The National Aviary’s Holiday Gift Guide is back with EVEN MORE gift ideas for the avian enthusiasts, “hot girl” birders, Aviary fanatics, and conservation kiddos in your life!
The onsite Gift Shop offers brand-new festive jewelry, mugs, holiday ornaments and other décor featuring vibrant red canaries and additional winter-wonderland inspired bird species. Revamp your closet with a National Aviary branded T-shirt or hooded sweatshirt offered in merry and bright red or green colors. Stuff all those stockings with comfy animal-themed socks or the fan-favorite Fahlo Bracelet, which allow wearers to track their very own REAL sloth or penguin in the wild! Onsite shoppers can also choose the perfect bedtime book for little ones, game-night essentials, adorable animal plushes, unique toys for kids, birdwatching must-haves...and the list goes on. PLUS, we are excited to unveil the Aviary’s NEW Sustainability Boxes for adults and kids a-like, chock-full of items specifically curated with bird conservation (and excited gift receivers!) in mind. Admission to the Aviary is not required to browse a huge selection of home décor, apparel, accessories, field guides, and other books for children and adults at the shop located at the Arch Street entrance. The Online Gift Shop is open 24/7 and is perfectly categorized with presents for little ones, ultimate National Aviary fans, fashionistas, and home décor collectors!
PLUS… This holiday season give the gift of lasting memories with a National Aviary Membership and provide your loved one with a year’s worth of exploring magical habitats – starting December 3, all new and renewal onsite membership purchases will include the buyer’s choice of a special penguin plush or snow globe; available while supplies last.
Turn experiences into giftable moments at the Aviary. Animal Encounters with sloths, owls, penguins, or a falcon make for one-of-a-kind memories! Grab the family for an avian holiday sing-along during the Aviary’s live, new Jingle Bell Flock immersive bird show presented by AAA Travel, flying to the theater on Black Friday; tickets on-sale starting tomorrow! Savor the tastes of the season in delicious dishes crafted by Executive Chef Nathan Collins of Atria’s Specialty Catering at a seating of our holiday Brunch in The Garden Room. Like what you see? Click here to learn more about hosting your very own holiday celebration or corporate event at the National Aviary! Gift the young conservationist in your life the ultimate one-day camp experience plus yourself a much-needed break during Winter Camp. Leave a mark on the conservation world by symbolically adopting a bird* or having a name engraved on a Condor Court Paver! All proceeds from the purchase of Animal Encounters and National Aviary commemoratives support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their natural habitats.
Start the New Year off with exciting Aviary educational programming! Treat your favorite budding nature photographer to a two-part Bird Photography Workshop taught by the National Aviary's own Educator and Photographer Mike Faix on Jan. 11 and 18. Art aficionados can also enjoy painting a portrait of a beloved Toucan with guided instruction from Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas during Brushes & Birds on Jan. 17. Make the ultimate impact on the life of your nature loving teen with FOUR gifted sessions of the Aviary’s Teen Job Shadow program. Offered every Saturday starting Jan. 31 through Feb. 21, attendees will have the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes to witness what it takes to care for the more than 500 birds and other animals that call the Aviary home.
*Adopt-A-Bird donations must be submitted by December 15 to receive “adoption” materials by Christmas Day.
Give the Gift of Lasting Memories
Solidify your favorite Aviary supporter as an official member of our flock with the gift of a National Aviary Membership. In addition to FREE annual admission, members get exclusive benefits, including discounted Animal Encounters, access to special events and expert talks, and much more! Members will enjoy a special treat this holiday season during Member Morning on December 6 for Season’s Greetings Saturdays. Be the first to take photos with Santa during his ONE-DAY ONLY visit* alongside an African Penguin. National Aviary members also receive a 10% discount on items in the Gift Shop just in time to get shopping done.
*This year’s Season’s Greetings Saturdays feature a Grinch-y invasion! Guests can capture a photo with the Grinch and his skunk friend or owl buddy. On December 6, the Grinch will stay home, and Santa will make a quick trip down from the North Pole to visit his penguin friend and take pictures with guests.
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A Family Game Night Like No Other!
Bring on the family game night with an avian twist! Tackle a Festive Friends Wooden Tray Puzzle ideal for ages 2+, the Festive Feathers 500-piece foil puzzle for the older crew, plus an array of other family-friendly nature-inspired puzzles and avian-themed games. Spot iconic local landmarks including the National Aviary in the exclusive edition of Pittsburgh Monopoly. Test your knowledge of more than 64 species of birds around the world with the official Audubon Bird Matching game! Don’t forget a charming cardinal mug (also for on-the-go!) for your delicious hot cocoa and a fun pair of holiday socks featuring a sloth to help keep you warm and cozy as you dominate game night!
