Gifts for Adventurous Teens

Gifts for Adventurous Teens

Shopping for an outdoorsy teen — one who hikes, camps, climbs, builds fires, or just wants to look like she does — is tricky. These kids don't want mall-store outdoor clothes. They want real gear. Military surplus is usually exactly what they're picturing: durable, no-logo, and more than slightly hardcore.

McGuire's lane for teens is the small, durable, adventure-coded gear. A shemagh (surprisingly versatile — scarf, headwrap, sunshade, even a makeshift bag). A woobie (the Army's packable camo blanket, beloved by anyone who's carried one — great for a bedroom, a dorm, or a tent). A USGI canteen and cover. A first aid kit for the backpack.

Under $25 covers the stocking-stuffer tier: wool caps, or a shemagh. $25-$75 is the main gift zone: a woobie, a USGI canteen with cover, or an authentic rucksack. Over $75 is the bigger Christmas gift: a military duffel for every weekend trip and summer camp, or a smaller-size M-65 field jacket for the teen who wants the vintage look.

A note on sizing: McGuire stocks XS and S across many jacket and pant lines, and you may get a real catch here with these very popular, but mostly sold out in the larger sizes, items.

McGuire has been in the surplus trade for three generations. Everything we sell is one of three things: genuine issue (actual military-contracted items), MIL-SPEC (made to the military's specification), or practical outdoor gear built to last. We stock what gets used.

Also worth checking: Gifts for the Adventurous Woman if she wants a slightly more grown-up fit, Gifts for Campers & Backpackers for the serious trail-and-backcountry teen, or Stocking Stuffers for the small Christmas gift extras.

Free shipping on contiguous US orders, no minimum. Weekday orders placed before 1pm Eastern go out the same day. 30-day returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good Christmas gift for an outdoorsy teen?

Real gear, not mall outdoor clothes. A shemagh, a woobie (poncho liner), a USGI canteen, a military jacket, a first aid kit. Teens want adventure-coded stuff that doesn't look like it came from a department store, and surplus delivers on that.

What surplus items work well for teenagers?

The small, durable, versatile ones. Shemaghs work for any teen regardless of style (adventure, tactical, or just wanting a cool scarf). Woobies become bedroom/dorm favorites and last forever. Canteens and hydration systems fit any outdoor interest.

What size should I get for a teen?

McGuire stocks XS and S across many jacket and pant lines, and you could come away with a really good catch. For the items that don't need sized fit (shemaghs, wool socks, watch caps, canteens), order the standard and don't worry about it. If you're genuinely stuck on sizing, a gift card lets her pick.

Do you have gifts for teen girls too?

Yes — this page is gender-neutral. Most military surplus is unisex by default, so wool socks, shemaghs, watch caps, canteens, woobies, canvas rucksacks, and mess kits work for everyone. We also have lots (and lots) of great finds in sizes small and XS. That’s what tends to not get snatched up as quickly as other military surplus, so you may just get a real find at a real good deal too.

What's a good Christmas gift for a teen who's into tactical or military style but not actually outdoorsy?

A shemagh in subdued colors, a canvas rucksack, a wool watch cap, a military belt. The look without the obligation to actually sleep in the woods.

Can you ship it directly to the recipient?

Yes. Enter their address as the shipping address at checkout and the box ships straight to them. Our shipments don't include gift notes — if you want them to know it came from you, send a text when the tracking pings.

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes, both physical and digital. Digital gift cards deliver by email right away, which helps if you're running late on your holiday shopping or don't know her size. Physical gift cards ship on our normal schedule.