Vanlife Gift Guide: 25 Useful Gifts Minimalist Vanlifers Will Love
It’s officially November and you know what that means. Well, it used to mean that all Christmas is coming, but since stores now start decorating for Christmas long before Halloween even starts, we guess the point is kind of moot.
But still, the holidays are an exciting time (though I still hold that we shouldn’t hear a note of Christmas music until December).
But for full time van lifers and their loved ones, the topic of holiday gift giving can get a little stressful. What do you get the person that wants nothing?
Or worse, doesn’t even have the space to store anything?
Honestly, we just ask our families not to get us anything. The only things we truly NEED are groceries and socks… and somehow that just feels like a weird request. And a set of new tires would be tough to fit under the tree!
But even despite our assurances, we’ve all got that relative that just insists on getting a traditional gift. If you’re that relative, we’ve compiled a list of useful items for van life, some that can be wrapped and some that can’t.
Finding useful gifts for minimalists is no easy task. They need to be small and easy to store, and fill a unique niche not already satisfied by something they already own. Vanlife doesn’t leave much space for redundancies, and anything repetitive probably won’t last the following spring van cleaning.
We’re not saying you have to give the perfect gift that will end up getting used every single day. Silly little things that don’t see daily use are okay!… as long as they inconvenience of storing them doesn’t outweigh the pleasure they bring.
We think we’ve managed to find the best vanlife gift ideas that will suit a wide range of budgets and tastes, and that any vanlifer will be happy to find under their tire. In fact, these camper van toys will have them feeling like kids again on that magical morning!
P.S. Be sure to read our latest 2021 guide on gifts for vanlifers, too.
*This post contains affiliate links.
OUR FAVORITE GIFT IDEA FOR VANLIFERS:
Audible Membership - $15 (1 month) / $45 (3 months) / $90 (6 months) / $150 (1 year)
After talking to a lot of fellow vanlifers (I guess you could call it doing market research), this is the hands down winner for best vanlife gift idea. It takes up literally no space and essentially allows the receiver to make of it whatever they will. Ultra versatile and entertaining. Plus, you get the versatility of choosing exactly how much you want to spend!
Books are toughie are most vanlifers. On one hand, we have a lot of time to read, but not a lot of space to keep books around. Audiobooks are a great compromise AND they’re great entertainment on long driving days. We personally listen to a ton of audiobooks, as well as podcasts.
If they prefer reading to listening, you can always swap this van life gift idea with a Kindle Unlimited membership instead. Either are great gifts for digital minimalists and minimalists and great road trip gifts.
NAVIGATION FOR VANLIFE GIFT GUIDE
Vanlife Gift Ideas $20 or Less
Image credit UST
UST Solar Shower - $10
Nothing says “I love you” like a less than subtle hint that your vanlifer needs to shower more often.
All joking aside, no vanlifer will complain about having extra shower access. Rule #1 of vanlife: Never turn down a shower. So make showering on the road a little easier with this practical vanlife gift.
UST’s durable shower bags is one of the best there is for the price, with a 5 gallon capacity and durable, highly absorbing fabric that heats the “tank” in a matter of hours in direct sunlight.
Puzzle Books - $10
Remember the good ol’ days of sudoku, word searches, and crossword puzzles? Somewhere since the invention of smartphones, we forgot the joy of completing a long labored crossword. But when you live off grid and often out do cell signal, suddenly those non-technology dependent activities are a lot more appealing. Who doesn’t love a good Mad Lib night?!
Lulu Organic Soy Candles - $15
Who says candles are lame gifts? Vanlifers can be a little on the smelly side, but their van doesn’t have to be! Compact candles are the perfect inexpensive gift for van lifers that will add just a little touch of coziness to any home on wheels. These ones in particular come in wonderful natural scents are totally non-toxic and vegan. Kindness all around!
Portable Travel Games - $5 - $20
Himal Collapsible Cornhole - Image courtesy of Himal
Vanlifers love game night just as much as anyone. Problem is, we don’t have the space to store board games and card games are have so much entertainment value. Give your van life loved one the gift of games with one or two of the many mini options out there.
