Holiday Gift Guide: Staff & Volunteer Favorites for Every Bird Lover

Seasonal Chalkboard Sign | Birds Connect Seattle

Looking for the perfect gift for the bird lover in your life? Whether you’re shopping for a backyard birder, a city naturalist, or someone who simply loves wildlife, our Birds Connect Seattle 2025 Gift Guide features the favorite items of our Staff and Volunteers.

Every purchase supports our mission to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive.

Retail Manager Mechio Hardeman recommends the pigeon stress ball by Borb: “This adorable plush toy is the perfect desk companion and his round, weighed base makes him perfect for tossing around and squeezing.” It’s a fun, comforting gift for anyone who could use a little bird-inspired cheer at their workspace. Also perfect for all the pigeon lovers out there.

For the perfect pigeon-themed gift, pair this super cute (and satisfying to squish) pigeon stress ball with other popular items like the pigeon earings or pigeon hair clip.

Volunteer Dave loves our Bird is a Verb hat, sharing: “The slogan on this hat is one-of-a-kind and perfect for a day out birding. Also, I recommend everyone install collision deterrents on their windows to help protect birds this holiday season, and all year long.” It’s a thoughtful gift that pairs style with a reminder to keep birds safe.

Executive Director Claire Catania thinks there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a cool bird and not having binoculars on you! Treat yourself (or a loved one) to a pocket-sized binocular and you’ll never have to worry about missing out on a rarity that whizzes by unexpectedly. After all, as Claire says, “I’m never NOT birding.” Claire recommends the Nikon Prostaff 8X25 binoculars as her own “purse pair” that also serves double-duty in her kiddos’ small hands when they’re out birding together.

Retail Associate Charlie Yanny says, “If you’re looking for a fun bird themed gift for the holidays you definitely won’t wanna pass up the Jabebo Studio earrings. I love how each pair of asymmetrical highlights a different aspect of one of our local birds. Along with each pair is made of recycled cereal box paperboard helping to reduce waste. They’re a steal at only 14.95$!”

Retail Assoicate Kelly Metcalfe’s pick will help make your home birdy and festive this season. “We have the cutest selection of bird ornaments in the shop right now! The wooden ones are made by local artist Laurel Mundy and they’re a great way to bring a little PNW beauty to your holiday set up.”

For an extra amount of fun and whimsy, try Program Associate Sarah Hankins’ recommendation of our rubber chicken hair claw clip. Sarah says, “I love the rubber chicken claw clip, it is silly and whimsical and also very effective!”

No matter who you’re shopping for, choosing a gift from Birds Connect Seattle is a simple way to support birds and the people who care for them. Every purchase helps fund community science, urban conservation, and educational programs that connect more people to the birds around them. We hope this staff and volunteer curated gift guide inspires your holiday giving and brings joy—and more birds—into the lives of the people you love. Shop with purpose, support conservation, and celebrate the season with gifts that make a difference.