Looking for a perfect gift for a campervan owner can be tricky. If you have a campervan -you will know too well that space is tight, and there isn’t much room for ‘stuff’. I have put together an epic list of some of our favourite vanlife and campervan gift ideas for men, women and kids. And let me tell you – these include practical gifts (and fun), but mostly importantly will be gifts that anyone who loves campervans will actually want (or need!)
We have had our VWT5 for over ten years and love nothing more than vanlife with our three children. So all these items included in this guide are all items that I love, own for our campervan, or are on my future wish list!
You may also find our camping gifts for kids guide helpful.
I hope you find this vanlife gift guide helpful.
This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
Campervan Gifts (NOT motorhome gifts!)
This gift guide is specifically written to help you find the BEST campervan gifts for anyone who owns a campervan, travels in campervan or is planning to step into the world of vanlife.
If you are looking for the perfect gift whether it be for Christmas, a birthday, or a special treat … you will want to get them something that they will love and appreciate, or find REALLY useful. I have included essential campervan gifts, VW gifts ideas, and practical kitchen gift ideas. I have also included campervan gift ideas for kids.
Before I begin, there is just one thing I want to mention.
DO NOT make this mistake!!!!
Do not buy a campervan owner something which says motorhome. Or vice versa. People can be really serious about their camper. So basically if you are looking for a campervan gift – do not purchase a motorhome gift.
So now, we have got that out of the way – let’s get to the reason we are here – our camper gift guide.
Here are our perfect campervan gift ideas. We hope you find it helpful!
Practical campervan gift ideas
1. Compact camping chairs
As you know we are a family of five in a VW campervan, and space is tight. we love our Vango micro steel chairs as they are really compact and fit into a rucksack! The chair is durable, and comfortable and takes up minimal space in a campervan.
You may also enjoy – BEST kids camping chairs
- Steel frame – Strong and reliable
- Foldable to compact size – Easy storage and…
- 600 denier polyester – Very strong and durable
- Maximum loading weight: 120kg/18st 12lbs
2. Heated camping chair
Yes you heard right! A heated camping chair! GENIUS. We have the Vango Embrace heated chair and love it. This is the Vango tall chair version. This chair is not only padded for comfort and luxury, but it is HEATED. You are welcome.
3. Shower/ privacy tent
A privacy tent is really useful not only to house your portable shower for a campervan, but it can also work as an additional storage tent to store things like car seats etc. It is also an excellent portable pop up changing tent.
You may also enjoy – Best portable shower for vanlife
4. Packing cubes
I talk about packing cubes all the time, but packing cubes are incredible for campervan travels and can really help to help organise your clothing in a campervan.
Packing cubes work to organise items such as swimming gear, towels, and nightwear.
They are also amazing to organise your items in a suitcase or an overnight bag! We pack one packing cube per family. Anything else doesn’t come with us!
You may also find useful – AWESOME storage ideas for your camper van
4. Microfibre towels – essential campervan gift ideas
Microfibre towels are great as they fold really small, are super absorbent’s and fast drying. They are easy to pack, and come in a range of sizes. We started using microfibre towels, years ago and never looked back. The Dock & Bay towels are a great sand free beach towel too. They come in a range of colours and make awesome camper gifts for women!
- PERFECT FOR THE BEACH – With a towel that is great…
- SAND FREE BEACH TOWEL – The ultimate beach…
- 100% RECYCLED MATERIAL – Our towels are made from…
- QUICK DRYING & SUPER ABSORBENT – The fibres will…
- IDEAL SIZES – Pick the size that fits your needs….
5. Coverless bedding
Coverless Duvets really work for a camper. We love the Fine Bedding company Night Lark (Click here for our full coverless duvet review). Coverless bedding means you don’t have to fight with a duvet and duvet cover ever again. It also packs in a handy travel bag and we store it using the back of the seat hanging hooks when not in use. The bedding can be popped in a washing machine and it dries in around 90 minutes!
