Last-minute Holiday Gifts: Wild Birds Unlimited is Here to Save the Day

So you waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping and now you have no idea what to get your loved ones. Never fear, because Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee Rosann Kovalcik has plenty of ideas that will keep you in everyone’s good graces this holiday season! 

Kovalcik has been a franchisee with Wild Birds Unlimited since 1992. Her Grosse Pointe Woods store, located just north of Detroit, has seen many bird trends over the years, and she provided gift ideas for every type of bird lover guaranteed to satisfy all of their bird-watching desires. 

“This is one of the best times of year to watch birds,” she said. “Many people don’t enjoy going outside because it’s so cold, but we can still be connected to nature by watching what’s going on in our own yards. We can sit back and relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.” 

Here are plenty of holiday gift ideas, all of which can be purchased through Wild Birds Unlimited. Items are subject to availability, so make sure to check your local store. 

For the veteran bird lover

Know someone who’s already a pro at bird feeding? Chances are, they’ll appreciate a Wild Birds Unlimited gift card or a Daily Savings Club membership. If the person you’re shopping for is a store frequent flyer, so to speak, sales associates can help give ideas for that specific person, Kovalcik said. 

“A lot of times, people come into our stores and say ‘My parents have been feeding the birds for a long time,’” she said. “We can look into the purchase history of that person and help their loved one decide what to buy them. It can be as simple as helping them identify a favorite bird seed blend.”

Shoppers can also contribute to a loved one’s bird book collection. Wild Birds Unlimited stores sell a variety of birding books. Kovalcik is a fan of Stan Tekiela in particular, a naturalist and author who creates state-by-state bird field guides. Of course, as a Michigan-based Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee, Kovalcik is also a fan of “Wild About Michigan Birds” by Adele Porter. 

“Those are all easy, handy references,” Kovalcik said. 

And speaking of books, no one can go wrong with gifting “The Joy of Bird Feeding,” written by none other than Wild Birds Unlimited founder and CEO Jim Carpenter. 

“It has a photo guide that will help with identification and tips for every type of bird feeding,” Kovalcik said. 

Those who really want to get fancy with their gift-giving this year can give the bird lover in their life a pair of binoculars. Wild Birds Unlimited sells binoculars at different price points, Kovalcik said. 

“Personally, as somebody who is an outdoor birder, not just a feeder, I just don’t know how people live without a good pair of binoculars,” Kovalcik said. “Even when I’m at home, my binoculars help me get amazing views of the birds at my feeders. It’s like they’re right up in front of you.” 

For the novice bird feeder

Is there a novice bird feeder in your life? If so, they may benefit from some of the bird feeding basics. Seed cylinders and seed cylinder feeders allow a birdwatching newbie to get into the hobby with very little fuss, according to Kovalcik. 

Novice bird feeders will enjoy the gift of suet, which is rendered beef fat mixed with berries, seeds and other treats birds enjoy. There are even hot pepper suets that deter mammals but do not affect birds as they do not have the same taste receptors as mammals.

Novice bird watchers can also benefit from the gift of a folding guide, illustrated by expert David Allen Sibley, to get them started on their bird-watching adventures. 

Also a great gift: a heated birdbath (yes, this is a thing), available through Wild Birds Unlimited. 

“A heated birdbath will bring you birds that otherwise wouldn’t come to your feeders,” Kovalcik said. 

Most popular holiday items

Seed cylinder characters are a popular holiday gift item, Kovalcik said. Fan favorites include Buttons the Snowman, Hoot the Owl and more. 

Kovalcik’s Michigan store specifically sees a high demand for Chirpy Tops wine pourers this time of year. They are placed on open wine bottles and make little bird sounds as you pour wine. 

“They’re so adorable and they come in so many different colors,” Kovalcik said. “Who doesn’t like a cute, little bird chirping at you? The Chirpy Tops are one of the best sellers in our store.”

She also noted that one cannot go wrong with acquiring more hardware to hang feeders.

And if you’re shopping for Kovalcik…

Kovalcik is a huge fan of the Wild Birds Unlimited Modern Rustic products line, which features stylish bird feeding items in a classic shade of gray and is made of recycled materials. 

“They are made to look like barn wood and they have a lifetime guarantee against cracking and fading,” Kovalcik said. “The Modern Rustic line includes a variety of bird feeders that serve up an array of bird food from loose seed to cylinders and suet cakes. If I had to ask Santa for anything, it would be more advanced pole systems and Modern Rustic feeders.” 

Kovalcik noted that one simple way to help declining bird populations and bring birds back is to drink shade-grown coffee, which her Wild Birds Unlimited store sells. 

“One of the main reasons for the loss of birds throughout North America and South America is a lack of habitat,” Kovalcik said. “An area loses 97% of its bird species when it is used to cultivate sun-grown coffee. If you know someone who wants to make a simple difference in the lives of birds, then I would suggest turning people on to certified shade-grown coffee. It’s a wonderful way to use your pocketbook to help bird habitats.” 

Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 340 locations throughout the United States and Canada. The investment level to open a Wild Birds Unlimited location is $150,837 to $260,991. To learn about franchising opportunities with Wild Birds Unlimited, please visit www.wbufranchise.com.