Here are some of our favorites along with some we would love to add to our collection:
Mini Jenga - $5
Tabletop Bowling - $9
Backpack Bocce Ball - $15
Himal Collapsible Cornhole - $35 (okay so this one isn’t under $20 but it’s rad)
The New Camp Cookbook: Gourmet Grub for Campers, Road Trippers, and Adventurers - $13
Contrary to what you may think, van lifers aren’t doomed to live on cold steeped oats. Chris and I, of course, are the exception because we LOVE overnight oats. But that’s beside the point…
In all reality, we also love cooking and drawing up elaborate meals while dirtying as few dishes as possible, and that’s the essence of this book. It includes tons of camp recipe idea from snacks to desserts to beverages, all designed to be made without the luxuries of kitchen appliances. While books can be an inconvenience in a camper van, your vanlifer will get use out of this one again and again.
One of the recipes is Dutch Oven Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Apple and Polenta; need we say more?
Swedish Cellulose Dish Cloth - $20
A cleaning tool might seem like a weird holiday gift, but trust us: hacks to make camper van cleaning easier are so so appreciated. Out van is always dirty and we used to go through a huge roll of paper towels in a week. That just didn’t feel very sustainable to us and we try as much as possible to make our van life more eco friendly.
These super absorbent cellulose/cotton sponge pads are a huge improvement, providing a way more efficient and eco-friendly clean. By getting them this pack of 10, they can have one for every different thing to clean and some backups to spare. Because they are far thinner than traditional sponges, they dry out faster and won’t smell funky after a couple uses.
And when they do get a bit gross, they can just get washed and reused over and over!
Homder Sleep Eye Mask with Built-In Bluetooth Headphones - $20
Since we moved into our van in Alaska as is was rolling in to the months of near constant daylight, eye masks were absolutely clutch for getting a good night’s sleep.
And anyone that has ever slept in a rest stop or a pullout beside the interstate knows that noise can be just as disrupting. No one likes sleeping in painful earbuds, either.
That’s why this full-wrap around design eye mask is amazing. It includes build in bluetooth ear speakers that let you get lulled to sleep by music or podcasts without the ear canal crushing inserts. Plus, this travel gifts for minimalists applies to any wayward soul, not just vandwellers.
Vanlife Gift Ideas $20-$50
The Dyrt Pro Subscription - $35.99/year
The Dyrt is an online and app database of all sorts of campgrounds. While there is a free version of the service, it’s pretty limited and for just $36 a year, you can give the gift of a MAJOR upgrade to this awesome vanlife app.
The Pro version includes offline campground search capability, downloadable maps (of trails, campgrounds, waterways, and more), and lots of discount perks. Members save 30% at participating gear deals and 40% at participating campgrounds.
That basically means it’s the gift that keeps on giving and your special vandweller will end up saving tenfold the minimal amount you paid for the app (more money they can save to buy you an awesome gift next Christmas!).
Available: The Dyrt
Yeti Rambler Insulated Colster - Image courtesy of Yeti
Yeti Rambler Insulated Colster - $25
Who doesn’t need a stainless steel can coozie?! It keeps you brewski cold and your hand warm, so it’s the perfect way to enjoy some holiday beer (or soda). They’re also great at making cans less tippy so no more crying over spilled beer. If your van life loved one is a die-hard Hydroflask fan, they also make something similar.
Available: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
MPOWERED Luci Solar String Lights - $25
What’s a real campervan without some twinkling fairy lights around the bed? Especially around the holidays! These ones are even better because they’re entirely solar rechargeable.
Available: REI / Amazon / EMS
Mkono Air Plant Frame - Image courtesy of Mkono
Air Plants + Mkono Air Plant Frame - $30
Camper vans tend to be unfortunately lacking in the plant department. It’s just too hard to care for messy potted plants in a constantly moving structure.
Air plants are much better because they don’t require any dirt to root in or maintenance.
