We’ve often wished there was an easy list we could point to when loved ones ask us what we want for a Christmas / birthday / National Pancake Day gift. Too many times we’ve received gifts that are unnecessary for our lives and we end up donating, returning, or re-gifting them.
We know all these van life gifts come from a place of love and generosity in your hearts. But the reality of van life is such that if we don’t need a thing, we just don’t have the extra storage space to keep it.
What makes a great gift for van lifers? If an item checks at least one of these boxes, you’ve got an awesome gift idea.
- Practical. Van lifers love gifts that will help them on the road.
- Needed. Does your van life friend or family member need what you’re gifting?
- Compact. Campervans have limited space. If your gift idea isn’t practical or needed, then at least make sure it doesn’t take up too much space.
In the interest of eliminating needless consumerism and increasing gift utility worldwide, here’s our list of practical gift ideas that any van lifer will absolutely love.
Everything on here is something that most campervan owners should actually use and enjoy – so stick to this list of vanlife gift ideas and you’ll have a happy nomad on your hands.
Read More: Van Life How To: Complete Guide to Living in a Van Full Time
Kitchen & Cooking Van Life Gift Ideas
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Check PriceEven if you don’t live in a van, the humble AeroPress makes one of the best cups of coffee around, beating out coffee-snob staples like French Presses and Pourovers. And if you do live in a van, the AeroPress just kicks ass. Not only does it make great coffee, brewing is simple, the device itself is super compact, and cleanup is a breeze. We’ve been using our Aeropress since 2016 and we swear by it, in and out of the van.
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True coffe snobs connoisseurs don’t buy pre-ground coffee. They grind their own. And for the best and most consistent brew, the coffee has to come out of a ceramic burr grinder. The trouble is, most burr grinders are electric, bulky, and expensive, which makes them tough to have on the road.
There are a ton of cheap burr hand ginders out there on Amazon, but they take fooorrreeevvverrrr to grind beans and don’t do it that well. This portable burr grinder from Porlex actually does the job quickly, consistently, and well. Gift this kickass coffee grinder and you’ll earn the van life coffee snob seal of approval.
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Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. They’re basically cotton cloths infused with beeswax, they’re reusable and last up to a year, and they do the job of preserving things like cut vegetables just as well as disposable alternatives.
Beeswax food wraps are one of those van life gifts that anyone will appreciate. If they’ve been using plastic wrap - then sweet, you just saved them a ton of space. If they already use beeswax wraps, then sweet, they can always use more.
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Ziploc bags are another one of those disposable food storage items that can take up a lot of space and just end up in the trash when you’re done using them. We van lifers like things to be compact and reusable, and silicone food storage bags solve these problems.
Silicone bags do a great job of preserving things you would normally throw in a ziploc, they’re easily washable, and they’re completely non-toxic. Stasher silicone bags are the most well-known brand, but we’ve found that cheaper options also get the job done just fine.
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A top-quality kitchen knife is something that drastically improves life on the road. A good knife comes in handy in all kinds of food prep scenarios, and it just makes cooking meals a whole lot easier. Many van lifers won’t throw down for a kickass knife on their own, so you can earn their endless appreciation by getting them one.
We’ve found that big chef’s knives and santoku-style knives are the most versatile for a van kitchen. We personally have a Wusthof chef’s knife in our van, but if we were buying ourselves a knife today we’d go with something like this JA Henckels Santoku.
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This little gadget is one of our most-used kitchen devices on the road. It’s super compact, and it adds al kinds of fun meal ideas to our menu. From spiralizing beets and carrots for homemade spring rolls, to turning zucchini into a keto-friendly pasta option, this Oxo veggie spiralizer does a lot and makes a great gift for any van lifer who likes to cook.
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There’s nothing like roasting some marshmallows, hot dogs, or other spearable foods over a fire at the end of long day adventuring. These roasting forks make it much easier to use than a random stick. They extend, rotate, won’t catch on fire, and clean easily.
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A cast iron skillet is an indispensable tool and great gift for vanlifers, and, it's perfect for cooking over a camper stove or open fire. The robustness of cast iron means it can withstand the rigors of van life, and its non-stick properties improve with use. A cast iron skillet is not just a cooking utensil; it's a lifelong companion for any vanlifer who loves to cook.
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Hydroflask Water Bottles are always awesome gifts vanlifers. These bottles are known for their durability, meaning they can endure the mobile lifestyle of van living without leaking or breaking. Plus the recognizable logo is perfect for conveniently placing in ‘grammable photos.
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The Yeti Rambler Tumbler, known for its durability and heavy duty insulation, is a vanlife essential. It keeps beverages at the desired temperature for hours, is comfortable to hold, and is made from stainless steel with a BPA-free lid. It also comes in a range of sizes, depending on how caffeinated that campervan owner you know likes to be.
