Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Nikole
If you are like me, then you know how hard it is to find gifts for certain people. Especially when those people don’t need a whole lot in life.
When considering presents for camper van owners, it’s often hard to find the perfect one due to van lifers millenial life style (they don’t need much).
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Here are some gift ideas for those hardest to buy for. These are based off of things we wished we had purchased on our life on the road.
(Have one picture for each item, but include several links within paragraph (will peek interest))
Useful Campervan Gifts
Sometimes it’s the practical campervan gifts that are the most useful for travelers. Here are some of the most used practical gifts for those friends with small homes on the go.
1.Packing Cubes
I can’t tell you how useful packing cubes have been in our travels. Even if someone doesn’t plan on using these in their camper van, they are very useful for organizing suitcases or packing any vehicle.
2.Lighting
Whether it’s puck lights or RBG lighting every campervan owner needs lighting, because it’s their liveable space.
Make sure you are getting lights that are meant for the outdoors. A cheap set of RBG lighting caused us to scramble around in the dark for our stuff because it wasn’t meant for the humidity we put it through.
Lanterns are also a cute campervan gift idea. Not only are they practical, but they are also somewhat decorative.
String lights are a plus when camping at a campground. This kind of lighting serves a certain warmth while chilling outside of the campervan.
3.Fold Out Furniture
Fold-out chairs are a must when it comes to campervan travel. Most people that travel this way love being outside, so it’s nice to have something comfy to sit on. This portable/foldable camping chair is great for up to 300 pounds, and folds up into a water bottle-sized pouch!
As for a table, this picnic table serves as a unique gift for campervan owners. Not only does it have a place to sit and eat, but it folds for easy storage.
4. Water Bottle Filter
Water is an essential item when camping or traveling. A Life Straw is a great gift for those who love to explore, backpack, and go hiking. This water bottle system will filter out 99.999% of bacteria, and also leaves water tasting great.
5.Cook Book
This Cookbook features 128 pages of recipes one can cook in their van. This would make for a great Christmas present because of the difficulty and limited cooking supplies one needs for van life. Fewer pots and pans for cooking mean a more creative way of cooking, and this book can help your friend do just that.
Cozy gifts
I’m not gonna lie, being adventurous isn’t always comfortable. When we take our campervan out we are constantly hiking, biking, or kayaking. It’s nice to come “home” to some cozy blankets or pjs to chill out in.
1.Blankets:
Blankets are perfect for those cold winter months when you just want to cuddle up in bed. The perfect campervan blanket consists of either wool or fleece. These two types of blankets aren’t only warm, but also comfortable. If you would like to find a different type of blanket, check out my post about campervan bedding.
2.Pjamas
Pj’s can make all the difference when it comes to warmth and comfort. Try getting your friend/family these thermal Pj’s, they are super cute and warm for the winter season! Warm Pajamas add another layer of protection against the cold and can be an asset to anyone sleeping in a motorhome.
3.CamperVan Throw Pillows
Throw pillows really help to bring one’s space together and gives off a more homey feel. Trying to make a mobile home homier is a must. Check out these pillows for your friend’s camper van.
4.Heater
Heaters are a tricky item to purchase for a friend. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to heating a van such as; size, power usage, and type. unless you know what their campervan setup is, I would stray away from a heater gift. However, if your friend really wants one check out our heater guide for campervans.
5. Socks
One of the worst things is having sweaty feet in the winter only to leave your feet soaked and cold! Help your friend out with their hiking adventures by getting them these breathable warm wool socks (for men, you can also search for women through the link provided). The great part about these specific socks is the sweat-wicking feature and arch support.
6.Slippers
These comfy indoor/outdoor slippers are perfect for keeping warm outside the campervan. One thing I hate about winter camping is how cold my feet get, especially when I have to get out of the van to take a leak. With these, the feet and toes will stay super warm for those late-night endeavors outside the van.
The 100% polyester filling makes this product perfect for those with allergens and is a great alternative to down-filled slippers.
Kitchen Gifts
- Coffee Press’s are AMAZING for those friends that are obssessed with coffee. I’m not sure what it is about coffee, but I have a friend that will brew her coffee but not even drink it, I know strange, but she loves sitting and talking over a cup of coffee.
Often we don’t have the time or the power on the road to power one more thing on the road. A coffee press is a great alternative to a coffee pot. You just plop it on the fire, press, and you have the most amazing cup of coffee.
2. Dish sets
Make sure any dishes you purchase for a motorhome aren’t ceramic or glass. Things tend to slide or fall when on the go. Try purchasing wheat Straw (like the one pictured above) or enamel when it comes to dishes.
3. Dish Towels
There are way too many cute camper van towels or rags. Here is where you can search for some of your favorites.
4. Propane Canisters
Odds are most campervaners will need more propane canisters. Many portable stoves will require propane and so will some portable heaters. Be careful of which item you are purchasing propane for, as they are not universal.
