Ask SteveQ: What should I get my ________________ for Christmas?
A: This is a question we answer a lot (as you may have guessed). So below are some categories and suggestions you may want to consider.
Gifts for the Bird Feeder who has everything: It's hard to get a bird gift for this person because you don't know exactly what they have. So you either need to get them something unusual or something that they use up. I like to suggest fruit feeders for these folks. They are unusual and most birders don't have one. Also consider jelly/mealworm feeders, a diamond tail-prop suet feeder, or a heated bird bath. Squirrel-proof feeders are appreciated by the good people who love to feed birds. Seed is always welcome and given the prices lately - a very nice gift. Big seed logs are great for the juncos and they don't blow away in our winds. We have some new seed logs and even a feeder for them if you like.
Gifts for Kids: For small kids we have furry woodland creatures with backpacks (no less). I always enjoyed bird books as a kid. For older kids, they might enjoy a bird feeder and the responsibility of maintaining it. If you have a budding field birder, a pair of binoculars would be highly cherished.
Gifts for the Beginning Bird Watcher: A good field guide (or bird song CD) is always required for a beginning birder. We have some laminated guides that are great for the car. And what beginning bird watcher wouldn't want a pair of binoculars! Here's a clever idea-bring them along on one of our (free) Saturday Bird Walks, then take them out to breakfast. Give them an experience for Christmas!
Gifts for Gardeners: We have a wide variety of gifts good for the gardener from the practical to the decorative. A tile mosaic or glass bird bath and a decorative bird house would spruce up any garden. We also have kinetic sculptures, and wall plaques. Also, we just got in some table-top bird feeders which look more like garden art than a bird feeder. For a more practical gift, how about a bat box or some plantskydd critter repellent for your gardener.
Gifts for Families: A feeder set up including a feeder, pole, and seed is a great gift to give an entire family or relative. They can all enjoy it. A nice bird bath could serve the same purpose. Take care of the Aunt, Uncle, and the Cousins all with the same gift.
Gifts for the Non-Birder: We have nice gifts even for those who are not 'into' birds. Gifts for these folks might include shade-grown coffee and a mug, cards, ornaments, puzzles, wind chimes, or a calendar.
For Stocking Stuffers: A few of the smaller things we have that you might consider stocking stuffers are earrings and necklaces, bird ornaments, seed bells, bird CD, seed ball or satellite feeder, or even a suet cake and feeder.
For a House Warming Present: It's always nice to bring a little present with you when you visit others during the holidays. We would suggest bringing something like a snowman feeder and seed, seed ornaments, shade-grown coffee, a bird mug, a small specialty bird feeder, or a bird ornament. How about bringing them a tree planting kit to start a new tree? Tell them it's not so much a house warming gift as it is a global warming gift!
Anyone:
We think that bird feeders are always a great gift, be it a regular seed feeder or something different like a nyjer feeder, hummingbird feeder, fruit feeder, suet feeder, or a squirrel-proof feeder. Also, everyone needs a good field guide. How about a rain guage, thermometer, or bird figurine? Bird baths can be as much fun (or more) to watch as a bird feeder. Everyone could use a good bath or even a heated bath for the winter. And, if all else fails, we have gift certificates!