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This enamelware set from Utah-based Barebones combines enhanced durability with the classic aesthetic of traditional camp ware. Much higher quality than your typical Coleman enamel, this set is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use in van life. Its non-toxic, glass-coated steel is easy to clean and resists acidic foods, rust, and metallic tastes. And if your van life friend is into that bougey faux-rustic look, this is may be the perfect gift for them.
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Yeti Wine Tumblers are stylish and practical, and one of the best gifts for vanlifers who love wine. Made of durable stainless steel, they maintain wine temperature for hours, are easy to clean, and reduce the risk of spills. Available in various colors, they add elegance to any setting.
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This Stanley Flask is an ideal gift for van lifers who like to show off their outdoorsy cred while bonding with others over alcohol at van life gatherings. Stainless steel construction and rugged design withstand the rigors of life on the road, making it a reliable accessory for any camper van adventure.
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The stovetop Omnia Oven is a game-changer for vanlifers who miss the luxury of an oven. It's designed to distribute heat evenly, so you can bake cakes, pizzas, and even roast potatoes. Its portability and efficiency in using minimal gas make it a perfect fit for the limited space and resources in a van. The Omnia Oven transforms the van life cooking experience, making it the perfect gift for that vanlifer chef in your life.
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Van Life Gifts You Can Eat & Drink
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Quality coffee is a perfect van life gift, because you know every camper van owner takes daily TikToks of their morning coffee ritual. These coffee beans make a great cup and have suitably attention-grabbing packaging for that all-important social media engagement.
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Gifting a selection of cheeses is a thoughtful way to add a touch of gourmet ambiance to a van enthusiast's meals. Cheeses are easy to store and can be enjoyed with a variety of pairings. They offer a simple yet luxurious treat that can elevate a regular meal to a memorable dining experience, even on the road.
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Fancy granola is an excellent gift for vanlifers due to its versatility and long shelf life. It's a nutritious and convenient snack or breakfast option, packed with energy - perfect for active lifestyles. When you live in a van and boondock in the middle of nowhere, having food that’s high impact and non-perishable is super important, and granola fits the bill
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Turmeric is so prevalent among the vanlife and new-age-y crowd it might as well be called hippie dust. It’s a delicious additive to food – everything from organic tofu curries to cage-free fried eggs benefit from a good dash of turmeric – and its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties make it a top supplement for all those health-conscious vanlifers. Now if we could only agree on how to pronounce it!
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Freeze-dried meals are a fantastic gifts for van lifers. These meals are lightweight, easy to store, and have a long shelf life, making them perfect for extended trips. Just add water, and vanlifers can enjoy everything from hearty stews to pasta. This practical gift ensures that nutritious and tasty meals are always within reach, no matter where their insatiable wanderlust takes them.
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This is one of the best gifts you can give a vanlifer. There’s just something about living in a van that makes you want to eat ALL the avocados, ALL the time. Vanlifers come from all walks of life and drive all kinds of different vehicles, but the thing that unites us – aside from the whole nomad thing – is our obsession with avocados.
Plus, a bunch of avocados make great stocking stuffers. So bring on the avocados this holiday season! (Yes, they need an entire bag – the more the better).
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Coconut oil is one of those versatile items that different types of vanlifers can find different uses for. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it’s great for cooking, it puts the “bulletproof” in Bulletproof Coffee – you can even rub it all over your skin. Coconut oil is everywhere in vanlife, but the good stuff ain’t cheap. Pick up a nice jar of top-quality coconut oil for a vanlife gift (like Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil) and the nomad you know will definitely appreciate it!
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Vehicle & Safety Campervan Gifts
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Big, giant, windowless vans heavily rely on their side mirrors for visibility. Even vans with windows can have blindspots that make changing lanes a dicey proposition. With this simple, cheap van life gift, you can help your vanlifer friend stay safe on the road.
We’ve installed blindspot mirrors on every single vehicle we’ve ever owned, and they’re an absolute game changer. See ya, blind spots! Now we can see all angles around our van!
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These simple-yet-powerful sunshades are one of our favorite things we’ve ever installed on our van. Eclipse Sunshades are custom-cut to your vehicle, and mount out-of-the-way at the sides of the windshield. When you need a little privacy, or to block out the sun on a hot day, just pull them shut and velcro them in the middle. Easy, effective, and they don’t take up valuable storage space like other windshield covers. Your nomadic friend will thank you endlessly for this badass van accessory.
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Every van lifer will experience vehicle troubles and breakdowns in inconvenient places. When that check engine light comes on and your van sputters to a halt, having the ability to diagnose the issue is worth its weight in gold.
