If you know someone who lives in a campervan, you’ll know that space is at a premium and unwanted items waste this preciously limited commodity. All items in a campervan are carefully evaluated based on how much value they provide, how much room they take up and how much weight they add to the van.
Due to these limitations on space and weight, those that live full-time in their tiny homes on wheels can prove a tricky challenge when it comes to gift ideas for Christmas or birthdays.
Nick and I have lived full time in our van for the last two years, so we’ve learnt a few things about what we need and what we don’t need for our adventures and we’d like to share these thoughts with you.
In this post we offer up some fun, practical and unique campervan presents for all budgets that you can share with your campervan friends and family.
Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps cover the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support!
The Best Gifts For Van Life
In this guide we have arranged the gifts into sections depending on whether you want to buy something practical or fun as well as ideas for a limited budgets and more generous bank balances. These are items that we either own or have on our wish list for the future.
Practical Gifts For Camper Van Life
1. Self-build Campervan Conversions Book
For those who don’t have the van yet, this well written book might well be the best place to begin the dream journey. Also, don’t forget to check out our free campervan conversion blog post where we provide top tips on everything van conversion from windows and vents, to heaters and batteries.
- New Store Stock
- Kenny Biggin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 224 Pages – 11/14/2017 (Publication Date) – Renwick’s Guides (Publisher)
2. Earth Kind Shampoo
This Earth Kind shampoo gives vanlifers the opportunity to wash in the wild without feeling guilty about harming nature. These soap bars have come a long way and now actually produce a decent lather for a variety of hair types. There is no plastic involved in the packaging and a storage tin is also available.
- EARTHKIND SHAMPOO BAR FOR HAIR: Made with tea tree and eucalyptus oils, renowned for their naturally antimicrobial and antifungal effects; Gentle for daily use and won’t strip hair of its natural…
- VEGAN FRIENDLY, ECO CONSCIOUS FORMULA: Made using natural, sustainable, soap-free plant-based ingredients to help reduce the level of bacteria and yeast that cause dandruff and other scalp conditions
- IDEAL FOR THOSE WITH SCALP PROBLEMS: Gentle on sensitive skin; If you suffer with seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, inflammation or a dry, itchy/flaky scalp, try this soothing bar
- FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: Developed by a leading UK hair scientist, the gentle and soothing solid shampoo bar cleans and cares, for improved scalp health; Anti-itch, sulfate-free in plastic-free packaging
- EARTHKIND ECO CONSCIOUS RANGE: Our premium quality range is a blend of traditional and new advances in hair care; to help protect the health of your hair, your scalp and the environment every day
3. Head Torch
Head torches are ideal for hands-free, outdoor cooking, sunset hikes or if you have a breakdown late at night. This rechargeable head torch from Petzl is well made and can be used either with regular batteries or a replaceable rechargeable battery. This is a really useful van life accessory and Petzls are our head torches of choice.
- Powerful and compact headlamp with 350 lumens of brightness at 86 g. Ultra-versatile due to the multi-beam, flood or mixed; it provides a high-performance beam for all types of work.
- Easy to use with three white lighting levels: proximity, movement, and distance. Additionally, the red lighting offers two lighting levels (proximity and strobe) and provides stealth.
- Up to 120 hrs of burn time on low, 9 hrs on standard, and 2 hrs on maximum brightness when using the white light. Red lighting provides up to 60 hrs of burn time.
- HYBRID CONCEPT design: the lamp comes with three standard batteries and is also compatible with the CORE rechargeable battery (available as an accessory).
4. Vanlife T-shirt or Hoodie
Been there, got the t-shirt! Or maybe even the hoodie? These retro van life t-shirts and hoodies are a fun gift for van lifers that won’t break the budget. Sizes and fits are available for both women and men.
- The Original Retro Van Life Design. Do you live in vans, a van conversion, a camper van or a mobile home? Are you looking for a cool Van Life top or some cool Van Life clothes? So our Van Life designs…
- Our Van Life clothing & Vanlife apparel are cool gifts for anyone who loves Camping, Campervans, or Van dwelling. If you live in your van or travel the world, then our Van Life tops is what you need….
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Do you love to travel and really enjoying your time traveling with your Van or Camper? Then this Vacation Design with a retro sunset and a camper makes a great outfit for the next holiday trip.
