Build Your Own Assateague Gift Basket: 9 Gifts That Gives Back to the

This holiday season, treat your loved ones with the gift of Assateague Island. Skip the big box stores, scented candles, and ill-fitting clothes and get them something that sparks Assateague joy in their lives or something that gives back to island stewardship.

How do you do that? We’ve got you covered with this round-up of nine (9) ideas!

Gifts that Directly Support Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) & Assateague Island National Seashore

1. Gift an AIA Membership

An AIA membership is the perfect gift for any Assateague-lover that doesn’t want more “stuff” in their lives. Membership fees go directly towards our fundraising goals and all members get 15% off in the Assateague Island Visitor Center Gift Shop and 10% off online AIA purchases and outreach program fees. At checkout, simply enter the recipient’s name in the “Delivery” section and either their mailing address (if you want to shop it directly to them), or your mailing address (if you’d prefer to receive the membership card in the mail and give it to them to unwrap in person).

2. Gift a Foster Horse

Have someone in your family that is wild about the wild Assateague horses? Fostering a horse in their name is a simple yet powerful way to show your love for both your family and the island. Recipients will receive a certificate of fostering and an 8”x10” professional photo of the horse you select. Enter the recipient’s name in the “Delivery” section and either their mailing address (if you want to shop it directly to them), or your mailing address (if you’d prefer to receive the certificate and photo in the mail and give it to them to unwrap in person).

3. Make a Donation in Someone’s Name

If purchasing a membership or fostering a horse doesn’t seem like the right fit for your loved one, consider making a donation in their name! Simply add their name to the “message” part of check-out, then all you have to do is print out the confirmation email and give it to them when you’re ready to exchange gifts.

4. AIA Merch

Every item that’s available for purchase in the Assateague Island Alliance store helps our mission and furthers stewardship of the island. T-shirts, hats, stickers – there’s a little something for everyone.

Bundle Your AIA Support with More Assateague Gifts!

5. Assateague Annual Pass

Did you know you can purchase an Assateague annual pass as a gift? Annual passes are available online or in person on the island. Please note that you cannot give the senior, veteran, or access pass, as individual supporting documentation is required for those passes.

6. Book an Assateague Camping Trip

This one would take some planning, but it can be done! You’ll need to be in attendance for the camping trip and registration for camping must be done in your name. However, once you’ve booked a weekend, you can print out the confirmation email, bundle it with another Assateague-themed gift, and tie it up with a bow.

7. Shop the NPS Store

If you’re local, consider stopping by the Assateague Island Visitor Center and shop in their store! They’re open year-round, 7 days/week, except for major holidays.

8. Support Local Outfitters

Assateague Outfitters, the official commercial partner on the island, offers kayak and bike rentals, guided tours, beach merchandise, and a quick-service restaurant during peak season. Support Assateague Outfitters during the off-season by shopping for apparel in their online store or purchasing a gift card for food and retail. You can also purchase gift cards for tours and rentals here.

W.H. Peters Outdoor Adventures offers small-group, naturalist-led kayak tours at Assateague. Purchase a gift certificate to be redeemed during the 2027 season.

9. Support the Local Businesses that Make Up Assateague’s Gateway

When most people visit Assateague Island, it’s only natural to combine the visit with a stop at a local brewery or restaurant, or enjoy a stroll through historic, downtown Berlin. Consider purchasing a gift card or some local Assateague-themed art as part of your one-of-a-kind Assateague gift bundle!