55+ Perfect Gifts for Van Life: Practical Ideas Any Van Dweller Will Love
Gifts can be VERY hard to buy for van lifers as they live in such a small space. But if you’re intent on buying something, here are our top recommendations that van lifers will love.
Finding the perfect gift for a van lifer can be tricky. People who live in vans full-time prioritize minimalism and have limited space for extras. But there are some practical, thoughtful gifts that any van dweller will love! With six years of experience living in both a Chevy Astro and a Mercedes Sprinter, I’ve discovered items that make life on the road easier and more enjoyable. Whether I currently use them or have them on my wish list, these gifts are sure to please anyone embracing the van life.
I hope you enjoy this van life gift guide!
Table of Contents
Kitchen Gift Ideas for a Van Lifer
Cooking is a big part of van life, given that we spend most of our time boondocking or in campgrounds. Here are a few really useful items I love, or that are on my list for the future.
Certain to please any van lifer you know!
-
Buy on Amazon.comWe just added these Klean Kanteen Insulated containers to our van life repertoire, and really like them so far. We use them for mostly hot foods like ramen, oatmeal, stews and soups. They keep hot foods cold during chilly evenings and are great for eating out of during road trips.
Be aware that these can be tough to open if you add boiling water and then seal them. It took a pretty firm twist for me to open the lid.
This awesome van life gift idea will keep all your ingredients cold for up to 25 hours and hot for 7.
-
Buy on AmazonWe love these insulated stainless steel plates and use them for every meal. They don't scald your hands or lap when you put steaming heaps of food on them. Plus, they help keep food warm in winter.
These are definitely one of our top van life essentials when it comes to cooking and eating in our van!
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comWe're trying to move away from plastic while living in a van, and these stainless steel food storage containers help solve that problem.
This set includes three different sizes - which is really cool when playing Tetris in our small campervan fridge.
They come with leakproof silicone lids, another huge plus for a van lifer.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comStasher bags are amazing for any tiny lifestyle, as they solve the problem of using throwaway ziplocs.
These Stasher reusable bags fix that problem, and I have several of them in my campervan and on my sailboat. Stasher bags are made of silicone and can be frozen and boiled, although we haven't tried that yet.
-
Buy on Amazon.comIf you haven't used a pressure cooker before, you are missing out. This is one of our top van life essentials for cooking fast and easy meals while living in a van.
We've made everything from chili, to chicken soup, to chili mac, to mashed potates in this handy device. We also cook steel cut oats in the mornings!
It cooks food very quickly, which means we use less propane! We love our stovetop pressure cooker so much we have one in our van and one on our sailboat.
-
Buy on CampingWorld.com Buy on Amazon.comThe Omnia Oven is a stovetop marvel that many van lifers swear by. This is a great gift for a van lifer who likes to bake.
A camper can prepare pizzas, brownies, breads and casseroles right on top of a campervan stove – or even on a portable grill!
To make sure foods baked in the Omnia Oven have the same texture as a traditional oven, the roof vents steam. We don't have one of these yet but I'd love to try it out!
-
Buy on Amazon.comI use collapsible colanders all the time - both in my campervan and on my sailboat - and they had to make our gift guide for van life. Anything collapsible is good for someone who lives on the road as it doesn't take up much space.
These silicone colanders come with hooks to hang up on a wall.
-
Buy on AmazonBeeswax storage wraps have been on our list for awhile, as they get rid of the need to wrap food in plastic.
Wrap cheese, bread or other leftovers in this beeswax wrap, or use it to cover a bowl of food. These beeswax wraps come in three different sizes and are completely compostable at the end of their life, making them great gifts for van life.
-
Buy on Amazon.comMany van lifers won't spend the money to buy themselves a good knife, which is what makes one of the best van life gifts.
I received my Wusthof Santoku knife for Christmas about 12 years ago and still use it every day. These knives are durable and very sharp, so it's a good idea to also buy that van lifer a sheath.
-
Buy on GoSun.comThe GoSun Fusion Solar Oven is a unique gift for a van lifer. I've used the Fusion quite a bit in both my van and on my boat and am happy with the results.