You may also find choosing a mattress topper from a mattress topper collection places on top of the rock and roll bed aids a good night sleep.
6. Portable shower
A portable shower is a great item to pack in the campervan especially if you are looking to travel off the beaten track away from campsites. If you have kids, a dog or are an active family – a portable shower can rinse off equipment (such as a paddleboard), and can rinse a sandy and muddy dog before getting in the camper (We do also love a mud daddy!).
You may also enjoy – BEST portable showers for your campervan .
7. Portable Toilet – the most essential campervan gift idea for families
I know it’s not technically the nicest gift to buy someone. But let me tell you, if you are about to embark on vanlife with kids, this is probably the most ESSENTIAL campervan gift for families. Like ever. You will wonder how you survived without one.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 414 x 383 x 427 mm
- Capacity of flush-water tank: 15 L
- Level indicator display for the waste-holding…
- Level indicator display for the flush-water tank:…
- Capacity of waste-holding tank: 21 L
8. Portable Solar powered lights
Portable camping solar powered lights are really useful for lighting your outdoor space on a warm evening – perfect for when you are sitting outside. We also love to use solar powered hanging lights for the awning.
- Super Bright Camping Light: Brightness up to 1000…
- USB Rechargeable: Built-in 4400mAh rechargeable…
- Dimmable & 4 Light Modes: This rechargeable…
- Hanging Tent Light: With a hook on the base and a…
- Water Resistant: Good for outdoor activities in…
- Solar Powered & Auto On/Off: Solar energy supply,…
- Long Last:100%brightness for 8-36H,25%brightness…
- Timer&Dimmable:Automatically lit at night,…
- Easy install & Energy saving：Work for five hours…
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED WARRANTY ON OUR YARD /…
You may also enjoy boho accessories for vanlife
9. Screen cover
Fuel Lagoon offer a great screen cover for VW campervans. Make sure you choose the correct option for your VW model. A screen cover is a great black out blind in the Summer and a frost protector in the Winter.
Fuel Lagoon screen covers are constructed from fully waterproof nylon, meaning they are really tough but also lightweight. We have had ours years and it is still going strong.
You can also have customisable screen covers with eyes or a campervan logo.
10. Outdoor mat/rug
An outdoor mat is a great addition to your outdoor seating area. Here are a few of our favourites.
No products found.
11. Toiletry bag
Hanging toiletry bags save space in a camper and are great to store all your essential toiletries when you have to walk over to the shower block. we hang ours on the back of the seat storage hooks.
12. Eco friendly toiletries
There are so many great eco friendly toiletries around for you to try and they also make a great gift for van lifers. Soap bars, soap shampoos, and bamboo toothbrushes are great for the environment. We love Wild deodorant refill sticks too.
13. UCO Original Candle Lantern
The classic UCO Original Candle Lantern includes a 3-pack of UCO 9-hour candles and a bag for storage. The UCO Original Candle Lantern works for camping and outdoor activities and is collapsible to minimize space – great for camper travels.
- Includes UCO Original Candle Lantern, 3-pack of…
- ring-loaded tube keeps candle flame at optimal…
- Collapsible lantern fits in a small space;…
- Easy-slide glass chimney creates a windproof…
- Twist lock base plus carrying handle and hanging…
14. The Van Board
This is the ultimate gift for any van lifer – a hanging van board. It is so useful, it hangs on the side of the campervan and the height can be adjusted as required. It works as a side table, drinks bar, or an extra table for preparing dinner!
You can order your hanging table over on Instagram at the Van Board
Kitchen Gifts Ideas for vanlife
15. Ridgemonkey
IF you own a campervan – I am sure you will already know how useful a Ridgemonkey is. If you are looking to get an incredibly useful gift (actually I would argue ESSENTIAL gift) – then the Ridgemonkey is perfect.
A Ridgemonkey makes cooking so quick and easy on the go, and there are so many Ridgemonkey recipe ideas too.
