Gifts for Vanlifers: 23 Best Gifts for Van Life (2021)
It’s that time of year again where we hang the white twinkly lights in Giovanni and release a brand new list of the best gifts for van life, chock full of the coolest products and gadgets to make road life even better.
Gifts for vanlifers can be tricky to get right, because van dwellers have very limited living space and thus they really don’t want just another useless, kitschy gift, no matter how well the intentions behind it are.
Make sure the vanlifers in your life truly appreciate your gift by making it one that will add to their quality of road life.
Check out last year’s vanlife gift guide for even more ideas, or, if you want to also support small business, our list of Etsy gifts for vanlife.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Navigation for Van Life Gifts
General Gifts for a Camper Van
Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc TPU Straps
Haven Tents Hammock Tent
Rumpl Puffy Blanket
AcuRight Digital Weather Station
NRS CGear Sandlite Sand-Free Mat
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Work Remotely
Executive Office Solutions Portable Adjustable Laptop Desk
Goal Zero Portable Power Station
Patagonia Women's P-6 Label Uprisal Sweatpants
Vanlife Gifts for the Adventurer
Outdoor Research Women's Trail Mix Cowl Pullover
Patagonia Recycled High Pile Fleece Down Jacket
United By Blue Recycled Sherpa Utility Fanny Pack & Water Bottle Sling
Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 32L Backpack
Kokopelli Packraft
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Love to Cook
GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set
Modern Sprout Tapered Tumbler Herb Planters
Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven
The Camper Van Cookbook by Martin Dorey
NOMAD Grills Grill & Smoker
Cook N Home Stovetop Popcorn Maker
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Love a Good Drink
WACACO Handheld Espresso Maker
Sea to Summit Collapsible X-MUG™ with Cool Grip
High Camp Flasks Highball Shaker
General Gifts For A Camper Van
1. Sea to Summit Stretch-Loc TPU Straps
Image credit Sea to Summit
Having a house on wheels can certainly make for a bumpy road—especially when the road is actually bumpy. If we had a dollar for every time we forgot to do some strap or something broke free while driving and caused chaos in the van, well, maybe we could afford to live in a house (...nah!).
These gifts for camper owners alleviate that they can be used to strap down and secure just about anything in the van. Sea to Summit’s Stretch-Loc TPU Straps are sold in a 4-pack of 15, 20, 25, and 30-inch lengths.
Not only that, but they’re appealing to vanlife because they have practically a million uses. Use one to strap a water bottle to a bike, or a bike to the van, even! There’s no end to the ways these little dandies will make themselves useful for vanlifers.
Find it here: Sea to Summit / Backcountry / Moosejaw
2. Haven Tents Hammock Tent
Image credit Haven Tents
This next idea makes for great camper gifts for ALL kinds of campers and backpackers.
After personally testing one on several different outings (separately, of course, because it’s not a two-person tent), we can safely say Haven Tents’ Hammock Tent is just about the coolest thing since Maxtrax traction boards (which, as we all know, is the vanlife equivalent to sliced bread).
It's an all-in-one camping tool for any night spent outside your van, with a square bottom hammock, sleeping pad, bug net, and rain fly all roll into one ultralight package that’s no bigger than the standard backpacking tent.
It could also be pitched on the ground like a regular tent, making it versatile for all kinds of terrain (and thus ideal for a van because it eliminates the need to store separate versions of these sleeping stations).
Find it here: Haven Tents
3. Rumpl Puffy Blanket
Image credit Rumpl
We’re not going to lie; winter vanlife is tough, but there are certain winter vanlife essentials that make it a little easier.
A Rumpl Puffy Blanket, for one!
With tons of durable, puffy camp blankets to choose from (including ones with synthetic fill, down fill, and sherpa fleece outers) in all kinds of beautiful designs, you’re sure to find one that’s the perfect gift for a camper in your life (even if they’re not a van camper!).
Plus, this ethical outdoor gear brand is Climate Neutral Certified, a 1% for the Planet member, and, since launching the “bottle to blanket” initiative, now makes their Original Puffy Blanket out of 100% recycled plastic bottles!
P.S. On their website, everything is 25% from now through Nov. 30!
Find it here: Rumpl / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
4. AcuRight Digital Weather Station
Image credit AcuRight
Vanlife safety means being prepared for the weather and not getting stuck in a bad situation. However, knowing the weather can be especially tricky, especially if you spend a lot of time out of cell service.
The AcuRight Digital Weather Station provides real-time weather conditions, like temperature. While it can’t forecast, its barometer function can help predict sudden changes.