The GoSun solar oven can make all types of things; I've made apple crisp, pizza and lasagna to name a few. The only problem with the oven so far is the leg construction is a bit shoddy.
-
Buy on Pakt.comWe're loving our Pakt portable electric coffee kit for van life. The Pakt Coffee Kit nests together in one small package, and includes an electric kettle, holder for your coffee, coffee cup, and stainless steel filter. You'll need 110-volt power inside your van, though, the electric kettle takes 500 watts. We love this item as we can use it both inside our van, or we can bring it into a hotel or our family's house to have our own coffee anywhere.
-
Shop on RadiusOutfitters.comWe just love this small kitchen organizer from campervan supply company Radius Outfitters. It holds all of our plates, silverware and cooking tools and is easy to hang from the van. We have ours hanging from the back of the driver's seat, and it's really easy to access all our kitchen items.
-
Shop on Amazon.comPerfect for van lifers, these can holders from YETI will keep their cans cool. They are insulated with a double-wall vacuum and come in lots of fun colors.
Designed to withstand tough conditions without cracking or chipping, it’s almost like they were made for van life. And they fit perfectly in the cup holder of your favorite camp chair!
Practical Gift Ideas for Van Life
Here are some of my favorite practical presents for this van life gift guide. Here are things anyone living in a campervan will use and love.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on MPowerd.comThe LUCI inflatable solar lantern is perfect for lighting the space outside your campervan on warm summer evenings. An adjustable bottom strap and fixed top strap lets you hang this lantern anywhere, from a tree branch or your tailgate.
The LUCI solar lantern works for 24 hours between charges and folds down to a very small size, just 1-inch thick for easy campervan storage. You'll get a full charge in just 7 hours in direct sunlight.
We love that this light has three different settings, and is also waterproof!
-
Shop on Amazon.comLuci solar string lights make a great gift idea for van life. We just got these lights and are obsessed with them! These lights work really well for lining the inside of a campervan, or for hanging up outside on an awning or van roof rack.
These lights last up to 20 hours on a single charge. You can charge them either with the sun or a quick charge via USB.
The perfect gift for adding a little ambiance to a van lifer's evening.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comWe usually take a full shower every other day, and when days we don't shower, we use a portable bidet. This is a GAME CHANGER and makes you feel so much cleaner than just using baby wipes.
We actually have two of these - one in the campervan and one on the sailboat.
The van lifer you know will appreciate this, trust me.
-
Buy on Amazon.comTurkish towels are absolutely amazing for van life - way better than microfiber. We use these exclusively because they are quick-drying, soft, lightweight and really portable. The cotton feels really good on the skin compared to microfiber and they actually wick water better.
These towels can also be used as a sarong, or a towel to picnic on. Items with multiple uses are a great space-saving gift idea.
-
Buy on Amazon.comWe know it can be hard to sleep in a camper van, especially during those summer months when sun cracks the sky really early. We own two of these silk eye masks, and absolutely love them. The silk feels great on the skin, and the headband keeps the mask secure.
They come in a variety of colors and patterns - which makes it easy for two people who are living in a van!
-
Buy on Amazon.comFitting things into the small space of a campervan can be tricky, which is why compression packing cubes are an absolute must when it comes to van life. We like using a variety of sizes to better fit stuff in drawers and cabinets.
Packing cubes are also good for towels, shoes, gear and other loose items.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comBiodegradable wipes are definitely a must-have for those living the van life. These Wilderness Wipes from REI are amazing for helping a camper feel clean and refreshed. Plus, these baby wipes are 100% compostable!
Wilderness Wipes are pH balanced for human skin, and are even compostable after use. The wipes contain aloe vera and Vitamin E. The perfect "shower" for those days when finding water isn't convenient.
-
Buy on Amazon.comThis camp chair by Moonlence folds down to just about one foot long and six inches wide, a great option for someone with little space. It's really comfortable and yet another way we expand our campervan's living room.
This compact camping chair can hold up to 242 pounds and only weighs two pounds.
We've used this for sitting around a campfire and on the beach. I won't go anywhere with this van life necessity.
-
Buy on REI.comThe LifeStraw is a personal water filter that removes more than 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites, more than 99% of chemicals, including chlorine, taste and odor compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOC), heavy metals, dirt, dust particles.