Our kids love pizza pockets, nachos, crumpets, and Staffordshire oatcakes.
16. Collapsible items for campervan
When space is tight, you will be amazed at how well collapsible items store in the cupboards. We love anything that is collapsible as it saves so much space in the cupboards. You can look for collapsible washing up bowels, collapsible kettles, collapsible dog bows, collapsible water carriers and even collapsible buckets and spades!
17. Camping stove
When we converted our own campervan, we didn’t have a stove or sink added, as we prefer to cook outside. We have a range of stoves that we pack depending on where we are going and for how long. These range from a small one burner stove, two burner stove, or a BBQ with a pizza stone.
18. Camping kitchen dinner set
A practical and stylish gift for any campervan owner – a dinner set is an essential. This VW sharing platter is also gorgeous for any campervan.
We also love Enamel happy for their gorgeous prints, mugs and plates.
19. Whistling kettle
The sound of a whistling kettle is just the most gorgeous happy sound, it reminds me of being out on our travels. Let me introduce you to Enamel Happy. Their gorgeous stove top kettle can be used on all hob types including cast iron stoves, electric hobs, gas hobs and induction hobs.. Click here to head over to Enamel Happy.
Choose from Midnight navy blue or stainless steel honey yellow. The most beautiful camping gift and will put a smile on their face for sure.
20. Campervan cutlery set
A portable cutlery set is another much needed kitchen item for any campervan. This Vango cutlery set is great and it comes in a handy pouch for easy storage.
- The 12 piece set includes 4 knives, 4 forks and 4…
- Stainless steel – Tough and durable. Keep all of…
- The portable cutlery set includes a handy storage…
- Dimensions L25.0 x H7.0 x W7.0cm
VW Campervan Gifts
21. Bottle opener
A bottle opener is a great gift for a campervan owner so how about this quirky campervan bottle opener?
22. Campervan tea towel
Tea towels are always needed for camping or campervan travels and a campervan tea towel is even better!!
23. VW campervan mug
Buying a gift for a couple with a camper van? Then how about these Mr and Mrs campervan mugs!
Personalised campervan gifts
24. Personalised campervan mugs
Campervan mugs are AWESOME campervan gift ideas and even better if they are personalised!
I adore these personalised mugs for any vanlife couple
25. Personalised water bottle
Water bottles are an essential, and refilling your water bottle cuts out on the plastic and is better for the environment. I have found these personalised campervan water bottles. A perfect gift idea for a campervan owner!
26. Personalised coffee mug set
We love coffee in this camper van, so this is a perfect gift for us. The enamel mugs with the campervan coaster are a gorgeous gift for any coffee lover!
I love that they can be personalised too.
- Sturdy gift box: Comes in a durable and stylish…
- Personalised Campervan Enamel Camp Mug Set: A…
- His Hers Accessories Camping: Thoughtful and…
- Gift for Her Him: Suitable for both genders,…
27. Personalised Campervan Cushions
Campervan cushions. One of my favourite campervan storage hacks. I often use pillowcase to store soft items such a fleeces and jumpers.
Campervan gift ideas for kids
28. Walkie talkies
I purchased a set of three walkie talkies years ago and it provided endless hours of entertainment for the kids in a field.
29. Card games
Uno, Dobble, Uno Flip and Chop Chop are favourite card games in our campervan. Card games are not only great for travel, but they pass the time on the rainy mornings in the campervan, and they take us all away from our screens. A great stocking filler for Christmas for any Campervan kids.
30. Travel journal
Travel journals are wonderful for kids and adults alike. They provide an opportunity to document travels with personal thoughts and experiences. In addition they are great for rainy campervan days and slow travel days.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Lonely Planet Kids Create Your Own Travel Journal |
£9.36 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Kids’ Travel Journal (Interactive Diary, Notebook) |
£9.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Lonely Planet Kids My Travel Journal |
£8.27 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Travel Journal For Kids: And So The Adventure… |
£7.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
31. Travel games
There are so many travel games available for kids, but here are a few of our favourites including OK, battleships and travel monopoly.
