40 Best Van Life Gifts

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This guide will show you all the best gifts for that person you know who lives the van life.

Whether they are a couple or solo traveller, these gift ideas range from useful, to fun, with some cosiness thrown in. They are based on my personal experience of what I would love as a gift for our camper van.

Some of these items we already own, some of them I am putting on my wish list for future birthdays and christmases. 

I have divided this van life gift list into the following categories: 

1. Van life gifts for fun and adventure
2. Unique and quirky van life gifts
3. Best van life gifts for relaxation and pampering
4. Great gift ideas for van life memories
5. Novelty and personalised van life gifts
6. Best camper van books gift ideas
7. Useful gifts for camper van owners

These gifts all range from a few pounds, up to a few hundred pounds. Don’t worry, the bulk of them are under £20, and every category has items around the £10 or less mark. So if you are on a budget, you should find something that works for you.

If you can’t find anything on this list that jumps out at you, you might find something on my guide on Best camper van accessories and gadgets here.

Alternatively, you can take a look at the best gifts for outdoorsy women here.

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40 Best Van Life Gifts

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Van life gifts for fun and adventure

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These gifts are all about fun and adventure, for anyone living van life. Some for the more adventurous type, and some for more relaxed fun.

1) Portable fire pit

This gift screams van life, and it’s pretty budget friendly as well. Think how much fun it would be to set up your own fire pit, sitting under the stars. This is on my list…I might actually gift it to myself. 

2) Hammock 

Hammocks are really fun, and the best part is, these ones pack away super small so will take up almost no space in a camper van….space is an issue for van lifers.

3) Inflatable SUP – A really fun gift for van life

Who wouldn’t like an inflatable SUP as a gift? I would. This is on the more pricey side of the van life gifts on the list, so if you have a good budget, this would be the thing to get.

It packs away to back pack size, however, it’s still fairly bulky, so it would be more suited to someone who has a bigger camper van.

4) Inflatable kayak

If you are getting a gift for a van life couple, then this inflatable kayak would be perfect. The problem with the SUP, is only one person gets the fun at a time, with this though, they can have fun together. 

5) Portable games 

Games are always fun. If you know a couple who is vanlifing, then this would be a great gift. Especially useful on those rainy days when they are stuck inside and need some entertainment. You can keep with the classic games, go with the travel vibe, or try a fun quiz game and learn a few interesting facts.

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Unique and quirky gifts

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These gifts are the unique and quirky ones. The things you might not have thought of, but when you see, you realise it’s the perfect van life gift. 

6) Fart box (probably my favourite van life gift on the list)

This is a money tin. If someone’s farts, they have to put money in it. If your van life friend has a good sense of humour, this gift will be sure to make them laugh. 

7) Marshmallow toasting kit 

This marshmallow toasting kit would be a perfect gift alongside the fire pit, for the ultimate #vanlife.  I’m not crazy about marshmallows, but there is something about toasting them over the fire that changes may mind. Nostalgia maybe? Or that it represents being outdoors, out in nature and relaxed and cosy?

Whichever it is, I do like a good toasted marshmallow. 

The toasting kit skewers aren’t reusable, so you might want to get some reusable skewers to go with them.

8) Van life hippie bus key covers gift

You could say these key covers fit under the novelty van life gifts category, however, I do think they are also on the more unique and quirky side of things.

9) Movie projector

How much fun is it to project movies onto the big screen! Most likely they will be watching things on an iPad or laptop, so this projector would be such a cool gift to receive for outdoor movie van life.  I got one as a gift for Christmas, and it’s a perfect addition to our camper van.

It’s not limited to outdoors though, so they can choose to be cosy inside and still use it. It can be projected onto a white bed sheet, or you could get a screen to go with it. 

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Best Van life gifts for relaxation and pampering

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Living on the road can actually be quite tough and tiring at times. At the end of the day, they are essentially living in a vehicle. So one of these items would be a very well received gift for ultimate van life relaxation.

10) Outdoor waterproof picnic blanket

This is a super useful van life item, so would make a great gift. Living in a camper van, we do spend as much time outdoors as possible, even if it’s just hanging out outside the van. However, sometimes the ground is a bit damp, which is where this blanket comes in.

