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For many gardeners, the best part of the garden is the life it attracts: birds at the feeder, hummingbirds at the flowers, bees and butterflies in the borders. Gifts that welcome wildlife bring that joy right outside the window.
This guide covers feeders, water, nesting spots and pollinator-friendly gifts, plus a book for curious birdwatchers. A few good habits make wildlife gifts work better: clean feeders regularly, provide fresh water, and choose plants and seeds native to the region.
Quick Picks
| Gift | Best for |
|---|---|
| Brome Squirrel Buster Standard feeder | Feeding birds, not squirrels |
| Aspects HummZinger hummingbird feeder | Attracting hummingbirds |
| Bird Buddy smart bird feeder | Photographing and identifying visitors |
| Birdbath with solar fountain | Fresh, moving water for birds |
| Cedar nest box | Giving small birds a place to nest |
| Mason bee house | Supporting native pollinators |
| Native wildflower seed mix | A pollinator-friendly border |
| What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Sibley | Curious birdwatchers |
- Think about their region. Birds, bees and plants vary by location, so choose native options.
- Keep it clean. Feeders and birdbaths need regular cleaning to keep birds healthy.
- Consider pets and predators. Place feeders and houses where cats can’t easily reach.
- Follow local guidance. Some areas advise pausing feeding during bird disease outbreaks.
Feeders
Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Bird Feeder
Why it’s a good pick: A weight-activated feeder that closes the seed ports when a squirrel or heavy bird climbs on, so seed goes to songbirds.
Best for: Backyards with determined squirrels
What to check before buying: Check the capacity and seed type it takes. It needs to hang away from surfaces squirrels can jump from.
Aspects HummZinger Hummingbird Feeder
Why it’s a good pick: A saucer-style hummingbird feeder that’s easy to fill and clean, which matters because nectar spoils quickly in warm weather.
Best for: Gardeners who want to attract hummingbirds
What to check before buying: Check the capacity and whether it has an ant moat. Use plain sugar water without red dye and clean it often.
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder
Why it’s a good pick: A feeder with a built-in camera that snaps photos of visiting birds and sends them to a phone app, which can help identify species.
Best for: Tech-loving bird watchers
What to check before buying: It needs Wi-Fi within range of the feeder. Check which features need a subscription and how it charges.
Water and Nesting
Birdbath with Solar Fountain
Why it’s a good pick: A birdbath gives birds water for drinking and bathing, and a small solar fountain keeps the water moving, which attracts more birds.
Best for: Gardens and patios with sun
What to check before buying: Check the bath depth (shallow is best for small birds) and that the solar panel will get direct sun. Change the water often.
Cedar Nest Box
Why it’s a good pick: A well-made wooden birdhouse gives small cavity-nesting birds, such as wrens or chickadees, a place to raise young.
Best for: Gardeners who want nesting birds
What to check before buying: Check the entrance hole size for the species in their area, and that it opens for cleaning between seasons.
For Pollinators and Curious Minds
Mason Bee House
Why it’s a good pick: A nesting house with tubes or trays for gentle native solitary bees, which are excellent pollinators for fruit trees and gardens.
Best for: Gardeners with fruit trees or flower beds
What to check before buying: Choose one with removable tubes or trays for cleaning, and place it facing morning sun.
Native Wildflower Seed Mix
Why it’s a good pick: A seed mix of wildflowers native to their region provides food for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Best for: Gardeners with space for a pollinator border
What to check before buying: Choose a regional or native mix and avoid mixes with invasive species. Check shipping restrictions for seeds.
What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley
Why it’s a good pick: A beautifully illustrated book about how birds behave and why, from the author of the well-known Sibley field guides.
Best for: Birdwatchers of all ages
What to check before buying: It’s a large illustrated book rather than an identification guide. Check the format.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for a bird lover?
A squirrel-resistant feeder, a hummingbird feeder, a birdbath or a smart bird feeder with a camera are all popular choices.
How do I attract more birds to a garden?
Provide food, fresh water and shelter. Native plants and a clean birdbath make a big difference.
Are bee houses good for the garden?
Mason bee houses support gentle native bees that pollinate plants. Choose one that can be cleaned each season.
Should I feed birds year-round?
Many people do, but follow local wildlife guidance, especially during bird disease outbreaks, and keep feeders clean.
Getting the Timing Right
- Check the delivery date for the recipient’s address at checkout, not just the “fast shipping” label.
- Seeds, bulbs and live plants may have shipping restrictions to some states and countries, and some only ship in certain seasons.
- Bulky items ship separately. Raised beds, compost bins and planters may arrive later than smaller gifts.
- Out of time? A garden center gift card or a digital gift card can be delivered by email on the day.
Before You Buy
- Choose native options for their region.
- Check feeder capacity and cleaning ease.
- Check Wi-Fi range for smart feeders.
- Check the current price and the delivery date at checkout.