That’s where an OBD2 reader comes in. OBD2 is the standard language that vehicles use to tell you what’s wrong with them. But you need to plug a special device into a receiver underneath the steering wheel in order to read them. Having an OBD2 reader handy is a van life essential, but many cheap readers out there barely do the job.
The OBDLink MX+ blows every other OBD2 reader out of the water. It’s rock-solid reliable (unlike all the cheap ones), it displays error codes and other diagnostics on your phone via Bluetooth, and it comes with a super-useful free app. This OBD2 reader may be something your van lifer friend didn’t know they needed, but trust us, they will freaking love it the next time they break down.
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An ideal gift for the adventurous vanlifer, the Garmin InReach Mini is a compact, lightweight satellite communicator that offers peace of mind in remote locations. This device allows two-way messaging and SOS alerts, ensuring safety and connectivity even when off the grid. Its durable design and long battery life make it a reliable companion for any road trip, while its ability to provide weather updates adds an extra layer of preparedness for any journey.
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Van lifers love to adventure off the beaten path. We take our 1996 Chevy Express down many roads that a 2WD vehicle has no business being on. Dirt, sand, mud, and loose rocks can easily get you stuck if you’re not careful (and sometimes even if you are). If you’re in a sticky situation, Max Trax recovery boards are a vital piece of kit that help you get traction underneath your tires so you can get moving again. Recovery boards are an essential piece of safety equipment for any van lifer who ventures into the wilderness where there often isn’t cell service to call for help.
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A portable air compressor is an invaluable gift for van lifers, especially those who love off-road adventures. The ability to quickly inflate tires anywhere really comes in handy, especially in remote areas where service stations are scarce. Compact and easy to store, these air compressors are designed to be powered by the van's 12V electrical system. This awesome camper van gift is a great way to support any vanlifer's spirit of independence and adventure.
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A portable jump starter is a must-have for gift van lifers. Modern jump starters, like the NOCO Boost X Series, are compact, powerful, and can start both gasoline and diesel engines. They often come with additional features like USB charging ports for devices, making them versatile tools. The convenience of a portable jump starter ensures that camper van owners can confidently explore remote areas without worrying about being stranded due to a dead battery. These devices are easy to use, store easily in small spaces, and are a wise investment for any van conversion road trip.
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A comprehensive first aid kit is one of the most useful gifts for van lifers who often find themselves in remote areas. The MyMedic MyFAK is a standout choice, boasting a robust selection of medical supplies for handling a wide range of outdoors emergencies. While it's bulky for shorter hikes, the extensive equipment and adaptability make this first aid kit perfect for ensuring preparedness during van life adventures.
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A combo thermometer/hygrometer is a great van life gift because it helps monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside a camper van conversion, which is crucial for maintaining a comfortable living environment. The ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer provide accurate readings and are compact, making it easy to place anywhere in the van. It also features an easy-to-read displays and stores data on high/low readings, allowing vanlifers to track environmental changes over time.
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Camp Gear Gifts for Van Lifers
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Luci Lanterns are fantastic gifts for van lifers that offer reliable and eco-friendly lighting around camp. These inflatable solar-powered collapsible lanterns are perfect for life on the road, and don’t need batteries or external power sources. With multiple brightness settings and a long-lasting charge, Luci Lanterns ensure that vanlifers can enjoy well-lit evenings wherever their travels take them.
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The Lifestraw portable water filter is a highly practical and life-saving gift for vanlifers who love to explore nature. This portable water filter straw allows you to safely drink directly from streams, lakes, and other natural water sources. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's an essential tool for hiking, camping, and emergency preparedness. The Lifestraw's simplicity and effectiveness make it a thoughtful and practical gift for anyone who values outdoor adventures and sustainable living – like most campervan owners and vanlifers.
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Headlamps are a great practical gift for vanlifers. Ideal for late-night hikes, setting up camp after sunset, or simply navigating around the van at night, a good headlamp is an essential tool in any outdoors scenario. Look for one with adjustable brightness settings, a red light, and a long battery life. We like the Black Diamond Storm 500-R, which is conveniently rechargeable via USB.
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The rechargeable Goal Zero Lantern is a perfect van life gift because of its compact size and sheer versatility. We’ve had one of these lanterns for 7 years, we use it for all kinds of things, and it’s still going strong. Adding to its usefulness, the Goal Zero lantern features USB ports for charging devices and a magnetic bottom for sticking to metal surfaces.
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A camping table is a versatile and practical gift for campervan owners. Having a compact foldable table like the Big Agnes Woodchuck gives you extra outdoor space for cooking, dining, working, or setting things on. When you live in a van, space is at a premium, and a van life gift like this is a great way to expand that space.