However, the hanging glass orbs that usually house air plants are not ideal for van life either, for obvious reasons. Instead, get this beautiful teak wood and wire frame, a totally non-breakable way to hold the air plants.
Give the gift of green.. literally!
Sunix Rechargable Flood Light - $30
This ultra bright 1200 lumen flood light is the perfect way to light up any van lifer’s night. Brightness adjustable, USB rechargeable, tripod mountable, and attached to an adjustable frame, they’ll be able to use this indoors, outdoors, and anywhere in between.
It also comes with a magnet mount that can stick right onto a van body for any emergency late night maintenance.
Everlast Memory Foam Seat Cushion - $30
Long driving days got us like…
Make pulling long miles home for the holidays much more comfortable with this butt moldable cushion that helps keep proper spine alignment and driving posture.
They can even use it elsewhere around the van, like for sitting on the floor or even in bed for some extra cushion.
Wekapo Inflatable Air Sofa - $30
Wekapo Inflatable Air Sofa - Image courtesy of Wekapo
For those beautiful days when lounging about inside on van mattresses just seems like a crime, help them take their R&R into the great outdoors.
Hammocks are great and all, but when we desert rats find ourselves for weeks at a time in the wide open without a tree in sight, what ever do we do for a couch?!
Behold the inflatable hammock couch, the comfiest thing since, well, a real couch! They don’t even require a pump or compressor to inflate. Just inflate by holding open into a moderate breeze or by waving them through the air.
Despite how huge they look when inflated, fear not: they stow away no bigger than a backpacking sleeping bag.
PS: They also double as floating water couches. We can personally vouch to have tested this. They do in fact float!!!
Goal Zero Switch 10 Multi Tool Kit - $30
Goal zero van life gifts are a sure winner. Anything to keep the power grid flowing without reentering the physical grid.
A fun and funky van life gadget that fits right in with Goal Zero’s huge line of innovative off-grid technology. This tiny tool includes a 110 lumen Led flashlight, handheld fan, and device charging bank. You never know when someone might get stuck in a dark, hot place with a near dead cell phone.
Plus, Goal Zero is one of our favorite eco friendly outdoor gear brands!
Available: Goal Zero / Backcountry / REI / Amazon / EMS
Wacaco Minipresso Handheld Espresso Maker - Image courtesy of Wacaco
Wacaco Minipresso Handheld Espresso Maker - $50
Who says you can’t have high quality espresso is you live in a van? Not us!
If your vanlifer is a coffee connoisseur, this handheld cartridge-free and cordless espresso maker is the perfect gift. By utilizing the power of a semi-automatic piston and pressurized water, this little thing brews 100ml of rich, strong espresso in a but a minute.
Vanlife Gift Ideas $50-$100
Insulated Skirt / Puffy Pants - $50+
Essentially a sleeping bag for your legs that you can also move around in, these articles of clothing are perfect for even remotely cold weather.
We didn’t discover their existence until we lived in Alaska but we love them in the van, too. Every van lifer should own some type of insulated bottom. The second they put these on and feel their body temperature rise at least ten degrees, they’ll be thanking you like crazy!
I like Skhoop skirts and Chris loves his Patagonia Nano Puff Pants.
Available: Backcountry / REI / EMS
TEVA Ember Moc Indoor / Outdoor Slippers - $75
Another highly recommended gift for vanlifers. We cannot recommend these enough. In fact, when we wrote a post on the items that we consider essential van life purchases, these made the list. We own two pairs each… that’s how amazingly useful and comfortable these are.
“Part sneaker, part sleeping bag” the Teva Ember Mocs transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor use. Their synthetic filling and water repellant ripstop quilted upper makes them warm as all heck, while the thick sticky rubber outsole make them perfectly functional even as light hiking shoe. Collapse the neoprene heel cuff for slipper mode and pull it up for walking mode.
Plus, they look nice enough to pass as a casual shoe without anyone knowing you’re wearing your slipper out in public. If you want to give the ultimate versatile van life footwear, this is it.
Now that TEVA makes the reEmber, made of recycled materials, these are also eco friendly outdoor shoes!