- Great retro Van Vacation Design for people looking forward for the next Vacation trip or as a gift for your friends or Colleagues. Livin the Van Life
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
5. Camping Chairs
Camping chairs may seem like an obvious piece of kit but there are cheap camp chairs that break easy and are awful for your back and then there are deluxe camping chairs that are a delight to sit in. Buy your van life dwellers a top-notch camping chair, so that they won’t get chair envy when they stop at any European campsite and see all the motorhome owners enjoying their sundowners in their portable armchairs.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Foldable steel frame and durable fabric make the heavy duty camping chair extra sturdy for sitting. High backrest and hard armrests…
- EASY OPEN & STORAGE: Only takes one-step to open and fold; this camping folding chair weighs only 6 kg and comes with a portable carry bag for easy transport…
- CUP HOLDER DESIGN: Deep cup holder is perfect for keeping beverages and water bottles nearby; a special leaking hole design helps keep the cup holder clean….
6. Espresso coffee maker
An espresso coffee maker is the ideal gift for all the coffee drinkers out there. Compact and easy to use with plenty of options to choose from, this coffee maker can be used on the stove top or even on the camp fire with a little care. Nick never leaves home without his!
- ✔ HIGH QUALITY: Our coffee percolator is made of high-quality stainless steel. The stainless steel espresso maker is particularly robust & durable
- ✔ EASY CLEANING: Our coffee pot can be cleaned quickly and effortlessly, is dishwasher safe and ensures uncomplicated coffee enjoyment
- ✔ FIRST-CLASS COFFEE TASTE: With the coffee maker, you can create a unique coffee taste. The moka pot is perfect for everyday use
7. Scrubba Wash Bag
Whilst this might not be the most glamorous campervan gift it is certainly one of the most practical. The Scrubba Wash Bag is twice as effective as hand washing, packs down flat and doubles up for use as a drybag. This makes the Scrubba bag an ideal item for van lifers.
- FAST & CONVENIENT: Experience a machine quality wash in just minutes with our patented washboard-in-a-bag design. Perfect for hotels,…
- SO SMALL & LIGHT: Ultra-portable at only 150g. The Scrubba Wash Bag is the world’s smallest washing machine. This portable clothes washer…
- EASY TO USE & NON ELECTRIC: Save space, water and time. Effortlessly wash clothes without electricity using our simple six-step instructions…
- VERSATILE & MULTIFUNCTIONAL: Ideal for small to medium laundry loads including T-shirts, underwear, socks, bras, delicates, dishcloths and…
- JOIN 400,000+ SCRUBBA WASH BAG USERS WORLDWIDE: Grab yours and travel cleaner, lighter and with more freedom. Over 400,000 travelers…
8. Snug Rug Blanket
Being warm is an essential ingredient for campervan comfort, so even though blankets may seem a little middle-aged, they will soon become a well used van life item.
- Snug Rug Throw Blanket is made of sumptuous 270gsm Sherpa fleece for incredible softness and comfort. Engulf yourself in sheer luxury.
- Machine Washable at 40 degrees. Anti-pilling on both sides. Throw Blanket Size: 127cm x 178cm. (50″ x 70″)
- Maximum warmth and insulation. Ideal for those cold Winter nights watching TV on the sofa.
- Keep yourself warm and cosy whilst lounging around the home and save on heating costs as the cold winter nights set in.
- Available in the following colours: Cream, Chocolate Brown, Slate Grey, Sand Beige, Plum, Mulberry Red, Racing Green or Black
9. The Comfy Wearable Blanket
An oversize hoodie or wearable blanket is ideal for those campers wanting to stay outside to enjoy the sunset. This is a blanket that stays with you around camp and is the perfect gift addition for winter vanlife.
- 【2.0 Upgraded version with quarter zipper】: CASOFU wearable blanket hoodie comes with a durable zipper, so you can put on and take off easily without messing up your hair or makeup. For a…
- 【Oversized Blanket Hoodie】: 120 cm (160 cm with hood), The wearable blanket with sleeves is 20% longer than normal sweatshirt blanket. This hoodie blanket can cover you from head to shank, The…
- 【Double-sided Fluffy Plush】: This oversized hoodie is made of 380GSM polyester, super soft and warm, with windproof glossy fleece microfiber on the outside, and premium long plush fiber on the…
Gifts For A Campervan That Take Up Zero Space
10. VPN Subscription
A VPN allows us to stream movies from Amazon Prime or Netflix during our extended van journeys overseas. Another benefit is that in some countries you need a VPN to access certain social media sites. We use Surfshark as it has proved to be effective and really great value.
Get the best deal on Surfshark here.
11. RAC/AA Membership
This is a great gift for those looking for peace of mind. Breaking down on a motorway anywhere in the UK or Europe costs far more than the cost of decent breakdown cover. Some sneaky questioning may be required to check that your van life friends don’t already have some sort of breakdown cover in place, but if they don’t you’ll be onto a winner!
12. Online OS maps
One general requirement for being a campervan owner is a love for the outdoors. If, like us, your campervan pals love exploring the outdoors through hiking, then a brilliant gift idea is a subscription to a GPS map provider such as OS. OS are the best maps when it comes to hiking in the UK and for just £29.99 you can get an annual subscription for all UK maps on any device.