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The Eno Hammock, particularly the DoubleNest model, is an awesome gift for vanlifers who like to lounge in the outdoors. This hammock is easy to set up, comfortable, and durable. It can also support up to 400 pounds, so it’s perfect for vanlife couples. This hammock also easily stows away when not in use, so it won’t take up valuable space in your friend’s campervan.
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A folding fire pit is an excellent van life gift because it allows your campervan owner friend to easily enjoy the serene ambiance of a campfire without disturbing their natural surroundings by building a fire ring. And because it’s foldable, it won’t take up too much space in a small campervan.
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A Leatherman Multitool is one of the best van life gift ideas because they are so incredibly versatile and useful. The Leatherman Wave includes a range of tools that are useful in everyday situations, including pliers, wire cutters, knives, and screwdrivers. This multitool is perfect for quick repairs, outdoor activities, and showing off their preparedness, making it a practical and thoughtful gift for campervan enthusiasts.
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Sometimes a Leatherman is a bit bulky to carry around, but a folding knife always comes in handy. The Kershaw Oso Sweet EDC pocketknife for instance, is a great gift for van lifers because of its razor-sharp blade, durable construction, and robust belt clip. Having a good knife is a vanlife necessity, so this is always a great gift for any campervan owner.
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A good set of binoculars allows your vanlife friend to scope out wildlife around their campsite and get a better look at those spectacular mountain views out their back door. These binoculars from Bushnell are waterproof and have high quality optics, making them a worthy vanlife gift.
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Gear ties are always great gifts for van lifers because they just come in handy all the time. In a campervan, there’s always something that needs to be tied down, and having abundant gear ties around is just unbelievably useful for van organization. Even if your campervan owner friend isn’t clued in on these, they’ll be thanking you later.
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Bath & Laundry Van Life Gift Ideas
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A Ruggable is a machine-washable rug that’s super durable, comfortable, and comes in a ton of awesome designs. Our ruggable is probably one of our favorite “household” items we’ve ever bought. It helps us keep our van clean - just shake out dirt and wash as needed - and it feels nice under our bare feet, especially on those chilly mornings when stepping on a cold van floor just isn’t pleasant.
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Figuring out how to keep our clothes organized was a big problem when we first moved into our van. We often had to take everything out of our closet to get to one item at the back, and then our clothes ended up all over the place.
This constant dance of taking things out and putting them away is a fact of van life, and packing cubes make it much easier to keep your camper van organized and tidy. Packing cubes are a great van life gift idea because they just always come in handy for something.
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Bidets are just plain awesome, and even more so in a van camping situation. Having a bidet not only reduces your reliance on toilet paper, it also helps keep you clean in between those infrequent van life showers.
Travel bidets aren’t quite as luxurious as built-in toilet bidets, but they get the job done, and any van lifer will be happy to get one as a gift.
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Towels can be an issue when you live in a van. Traditional towels take up a lot of space, and when they’re wet they take a long time to dry. Both of which are no bueno. Camping towels solve both of these problems - they’re super compact, absorbent, and dry quickly, so you easily pack them away soon after you use them.
Two of our favorite towels for van life are 100% cotton Turkish Towels, and Nomadix microfiber towels.
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Digging holes in the wilderness to poop in is just a reality of van life. And having a super legit poop shovel can mean the difference between digging a hole quickly, and fighting off prairie dogs while you struggle to break ground and cut through roots.
We’ve tried many different types of shovels in our van life journey, and our favorite by far are military-stye folding trench spades like the Gerber E-Tool. They have sharp edges that make cutting into hard ground and chopping through roots easy. Their spade heads are big enough to dig holes quickly and easily. And they fold into a compact package for storage and portability. There are few van life essentials out like a good poop shovel.
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When you live or travel in a van, there will be a time when you need to emergency pee without a nearby bathroom. That’s when a van life pee bottle comes in handy, and why a legit pee bottle is one of the best gifts for vanlifers you can get.
Nalgene water bottles are our favorite pee bottles out there. They have a wide mouth so they’re great for all genders no matter how poor your aim, they come in large and larger sizes, and they have a secure screw top lid so you can transport your pee safely until you find somewhere to dump it.
Your van lifer friend already has some kind of pee bottle (and uses it regularly). But a legit Nalgene will most likely be an upgrade. And in any case, you can never have too many pee bottles in your van.
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What does a van lifer do when they need to do some laundry but don’t want to leave their awesome wilderness campsite? Scrubba has the solution!
The Scrubba Wash Bag is a 3L bag that’s essentially a modern, portable take on the old-school washboard-and-bucket. Just throw in some warm water and an eco-friendly soap like Dr. Bronner’s, and scrub your clothes clean on the built in flexible washbaord.