It’s cosy and insulated, and the underside is waterproof, allowing us to lay outside in comfort. 

11) Padded camping chair – This is on the top of my gift list for our van life

Camping chairs are essential for van life. As I mentioned previously, we like to hang out outside as much as possible, and when the weather permits, we cook outside. These chairs pack away small, like any camping chair. But what makes these ones special, is they are padded and cosy.

We have cheap basic camping chairs, and I lust over these King Camp chairs. However, I can’t justify buying new chairs when we have ones that work…I would happily accept them as a gift for our camper van though. 

12) Inflatable sofa

These inflatable sofas are really fun, and a perfect way to relax. They are just made for van life, as they pack away tiny, and only need to be swished around to catch the air to inflate.

13) Neom travel diffuser

I own this Neon diffuser and absolutely love it. I’m really into my candles and essential oils, and like to make my home feel like a spa. I did a lot of research on how to transfer that over to van life, and found this one. It’s one of the best things I have spent money on.

14) Black out eye mask

Keeping light out can be hard when living van life, so gift them the gift of sleep with these black out eye masks. They come in a range of designs and colours so you can pick one to suit their style. 

15) Kudd.ly blanket or hoodie

When living in a camper van, making it as homey and cosy as possible is something we van lifers think about. These blankets and hoodies from Kudd.ly scream ultimate cosiness.

The weighted blanket has been voted as one of the best for its therapeutic effects, and the hoodie is just so cosy. 

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Great gift ideas for van life memories

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Van life is all about living your best life and creating memories, and these gifts help capture it all. 

16) Van life scratch off map poster gift

A good old classic. You can get posters for the world, or a smaller areas like Europe, or the UK. Everywhere they go, they can scratch off on the poster. It also provides inspiration of where to go next. 

17) Instant camera

We are going old school with this one. These days things have gone so digital that there is a real trend emerging for going back to the classics. Vintage, nostalgia, whatever you want to call it.

An instant camera will allow them to capture those memories, and then stick them on the walls. This gift is very van life goals.

The camera doesn’t come with the film, or a case, but you can buy them here:

18) Wall hanging photo display

If you get them an instant camera, they need somewhere to showcase those photos, which is where this wall display comes in. It’s very van life with its fairy lights and pegs:

19) GoPro adventure camera

GoPro is the ultimate adventure camera, so is perfect for the adventurous van life type. I have been using GoPro for many years, and wouldn’t travel without it.

There is something about the GoPro which captures action in the moment, the way a regular camera can’t. This is one of the priciest items on the list, but it’s worth it. You could always go with a previous model to keep the price down.

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Novelty and personalised Van Life Gifts

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All of these gifts fall under the van life novelty category. Van life paraphernalia if you will. If you are on a budget, some of these van life gift ideas are the cheapest on the list. 

20) Home is where you park it tea towel 

Van lifers do need a tea towel, and this one is quite fun. Is it cheesy? Maybe a little. But it’s also useful, so that can be forgiven. 

21) Camper van wash bag

Keeping things organised is something we van lifers strive for. They most likely already have a wash bag, so wouldn’t think to buy this, which is what makes it a cute little gift. An updated, more quirky wash bag: 

22) Personalised ceramic camping mug

I love a good mug. I don’t think I have ever actually bought one though, they always come as gifts. And I don’t mind at all. I don’t know why mugs make me so happy. 

Ceramic camping mugs are a very useful gift, as they are break proof, which is something we take into consideration when living in a camper van.

23) Camping socks

Socks are a classic gift item. Some may say boring. I don’t mind socks as a gift though. I personally wouldn’t go out and buy these, but they would certainly make me smile if I was gifted them. 

24) Camper van rules sign

Hanging wall signs are very van life, and this one would be a lovely little gift. It speaks positivity and is a reminder of what van life is all about. 

25) Camper van keyring gift

I love a keyring, and every so often will pick out a new one, to mix things up a little. Bring some excitement to my keys. 

