Aviation Geek Gift Guide for All Ages

This Aviation Geek Gift Guide for all ages is sure to have something that will make the airplane lover in your family smile. We all know someone who loves airplanes. In collaboration with my husband (an airline pilot) and my two sons (who love airplanes), we’ve come up with the best list of gifts for the aviation geek in your life (AKA #avgeek). 

Disclaimer: Many of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you–I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Although you’ll notice I’m categorizing this list by age, we know there are plenty of children at heart out there.  No shame if you pick up a kids toy for a grown man! Because we all need to play a bit more.

Aviation Geek Gift Guide for Kids

There are so many wonderful aviation related toys and books out there.  However there are also a lot of not so great ones.  With two boys at home who love airplanes, we’ve vetted our fair share.  Here’s what we think would make an aviation geek kid so happy this Christmas:

1 Battat Take Apart Airplane Toy (amazon.com $17) 2 Learn to Fly Decorative Tin Sign 13″x16″ (amazon.com $9) 3 The Little Airplane book (amazon.com $6) 4 Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Vehicle Set (amazon.com $5) 5 Kids Airplane Fork & Spoon Set (amazon.com $13) 6 Stainless Steel PlanetBox Spaceship Lunchbox (amazon.com $79) 7  Gap Kids Bomber Jacket (gap.com $78)

Aviation Geek Gift Guide for Adults

This list could really be appropriate for some preteen and teenagers too.  Even our four-year-old son has loved using his dad’s Logitech Flight Sim for short periods of time. Without further ado, here’s some great gifts to give the aviation geek in your life:

1 CH Products Flight Sim Yoke (amazon.com $124) 2 Silver Art Airplane Coasters (amazon.com $29) 3 Ray Ban Gold Aviator Sunglasses (amazon.com $168) 4 Flight: The Complete History of Aviation (amazon.com $19) 5 Star Wars Folded Flyers (amazon.com $13) 6 Silver Art Airplane Bottle Opener (amazon.com $12) 7Aviator Playing Cards (amazon.com $7) 8 Aviator’s Wrist Watch (amazon.com $70) 9 Handcrafted Aircraft Runway Cribbage Board (etsy.com $25)

Opt for Experience

The Experience version of this Aviation Geek Gift Guide

If you’d think your Avgeek would prefer an experience gift over material things, here’s some suggestions for you!

Real Flight Experiences

Many cities around the country have opportunities for real life demo flights in small aircraft. Often times you get to be the one taking off, with a qualified Flight Instructor in the seat next to you. I’ve found these 30 minute flights to cost anywhere from $75 to $150. 

Take to Google and search for: “Airplane Demo Flights in (your city).”  You’re bound to find a couple Fixed Based Operators (FBOs) in your area that have these type of deals. But just a WARNING to you: after my husband went on a this demo flight, he decided to change careers to become a pilot.

Simulated Flight Experiences

If that’s a bit too extreme for your aviation lover, why not try to find a local full-motion simulator? This experience is sure to make them excited and you don’t have to worry about their safety. Check out the Points Guy’s list of 10 Professional Flight Simulators you can fly. Or travel to Minnesota and visit the Mall of America where they can experience Fly Over America. This immersive experience uses special effects and cutting-edge technology to give your #avgeek a ride like no other.

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I hope these ideas will help you pick out the perfect gift for the person in your life who loves airplanes. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our unique adventure gift guides for him, for her, and for kids!