Holiday Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

                                 

                                            Cardinal - WV State Bird  


The holidays are around the corner.  Have you started your holiday shopping?  If you have a bird watcher on your list, why not make a gift basket for them.  Gift baskets don't have to be full of toiletries, candles, and food.  Here's a few ideas that you can place in a gift basket for a bird lover:    

• Binoculars - Every bird watcher needs a pair of binoculars.  I purchased a pair of Bushnell Falcon's from Amazon for about $35.00.  I had a wonder time watching the American Gold Finch eat my sunflower seeds in the garden. They devoured every seed.  These binoculars are great for beginners, but also getting good reviews from advanced watchers.  
• A subscription to Birds and Blooms magazine - Each magazine contains articles filled with beautiful photos of birds, butterflies and flowers.  What bird lover wouldn't want to curl under a cozy blanket this winter browsing the magazine for gardening and bird attracting ideas for the spring and summer.  Click on the link, they're offering a 2 year subscription for a year's price, $20.00. 
• Birdhouses - You can purchase them one on-line or from your local Lowes, Home Depot or Tractor Supply.  I would suggest that you do a search to determine the backyard birds in the gift recipient's area.  Make a selection based on your finding, different birds like different types of houses.  No need to purchase a bird house for a bird that doesn't habitat in the recipient's backyard. 
• Bird Feeders  - Check out your local Lowes, Tractor Supply or Home Depot.  Different birds like different feeders.  Buy according to the birds in the gift recipient's area.   
• Gift Certificate - Great for purchasing seed, suet, a bird book or magazine subscription. 
• CD with bird calls - Bird calls are fun to listen to when gardening or working in the yard.  Great gift for beginners who are just learning the calls. 
• Book to identify backyard birds - Mine sure has come in handy.  I enjoy studying their habits and becoming familiar with the color and markings.  I bird watch from my bedroom window during the colder months while I'm watching TV or blogging.  It's nice to flip through a book or Google to identify the birds. 
• Packs of sunflowers - Birds love them, they're easy to grow, and they're so pretty in a garden.  
• Coffee Mug with the recipient's state bird and a package of coffee or tea bags. 
• A Hummingbird Feeder and Nectar - You can pick these up at your local Tractor Supply store.  I would suggest a feeder with an ant guard they love the nectar too.  It may be difficult to find  a feeder this time of year in colder regions.  Try on-line if unsuccessful locally. 

You can purchase a basket, filler, ribbon and holiday cellophane bags from the dollar store.  Put the larger items in the back and work forward with smaller items.  If you need to hold items in place, use clear packaging tape.  Use a twist tie to close the bag and finish with a bow.  You're done, and your bird lover will thank you.