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We travel in all kinds of climates. We live in totally different vehicles. We explore the world in our own unique ways. But we all benefit from baby wipes. They’re great for pooping in the woods (make sure to pack them out!), and they make for a quick and easy “shower” when a real shower isn’t an option. We can never have enough of them in our van. Anything you need to clean or wipe, baby wipes have your back!
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From soap and toothpaste to hand cream and lip balm, Dr. Bronner’s makes some awesome products that vanlifers love. Their products are super versatile, work great, and don’t have any of the harmful chemicals found in mainstream items.
We’ve been religiously using their Unscented Castile Soap for years and can’t get enough of it. With how little we shower one bottle lasts us literally forever, and since it’s biodegradable we can use it to wash all kinds of things in the wild. To top it off, all Dr. Bronner’s products are made with 100% certified fairtrade and organic ingredients!
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Van Life Clothing & Footwear Gift Ideas
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These socks are tough – darn tough. Made of 100% wool, these socks make a great gift for van lifers who wear the same pair of socks over, and over, and over again (so… all of them). And with the lifetime free replacement guarantee, these socks will be the vanlife gift that keeps on giving.
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You must think we’re crazy for recommending sweatpants that are pushing $100. But trust us, these pants are so comfortable they will change your life. These pants aren’t just great gifts for van lifers, they’re great gifts for anyone on your list. Shit, get yourself a pair while you’re at it!
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These base layers are the best of the best. The 100% merino wool material helps regulate your body temperature like none other. It keeps you warm, while also preventing your from over heating. And it wicks away moisture so you can go even longer without showering before you start to smell. What better van life gift is there than the gift of not needing to shower?
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A good, comfy flannel is a great-looking way to layer when you’re spending lots of time outdoors, which is what makes any flannel such great vanlife gifts. But these Patagonia flannels are ultra comfortable and durable. Yes, these flannels are worth the price. But more importantly, they say “Patagonia” on the chest pocket.
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If your nomadic friend is in on the minimalist footwear craze, then a pair of Luna Sandals is a great van life gift. This company was started by Barefoot Ted of Born to Run fame, and their sandals are comfy and durable. We love the Oso Flaco for the just-right sole thickness and excellent traction for hiking.
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They’re back, baby! What better way for your van lifer friend to display their anti-society cred than with a pair of classic hippie-uniform wear that has been making a dramatic resurgence in popularity. Birkenstock sandals are the ultimate gift for vanlifers who either had them back in the 90s or want to hop on the recent trend.
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These heavenly mocs from LL Bean feel like walking on a bed of fluffy sheep clouds, and are a great van life gift for anyone who needs footwear for around camp or casual in-town errands. We wear these things everywhere, and they are just the best. Tip - get a full size down, they will stretch out.
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Best Gifts for Sleeping in a Van
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When you’re sleeping in a Walmart parking lot, sometimes your windo shades are not enough to block out the harsh glow from all the lighting. That’s where a sleep mask comes in handy. And trust us, your van lifer friend spend way more time sleeping at Walmart (and truck stops, and Cracker Barrel, etc) than they may be willing to admit, making this a perfect gift for any campervan enthusiast.
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These legendary blankets are 100% wool and built to last for generations, so you know they’re quality stuff. When you live in a van, temperature control is uber important, and there’s no material that naturally regulates temperature quite like wool. Another thing that makes these the perfect present for vanlifers is their appropriative Native-inspired Southwest patterns, which should fit right in next to any campervan owner’s Tibetan prayer flags and other van decor.
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Imagine a puffy jacket or a sleeping bag in blanket form and you have a Rumpl. Our Rumpl Puffy blanket is one of our favorite van accessories because it somehow manages to keep us warm and cozy on even the coldest winter nights, but also doesn’t make us overheat in the height of summer. These blankets pack down into a compact stuff sack and come in a variety of unique designs to suit any style. If the van lifer you’re shopping for is traveling with a partner, these blankets are also available in a two-person size.
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Even if your van is super well-insulated, and even if you’re sleeping under a mount of Rumpl blankets, some extra warmth makes those sub-20-degree nights just a bit more bearable. Enter the humble hot water bottle. This basic, affordable item works wonders to warm up a van bed and keep it warm all night long.
Pro Tip: Make sure to get a hot water bottle that comes with a cover, find a unique handmade cover on Etsy, or even crochet one yourself for that extra dose of personalization.
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Essential Electronics for the Full Time Van Lifer
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If you really want to spoil your vandwelling friend – get them an iPad as a vanlife gift! These handy tablets can double as an ereader, a streaming device, and even replace some functions of a computer. And man, if you haven’t seen IG or TikTok on a screen like this, you haven’t lived.