It is lightweight, weighing approximately 2 ounces including the personal drinking straw - a super cool gift for van life. It can be carried inside a pocket or clipped on one's clothes. The replaceable activated carbon filter reduces water turbidity with its pleated membrane microfiltration technology.
A van lifer will enjoy filling up a water bottle with stream water, then sipping right out of it with the LifeStraw. A fun and practical gift!
-
Buy on Backcountry.comWe just bought a Pendleton wool blanket to use in our new Sprinter van, and I can't wait. These blankets feature beautiful designs and are of excellent quality.
Pendleton has been making wool blankets since 1903 and has mastered the art of creating a warm, soft, cuddly blanket that feels great to use.
Pendleton's wool is sourced from sustainable sources with natural dyes that help the environment. For those living in camper vans, these blankets can be used as a blanket on top of your bed and as extra insulation when the temperature drops.
A luxurious gift for full time van life.
-
Buy on RinseKit.comThe Rinse Kit is an interesting product on the market that makes showering and washing way easier with van life.
The Rinse Kit comes in three sizes - 1.5 gallon, 2 gallon and 3 gallon. It's self-pressurized and battery-powered.
Two of the Rinse Kits have the option of heated water using a heating rod, which plugs into a cigarette lighter. The insulated tank keeps hot water hotter for longer.
We don't have one of these yet but I have my eye on it! This portable, pressurized hot shower is one of our favorite gifts for van life.
-
Buy on Amazon.comI can't tell you how many times I've wanted an outdoor thermometer for vanlife. When we are boondocking somewhere remote, I can't count on the weather on my phone, which is forecasting for a far-off city.
A simple digital hanging thermometer like this one from LaCrosse is an excellent van life gift as it doesn't take up much space.
-
Buy on REI.comWhat’s a better gift idea than a brand new National Parks Pass! It’s giving them the gift of breathtaking scenery right out their kitchen window! One of the absolute gems of van and RV living in the United States is the number of protected national parks, monuments, and heritage sites to enjoy. But for one flat fee, the America The Beautiful National Park Pass will cover entrance fees to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites for a full calendar year.
The pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase and is also honored at sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers. This is one of the best gifts to ensure lots of visits to national parks in the year ahead.
-
Buy on NocsProvisions.comI'm totally in love with these lightweight, waterproof binoculars. They are small, rugged and easy to throw into a backpack for a day hike. The color and clarity are also outstanding - plus the image is way more stable than our other binoculars of a similar size. If you're looking for compact binoculars, these are the ones we use and recommend.
-
Buy on REI.comI've been searching for the right outdoor blanket for months, and finally stumbled on this gem at REI. What I love about this blanket is that it has a fully waterproof bottom that resists dirt, sand and water. The mat also rolls up, keeping the dirty bottom on the inside and the colorful pattern on the outside. This ensures our van stays clean. We are so grateful we stumbled on this mat and now use it everywhere - it's even perfect for a yoga mat or two!
-
Buy on TheBugWall.comThe Bug Wall has been a total game-changer for our Sprinter van. Before, we were opening and closing the side door constantly to keep bugs out while we cooked outdoors. Now, we just leave The Bug Wall up all the time, which also creates wonderful airflow inside the van. The Bug Wall also offers a little bit of privacy if you're in a crowded area with the side door open.
-
Shop on Scrubba.comWe just love this "Scrubba" laundry bag. A super easy way to wash a few articles of clothing when in our campervan or on our sailboat.
The Scrubba features a flexible inner washboard to give your clothes a wash as good as any machine can do. You just fill the bag with water, add your clothes, and roll the bag against a hard surface. The bag can also double as a dry bag or storage bag!
-
Shop on Amazon.comLugging around a huge bottle of detergent is impractical for van lifers. These laundry sheets from Earth Breeze are easy to store and use.
They’re also better for the environment since they don’t require plastic. Plus they eliminate the risk of a bottle tipping or leaking detergent inside the van!
-
Shop on Amazon.comFor van lifers who love national parks, this scratch-off map is a fun decoration they can hang in their van to keep track of which parks they’ve visited. It can also inspire future adventures!