5. Mason Jars
Mason jars are super useful when it comes to organization. Especially when you are storing spices or certain foods. Check out these air-tight mason jars that are perfect for leakproof food storage.
Electronic gifts
Every person who owns a motorhome needs some sort of electronic whether it be a camera, carrying case, or organizer for cords and such.
1.Speaker
By far our favorite product has been the JBL Charge 4 speaker. It has great range and sound. Also, the fact that it’s waterproof is a huge plus! (yes we tested this feature out…in the lake… and it works)
2.Go Pro
I never really liked Go Pro just because I kept hearing about the glitches and freezes. The Go Pro 10 came out a few months ago, and I have gotta say I’m impressed! They claimed to have fixed the glitches, and so far after owning one for a few weeks they are right.
One feature I love about this latest Go Pro is the better mic quality and the front screen which makes it perfect for vlogs.
3.Camera Case
Here’s something annoying you can fix with a present for your campervan friends/Camera protection. Especially if that person has many lenses and other items that come with the camera, it’s nice to have a case keeping it all together.
I can’t tell you how many times I have left the van for a hike with the camera, but forgot the battery. With a case, everything is together.
4. Charger cable Organizer
Cords, cords, endless cords! One thing I can never figure out is how everything is going wireless, and yet we all still have tons of annoying cords laying around getting tangled on each other. This organizer case will help prevent the annoying untangling moments.
5.Earbuds
Everyone is going crazy over the Beats earbuds, but they are so expensive. If you want a similar (almost better) product, try Soundcore earbuds. These are so nice to have when we travel especially when he wants to go to bed early and I can’t sleep.
6.Wireless hair straightener
For the ladies out there, you know that hair care is still super important even when you are traveling across the country. This portable hair straightener is great for boondocking days, but you still want to look great.
7.Satellite Navigation
The greatest thing about van life is exploring new areas. What better way to do that than with the TomTom Satellite navigational system.
Fun gifts
Why not show that special someone you care with these fun cute campervan gifts
1.Travel Jewlery
Campervan jewelry is the perfect way for your friend to express themselves, and these are super cute.
2. Friend light
Friend lights are a super cool concept. When you are missing your friend you simply touch the light that you own, and the light that you gave your friend will light up. It’s a great and simple way to show your friend that you are thinking about them while they travel in their campervan.
3.Portable Fire Pit
Treat your friend to a portable fire pit they can make smores over during their travels. This one is fairly compact, but still takes up quite a bit of space, however it is less messy.
4.Kindle
It’s not practical to bring along a ton of favorite books, so buy your friends/ family this waterproof Kindle so they can enjoy reading on the go without all the bulk weighing the camper van down. Those with smaller campervans will thank you for saving them some space.
Campervan Decor gifts
Why not help your friend make their tiny home a tad bit homier with these campervan decoration ideas.
1.Scratch Map
Help your friend keep track of where they have been in the world with this scratch map. This cool decoration not only serves
2. DIY Plant Grower (herb grower)
A DIY plant grower will help your campervan friend grow their own food right in their tiny home. However, this may not be the best idea for those with smaller vans as these planters can be fairly big. This particular plant grower comes with air and water circulation, 12 growing pots, a grow light, and a natural grow timer.
3. Succulents
If your friend kills every plant in sight try giving them these artificial succulents to bring some of the outdoors inside. Or try a garland of greenery to decorate their van with.
4.Wall Art
Every campervan needs some decoration in it whether it be wall art or some greenery. Check out these decorations for more ideas.
Subscriptions as a Gift
1.National Park Pass
A national park pass is one of those gift ideas that will help your friend save money all year. Visiting many parks across the U.S. can add up after a while. Save your friend some money this year with the annual national parks pass, and they can get into most national parks or federal recreation lands for free.
This is not an affiliate link, just a useful gift idea.
There is also an option for a digital download which is great for those who already have a pass. Your friend can just renew it when their old one expires.
2.Free Camping Subscriptions
One of the best apps I have used to find campsites, and what other campervan owners swear by is the Dyrt off-road app. Yes, it does require a subscription. You could get your friend a yearly subscription, and help them find a place to sleep across the U.S.
Also not an affiliate with them, but I swear by this app!
Everyone knows how hard it can be to find places to camp, this app makes things 10X easier.
More tips for Campervan Gifts
Those who own a motorhome are looking for compact easy to store items. Try looking for things that are either smaller in size or that will break down into a smaller size. Everything in the van life style needs to fit into the tiniest of space, so your friend cannot be hauling around a regular table and chair set.
Vanlifers love practical items that will help them travel with ease. Sometimes living in tiny spaces can be a bit stressful if you don’t have the right organization. Just listen to your friend’s complaints and you will surely find the best campervan gift yet.