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A Kindle is a great gift for van lifers because it allows them to use the magic of ebooks to keep up with their reading habit and save space in their van. The Paperwhite represents the sweet spot between key features and affordable price that any campervan enthusiast will be stoked about.
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Music on the go sound much better out of a legit speaker. Bonus if the speaker is super reliable, durable, and basically bomb proof. We’ve had the same UE Boom in our van for over 7 years now, and it’s still going strong. Easily one of the best purchases we’ve ever made, and an awesome vanlife gift for any nomad.
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Give your vanlifer friend the gift of watching movies on something bigger than a laptop screen. The Anker Nebula Capsule portable projector is a perfect van life gift to serve this purpose. It’s bright enough but not too bright for such a small space, it includes a built in speakers, and it’s dead simple to set up.
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Fun Games to Play on Van Life Adventures
Fun, compact games that you can play on the road are some of the best gifts for van life you can get. If the van lifer you know is into tabletop gaming, they’re probably sad they had to ditch their copy of Settlers of Catan or that vintage copy of Risk before moving into their van. They’ll no doubt appreciate some equally fun games that don’t take up too much space.
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Qwixx is our absolute favorite game to play in our van, hands down. This 15-minute dice game is easy enough that you don’t need to think too hard, but requires just enough strategy to stay interesting even after many, many games. It’s great with just two people, and expandable up to 5. And it takes up about as much space as two decks of cards. Trust us, this game will be a huge hit as a vanlife gift.
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This classic game is a great gift for vanlifers because it’s compact and surprisingly stimulating. Mancala never gets old - few games out there include this level of both simplicity and strategic complexity. With the limited space inside a campervan, it’s important to prioritize games that you can play over and over again, and Mancala fits the bill.
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This timeworn board-and-card game is a fun and entertaining way to spend an evening. Plus it’s expandable into a team game, which makes it a great way to have fun with new friends. This sheer versatility is what makes Cribbage such a great vanlife gift.
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Settlers of Catan is one of our favorite board games ever. But there’s no room to bring Catan on the road. What’s a tabletop-gamin’ vanlifer to do?
Luckily, there’s a sweet adaption of Catan as a Qwixx-like dice game. It’s not really a replacement for the full version, but it’s a good way to get a quick fix that’s a fun and interesting game in its own right.
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Five Crowns is a Rummy-like game that you can play with as few as one person and as many as seven. This is one of our favorite games to break out when we’re hanging out with friends and family. It’s fun and engaging, but still allows you to socialize. Perfect for van life community gatherings or meet ups with other nomads.
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These are just classic games that everyone should have on hand, vanlifers included. If your nomadic friend likes to play games on the road, then you can’t go wrong gifting them a nice travel chess/checkers set.
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This travel edition of Scrabble is surprisingly compact. There’s no better way to bring this mentally stimulating word game on the road. It even has a way to close up the game mid-play, so if you get “the knock” you can pause and resume later.
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If we had to pick only one “party game” to have in our van for the rest of our lives, this one would be it. Similar in format to Cards Against Humanity but featuring messed up comic strip drawings, Joking Hazard has so many more combinations and possibilities than other games like this. This is a great gift for vanlifers to break out among a new group of people that they meet at a vanlfie gathering.
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Books That Make Great Gifts for Van Lifers
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This comprehensive camping guide is an ideal gift for vanlifers that offers expert tips for unforgettable outdoor adventures. Covering camping spots across the U.S., it includes practical advice on campsite selection, camp setup, and outdoor safety. A perfect present for nature enthusiasts, it inspires and prepares travelers for memorable journeys in the wilderness.
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Packed with knowledge for surviving various environments and situations, the SAS Survival Handbook is an excellent gift for vanlifers because you never know what might happen on the road. This detailed guide covers essential skills like campcraft, navigation, and first aid, and addresses urban survival and disaster response.
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You never know if you’ll lose service, and maybe you want to put down that GPS and try navigating the roadways old-fashioned style. This is what makes a US Road Atlas such an awesome van life gift – you’re giving both the gift of preparedness and adventure.
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When you live in a van, you often have more down time to reflect and do things like journaling. For that reason, a good lined notebook is always a great gift for van lifers. These journals from Peter Pauper Press are excellent quality and way cheaper than trendier brands like Moleskine and Leuchtturm. The dot grid format adds the flexibility to use this as a traditional journal, a notebook for diagramming a van build, or a BuJo-style planner.
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When you’re the master of your own time, sometimes you need a little direction, which is what makes a goal setting journal such a great van life gift. These journals from Best Self helped us start businesses, become a certified yoga teacher, write a book, and achieve other big goals we never thought we’d accomplish.