-
Shop on Amazon.comAlthough there’s not a lot of room to work with inside of a van for games, a deck of cards is a small entertainment item that can be easily stored. These are also convenient for nights when a van lifer wants to spend some time offline.
To make this gift a little more exciting, you could also purchase a themed deck of cards, like these national park-themed playing cards.
-
Shop on Amazon.comThe Rumpl Backcountry Blanket is the perfect cozy companion for van life. Made from durable, weather-resistant materials, it’s designed to keep you warm during chilly nights and rugged adventures alike. We've been using this blanket and LOVE how ompact and easy to store it is.
Plus, it’s machine washable, making it as practical as it is comfortable—perfect for any van lifer looking to stay cozy no matter where they roam.
-
Buy on Shower TogaPerfect for van life, camping, and beach days. The Shower Toga offers easy, private changing and showering anywhere. It’s simple to use, comfortable, and suitable for all ages. With a shower toga, a van lifer can skip the crowded, messy public bathrooms.
Clothing Gifts for Van Life
Van lifers tend to be pretty choosy about their clothing, as we don’t have much space for storage. Here are a few key items that should be in any camper’s wardrobe.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comDarn Tough socks are arguably the most comfortable and durable socks on earth. We both own several pairs and swear by them. They come in three styles: lightweight, cool max and mountaineering.
The legendary Darn Tough construction ensures that the sock will stay up all day, every day. With a variety of lengths including crew, ankle, or over-the-calf, you're sure to find what your lifestyle needs.
These socks are made in Vermont and come with a lifetime guarantee. Little comforts like this are much appreciated when living on the road.
-
Buy on Amazon.comSlippers booties make a great gift for van life as they are small and packable.
Slippers like these REI Camp Dreamer Booties also double as warm winter socks, which is always appreciated on chilly mornings. A van lifer can wear slippers around camp or inside the van.
I don't own a pair yet, but I'm going to have to grab some slipper booties for this chilly season in the van.
-
Buy on REIFleece pants are also a great van-life gift idea. Living out of the van (or on my sailboat!), I often wear these fleece leggings around camp on chilly evenings.
If it's an extra-cold night, fleece pants can double as pajama pants to keep a camper warm.
I bought these Teton fleece pants years ago and they are still in great condition!
-
Buy on REI.comA puffy coat is an essential piece of clothing for van life, making in one of the best van life gifts. A good jacket without too much bulk is perfect for cozying up in or hanging out outside the van.
I prefer the color black as any other color will most likely get dirty when living out of a van. This Mountain Hardware Ghost Whisperer Down Hoodie has been my puffy jacket of choice - it not only keeps me very warm, but stops wind in its tracks.
-
Buy on REI.comMerino wool is probably the best material on Earth. It's soft, itch-free, comfortable and warm in winter and cool in summer.
If you want a wardrobe staple for van life or hiking, merino wool clothes make a great gift idea for van lifers. For this reason I recommend any merino clothing as a great present for someone living in a van.
Merino clothing is perfect for all-season adventures as it keeps the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. Anything made of merino wool makes an excellent gift for those who live on the road. We have merino wool socks, t-shirts, long johns and pullovers and love them all.
-
Buy on REI.com Buy on Amazon.comWe both have buff multifunctional headbands and use them for everything. Buffs are great van life gifts for people who spend lots of time in the sun and wind.
A buff can easily be pulled over your face to protect against wind, sit on your neck as sun protection, or even wetted on a super hot day.
A wonderful gift idea for someone who lives in a campervan.
-
Shop on Amazon.comWhen the temperatures start to dip, a quality pair of gloves to keep your fingers warm are essential. Van lifers often wear gloves while driving, doing chores outside like cooking, sitting around a campfire, or even to bed on chilly nights.
There are lots of options out there. I recommend looking for ones that are waterproof, insulated, and touch-screen compatible.
Van Life Gift Ideas for Safety
Many van lifers love to go boondocking, or at least off-grid. Having the proper safety equipment on hand is essential for anyone living in the great outdoors.