32. Screen free audio player
Screen free audio players are a great gift for kids. We love the Yoto screen free audio player (Click here for our full Yoto review). The Yoto mini is great for travels and campervans with limited space.
You can purchase various order Yoto cards to suit all ages, and they make for great stocking fillers and gifts all year round.
33. Kindle
My eldest takes her Kindle everywhere. This newest version of the Kindle is waterproof, so great for travel and a life outdoors.
Download the books before you go from the library – there are so many free books to choose from.
32. IPad
Our iPad is an absolute essential, and we don’t go anywhere without one.
We use it to read magazines from the Readly Library (more on that later). We take photos, play games, use it for recipes and we download download Netflix shows and documentaries to watch on our travels.
33. Clay beads
We try to find a few rainy day activities that don’t take up loads of space in the campervan.
Our girls love to make friendship bracelets out of embroidery thread or clay beads and we always pack a little box of beads during our travels.
This set is great value with plenty of colour options and they come in a handy travel case too.
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34. Mess-free Neon Drawing Board
This Marvin magic neon drawing board is a genius!! We purchased this last year for our son and he loves it. It is wonderful for travelling and is a great road trip toy.
It is completely mess free and great for when the lighting is poor too.
- DRAWING STUNNING PICTURES AND WRITE COOL MESSAGES:…
- AMAZING MAGIC LIGHT UP ART KIT: Marvin’s Magic…
- CHANGE COLOUR WITH 36 MAGICAL LIGHT EFFECTS:…
- SKETCH OR TRACE USING THE SEE-THROUGH DRAWING…
35. Campervan lego
My son absolutely loves Lego and this lego kit is such a cool kit. A Lego campervan!! You can also purchase a lighting kit separately. For campervan owners of any age – a perfect gift!
Campervan gifts ideas for families
35. Tripod
An extendable tripod is a great gift for any outdoor enthusiast, plus it provides an easy way of taking family portraits or action shots that you actually want to be in too.
The one that I have works with my phone too.
36. Hammock
We love our Ticket to the Moon hammock and it generally just stays in the campervan at all times. The kids love it and it’s a perfect gift for anyone who love the great outdoors.
37. Neon light for campervan
Home is were you park it – neon style. Such a lovely gift for an RV, campervan or for any mobile home on wheels! I now want one.
- ♥【Customise Your Unique Neon Light】By…
- ♥【 High Quality & Safety for Using】Custom…
38. Stand up paddle board
We do not travel without our paddleboard. It is now part of the campervan furniture.
We often try to find a campsite that are near to water for paddleboarding, or coastal campsites so that we can head to the sea.
You can read more about our paddleboard here.
39. Go Pro Adventure Camera
A GoPro camera is awesome for action photos in the water and videos. We have had ours for a couple of years now and they are amazing compact lightweight cameras that take awesome pictures.
These cameras can be immersed in water to capture all your vanlife and water adventures.
You can also purchase additional accessories for your Go Pro too.
40. Portable speaker
Something that you perhaps wouldn’t automatically think of but if you love music in the background whilst your a huddled around a camp fire, then this is a perfect gift!
41. Book for Road Trip Inspiration
Campervan books make great thoughtful gifts and there are so many amazing options. Choose from road trip books, itineraries, and city guides. Campervan recipe books are also a great idea for a present.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to… |
£26.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Campervan Logbook & Journal: Travel Adventures In… |
£10.20 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Take the Slow Road: England and Wales:… |
£17.51 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Lonely Planet Best Road Trips Great Britain:… |
£13.35 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Take the Slow Road: Scotland: Inspirational… | £18.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 6 |
|
Take the Slow Road: Spain and Portugal:… |
£17.46 |
Buy on Amazon |
42. Wax melts and burners (citronella melts for midge season!)
If you follow us over on Instagram you will know that we love a wax melt and burner and I rave about Wax Pop. I love the Wax Pop gift sets for friends and family.
