A Practical Gift Guide for Non-Hunters

By Justin Campbell | Equalized Outdoors

Buying gifts for hunters can be frustrating, especially for non-hunters. The truth is, most hunting gear is highly specialized. Arrows, broadheads, optics, and even clothing choices are often dialed to the individual. Guessing can be expensive—and unnecessary.

This gift guide for non-hunters isn’t about a complete list; it’s about ensuring that you get it right.

Gift Cards Are King

Hunting gear is personal. Something as simple as arrows requires the correct spine, length, and components. Instead of guessing, gift cards allow hunters to get precisely what they need.

If you know the brand they prefer, buy direct. If not, opt for a retailer that offers the widest range of gear.

My recommendation: Scheels. They carry archery, firearms, clothing, optics, footwear, and lifestyle gear—making it one of the safest bets. Almost as safe as the undisputed ecommerce king Amazon.* (As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

Camo

This one is straightforward. Pay attention to what they already wear and buy more of it.

Hunters are brand-loyal for a reason: fit, fabric, and performance matter. If you’re unsure about sizing or layering systems, this is another category where gift cards shine. For some, these decisions run as deep as the debate over Chevy vs. Ford.

Outdoor Lifestyle / Streetwear

Not everything has to be worn in the field.

Outdoor-inspired lifestyle apparel is an easy win and works year-round:

• Equalized Outdoors

• Public Land Tees

These pieces allow hunters to represent their lifestyle even when they’re not in the woods.

A Good Knife

A quality knife is one of the most valuable tools a hunter owns.

Two solid brands with fixed-blade knives to look at:

• Montana Knife Company (MKC)

• Benchmade

There's also the reusable type of knife that has its place and may even be a preference among some hunters.

Brands to check out here:

• Outdoor Edge

• Gerber

Depending on the person, this could be a field knife for processing game or a culinary knife they’ll use at home. Utility is the name of the game here, and one knife is never enough.

Author's Benchmade

Ammo

Ammo is simple and always functional, but only if you are certain which caliber they shoot. That's because ammunition cannot be returned, even with a gift receipt. That means guessing here can turn a well-intentioned gift into something unusable. If you know the exact caliber—and ideally the specific load—they prefer, ammo is always appreciated. If there’s any doubt at all, skip ammo and go with a gift card instead.

Ask Them

This is the most overlooked advice.

Ask what they want, then actually listen to the answer.

Sharing wish lists—especially in serious relationships—takes pressure off gift-giving and ensures nothing goes to waste. Thoughtfulness isn’t about surprise; it’s about attention.

Books

Books make meaningful gifts, especially in the hunting world.

• Bowhunters: Any book by John Eberhardt

• General hunting & food culture: Steven Rinella (MeatEater)

• Turkey hunters: The 10th Legion by Colonel Tom Kelly (hardcopy if you can find it)

These aren’t coffee-table decorations—they’re books that get read, referenced, and revisited.

Sample of this author's collection

Gift Guide for Non-Hunters: Final Thoughts

The best hunting gifts aren’t always the most expensive or technical. They’re the ones who respect how personal the pursuit is. When in doubt: give flexibility, pay attention, and keep it simple. Also, no two hunters are the same, so be mindful if you have more than one hunter to shop for.