Hello all,

My son will be 8 in a month and Im looking for Ideas for birthday gifts. Wife has already said no to knives or anything dangerous. He already has tent,sleeping bag,explorer watch.. Any Ideas for some cool stuff?

He must be pretty docile- I was dangerous with a paper cup of water back then.

Nalgene bottle. I still think they are cool.
Decent LED flashlight, like the Gerber Infinity.
Compass.
An age appropriate field guide to animal tracks, astronomy or weather.
A copy of "My Side of the Mountain" or "Space Cadet".

Is fire dangerous by the definition in use? If not, I'm still amused by a cheap mag firestarter and a broken hacksaw blade. :P

Coming up on school vacation- have you any time off? A plan for an ultra-lite camping trip. Everyone's pack, less water, has to be under 5 pounds and a cubic foot. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

• 2-Way FRS Radios
• Nice Compass
• Small LED flashlight (start his addiction early!) - careful to explain about looking directly in the light.
• Book or video on Knots and several varieties of rope
• Basic toolset in a metal toolbox (depending on how "dangerous" your wife is willing to do) - pliers, hammer, drivers, level, etc.
• Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E (kid size) - load it with a couple carabiners, poncho, spare socks, whistle, flashlight, etc.
• Compact fishing kit
• Pocket shovel and folding saw (again, if it meets wife's criteria)
• Hiking boots
• Emergency kit (fishing gear, blanket, whistle, light, ferro rod)
• Hiking sticks
• Time with you learning how to use any of the above.

How about a pair of binoculars.

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Victorinox Bladeless Knife

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Looks like an attempt to outthink the TSA, but not a bad idea.

I also recall seeing, years ago, a rounded tipped SAK, I think it was from Vic but I could be wrong. It was built on the 91mm frame, and blade was like a diner knife without serrations. Sounds like it would be a supervision required item, but that might be managable.

I 2nd the pair of binoculars.

Yeah, wish I had thought of that one too! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I third that vote.

I thought of including a hand-sized digital camera or video/still combo that's not going to be a drastic loss if it's broken or lost. I just wasn't sure about the cost ceiling.

Telescopes, GPS, and other fun outdoor gadgets that get kids excited about the outdoors come to mind as well.

Ironraven

It is called My 1st Victorinox.

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I taught my daughter to shoot when she was 8, but it sounds like the wife might veto that (you really from TX?) I'd have to go with the flashlight/binocular suggestions already given. Those would have been great gifts for me at 8, and now for that matter!

I really like those little 30x handheld microscopes with built-in illuminator (flashlight bulb) powered by two AA cells. Radio Shack used to sell them for $10 or so. They are great for looking up close at all kinds of everyday things and objects found in nature. RS now has a fancier version that I haven't tried, claiming 60-100x. I have their old 100x model (plus the 30x) but I like the 30x better (wider field, more depth of focus, etc). I'm sure other places sell these things too.

I had a pocket knife by the time I was about 7 years old...a boyscout type that was probably a lot like that Victorinox folding butterknife.

But what I really remember as a cool gift was a magnifying glass.... I remember inspecting and frying many ant hills, started leaves on fire and even did some wood burning projects (like my initials burned on a board). I don't remember getting in trouble with it....not like the pellet gun I had later during boyhood...

As long as you're going to be around to work with him on it, an Estes rocket kit will be a real exciting thing for him to work with. He'll be inviting friends to come along as part of the recovery team running after the rocket as it parachutes into Mr McGuirks's garden... uh, oh, flashbacks... <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Compass, a Silva/ Brunton baseplate would be perfect. Another Option more pricey is a Geko 201 Garmin GPS. A few good technique books also.
I remember getting the Calvin Ruttstrum book "New Ways of the Wilderness" when I was about 8 and still have it and still read it from time to time. There are many more modern books that will fit the bill. Hope that gives you some ideas!

Estes rockets are a great idea. Building them then whatching them fly is way cool.