-
Buy on Amazon.comI'd be embarrasssed to admit how many times I've locked my keys inside my Chevy Astro van! This has resulted in way too many phone calls to AAA Roadside Assistance. Hence, a magnetic stash case for an extra pair of keys became a major campervan essential for me, which I've used tons of times already.
All a van life has to do is place the magnetic key holder somewhere on the undercarriage of their vehicle so they're never locked out again!
-
Buy on Amazon.comIf the van lifer you know does a lot of off-roading or travel to remote areas, a roadside emergency is one of the best gift ideas for van life we can think of.
This kit includes essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, duct tape and an emergency poncho.
-
Buy on Amazon.comHaving a dead battery is an honest mistake, but if it happens in the middle of nowhere a van lifer can be hosed. A portable car jumper kit takes away the stress of traveling to places with no phone signal. This is a great addition to our van life gift guide for campers who love going out in the boonies.
-
Buy on Amazon.comTraveling on backcountry roads can take a toll on your vehicle. It also requires that you inflate or deflate your tires depending on the conditions you are presented with. Airing down can be especially useful when you are traveling on especially soft and sandy roads.
But when you get back to harder dirt, gravel, or paved road, driving with low tire air pressure is extremely inefficient. So you will need a heavy-duty air compressor that hooks up to the cigarette lighter or directly to the battery in your truck for easier refills.
-
Buy on Amazon.comTire puncture plugs have saved us on more than one occasion when we've gotten a flat tire in our Chevy Astro van. One time we were on a remote road in the Mojave Desert and popped TWO TIRES at once. Tom had to use 4-5 tire plugs and our air compressor to get us back to our campsite, then on the road to a tire repair shop.
Tire plugs are definitely a van life essential!
Electronics Gift Ideas Every Van Lifer will Love
A few key electronics won’t take up too much space in a campervan. Here are some of our favorites we wanted to make sure we added to this gift guide.
-
Buy on Amazon.comI take my Kindle Paperwhite everywhere I go, from my van to my sailboat. This newest version of the Kindle is waterproof, making it great for living a life outdoors. I typically download books using my library, so all the books I read and store on my Kindle are free!
-
Buy on Amazon.comMy iPad is an absolute van life essential I can't live without. Since storage space is at a premium in a campervan, I've found teh iPad to be an all-purpose tool the size of one magazine.
I use my iPad to download Netflix shows and documentaries we can watch in remote places when we have no internet. I also use my iPad to store all my cookbooks as I have no room in a van for any type of book.
The iPad also comes in handy finding free campsites using sites like iOverlander, Free Roam and The Dyrt Pro Membership (click here for a FREE 90-Day Trial!)
Plus, I download magazines from my library and read them on my iPad! This is really a multi-use device.
-
Buy on REI.comA GoPro video camera is great for action photos and videos, and I've owned mine for years. These are rugged, compact, lightweight devices are waterproof and sealed against the elements without inhibiting the picture quality.
With a Wi-Fi capability, you can use your phone to control the camera's settings and view live footage. This is particularly useful in scenarios where you want to record yourself while enjoying boondocking, hiking or biking.
These cameras can be dropped and immersed in water to capture all sorts of van life adventures.
-
Buy on REI.comWhen going off-roading or to remote boondocking locations, a satellite communicator is a must-have. The Garmin inReach Mini satellite communicator allows an overlander to send texts and emergency SOS calls. The tracker allows friends and family to watch a route in real time as well.
We've heard one too many tragedies from people who haven't had a Garmin InReach, including a couple who recently punctured two tires in Death Valley. The two tried to walk to safety, but one perished. A tragedy that could have been avoided with a Garmin or other type of satellite communicator.
-
Buy on Amazon.comA small video projector is a fun way for a camper to watch movies and TV shows on the big screen. All they have to do is point the projector at a blank wall, sheet or screen and watch a movie either inside or outside their campervan.
This tiny projector connects to a phone or table to play TV shows or movies - a big plus if a show is downloaded, meaning a van lifer can watch anywhere. We don't have this yet, but our relatives love it in their A-frame camper!
-
Buy on Amazon.comA cellular signal booster is especially important for van lifers who need an internet connection on the road. We have a cell booster from WeBoost which has totally changed our lives while traveling in the campervan.