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Junior Conservationists
Stand out above the rest with exclusive toys, books, plushes, and more that can’t be found at your local toy store. Light that first spark of a respect for nature in your little ones with a “Little Bat” or “How Many Birds” finger puppet and picture books. “Rock-a-bye” baby into a deep slumber as they cuddle a super soft penguin, sloth, flamingo, or an original Palm Pals plushie (just to name a few!). Keep them refreshed during our one-day Winter Camp offered for ages 6-8 and 9-12; with a National Aviary branded Lil’ Squirt Kids Water Bottle! Journey to the Aviary’s Igloo with no sleigh required for an unforgettable Penguin Encounter perfect for school-aged kids. Spend quality time with a member of our African Penguin colony and get a chance to gently touch their waterproof feathers as an Aviary expert offers insights into the fascinating species – including their favorite food.
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“Hot Girl” Birding Starter Pack
Just in case you haven’t heard, according to popular life-style magazine Pop Sugar, birdwatching is 2025’s “hot-girl” hobby of the year! Whether the birdwatchers in your life are hot-girls, cool-guys, or simply awesome people, the National Aviary has got you covered with every tool needed for their trade. Our Gift Shop contains guides, bird identification resources, books, journals, merchandise, feeders, and more! Take their at-home birding to another level with the Identifying and Feeding Birds guidebook that covers all the elements needed to attract birds to a backyard and addresses the potential challenges any new birder may face, from preventing bees from interacting with hummingbird feeders to protecting birds from flying into windows, and much more! Provide them with eye-catching official National Aviary apparel such as beanies, sweatshirts, pullovers and more that is sure to set them apart! For those who prefer to learn and mingle alongside others, we also host a multitude of birdwatching classes led and curated by Aviary experts that are regularly offered and updated throughout the year here.
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NEW Sustainability Boxes, Home Décor, & Stocking Stuffers
This holiday season you can make small choices that have an even bigger positive impact for birds by purchasing the National Aviary’s NEW Sustainability Boxes available onsite in our Gift Shop. Each box, with select options created for kids and/or adults, includes a host of various eco-friendly gifts that help to protect our world and the wildlife that inhabits it with every use. Enjoy a delicious sweet treat made with zero palm oil from small business Paras Candies, get ready to sip on bird-friendly coffee grown under natural tree canopies that help support biodiversity, wear comfortable socks made with organic cotton, admire an Aviary branded keychain that will serve as a daily reminder to make bird-kind choices, kid-friendly animal plushes and stickers made with recycled materials, and much more!
Need last-minute holiday decorations? Stock your collection with distinct ornaments created using sustainable materials, immersive snow globes, bird-themed throw pillows, and A Pennsylvania Christmas tea towel with a hilarious PA take on the classic 12 Days of Christmas tune. Fill your home with comforting scents using a holiday fragrance diffuser offered in a fun penguin shape! No gift is too small when it comes to stocking stuffers. Choose from an array of beautifully handcrafted Sienna Sky branded jewelry that will complement any ugly holiday sweater or select a special charm to add to their favorite bracelet. Other small tokens of appreciation for the home and beyond include a Penguin Kitchen Timer, Toucan Kitchen Shears, new and exclusive holiday animal plushes and mugs, and much more!
Leave Your Mark: Personalize a Paver in Condor Court
Help pave a festive pathway to conservation! Commemorate that significant other or memory with a Condor Court Paver from the National Aviary. Home to a precious flock of Andean Condors, Condor Court acts as a rare location to have a name or memory engraved on a custom paver. The 4”x8” paver, featuring custom personalization and optional symbol, will be placed in our walkway in Condor Court. Orders are taken now through December 31, 2025, with an installation planned for spring 2026, so act fast! Pavers are guaranteed to stay for a minimum of five years or the life of the habitat.
Adopt-A-Bird!
Have a non-committal animal lover in your life? Gift them that warm feeling without that hassle by symbolically adopting one of several National Aviary birds, including an Eastern Screech-Owl, on their behalf. “Adoptions” come with a personalized letter, a unique photo, a fact sheet, and much more. Need this in time for Christmas - submit your donation by December 15 to receive “adoption” materials by Christmas Day.
