Gifts for campervan lovers

Gifts for Camper Van Lovers: Christmas Gift Ideas for Adventurers

If you have a camper van enthusiast in your life, finding the perfect gift that suits their adventurous spirit can be a challenge. Camper van lovers are always looking for new gear, accessories, and personal touches to make their mobile lifestyle more comfortable and enjoyable. From practical camping tools to cosy essentials, there are countless options to make their Christmas extra special. To help you with your gift shopping, I’ve curated a list of Christmas gift ideas that any van life adventurer will appreciate.

1. Portable Solar Panel Charger

For the ultimate off-grid experience, a portable solar panel charger is a must-have for any van lifer. These solar panels allow your adventurer to charge their devices without relying on campsites or the grid. They’re perfect for powering up everything from phones to laptops, and some even have built-in batteries to store energy for later use.

Gift Idea: Look for a lightweight, foldable solar panel charger from brands like Goal Zero or Renogy. These are designed specifically for outdoor adventurers and are durable enough to withstand the elements.

2. Compact Camping Stove

Cooking on the road is one of the best parts of camper van life, and having a reliable stove makes all the difference. A compact and portable camping stove is perfect for cooking meals in the great outdoors or whipping up something delicious inside the van when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Choose a model that’s easy to use, fuel-efficient, and small enough to store.

Gift Idea: Jetboil Flash Cooking System or MSR PocketRocket 2 are great choices. Both are small, quick to set up, and ideal for cooking up everything from morning coffee to evening meals.

3. Cosy Merino Wool Blanket

No one likes to be cold during the winter months, especially in a van. A high-quality merino wool blanket will keep your camper van enthusiast warm on chilly nights, whether they're cuddling up inside their van or around the campfire. Merino wool is incredibly soft, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant, making it the perfect fabric for cosy warmth that doesn’t overheat.

Gift Idea: Check out Pendleton for beautifully crafted wool blankets, or L.L. Bean for warm, durable options.

4. Portable Campfire

For those who love to sit around the fire, a portable campfire makes a fantastic gift. These compact, easy-to-carry firepits are perfect for cooking, warming up, or just relaxing under the stars. They’re great for eco-conscious travellers, as many of them use clean-burning materials that leave no trace.

Gift Idea: The Solo Stove Bonfire is a favourite for its efficient burn and minimal smoke. Another great option is the BioLite FirePit, which has the added bonus of being able to charge small devices via USB.

5. Personalized Camper Van Gear

Give your loved one a truly unique gift by personalising some of their van life gear. From custom van decals and personalized door mats to engraved travel mugs and blankets, personal touches make the camper van experience feel like home. A personalised gift not only enhances the van life vibe but also shows that you put thought and effort into their present.

Gift Idea: Have a custom-made engraved cutting board for their van kitchen or order a personalised map that marks all the places they’ve visited on their journeys.

6. Camp Kitchen Organiser Set

Keeping the camper van organised can be a challenge, especially when space is limited. A compact camp kitchen organiser set is a perfect gift to help keep cooking supplies, utensils, and food neatly packed away. Some sets come with multiple compartments to store everything from pots and pans to spices and tools, making it easy to set up and clean up in the van kitchen.

Gift Idea: Look for a well-reviewed set like Sea to Summit’s Kitchen Sink Set or Coghlan's Camp Kitchen Organizer to help maximise space while maintaining an efficient kitchen setup.

7. Van Life Coffee Maker

For many van lifers, starting the day with a hot cup of coffee is essential. A portable, easy-to-use coffee maker makes a perfect Christmas gift, especially for those who enjoy their morning brew while parked at scenic spots. From espresso machines to simple pour-over kits, there’s an option to suit every taste.

Gift Idea: Consider a Aeropress Coffee Maker for its compact size and simplicity, or the Handpresso Wild Espresso Maker if your friend loves their espresso while on the road.

8. Outdoor Adventure Gadgets

Van life is all about embracing the great outdoors, and the right gadgets can enhance any adventure. Whether it’s a portable hammock for relaxing by the lake, a hand-crank flashlight for emergencies, or a multi-tool for everyday tasks, practical gadgets can make their trips more enjoyable and easier to manage.

Gift Idea: A BioLite HeadLamp 330 (perfect for reading at night or setting up camp in the dark) or a Leatherman Wave Multi-tool are both versatile and essential for any camper.

9. Travel Journal

For the camper van lover who loves to document their journey, a travel journal is an ideal gift. A high-quality journal with prompts, maps, or even an attached pen holder will allow them to capture the highlights of their adventures—whether it’s their favourite campsite, a beautiful sunrise, or a new friend made along the way.

Gift Idea: Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 journals are a great choice. They’re durable, compact, and can be personalised with a custom engraving for that extra special touch.

10. Collapsible Water Container

Water is an essential resource for van campers, but carrying it can be tricky. A collapsible water container is an excellent gift for saving space while ensuring they have enough water on hand for showers, cooking, or cleaning. These are especially useful when van lifers are traveling off-grid.

Gift Idea: Look into Reliance Fold-A-Carrier or Scepter Military Water Container for a rugged, space-saving option.

11. Van Life-Themed Apparel

A cosy hoodie, T-shirt, or beanie with a van life theme is the perfect way to help your loved one show off their passion for the open road. You can find plenty of van life-inspired apparel that features fun sayings, artwork, or even graphics of their dream van.

Gift Idea: Check out small shops on Etsy or Redbubble for unique, custom-designed apparel that’s perfect for any camper van enthusiast.

Whether it’s for practical use or adding a personal touch to their camper van, these gifts will ensure that your loved one’s Christmas is filled with thoughtful surprises. Embrace the van life spirit by choosing gifts that enhance the freedom and joy of life on the road, and they’ll surely appreciate the care you’ve put into picking something special for their adventure-filled lifestyle!

Alternatively treat yourself and visit us at Crafty Otter Campers, www.craftyottercampers.com and book in your own van for a new year makeover! Here at Crafty Otter Campers we wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.