Amy at Wax Pop is the queen of Wax melts and the citronella melts worked a treat on our Outer Hebrides road trip.
43 Battery pack to charge devices
A spare battery pack is always useful on your travels so that you don’t find yourself with a completely dead phone. There are plenty on the market and you can also purchase personalised battery packs too that make a great campervan gift idea.
We often opt for Anker but you will find plenty to choose from online.
Clothing Gifts for Van Life
44. Fleece
Fleeces are considered an essential vanlife item in our household. They are great on their own but also work for layering for added warmth
I love the beautiful soft Weird Fish fleece – it is one of my favourites and makes for a great clothing gift for any vanlifer in the UK.
45. Walking boots/ outdoor shoes
Our go to got outdoor walking boot and waterproof shoes are Keen Europe. We have been huge fans of Keen for many years and their shoes really do last.
The Keen Newport shoes have been amazing for the kids, and they even wear them when out on the paddleabord and in the sea.
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46. Flipflops
Flip flops and sandals store well in the camper van, and if you are thinking of Christmas gift ideas you can usually get a great deal out of season.
My go to has always been a pair of Birkenstocks. comfortable, great colour options and stylish.
Always on my wish list (I really love the metallic colours!)
47. fluffy socks
Picture this. huddled around a fire pit, with a cup of tea, fleece blanket and a pair of fluffy thermal socks. Add in a sea view and the kids playing in the field. There is nowhere else I would rather be.
48. Waterproof jacket
Waterproof jackets store well in the camper and you can layer with a fleece for added warmth.
For the kids we love the Muddy Puddles for kids outerwear. They have outerwear in awesome colours that make kids visible whilst you are out and about. Super quality clothing too.
49. Wetsuit / lifejackets
If you are an outdoor person that loves the water, then a good wetsuit and a life jacket is an essential item. We purchased Gul life jackets and Animal wetsuits and they have been amazing.
50. Hoodie
If you follow me on Instagram you will know that I am HUGE fans of Brakeburn knitwear and Hari and the Gang Vanlife Hoodies.
Vanlife clothing is such a lovely campervan gift idea for anyone who loves campers, owns a camper, or lives the vanlife. They are useful and practical, and you can never have too many hoodies, jumpers and sweatshirts.
Backpack
A good quality backpack is an essential gift idea for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Pack your camper, phone, snack, an extra layer of clothes… and anything else you may need for the day.
We love this Roka backpack so it has to be included in this Camper gift guide!
- The roll-top design enables a wide-mouth opening,…
- The large size can hold a 17” laptop and all…
- Outer material: Weather-resistant recycled nylon…
- Hardware: Galvanised, smoked, branded metal…
Gift cards and subscriptions for van lifers UK
52. Readly subscription
Readly is a digital subscription service with access to thousands of magazines and newspapers all in one app meaning that it really works for vanlife, family travel and life on the road. Click here for our full Readly Review. We have subscribed to Readly for the last four years and it makes for a great gift idea for families and great for the environment too.
53. Amazon gift card
If you are not sure what to get your loved one for a gift, then you can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card. You can pretty much purchase anything on Amazon nowadays and there is a huge range of campervan accessories and camping accessories to choose from.
54. National Trust Pass
A National Trust pass make for a great gift any time of the year. Some Christmas gifts are impossible to wrap and an experience pass can make for a million memories. Access to UK gardens and parks, historical homes and hidden secrets – oh and free parking in National Trust car parks.
55. gift cards Spotify
So here is our last recommendation to add to the list of awesome campervan gift ideas. This one is for anyone who is out on the road and loves to listen to music and podcasts!
So there you go … our ultimate Campervan gift ideas for couples, men, women and kids!
I hope you found this campervan gift guide helpful.
This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission. Some items included in the gift guide have been provided for review. All thoughts are my own