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Best Van Life Gifts for Dog Owners
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Even though our van life dogs are living their best lives exploring nature, we still want to know where our furry friends are located when they’re off leash. The best solution we’ve found for this is putting bear bells on their collars.
Bear bells are low tech, work anywhere, and won’t run out of batteries (unlike those pesky collar lights). They also alert wildlife to our dogs’ presence to help avoid unexpected run-ins. These collar bells are a great van life gift for dog owners they may not know they needed, but they’ll thank you the first time they can easily find their dog in the woods.
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This awesome product protects dogs’ paws from both extreme heat and extreme cold. Vanlife dogs could be sprinting through a frosty mountain wilderness one day, then walking across a scorching-hot desert Walmart parking lot the next, so a tin of this stuff makes an excellent vanlife gift for dog owners.
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Campervan owners love having their dogs close and knowing that they’re comfortable. A roll up camping dog bed gives your nomadic friend’s dog somewhere comfortable to lay nearby while they are lounging in the Eno hammock you also got them.
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Having a good dog treat bag is essential for every dog owner, so this is a great gift for any van dweller that needs help calling back their irresponsibly free-roaming dog. This treat bag from Kurgo not only has the conspicuous consumption brand cred that all vanlifers crave, it’s also a really great treat bag that we use ourselves every single day.
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Because your vanlifer friend is a responsible dog owner, right? Right?! This poopie bag holder is a great gift for vanlifers who respect others, and it easily velcros onto a leash or the hipbelt of the treat bag we also recommend above. Even if they already have a poopie bag holder, it never hurts to have another one lying around.
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Are you sensing a theme here? Anyway, dog owners need to pick up after their furry friends, and it’s always good to have extra poopie bags on hand. These are our all-time favorite poop bags, they’re biodegradable, and they’re made by a company that cares about the environment. All of which makes these bags a great gift for vanlifers who own dogs.
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Best Van Life Gift Cards & Memberships
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Amazon has literally everything, including lots of stuff that van lifers use, so a gift card is a great gift for campervan owners. And if that nomad you know is in the process of building their van, Amazon is a great one-stop-shop for any van build. We bought almost everything we used in our build on Amazon, and we order from Amazon probably once a month on the road.
But how do nomads get Amazon shipments on the road, you ask? Easy! If you have friends or family in the area you’re in, you can ship to them. Or you can ship packages to any Post Office via general delivery, then just pick it right up. Shipping to private businesses like shipping companies is also an option, and in some places there are Amazon Lockers that make picking up packages on the road super convenient.
So rest assured, your vanlifer will love an Amazon gift card, no matter the occasion.
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Only Sold In Stores
There are a few grocery stores that vanlifers love shopping at, but Trader Joe’s has the advantage of being a national chain that also sells everything we want to buy. Which makes a gift card to TJ’s an excellent vanlife gift.
Whenever we’re in a remotely urban area, we seek out the nearest Trader Joe’s to find great deals on things like fresh produce, organic goat’s milk, and craft beer. So get your vandwelling loved one a Trader Joe’s gift card and know they won’t be disappointed!
Note: These gift cars are only sold in stores.
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Hardware store gift cards are especially great if your van lifer friend is in the midst of their DIY van build. Lumber, screws, insulation, tools - you name it, your friend probably needs it, and these stores have it in droves. Budding van lifers already spend way too much money and/or time prowling the aisles of your local big box hardware store, so why not help them defray those costs a little bit?
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We know, we know. The relationship that many van lifers have with Walmart is more than a little ironic. But it’s just so… convenient.
Not only is Walmart a safe place to park overnight when you’re passing through a town, they also have groceries, and water, and camping gear, and hardware, and kombucha, and anything else you might need. Sure, in principle vanlifers prefer to shop local and organic, but buy us a Walmart gift card and we’ll definitely put it to good use.
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REI is where us vanlifers go for a real treat yo’self experience. There’s something for everyone there, especially for outdoorsy people who turn camping into a lifestyle like us.
But just about everything in REI has a hefty price tag. That’s why we enjoy the occasional REI gift card to help knock down the price of those super-comfy merino wool socks or those awesome camping chairs.
Trust us, there’s something your vanlifer loved one wants from REI but just hasn’t been able to justify pulling the trigger on yet. Help them out with an REI gift card!
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Not only does Cracker Barrel have delicious breakfast, rocking chairs, and adorable knick knacks, they’re also a prime spot for van lifers to get some shut eye on the road.
Cracker Barrel is incredibly RV and van friendly, and most locations allow you to camp out overnight in the parking lot. You can typically find Cracker Barrels right off the interstate, so they are a convenient sleeping option on long road trips.
A Cracker Barrel gift card will help your van lifestyle enthusiast get some down home breakfast in the morning. That’s a win-win for all involved.
