2012 Audubon Holiday Gift Guide

For: Kids
Buy them here: Buffalo Games, Pomegranate
Price: $10.95-$18.95

9. Smoke Detector/Chick-a-Dee

The black-capped chickadee has a great alarm bell: Sensing danger, the bird sounds its iconic chickadee-dee-dee call, the strings of dees increasing with perceived threat. This response inspired the Chick-a-Dee, a whimsical smoke detector that comes in white or white/black. At the first sign of smoke, the attractive lifesaver emits an 85db alarm signal—bringing life to a device that’s made to protect it.

For: Design junkie
Buy it here: Chick-a-Dee
Price: $75

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10. ATX/STX Modular Scope/Swarovski

Yes, this one’s out of reach for most of us. At the same time, it’s a genuine innovation in birding optics: the first modular spotting scope. Interchange the base—with its angled or straight eyepiece—with front lenses that are 65, 85, or 95mm in diameter. The smallest one is amazingly compact; the largest, which zooms to 70x magnification, lets in serious light. All produce remarkably sharp views. An adapter allows for easy photography through the scope.

For: Bird buff
Buy it here: Eagle Optics
Price: $3,400–$4,500, depending base and eyepiece

For additional ideas, check out last year’s gift guide, with presents for adventure hounds, design junkies, fashion addicts, foodies, bird buffs, travel lovers, and kids. Plus five stocking stuffers. 

Bonus Gift Idea: Adopt-a-Bird
Find one here: Audubon Gift Catalog
Price: $30 a bird
Share your favorite avian memories with a bird loving friend or family member by adopting one—or more—of 16 colorful species representing the four flyways. Your giftee will receive a custom holiday card and an e-card, which will include your personal dedication. Proceeds benefit the National Audubon Society.