
From insulated mugs to lightweight bottles, these options make thoughtful walking gifts for walkers who value comfort on the go.
Trail-Ready Drinkware: Mugs, Flasks & Water Bottles
Durable and easy to carry, these choices are ideal gifts for the walker exploring different terrains.
Stay Hydrated: Durable Bottles & Outdoor Mugs
Reliable and weather-ready, these drinkware essentials serve as great walking gifts for walkers who enjoy year-round adventures.
Hot or Cold, Take It Along: Walking Mugs & Bottles
Perfect for any season, these mugs and bottles make excellent gifts for the walker on long or short trails.
5. Outdoor Watches & Trail Timekeepers
1. Classic Analogue Field Watches
- Simple, durable, and easy to read in all lighting conditions.
- Ideal for walkers who prefer a traditional style without extra digital features.
- Reliable for everyday use and resilient enough for most countryside trails.
2. Digital Outdoor Watches
- Offer practical functions like stopwatches, alarms, and backlit displays.
- Great for early-morning or evening walks where visibility changes.
- Perfect for walkers who want easy-to-use features without advanced tracking.
3. GPS-Enabled Trail Watches
- Track distance, pace, elevation, and full walking routes.
- Useful for long hikes, unfamiliar paths, or training-focused walkers.
- Provide detailed data that helps walkers improve performance and explore confidently.
Thoughtful & Unique Gift Ideas for Walkers
Looking for something a little different? These thoughtful and unique gift ideas for walkers go beyond the basics to surprise and delight. From personalised map prints to handmade journals, they offer a special way to celebrate a love of walking.
Travel & Experience-Based Gifts
Sometimes the best gift is a new adventure:
- Walking holiday packages: Perfect for walkers who love exploring new landscapes at their own pace, with options ranging from coastal paths to countryside trails.
- Guided nature walks in the Orkney Islands: Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy learning about wildlife, geology, and local history while walking some of the UK's most beautiful routes.
- Gift vouchers for local hotels like the Stromness Hotel, where guests can explore the best of the area on foot It's one of the best gifts for walkers UK.
- Trail photography workshops: A great choice for walkers who enjoy capturing scenery, offering a mix of hiking and guided photography lessons.
- National park passes or trail permits: Encourages more outdoor adventures and gives walkers access to new routes and protected areas.
- Mindful walking or wellness retreats: A thoughtful option for walkers who want to combine movement with relaxation, meditation, and nature-based wellness activities.
- Historic or cultural walking tours: Great for walkers who enjoy discovering stories, landmarks, and hidden corners of towns, villages, and coastal areas.
For those who love pairing their walks with breathtaking scenery, consider gifts that inspire trips to iconic Orkney landmarks.
A framed photo or map of the Brough of Birsay makes for a memorable keepsake. Or why not include a journal and suggest a reflective walk among the Standing Stones of Stenness?
For the more adventurous spirit, inspire their next hike with stories and images of the legendary Old Man of Hoy A natural wonder and climber’s paradise.
Personalised Keepsakes
- Engraved compasses
- Custom map prints of their favourite trail
- Handmade journals for recording walks
- Personalised keyrings with trail coordinates
- Custom-engraved metal water bottle tags
Inspiring Book Gifts for Walkers and Nature Lovers
Books are wonderful companions for outdoor enthusiasts. Books make thoughtful and lasting gifts for walkers, whether it's a guide to the local flora and fauna or an inspiring memoir of long-distance treks.
A few standout reads include:
- The Salt Path by Raynor Winn: a heartfelt journey along the South West Coast Path
- Wild Guide Scotland by Kimberley Grant: packed with hidden walking spots
- Walking Home by Simon Armitage: poetry meets footpaths in this delightful travelogue
For a full list of literary inspiration, check out our dedicated guide: Books for Walkers: Must-Reads to Enhance Your Hiking Experience
Wellness Gifts for Recovery
Walking is wonderful, but recovery matters too. Consider:
- Massage balls or rollers
- Aromatherapy oils for sore muscles
- Bath salts or foot soaks are perfect after a long Orkney hike
Where to Buy Gifts for Walkers
- Local outdoor shops in Orkney and Kirkwall
- UK-based retailers like Go Outdoors or Cotswold Outdoor
- Craft fairs are often a treasure trove of handmade and unique gear
Bonus: Walkers Love Stromness
Orkney is a walker’s paradise, from coastal trails to Neolithic landmarks. The Stromness Hotel is ideally situated for walkers to rest, refuel, and explore. Whether it's a romantic break or a family-friendly trip, we're the perfect base for every kind of walking holiday.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gift for Walkers
- The weather conditions: where they usually walk in
- Length and type of walks: Are they hillwalkers or casual strollers?
- Health and comfort: Support gear is always welcome
- Sustainability: Opt for eco-conscious brands where possible
Final Thoughts: Wrap Up the Outdoors with Care
Gifts for walkers don’t have to be extravagant, the best ones are useful, meaningful, and aligned with the spirit of the outdoors. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, these gift ideas for walkers are sure to inspire.
Tags:activities
Na'ím Paymán
DirectorNa'ím set up Paymán Club in 2015 to provide comfortable accommodation for tourists and business travellers across the UK and further afield.