Buy the annual subscription as a gift card here.
13. Amazon Prime Video or Netflix Subscription
As much as van life is about making the most of the great outdoors, sometimes you just want to snuggle up and watch a bit of TV. With plenty of great series, documentaries and movies available, Prime Video will keep anyone entertained and informed on those dark, damp nights.
Get a 30-day free Amazon Prime Video trial here. Alternatively, buy an Amazon gift card and they can choose whether they’d prefer music, video, audible or books.
- Amazon.co.uk eGift Voucher that can be emailed to an email address of your choice
- Send within minutes or schedule for delivery up to a year in advance
- Available in multiple designs. Choose any denomination up to £1,000.
- Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.co.uk
- Amazon.co.uk Gift Cards can only be redeemed on Amazon.co.uk. To redeem on other Amazon websites, you can purchase gift cards on the respective sites.
Fun Gifts For Vanlife
14. Lego Campervan
Many of us grew up with lego and heres the ultimate gift for Vanlife lego fans and their children. Once completed will look great on the windowsill to inspire your next adventure.
- Build the classic 1962 camper toy van packed with authentic features! Includes “V” shaped color split
- “splittie” safari windshield
- pop-up roof
- textile curtains
- “boxer” engine
15. Kite
Rather than huddling up in the van on a windy day, set your campervan friends inner-child free with a cool kite. There are plenty to choose from and since they pack down well they take up minimal space. These modern kites are a lot of fun for adults and pretty full on. For a simple fun kids kite, try this one.
- Easy to Pack and great for traveling
- No poles or rods to assemble or replace
- Perfect kite for begginers . This product does not come with a bar
- Can fly in almost any wind conditions
- Tough and durable
16. Cards Against Humanity
If you’re looking for a funny campervan gift that takes up very little space, look no further than Cards Against Humanity. Nick and I have enjoyed some hilarious evenings playing this game with friends over the years. Be warned this card game is strictly a game for adults with a dark sense of humour!
- We’d like to say we called it the Everything Box because it holds a mirror to our fragmented, chaotic world, where everything is monetized – and opiate-peddling megacorporations control us with amoral…
- But honestly, we were just hungry.
- Bagel not included.
- This is an expansion pack for Cards Against Humanity. Buy that first.
- For ages 17 and up.
17. Skittles
When the weather is good and the campervan is parked up in a campsite, an enjoyable way to spend an evening is with an outdoor game. A classic game that’s easy to play is Skittles.
- ALL IN ONE SET THE GAMES: The premium bowling game set includes 10 x wooden bowling pins （Diameter-6.2cm，Height-23cm）, 3 x black bowling balls (Diameter-7.5cm).
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: Made of premium quality hardwood-rubber wood with good hardness, natural high strength and wear resistance. The sturdy material will not easily break when playing, guarantee a…
- 600D WATERPROOF OXFORD TOTE BAG: Packed in a lightweight carrying bag for easy to carry. Let you more convenient for outdoor backyard activities.
18. Kubb
An alternative outdoor game is the Scandinavian favourite of Kubb. This is a fun team game to play with new found friends around the campsite. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy throwing sticks across a field?!
Related Reading
The Ultimate Vanlife Gifts (Luxury Campervan Gifts)
19. GoPro 12
GoPros are the ultimate action camera to record van life adventures around the world. This is a fabulous gift idea for campervan owners who like to indulge in adventurous activities or for those who simply want to record their travels.
- High Dynamic Range Video + Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and…
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image…
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software…
20. Dji Mini 3 Pro Drone
A drone has allowed me to record some amazing and unique footage of our van adventures around the UK and Europe. This state of the art drone weighs in at under 250gms, which means it doesn’t require registration in many countries and folds down to fit in the palm of your hand. This is therefore a great choice to take on campervan travels.
- Under 249g, Regulation Friendly – Lightweight, operators will not be required to get a drone pilot certificate to fly the drone Enjoy the fun of flying without the tedious application process and…
- Seriously Pro Shots – Capture your world in remarkable detail with 4K/60fps video and 48 MP photos; The advanced camera system supports dual native ISO and f/1.7 aperture for high-quality imagery,…
- Portraits in a Tap – The redesigned DJI Mini 3 Pro offers True Vertical Shooting for portrait shots, ideal for social media;The gimbal rotates 90, so you don’t have to compromise image quality
- Sweet Air Time – Enjoy an extended flight time of up to 34 minutes and capture and explore more of your surroundings
- Fly with Confidence – DJI Mini 3 Pro features tri-directional obstacle sensing and APAS 4.0, bringing unrivaled safety to the Mini series
21. Mini projector
For the ultimate in home (campervan) cinema experience, try a portable mini projector. This allows the latest TV shows and movies to be displayed on a large screen or wall rather than on a small IPad or Laptop. This quality projector by Ankor is designed for use in low-light environments, making it perfect for those dark and wet winter nights.