This disc van life keyring is simple and elegant, so would make a good budget friendly gift. Alternatively, this retro VW camper keyring is super cute. I would happily accept either of them as a gift.

26) What happens in the camper, stays in the camper 

Another hanging item. It’s a cute little gift to add a bit of rustic fun to a camper van.  I was actually bought this as a gift before heading off on a big trip in the van.

27) Personalised camper van sign

The best gifts are personalised right? Well, this camper van sign does just that, so you can really show them you gave a lot of thought to their gift, by putting their names on it.

28) Van life cushion cover gift

I love a good cushion, in fact, having some cushions in our camper van was a non negotiable for me. They just add such a homey feel to the place.

Chances are, they will have some cushions too, which is where this cushion cover comes in, with its classic ‘home is where we park it’ designage:

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Best camper van books gift ideas

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Books are a safe gift to get, but that doesn’t mean bad. In fact, I love a good book, whether it’s coffee table or full of useful information. 

29) The camper van cookbook

You can get a ‘more than you will ever need’ amount of free recipes online, but nothing beats having a good cookbook. Something to hold, and flick through the pages, providing meal inspiration. 

There is also some use to having a physical cookbook when living van life, you know, internet may not always be readily available, which is why this would make a lovely gift.

30) Take the slow road

These are great books, to give inspiration of which road trip routes to take. You can get books covering England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and France.

31) The camper van bible 

If you know someone who hasn’t got a camper van yet, but is in the planning stages, or even just thinking about it, this book would be a great gift:

32) Camping log book and journal

This is a wonderful way for them to log all their adventures, as well as proving useful tips and packing lists. 

33) The Van life companion gift

This is a book for inspiration, providing classic, must drive routes around the world with some expert advice, tips, and guidance.

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Useful gifts for camper van owners

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There is always a risk with gifts, that they will end up in a cupboard, never to be used. Well, you won’t have too worry with these gifts, as they are all very useful for van life.

34) Spirit level pen

Is this a boring camper van gift? Maybe. But it’s super useful. When we park up at night, the spirit level will help us get nice and level. And a pen is always handy to have around. 

35) Moka Pot

If the person you are buying a gift for likes coffee, then they will love this Italian espresso maker. They are designed to be used on a stove top, and make a good strong coffee. 

Some come in fun designs and colours, or you could just go with the classic. I personally like the classic. It’s what we have.

36) Mini kitchen gadget set

Space is an issue in camper vans, so anything that packs away small is a win.

This mini kitchen utensil set with a grater, vegetable peeler, bottle opener, garlic grinder and pizza cutter will allow them to get creative in the kitchen without having to sacrifice on space. 

It would make a great gift paired with the cookbook.

37) Vegetable chopper

This would make a great gift because it’s the kind of thing, one might not think to buy for a camper van. I mean, you can chop stuff by hand.

This vegetable chopper, however, makes chopping things up nice and small, quick and easy. The best part is, it doesn’t need electricity to run. You pull the pulley, and it chops away:

38) Stanley flask

A flask is very useful, as they can boil some water and keep it stored away for on the go cup of tea making. This is especially useful if they have a pull out the back cooker, which can be a faff to do. Especially if it’s raining outside.

I speak from experience.

Stanley flasks are the best as they can keep liquids hot (or cold)for an unusually long amount of time. These ones go 20 hours:

39) Toasty sandwich maker

This would be such a cool gift to receive. As you can imagine, what you can cook has some limitations in a camper van (unless they have a real fancy swish decked out camper).

After trying all possible variations of toast cooked in the pan, what we really started to crave, was the toasty…..

40) I love my camper van gift box

If your’e not quite sure what to get them, then this camper van gift box is a safe bet. It contains a few useful pieces of camper van kit. Plus it’s gift boxed, so that makes things a little easier for you:

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Final thoughts on these van life gift ideas

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I hope you have found something on this list you like the look of. If not, you might find something on my guide to camper van essentials and gadgets. A few of these items are on there, but there is also a lot more practical and useful stuff.

If you are shopping for a female, then you might find something on my guide to the best gifts for outdoorsy women.

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