It also reads the humidity, making it a great gift for rock climbers who are wondering whether to climb or take a rest day.
Find it here: Amazon
5. NRS CGear Sandlite Sand-Free Mat
Image credit NRS
What’s one thing most campervans lack?
A porch (unless you’re one of those really fancy vans with a rooftop deck).
Give the gift of patio space with the NRS CGear Sandlite Sand-Free Mat. They can just lay this spacious mat outside the sliding or back door and have a clean, dirt and sand-proof hangout area. Then when it’s time to move on, all they’ll have to do is roll it up, pack it away, and go.
This camper gift then doubles as the perfect ground mat for going to the beach, having a mountain picnic, whatever!
Find it here: Backcountry
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Work Remotely
6. Executive Office Solutions Portable Adjustable Laptop Desk
Image credit Executive Office Solutions
If you’re looking for gifts for vanlifers that work remotely, look no further than the Executive Office Solutions Portable Adjustable Laptop Desk.
Avoiding burnout means switching up the workspace. Trust us: staring at the inside of the van all day can leave you hating digital nomadship.
This ultra-portable desk/laptop stand allows a vanlifer to move their office as they please, whether that’s to the bed, the front cab, or beyond. With a maximum height of 19”, it’s even compatible with certain low-rise camp chairs if they want to take their work outside.
It’s all-aluminum, too, meaning it’s super strong but very lightweight, and it stores almost entirely flat.
Find it here: Amazon
7. Goal Zero Portable Power Station
Image credit @elsarhae for Goal Zero
Portable power for vanlife is a crucial component to working on the road. That’s why a Goal Zero portable power power station is one of the best campervan gift ideas if you have a little more in the budget to spend this holiday season.
Goal Zero is go-to vanlife power provider, thanks to their endless supply of portable power banks, inverters, solar panels, and more. If it can run on solar power, they probably make it.
Some of their most ingenious products are the Yeti series power stations, which include a battery bank, outlets, and inverter (varying anywhere from 150 to 6000 watt-hours) all in one box. This means they can charge practically anything, from laptops to cameras.
To charge the battery bank itself, they can either be plugged into shore power or charged with a solar panel.
Find it here: Goal Zero / Backcountry / REI
8. Patagonia Women's P-6 Label Uprisal Sweatpants
Image credit Patagonia
Working from a camper van is the digital nomad equivalent to working from home. And what do we all need to work from home?
Sweatpants!
The P-6 Label Uprisal Sweatpants by Patagonia are not only a warm and cozy solution to long hours in front of the computer, but they look nice enough to be worn outside on a short intermission hike to regain focus.
Besides, everyone loves Patagonia, and for good reason. They’re one of the best sustainable outdoor clothing brands and these sweatpants stand as evidence.
They’re Fair Trade Certified™ sewn and made of 100% recycled materials, a blend of 26 water bottles turned into polyester and cotton scrap.
Find it here: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
Vanlife Gifts for the Adventurer
9. Outdoor Research Women's Trail Mix Cowl Pullover
Image credit Outdoor Research
If you’ve ever worn a grid fleece before, you’ll know why this next item is on our list.
The Outdoor Research Trail Mix Cowl Pullover is a cozy and ultra-versatile pullover that’s just as suitable for an all-day fall hike as it is chilling in the van.
Except they won’t be chill in this toasty warm fleece. If they are expending energy, its thermo-regulating, quick-dry ActiveTemp™ technology ensures breathability and sweat-wicking.
After they unwrap this, your outdoor adventurer may never want to take it off!
Find it here: Outdoor Research / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
10. Patagonia Recycled High Pile Fleece Down Jacket
Image credit Patagonia
If your loved one is a climber or ski bum and spends much of their time in temperatures a little too cold for a fleece pullover alone, go with the Patagonia Recycled High Pile Fleece Down Jacket.
It combines the best elements of several of their products, featuring a 700-fill-power recycled down fill (duck and goose down reclaimed from other down products), 100% recycled polyester high pile fleece outer, and 100% recycled polyester ripstop inner that serves to block the wind.
We know, this jacket isn’t cheap, but Patagonia is one of those brands we firmly believe you get what you pay for.
Not only do they make things sustainable and ethically (this jacket is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn), but they back all their products FOR LIFE. Their Ironclad Guarantee means your vanlife friend will always have the ability to repair or replace this jacket (for free!) if it gets damaged.
This also encourages them to strive for eco friendly vanlife, because the heart of sustainable living is choosing products from responsible companies that will last forever.
