Gifts for astronomy lovers (from beginner to backyard astronomer)

Good astronomy gifts get used under the sky, not left in a box. From small to big:

A star map of a night that matters to them
The real sky for any date and place — calculated from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue, so it passes the astronomer test. From $14.99 at myskykept.com. See your sky free →
A red-light headlamp
Keeps night vision intact; every observer needs one.
A planisphere
A rotating star wheel for their latitude.
Binoculars (7×50 or 10×50)
The most recommended first instrument — great for the Moon, star clusters and Jupiter’s moons.
“Turn Left at Orion” or “NightWatch”
Two classic beginner observing guides.
A beginner Dobsonian telescope
Simple, sturdy and the most aperture for the money.
A Moon map or Moon globe
For learning craters and seas.
A phone adapter for a telescope
For first astrophotos of the Moon.
A dark-sky trip
A weekend at a certified dark-sky park.
A camping chair and blanket
Comfort means longer nights outside.

Tip: Check the sky before you give it — our planets-tonight and moon-phase tools show what they can see this week.

Questions

A small Dobsonian reflector is widely recommended — easy to use and good value. Binoculars are an even simpler start.

A red headlamp, a planisphere and good binoculars get used every clear night.

Ours uses real catalogue positions, precession and the Moon’s true phase — see our accuracy page.