Available: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Harvest Hosts Subscription - $79
For those who don’t know what Harvest Hosts is, it’s a website and app combo that connects vanlifers, RV travelers, and the roadtrippers to businesses with space to spare for overnight parking. This includes vineyards, breweries, farms, and more. By signing up for a subscription, you get access to contacting these businesses for FREE places to sleep at night.
The idea is that you’ll end up supporting their business in some way (i.e. doing a wine tasting or buying some produce). Still, the van lifer makes off super well because they get to try something new, support local economies, and end up paying way less than for pretty much any RV park or campsite.
America the Beautiful Annual National Parks Pass - $80
Give the gift of experiencing our national parks! This card gives unlimited access to all U.S. National Parks, conservation areas, and many state parks for an entire year. It’s also a super economical deal considering some of the national parks costs almost half that for a single day entry.
Note that it’s highly likely that your van lifer already owns one of these so do some stealthy sleuthing before buying one. Or, if you know their pass is going to expire in the near future, give them a voucher to buy them a new one once it does.
Alternatively, you can buy them one of many local state parks passes depending on where they live.
Tacklife Car Jump Starter - $80
For all you worried moms out there who want to make sure your little vanlifer is safe and prepared for any incident, get them an emergency self starter, which allows them to jump their own car even if no one is around. These are great for those who love to stay in remote areas or up dirt roads where roadside assistance programs like AAA won’t go. We consider one of these an essential road safety tool but most vanlifers surprisingly don’t have one.
Yogasana Cotton Yoga Rug - $89
This is the absolute perfect gift for any nomad yogi. As one of the few truly non toxic yoga mats on the market, this 100% organic cotton is handwoven by fairly paid and treated workers in India, right near the birthplace of yoga itself. Plus 5% of all profits go toward the education of their worker’s children in India. It’s like giving two gifts in one!
Even if the person you’re giving this gift to isn’t a yoga fanatic, this is a great, durable outdoor ground blanket for meditating, working out, or even just sunbathing and reading a book! If it gives any indication as to how durable these mats are, Yogasana provides a 15 year warranty for them.
Image courtesy of Rumpl
Rumpl The Original Puffy Blanket - $90
If your van lifer spends any amount of time steeped in cold weather or braves the frontiers of winter vanlife, these synthetic insulated puffy blankets are a true Godsend. They’re so cozy, durable, and pack down into a tiny stuff sack.
If you want your loved one to be even warmer and are willing to spend a little more money, check out Rumpl’s Down Blanket for $150.
Thanks to their Bottles to Blankets initiative, these recycled blankets double as good eco friendly gifts for outdoor adventurers.
Available: Rumpl / Backcountry / REI / Amazon
Gas Gift Cards - $ Whatever!
Gift cards get a bad wrap as being impersonal but for the minimalist, they’re great! And what’s a something every single vanlifer ever needs to buy? Gas! As one of the biggest monthly expenses, any vanlifer would be thrilled to pay a little less at the pump.
Vanlife Gift Ideas Over $100
Mini Projector - $170
Vanlife movie night! Unfortunately, the inside of the van is just too small. But wait… the white body itself would act as a perfect projector screen. All they need is the projector.
And this one is a beauty. With 1080p picture quality, a build-in speaker, and a built-in rechargeable battery for totally wireless function all in a palm sized package, it’s the off-grid movie buff’s dream come.
It’s compatible directly with USB sticks, external hard drives, computers, gaming systems, cameras, and even smartphones.
BEFORE YOU DRIVE AWAY….
We know we’re not the easiest to get gifts for since we’ve greatly shrugged off the material world, but we’re so happy you even think of us. We’re stoked with even a neat card. Either way, we hope this van life gift guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect presents for camper van owners in your life.
Help us out fellow vanlifers by letting us know what’s on your Christmas wish list this year.
As we roll down the road and into the holiday seaosn, we wish you and yours a truly happy Vansgiving and a merry camper van Christmas (or Hanukkah or whatever holiday it is that you celebrate!). Remember to give thanks and lots of love.
**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.