By Paul Oliver, Founder – Urban Nature Store

There’s something about December that brings out the best in both people and birds. Maybe it’s the smell of pine in the air… maybe it’s the extra handful of sunflower seeds I scatter every morning. Either way, this time of year always feels a little magical.

At my house, the holiday prep goes something like this: coffee brewing, the oven warming up, and a pair of chickadees arguing outside my window about who gets the best perch. I like to think of it as our version of carolling — me with my spatula, them with their “dee-dee-dee!”

Over the years, I’ve noticed the same thing from our customers and fellow nature lovers: the joy of giving to the birds often matches the joy of giving to family and friends. There’s something deeply satisfying about filling a feeder on a frosty morning, knowing you’re helping a few feathered friends through the cold.

So, if you’re looking for a bit of holiday inspiration, here are a few of my favorite nature-
inspired gift ideas:

🎁 A beautiful new bird feeder or heated bath for the backyard enthusiast.
🎁 A suet cake stocking stuffer (trust me, woodpeckers love them).
🎁 A simple handwritten note to share a winter birdwatching morning with someone special.

After all, gifts that bring people closer to nature tend to keep on giving — long after the wrapping paper’s gone.

This season, I’ll be at all of our Urban Nature Stores offering coffee, hot chocolate, and yes — a few batches of my home-baked cookies. (No guarantees on the shape, but they taste good!) Drop by, say hello, and swap a few bird stories.

From my flock to yours — have a warm, wonderful, and bird-filled Christmas.

– Paul

“The best gifts don’t always fit under the tree — sometimes they’re perched just outside your window.”