- Radiant Viewing: Cutting-edge DLP technology creates a stunning 720p, 200-ANSI-lumen image up to 100†in size. This projector is ideal for use in low-light environments.
- Immersive Audio: Premium Scan-Speak transducers reproduce every moment in pulse-pounding clarity for all to hear.
- Android TV 9.0: Unleash a universe of entertainment possibilities with Android TV. Personalize your Capsule II mini projector with over 3,600 apps, including YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and more.
- Instant Clarity: Enjoy a razor-sharp, high-definition image in under a second with Capsule II portable projectorâ€s proprietary autofocus technology.
22. Projector Screen
A white screen may also be a good idea to get the best results from a projector, unless the campervan has a suitable white wall available. This screen comes with hooks, ropes and a storage bag which makes it ideal for campervans.
- 【 HIGH-QUALITY ANTI-CREASE & FOLDABLE PROJECTION SCREEN】- RASSE projector screen made with natural polyester fabric that the projection is sharper and brighter than most other projection screens,…
- 【WIDE VIEWING ANGLE】- With 1.1-1.2 gain and 100 inches 16:9 screen format diagonal and 160 big viewing angle bring you the best watching experience. 16:9 screen（diagonal 100” offering 49.02″H x…
- 【Super Easy Installed Projector Screen】: Hanging holes offer easy and quick installation. Lightweight and compact one-piece design, convenient to carry, and easy to set up. This screen is an…
- 【THICK MATERIAL AND ANTI-CREASE】- Thick & anti-wrinkle projector screen comes with the best color absorbance and is the clearest/brightest HD projector screen of its kind. This high-end screen is…
23. Inflatable Watercraft
A great gift for van life and one that is currently super popular is a stand up paddle board (SUP). These are a perfect addition for those wanting to explore lakes, rivers and oceans they find themselves parked next alongside.
Although expensive, these can offer up a great activity provided there is space in the van for all the equipment.
- 10FT CONVERTIBLE PADDLE BOARD; 10ft inflatable paddle board which can convert into a sit on kayak with a weight capacity of 120kg (265lbs), ideal for…
- 2-IN-1 KAYAK SEAT: With the included seat & extra paddle attachment, you can also use this board as a sit on kayak which also takes the weight off…
- DROP STITCH MATERIAL: Designed with drop stitch material for the same strong rigidity and durability you get from a hard sided board, while also being…
- NON-SLIP PAD: The Oceana Inflatable paddle board benefits from the non-slip traction pad which provides improved grip for comfort and steadiness while…
- TRAVEL BAG & CARRY HANDLE: Includes a travel backpack to transport your SUP board and convenient deck handle to carry your SUP out of the water, the…
We have an inflatable, two-man kayak in our van which allows us to enjoy many adventures around the coast or in rivers and lakes. Although SUP’s are great fun, if you’re looking to cover some distance then kayaks are a better option.
For a complete guide to the best kayaks for van lifers, take a look at this article.
- Super tough laminate PVC with polyester core: Light weight and highly resistant to damage from abrasion, impact and sunlight
- High pressure inflation provides extra rigidity and stability, with high pressure spring loaded valves for easy inflation and fast deflation
- Includes 2 removable skegs for deep and shallow water, 2 floor mounted footrests, 2 integrated recessed fishing rod holders, 2 adjustable bucket seats
- Storage space in bow and Stern with stainless steel d rings for tying down Dry bags and gear; Kayak total weight capacity: 400 pounds.3-ply super tough construction employs a high molecular PVC that…
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
Be sure to invest in suitable safety equipment if planning to spend time on the water. Life jackets are a must and wet suits might be advisable in some climates.
24. Electric Scooter – The ultimate vanlife gift!
The awesome thing about touring in a campervan is being able to park up where ever you want and enjoy the surroundings for several days at a time. However, sometimes you just need to pop to the shop to pick up some supplies without having to pack everything away in the van to switch to drive mode.
That’s when a bicycle or even better, an electric scooter comes in handy! Although bikes are a cheap and easy option, they take up valuable space and require a bike rack. Electric scooters, on the other hand, pack down and can be easily stowed. This is the ultimate gift for van lifers.
Camper Van Gift Summary
If you are looking for a suitable gift for campervan owners, or perhaps you are a van lifer in need of some gift inspiration, we hope you’ve found some useful ideas in this article.
In this guide we have included camper gifts that we use and find useful as well as some items that we have own our own wish lists. There are items to suit a range of budgets so that you can find the perfect van life gift you’re looking for.
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