I've tested this booster in remote locations where I usually don't get any signal, and immediately register several bars!
This booster also comes in handy if you're trying to find campsites and don't want to lose signal.
-
Buy on Amazon.comWe've really enjoyed having a drone with us in both our campervan and on our sailboat, and think it makes a really fun gift.
The Mavic Air 2 isn't the most expensive drone out there but takes amazing photos and videos.
The drone doesn't take up much space inside a van, runs on recharchable batteries and lasts 34 minutes on a single charge. A fun and indulgent idea for our gift guide!
-
Buy on Amazon.comWe constantly listen to our portable Bluetooth speaker for music and podcasts while living on the road.
This waterproof Bose Micro speaker is the perfect gift for van life. It's waterproof, lightweight and doesn't take up much space. That camper in your life can take it hiking, biking or even rock climbing.
We are definitely thinking of switching to a Bose for our next Bluetooth speaker.
-
Buy on Amazon.comBose Sport Headphones make great van life gifts. Both Tom and I own a pair, and use them for talking on the phone and listening to music. I never knew how much I loved Bluetooth headphones until I got a pair.
What I like about the Bose Sport is that you only need to wear one earbud. The right one acts as a control, allowing you to answer the phone, start and stop music tracks and podcasts and adjust the volume with a swipe.
Or, you can wear both earbuds to really enjoy music, as they come with decent bass quality, which I haven't found yet with other earbuds.
-
Buy on Amazon.comThis Oral B electric toothbrush is what we've been using for years, so had to include it on this van life gift guide.
A good electric toothbrush will keep cavities at bay and mouths clean while on the road. Plus, they are easy to charge with an inverter, and don't take up much space.
-
Shop on WaggleIf you’re shopping for a van lifer with a pet, a Waggle Pet Monitor is a great gift idea. This allows van lifers to monitor the interior temperature of their rig while they’re out and about.
It’s easy to install, and van lifers can choose a monthly plan that best fits their needs. Plus it gives them peace of mind to know their pet is safe! You can read more about it here in this Waggle review.
-
Shop on Amazon.comLiving on the road is all about collecting memories and experiences rather than possessions. One of the best ways to capture these moments is with a camera!
The Fujifilm Instax camera is cute, compact, and prints Polaroid-style photos for van lifers to hang inside their rig or tape into their journals.
-
Shop on REII just got this Suunto 9 Peak Pro Sports watch and love it so far. The watch tracks sleep, exercise, and training loads, perfect for the active van lifer.
Subscriptions a Van Lifer will Love
If you don’t want to give a physical present to that full time traveler in your life, a subscription is a great gift idea for anyone living in a van. We use all of these ourselves!
-
Buy on Amazon.comAudible is an internet-based audio book service under Audible and Amazon. The company offers 66,000 titles to subscribers in 190 countries, and allows the listener to listen on a range of digital devices.
We've used Audible before to listen to books on tape while doing a cross-country road trip.
Its business model is to offer introductory 12-month subscriptions, after which they become 40% cheaper. For example, the yearly fee for Audible's service is $149 per year , but you can gift an entire year to a van lifer for just $99!
To subscribe to Audible, all you need is an Amazon account.
-
Buy on Netflix.comWe use Netflix all the time, and it's something every van lifer can use. It's super easy to download shows on an iPad, and we watch movies and TV shows when we're boondocking in the middle of nowhere.
Netflix digital subscriptions are affordable - ours is only $9 per month!
-
Buy on Amazon.comWith Spotify premium, a van lifer can listen to music offline and create playlists on the fly. It's a great subscription for an adrenaline-seeking adventurer or music junkie. Campers can also subscribe to podcasts using Spotify.
Spotify premium is a good option for a van lifer, as it offers offline access to music and playlists without advertisements. Spotify premium costs $9.99 per month.
-
Buy on Amazon.comAmazon is the go-to spot for everything under the sun, including books, movies and TV shows. Amazon Prime members can download popular titles offline to watch on the road, which is what we do!
Amazon is also really easy to use while living on the road, as you can ship items to Amazon boxes. We've done this in different places in the U.S.