Find it here: Patagonia
11. United By Blue Recycled Sherpa Utility Fanny Pack & Water Bottle Sling
Image credit United By Blue
Speaking of recycled high pile fleece...United By Blue’s Recycled Sherpa Utility Fanny Pack & Water Bottle Sling are stylish adventure gifts that allow one to carry all the essentials on urban outings and shorter nature walks alike.
“Get ready for some warm fuzzies”, they say, because both are made of 100% recycled polyester sherpa fleece with 100% organic cotton corduroy.
And haven’t you heard? Corduroy is BACK, baby!
Plus, United By Blue is another up-and-coming sustainable brand that’s cementing its place among eco-conscious outdoorists by using sustainable materials, ethical supply chain assurances, and so many other great green initiatives.
Find Fanny Pack here: United By Blue / REI
Find Water Bottle Sling here: United By Blue
12. Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 32L Backpack
Image credit Patagonia
For adventures where a fanny pack is too feeble, the Patagonia Black Hole® Pack 32L Backpack is the perfect gift for the adventure van man (or woman).
They’re made of 100% recycled materials and have a practically indestructible waterproof coated outer.
The 32L is a versatile backpack size, but they come in all sizes and shapes, including duffle bags (which make for great travel or road trip gifts).
You might even be able to score one used on Patagonia Worn Wear, one of our favorite online used gear websites for gently-used and fully repaired Patagonia pieces.
Find it here: Patagonia / Backcountry / REI
13. Kokopelli Packraft
Image credit Kokopelli
Getting outside and active in nature is one of our top means of vanlife self care. In fact, immediate access to doing such things is the whole reason we (and many others) moved into the van in the first place.
For adventure gifts that will really shock and awe, Kokopelli’s line of packrafts provides a rolling rapid of a good time. From the simple and more affordable XPD for lakes and mild water to the burly Nirvana and Rogue styles (complete with spray skirts) for rougher water, there’s something for every type of water lover.
While they aren’t cheap, Kokopelli rafts are a great value given the price, high-quality materials, and lifetime repair policy.
Plus, they pack down super small, inside just about the size of a backpacking tent for easy storage and hauling into the backcountry.
Find it here: Backcountry
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Love to Cook
14. GSI Outdoors Destination Kitchen Set
Image credit GSI Outdoors
Let’s talk gifts for a camper van kitchen.
Despite the small space, we love our kitchen and cooking is one of the great joys we have in vanlife. Cooking is no longer a chore to squeeze in between jobs; it’s an activity we love to do for its own sake—and many vanlifers feel the same.
The GSI Destination Kitchen Set is a deluxe 24-piece set of lightweight cookware that includes cutlery sets, pivoting spoon, spatula, whisk, cutting board, and more.
All of it stores nearly in a zippered pouch for easy access and storage.
Plus, since it’s actually designed for backpacking, it’s good for cooking outside the van as well, when you want a simple way to pack all the gourmet goodies.
Find it Here: Backcountry / REI
15. Modern Sprout Tapered Tumbler Herb Planters
Image credit Modern Sprout
Gifts for vanlifers and plant-lovers alike, Modern Sprout’s Tapered Tumblers are an all-included self-watering grow kit that includes organic seeds, plant food, a stainless steel net pot, and a soilless growing medium.
How does all this relate to cooking?
Because these smoke glass planters come with mint and basil seeds included. Not only will these make a small van space smell fabulous but these fresh herbs can be used in all manner of cooking recipes.
They also feature a wicking hydroponic system that brings water and nutrients up to the plant's roots and means your vanlife plant lover won’t need to worry if they forget to water it for a while.
Best of all, these planters are slim enough to fit in the cup holders of the cab for secure riding. Or, add on some campervan accessories gifts to store them, like these rearview mirror plant hangers.
PS: These planters are made responsibly in the USA and will see a portion of your purchase donated to Pollinator Partnership.
Find it here: United By Blue
16. Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven
Image credit Camp Chef
This next one is better suited as a gift for van builders since it will take a little planning to work an oven into one’s camper van layout.
Think of them as van life gifts for future vanlifers.
Camp Chef’s Outdoor Camp Oven means your vanlifer doesn’t need to sacrifice their love of baking just because they’re hitting the road. Propane-powered, this van appliance functions off either a single-use one-pound can or a full propane tank.
Its nonstick enamel cooking surface makes cleaning easy and it features a button piezo ignition and internal thermometer.
Buying this
It also means they won’t need to buy a separate stovetop because this has two built-in burners on top.
Find it Here: Backcountry
17. The Camper Van Cookbook by Martin Dorey
Now that they have a way to cook, the question remains as to what they will cook?
Martin Dorey’s The Camper Van Cookbook has so many tasty answers to that question.
