Gifts for Bird Lovers, No.01
If you have a bird lover in your life (or if you are the bird lover in your life), here are a few gifts that I can personally vouch for — beautiful, thoughtful pieces that feel like small celebrations of the natural world. Each one has brought me joy, calm, or a spark of curiosity in its own way.
Sibley Bird Bingo Game
I love this game so much that I wrote one of my first Amazon reviews to rave about it. It has been a favorite cozy-evening activity to play with my little niece & nephew along with my sisters. Not only are the illustrations (classic Sibley) beautiful to look at, but every detail of the game is so well-made and thoughtful. The bingo pieces are in the shape of little eggs! Great for families and birders of all levels, it sparks conversation, memory, and that wonderful feeling of “Oh! I’ve seen that one!”
Sibley Birds of Land, Sea, and Sky: 50 Postcards
This postcard box is such a treasure. My sister gifted it to me maybe five (or seven?) years ago, and I still use the cards sparingly because I love them too much to part with. Each one features a different Sibley bird illustration — so beautifully done you’ll want to frame them, or mail one to a fellow bird friend who’ll appreciate the detail. Perfect for anyone who loves stationery, art, and the quiet beauty of birds.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
I absolutely adore this book. I listened to it first in audiobook form, so surprised and delighted to see Amy Tan’s name again — The Joy Luck Club feels forever etched into my childhood as an Asian American. The Backyard Bird Chronicles deserves all the praise it’s received this past year (#1 New York Times Bestseller! Barnes & Noble 2024 Gift Book of the Year!). It’s part journal, part sketchbook, and all heart. Amy Tan’s writing is tender and funny, capturing her bird observations and musings with warmth and honesty. It’s beautifully designed too, with her own illustrations throughout. A wonderful gift for writers, artists, and anyone who finds comfort in noticing the small, miraculous lives unfolding outside their window.
Birds Watercolor Workbook by Emily Lex Studio
If you’ve ever wanted to paint but felt intimidated, this workbook makes it feel easy and joyful. Each page has the outlines already printed in pale gray, ready for you to add watercolor. The paper is thick and satisfying, and the bird designs are so lovely. It’s part art, part mindfulness practice. Ideal for beginners, creative friends, or anyone looking to unwind with a cup of tea and a paintbrush.
Each of these gifts captures something I love about birding: the art of slowing down, observing, and appreciating the beauty around us. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them for yourself, they’re small ways to bring more bird magic into your days. I hope you enjoy!