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Flying J is much more than a truck stop. It’s a place to get gas, use the bathroom, grab a quick bite, and they’ll even let you sleep in the parking lot.
Flying J (along with its sister truck stop, Pilot) is super van-friendly – it’s our preferred pit stop on long interstate travel days. And with over 700 of them scattered throughout North America, your favorite vandweller will have a chance to gas up and get a good night’s sleep no matter where their travels bring them.
There are other truck stops out there, like TA and Love’s, and many of these places will let you sleep there. Getting a gift card to these truck stops is a great gift idea. However, in our experience, Flying J and Pilot are where it’s at.
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It’s no secret that van lifers do a ton of driving. And what better way to pass the time than listening to audiobooks?
An Audible gift subscription is an excellent gift for any vandweller who loves to read. Audible has an enormous collection of audiobooks, podcasts, and series, most of which are free or discounted with a subscription. This gift will entertain your nomadic friend on their drive days and won’t take up any space. Double win!
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Harvest Hosts connects van lifers and RVers with establishments like farms, vineyards, breweries, and more that allow free camping on their property. A gift membership to Harvest Hosts gives your loved one access to over 2,300 of these properties for overnight camping and fun experiences. Harvest Hosts is especially helpful for traveling in areas without a ton of public land, like the Eastern US.
For the ultimate in free camping, you can bundle a Boondocker’s Welcome membership, which adds on over 3,297 private properties that allow vans and RVs to boondock for free. (You can also just purchase whichever membership you think would be more useful rather than bundling them).
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The Dyrt is one of the best apps for planning van life road trips and finding free and paid camping along the way. A membership to The Dyrt Pro adds on vital features like public lands and cell service map overlays, offline maps, and a road trip planner. The Pro membership also unlocks exclusive camping discounts and reduced booking fees at campgrounds nationwide. You can get that van lifer your know a one-year gift membership to this useful resource.
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AllTrails is one of those apps that’s just a necessity for anyone with a van exploration lifestyle. The free version of AllTrails is a vital resource for finding nearby hiking trails, and the Pro version has a ton of extra features that are more than worth the upgrade. For just $35.99, you can gift your van lifer an AllTrails Pro annual membership that gets them features like offline maps for those times they don’t have cell service, alerts for when they go off trail, location sharing with friends and family, and more.
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Our national parks truly are gems, and we love visiting them when we’re nearby. But those admissions prices add up over time – unless you get the annual pass. For just $80, you can give your favorite vanlifer access to every national park (and many other fee-based national public areas) for an entire year. Now they won’t have any excuse for avoiding the stunning beauty of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun road, and they can marvel at the volcanic rock formations of Idaho’s Craters of the Moon National Monument as many times as they want! We can think of any better vanlife gifts than that.
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Still Need the Perfect Gift? Read This Section
Something Creative You Make Yourself
As nomads engaged in the radical act of creating our own lives, we’re big fans of creativity and personal expression in all its forms. Whether you’re an artist, a musician, a snow sculptor, or an aspiring finger painter, we would absolutely love to receive something you made yourself as a gift.
To use an old cliche, it’s the thought that counts – and giving us something creative is not only very thoughtful, it’s also a little piece of yourself that we’d love to see.
A Heartfelt Letter
This might be the best gift on the list, and not just for people living in vans. There’s nothing like a good ol’ fashioned pen-and-paper letter for letting someone know that you care about them. And that’s what gifts are really all about anyway – showing that you care.
So put that credit card away and write your loved ones a letter this year. It will be a gift that they’ll cherish forever, while that random thing you got them last year “just because” is already fading from memory.
When in Doubt—Ask!
If you really want to make sure you’re getting a good gift for the vanlifer you know – just ask them! Not bringing material possessions into their life without permission is perhaps the best way to show you respect and value their lifestyle choice.
Chances are there’s something your favorite vanlifer really does want or need, and you can easily find out what that is. By asking them this simple question, you can be sure you’re giving them a useful gift and not just another thing that will end up at Goodwill in a week.
WHAT THE FUCKING SHIT!?!?! first, a giftcard for Amazon!? and second, a bag of avacados? and baby wipes? and all the other unsustainable shite you listed… WALMART!?
you want a bag of baby wipes for christmas? stop using baby wipes and wipe your own arse with a few sheets of paper, who cares if your finger goes through it and slightly up your own arse, your heads already up there.
So glad you enjoyed our tongue-in-cheek article, your sense of humor is on point! 🙂
Looooveee this!!! Exactly how I feel when people buy me stuff that I have to find storage for! (First world problems am I right?) and the avocados? On point. I want to put this on my page!!
Glad you enjoyed the post! 😀