-
Buy on DailyBurn.comWorking out on the road is tough. But with daily burn, campers can download workouts to their tablet or phone and do them wherever they are!
Daily Burn offers 5-60-minute workout videos from strength training, to dance, to cardio, to yoga to kickboxing.
I've used my Daily Burn subscription often while living out of my campervan.
Daily Burn is $20 per month.
Camping Apps and Guides Gift Ideas
Since someone living in a van is camping full-time, they probably want information on both boondocking and campgrounds. Here are the top apps and guides we’ve found that make a great gift for van life.
-
Free 30-Day TrialAlthough the Dyrt camping app does have a free version, it’s limited to WiFi and cell access. Considering how often campers go off the grid, an app that requires connectivity doesn’t do much good most of the time.
So, getting The Dyrt Pro Membership can save someone from a lot of potential headaches. The app shows all nearby camping sites in the country and tips and suggestions from other app users who have been on-site.
Sign up for a free 30-day trial first. One of the best gift ideas!
-
Get 15% Off a Harvest Hosts MembershipWith Harvest Hosts, you pay just one yearly membership fee to access all types of really cool camping spots, from wineries, to breweries, to distilleries to farms and even golf courses (with a membership upgrade). Keep in mind you must have a self-contained campervan to use a Harvest Hosts membership!
-
Buy on BoondockersWelcome.comBoondockers Welcome is an interesting program for self-contained campervans and RVs. For a one-time yearly fee, a camper gets access to private property across the United States. This can be driveways or large fields.
Participating homeowners are usually RVers themselves, and love opening their driveways or fields for RV and van camping. People say they make lifelong friends by using Boondockers Welcome.
-
Learn MoreThis is my product! I teach you everything I've learned in 6 years of van life on where to park and stay safely. Any beginner van lifer will benefit from this.
-
Shop on EscapeEscape Campervans offers vans of a variety of shapes, sizes and price points to try van life! Give the gift of a campervan rental vacation to an aspiring van lifer or traveler.
Gifts Cards for Van Lifers
Gift cards are another one of our favorite gifts for van life. Gift cards take up zero space and they are something van lifers use.
Here are our gift card recommendations:
- Starbucks
- REI
- Truck Stops like Love’s or Flying J
- Gas stations
- Trader Joe’s
- WalMart
- Home Depot
- Camping World
- Cracker Barrel
- Target
Consumable Gift Ideas for Van Life
Consumables like alcohol, coffee and food are great ideas for someone who lives in a campervan.
Here are a few of our consumable ideas:
- Beer or wine (cans preferred!)
- Spirits – our favorites are rum and whiskey
- Good chocolate
- Hard cheese, or a cheese sampler
- Coffee – either ground or coffee “tea bags”
- Freeze-dried food (great for emergencies)
- Hot chocolate packets
- Specialty flavored popcorn
We Hope This Helped!
We know just how hard it is to find the perfect gift for someone who lives in a tiny space like a campervan! However, there are key things a van lifer needs, even if they don’t know it yet.
We hope this guide helps you delight and impress that van lifer you know!
Similar Posts
12 Gorgeous Mercedes Metris Camper Conversions for Van Life Inspiration
720 shares A Mercedes Metris camper conversion is a great choice if you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time van lifer. What you’ll sacrifice in…
The 8 Best Solar Generators for Van Life [Large & Small]
Let’s face it: we’ve all become so dependent on our phones, tablets, and laptops, that we can’t imagine life without them. Whether you’re a weekend…
Man living in a Jeep Wrangler camper hopes to inspire
Living in a Jeep Wrangler camper may seem like too tight a fit for some, but for Chris Shontz, it’s perfect. His bright orange 2013…
10 Awesome Honda Odyssey Camper Conversion Ideas
Want to turn your Honda Odyssey into a camper? Check out these DIY examples and minivan camper conversion kits for a tiny camping rig.
6 Prefab Campervan Cabinets that are Simple to Install
If you’re interested in building out a camper van, one of the best options is to pay for a camper van conversion. Not only can…
The Best Campervan Stoves for Van Life
Choosing the best campervan stove for van life will be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Your stove will impact what types of food…