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:
- Van life gifts for fun and adventure
- Unique and quirky van life gifts
- Best van life gifts for relaxation and pampering
- Great gift ideas for van life memories
- Novelty and personalised van life gifts
- Best camper van books gift ideas
- 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
Van life gifts for fun and adventure
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.
Portable fire pit: Buy on Amazon
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.
Travel Hammock: Check out the full range and buy here
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.
You can take a look at the specs here
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.
Inflatable kayak: Check the latest price here
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.
Unique and quirky gifts
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.
Fart box: Buy on Amazon
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.
S’mores toasting gift set: Buy on Amazon
Marshmallow toasting machine: Buy on Amazon
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.
Hippie bus key covers: Buy on Amazon here
Keys are boring right? These will help jazz them up a little, and they aren’t imposing. I certainly wouldn’t turn my nose up at them.
Plus they are a great van life gift to get if you are on a budget.
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.
Movie Projector: Check out the full specs here
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.
Best Van life gifts for relaxation and pampering
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.
Waterproof picnic blanket: Buy on Amazon here
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 ones. 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.
Padded camping chair: See the colour options and buy here
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.
Inflatable sofa: See the full colour range on Amazon here
13) Neom travel diffuser
I own this 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.
Neom travel diffuser: Check it out and buy here
All you do it stick the essential oil in, and it diffuses the lovely smell. It’s super small and portable and doesn’t need to be plugged in to work.
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.
Black out eye mask: Buy on Amazon here
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.
Kudd.ly weighted blanket: Check out the full range here
Kudd.ly Hoodie: Check out the different colours and buy here
Great gift ideas for van life memories
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.
Scratch off map poster: Buy on Amazon
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.
Instant camera: Check out the full specs and buy 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.
Wall hanging photo display: Buy on Amazon
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.
GoPro adventure camera: Check out the full specs and buy here
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.
Novelty and personalised Van Life Gifts
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.
Home is where you park it tea towel: Buy on Amazon
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.
Camper van wash bag: Buy on Amazon
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.
These ceramic mugs are actually the perfect gifts, as you can personalise them with names, and they are on point with a camper van image design.
Personalised camping mug: Personalise it and buy here
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.
Camping socks: Buy on Amazon here
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.
Camper van rules sign: Buy on Amazon
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.
Buy ‘what happens in the camper stays in the camper’ sign here
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.
Personalised camper van sign: Personalise and buy it here
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.
Van life cushion gift: Buy on Amazon
Best camper van books gift ideas
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.
Camper van cookbook: See inside and buy here
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.
Camper van bible: Click here to find out more
It provides guidance on finding the perfect van, equipment they will need, planning a road trip. As well as tips for when they are on the road.
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.
Camping log book: Buy on Amazon here
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.
Van life companion: Take a look inside here
Useful gifts for camper van owners
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.
Spirit level pen: Check it out and buy here
I feel like this would be a good van life gift for a man, they like their gadgets right? I don’t know, men, would you like this?
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.
These ones come in a few fun designs and colours, or you could just go with the classic. You can check out the full colour range and buy here.
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.
Check out the mini kitchen gadget set and buy here.
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.
Vegetable pulley chopper: Buy on Amazon here
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 unusual amount of time. These ones go 20 hours.
Find out more about the Stanley flask here
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.
Regular toasty makers use a lot of battery power, which is something we van life folk need to think about. Not this one. It doesn’t need electricity to run. You just place it on top of the hob, and in no time will have a yummy cheesy toasty.
Toasty sandwich maker: Find out more and buy here
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.
I love my camper van gift box: Buy on Amazon here
Final thoughts on these van life gift ideas
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.
Pin it for later: 40 Best Van Life Gift Ideas
