The holidays are the perfect time to help fuel a Scout’s adventures for the coming year. Every season, parents, grandparents, extended family, friends, and even Scouts themselves are looking for gift ideas that are fun, practical, and meaningful. The best gifts inspire new experiences, encourage outdoor exploration, and sometimes simply make the next campout safer, easier, or more memorable.
From essential gear and useful gadgets to campfire fun, stocking-stuffers and collectible keepsakes, each of these gift ideas can make the next adventure a little more enjoyable.
(Click to read more on each gift down the page.)
- Tent With Built-In Lights
- Clip-On Flashlights
- Lightweight Chair
- Portable Pocket Fan
- Hot Spark Fire Starter
- Heavy Duty Tent Stakes
- Scouting America 14 Piece Multi-Tool
- Survival Kit
- Fireside Story Dice
- Collectible Artist Series Patches
TENT WITH BUILT-IN LIGHTS
Do you struggle to see in your tent at night? Can’t get the flashlight at the right angle? Want to have the coolest tent in the campsite?
How about a tent with built-in lights! These innovative tents provide convenient, hands-free illumination for reading, organizing gear, or navigating after dark, all without the need for lanterns or flashlights. Perfect for family campers and outdoor enthusiasts, they add comfort and convenience to any camping adventure. There are several models by different manufacturers, but you will always be able to see clearly in your field abode.
CLIP-ON FLASHLIGHTS
Speaking of lights, here’s another bright idea! A clip-on flashlight like the Nite Ize SpotLit XL Rechargeable Light is a simple but incredibly useful addition to any outdoor adventure. Attach it to a backpack, belt loop, tent, or gear bag for convenient, hands-free illumination when the sun goes down. Lightweight, rechargeable, and easy to carry, it’s a great stocking stuffer for Scouts, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Available at ScoutShop.org.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAIR
After one good hike at Philmont, you quickly learn what you wish you had packed. I didn’t have a chair, and I wish I did. I can enjoy sitting on the ground, a tree log, or a rock only for so long. It used to be that lightweight meant not durable, but that’s no longer true. Today’s backpacking chairs are strong, ultralight, and surprisingly comfortable. Check out this page from Backpacking Light, which gives all the different possible ideas on chairs.
PORTABLE POCKET FANS
Beat the heat during those hot summer campouts and outdoor adventures with a portable pocket fan! Small enough to fit in a pocket or daypack, these inexpensive gadgets can provide a refreshing breeze when temperatures start to climb.
Available from many retailers for just a few dollars, they’re a practical and fun addition to any Scout’s gear. Pro Tip: Bring two on especially warm outings so you can share one with your biggest fan club and instantly become the coolest member of the unit!
HOT SPARK FIRE STARTER
Find your inner spark with the Hot Spark Fire Starter from the Scout Shop! This rugged and reliable tool makes it easy to get a campfire going after a day of hiking, fishing, or exploring. Stay warm on a cool evening, roast marshmallows for s’mores, or sharing stories around the fire with friends. This is an essential addition to your outdoor gear. Available at ScoutShop.org.
HEAVY DUTY TENT STAKES
Keep your tent where it belongs, even on windy days, with heavy-duty tent stakes. Available in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles from many manufacturers, these durable stakes are designed to withstand tough ground conditions without easily bending or breaking. Whether you’re setting up camp in rocky soil or preparing for unpredictable weather, upgrading your stakes is a simple way to add stability and peace of mind to your outdoor adventures.
SCOUTING AMERICA 14 PIECE MULTI-TOOL
No Scout or Scouter should head to camp without a dependable multi-tool. The Scouting America 14-Piece Multi-Tool packs a variety of useful tools into one compact design, including blades, screwdrivers, pliers, a saw, and more. From opening cans and making quick gear repairs to cutting cord or tackling campsite tasks, this versatile tool is ready to help. It’s a practical gift that belongs in every pack and on every outdoor adventure. The Scout Shop sells a great one here.
SURVIVAL KIT
Every Scout should be prepared, and a reliable survival kit is a great way to put that principle into practice. A good kit includes essentials for shelter, warmth, hydration, navigation, and first aid, helping you stay safe and comfortable in the outdoors.
Build a custom kit tailored to your adventures or choose a pre-packed option from one of the many manufacturers that specialize in outdoor gear. Pair it with the Scouting America 14-Piece Multi-Tool, and you’ll be well-equipped to handle unexpected situations and enjoy your time in the outdoors with confidence.
FIRESIDE STORY DICE
Some of the best camp memories are made around the campfire, and Fireside Story Dice are a fun way to get everyone involved. Simply roll the dice and use the symbols that appear as inspiration for a campfire tale.
The symbols can mean whatever you want, making each story unique, creative, and often hilarious. Share epic adventures or mysterious encounters, or tell your best chicken-and-kitty-cat story. These dice help spark imagination and create new memories that will last long after the campfire embers fade. Available from multiple online retailers.
COLLECTABLE ARTIST SERIES PATCHES
For the serious patch collector in your family, the Montana Council’s exclusive annual Artist Series patch sets are a one-of-a-kind gift.
Each year, a Montana artist is featured through beautifully embroidered reproductions of their artwork, creating a unique collectible that celebrates both Scouting and Montana culture. Every set includes a council shoulder patch, pocket patch, pocket flap, large jacket patch, and an artist bio card highlighting the featured artist and their work.
Only 152 serialized sets have been produced each year, making them highly sought after by collectors. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Montana Council history and join this elite collecting tradition! View & Order Here