With recipes for every meal of the day and dietary type, everyone who loves to cook (or maybe needs a little cooking help) will find something of value in this book.
It makes for an especially good camper van gift because all the recipes are remarkably simple for how good they are, designed to be made with minimal mess and dishes.
Find it here: Amazon
18. NOMAD Grills Grill & Smoker
Image credit Nomad Grills
If you thought you couldn't smoke meat on the road, you would be dead wrong.
This grill and smoker combo by NOMAD Grills is the perfect van gift for those who want to do some fancy feasting outside the camper van.
To grill, all one needs to do is pop some coals beneath the one or two grates, outfitted with MagVent air controls to maintain optimal temperature control.
To smoke, just fold the box together and let the smoke do its thing.
With a foldable aluminum body, it’s ultralight and portable, while maintaining durability to withstand very high temperatures over and over. Its SurfaceSafe technology keeps the shell temperatures low for safe handling.
Find it Here: Backcountry
18. Cook N Home Stovetop Popcorn Maker
Image credit Cook N Home
Once the meal has settled and all the dishes are done, it’s time to settle in with a movie. And what kind of movie night is complete without popcorn?
Well, turns out, popcorn is kind of difficult in a van. For those who enjoy microwavable bags, consider there is no microwave.
We’ve always made raw popcorn on the stove, but even that proved pretty disastrous when we tried it in our relatively tiny pot. It wasn’t long before we had popcorn overflowing out of the pot and exploding everywhere in the van.
That’s when we switched to the Cook N Home Stovetop Popcorn Maker, which has a large cavity, a two-sided lid, and churning handling so the popcorn doesn’t burn.
Given its size, it’s a bit harder to store, but we just nest other cookware inside so as not to lose out on too much space. Plus, the churner can be removed so the pot can be used as a large stockpot in a pinch.
Remember, gifts for van life don’t always need to be fancy. Vanlifers love the simple life and thus they love simple gifts like this that just help bring more enjoyment to their daily activities.
Find it here: Amazon
Gifts for Vanlifers Who Love a Good Drink
20. WACACO Handheld Espresso Maker
Image credit WACACO
This will forever be one of our favorite vanlife essentials and thus one of the best gifts for van life.
For ages, most of us were resigned to the reality of terrible backcountry coffee.
WACACO said, “No, no” and created a series of handheld, battery-free espresso machines that produce high-quality coffee in even the most off-grid places.
It works via a pressure brew system, powered entirely by the added hot water and annual pump button.
Depending on the size your giftee would prefer, they make the Picopresso, Nanopresso, and Minipresso, or the Pikamocha pour-over for those who don’t actually like espresso at all.
Find it here: WACACO
21. Sea to Summit Collapsible X-MUG™ with Cool Grip
Image credit Sea to Summit
Know someone aiming for zero waste vanlife?
This handy collapsible 16oz silicone mug by Sea to Summit is the perfect way to ensure they never need to opt for a disposable cup again. From daily lattes to beers at concert venues, this cup can hold anything and everything.
Since it collapses totally flat, they can store it in their on-the-go bag or purse and it’ll take up virtually no space in the van. We take ours with us just about everywhere!
Plus, its ultra grippy outer makes it easy to hang on to and avoid spills (which can be a NIGHTMARE in a camper van).
We’re putting this on our list of camper van gifts, but really, it’s a great gift for anyone.
Find it here: Sea to Summit / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
22. High Camp Flasks Highball Shaker
Image credit Always the Adventure
The reality of vanlife can be hard and frankly, sometimes you just need a stiff drink at the end of the day. That doesn't have to mean swigging right out of the bottle (no judgment; we’ve all been there!).
Instead, give them the gift of having fancy cocktails made with the High Camp Flasks Highball Shaker. This all-in-one self-contained shaker and strainer is super easy to use and even easier to store, with all kinds of different drink-making purposes (a mojito using the mint grown in #15, anyone?).
Plus, it looks stunning to boot! Choose between various metallic finishes and or even add little something extra by having these campervan gifts personalized with a laser engraving, as High Camp Flasks so kindly did for us.
They also have flasks and tumblers if you want to give them a whole old-fashioned (get it?) cocktail kit.
Find it here: High Camp Flasks
Before You Drive Away…
Gifts for vanlifers may be trickier than gifts for most, but as this list shows, shopping for them can be incredibly fun. There are some truly amazing innovations in the world of travel and outdoor gear. Some are so neat, you may even want some of these for yourself!
Did this list of camper van gifts get the wheels turning in your mind with what to give the nomads in your life?
If so, consider giving this article a share.
**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase something from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.