ROLLING INTO THE HOLIDAYS: THE ULTIMATE VAN LIFE GIFT GUIDE
Practical, thoughtful gifts for your favorite van lifer.
The holiday season is approaching, and while many are preparing to cozy up by the fireplace, van lifers are gearing up for their 2024 adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or have a loved one with a passion for life on wheels, the items in our holiday gift guide will surely impress any van lifer.
From compact cooking items to national park passes, our curated guide is full of practical yet thoughtful gifts broken down by price. Continue reading for a complete list of the 11 best holiday gift ideas for your favorite nomad.
MiiR: Camp Cup
Having a durable mug is a camping must. Our favorite is the classic camp cup from MiiR, which comes in four sizes: 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, and 20oz. This mug comes with the Press-fit Slide Lid, which will cover the mouth opening when not in use for an extra dose of insulation and splash-proof peace of mind.
This cup is perfect for enjoying all kinds of beverages at your campsite: espresso shots, lattes, beers, tea, and more. The mugs are made with Thermo 3D double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring your drinks stay hot or cold all day.
Price: $22.95-$35
AeroPress: Coffee Maker-Go
The perfect product to pair with your Miir Camp Cup is the AeroPress Coffee Maker-Go. This compact coffee maker is designed to pair well with van life: it gives coffee lovers everything they need to brew superb coffee anywhere conveniently. While instant coffee is often acidic or gritty, the AeroPress rapidly brews smooth, pure-tasting coffee. Use it for any kind of travel, from camping to boating.
This product can brew up to three cups of coffee at once, and not just plain black coffee. The Aeropress Go can even make cold brew and espresso-style coffee. It is a must-have for van lifers, as it is reasonably priced and easy to store.
Price: $39.95
ENO: SingeNest Hammock
An ENO hammock is a must-have item for any outdoor enthusiast. These compact hammocks are made from a durable, lightweight material. They take seconds to set up between trees or can even be attached to your van on one end.
This product comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes, allowing you to choose one that suits the style and preferences of your van-lifer loved one. An ENO hammock is the perfect gift for those who enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking, or just relaxing in their backyard.
Price: $54.95
Teva: ReEmber Slippers
This slipper is cozy enough for lounging indoors but rugged enough to use outdoors. The ReEmber Quilted Bootie is known for its toasty warmth and earth-conscious materials—it easily transitions you from your couch to your campsite.
These slippers come in many colors, patterns, and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that your van lifer friend will love. If you’d prefer something with more traction and grip, Teva also released the ReEmber Terrain Slip-on Shoes at a slightly higher price.
Price: $80
outdoor Recreation Passes
America the Beautiful Pass
We love to feature this gift yearly because it’s essential for every outdoor lover! This pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day-use fees) at national forests and grasslands. It also works on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Federal recreation sites, including national parks, are where passes are issued. In addition to direct sales of Interagency Passes at national parks and other federal recreation sites, many of the America the Beautiful passes are available for purchase online.
Price: $80
Discover Pass
If your outdoorsy loved one lives in Washington, we also highly recommend purchasing a Discover Pass. This pass covers entry and day-use feeds to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. This can be purchased online as well.
Price: $35
Peace Vans Cutting Board
Our custom cutting board fits perfectly in our full camper conversion sink. Crafted with precision and functionality in mind, this cutting board effortlessly transforms your van's sink into a versatile cooking space.
Made from high-quality, sustainable products, this durable cutting board provides a sturdy surface for all your culinary adventures on the road. Its sleek design and flawless fit maximize the available space in your van, adding an extra touch of convenience to your cooking experience. Enjoy the freedom to chop, slice, and dice with ease, knowing your work area is perfectly tailored.
Price: $99
Rumpl: Original Puffy Blanket
Van life is incomplete without an original puffy blanket from Rumpl. Made from sleeping bag-like material, these blankets are for all seasons. They are easily packable, durable, and weather-resistant.
These blankets come in over 60 colors and patterns and are available in 1-person, 2-person, and junior sizes. They are perfect for sleeping in the van, cozying up by the campfire, or taking on a hike or picnic.
Price: $125
Mr. Heater: Portable Buddy Heater
A portable heater is one of the most essential accessories to have when camping in the winter months. Our favorite is the Portable Buddy Heater from Mr. Heater. This item runs on propane and is the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces, like large tents or vans, up to 225 square feet. It’s designed to give maximum output while retaining a minimalistic footprint.
This is the most popular portable heater in North America, and for good reason. It has hi-low heat settings, a swivel regulator, a fold-down handle, tip-over safety shut-off, and more. This reliable heater will keep your favorite van lifers warm when traveling during the winter months.
Price: $148.46
Ignik: FireCan Portable Fire Pit
Like a portable heater, a portable fire pit is also a must. With burn bans in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter, the Ignik FireCan is useful all year. This compact and durable fire pit comes with collapsible legs and a removable lid, making it easy to set up and break down. It is also raised off the floor, making it forest-safe.
Take it anywhere: camping, the beach, overland adventures, tailgating, picnics, and more. For only $199.95, this product will transform your outdoor gatherings.
Price: $199.95
Camper Van Bug Screens
One of the biggest annoyances when camping is dealing with pesky mosquitos. If you want to enjoy fresh, warm air during the summer while keeping the bugs out, consider ordering Peace Vans bug screens.
These screens attach to a Metris van with magnets and bungees, making for easy installation and removal. They also come complete with a storage bag, allowing for easy transportation.
Price: $249
RinseKit: 3.5 Gallon Portable Shower
Have a camper van without a shower? No problem–the RinseKit PRO is the perfect solution. This 3.5-gallon portable shower is battery-pressurized, boasting a consistent, high-pressure spray lasting up to 7.5 minutes. All you have to do is pour water into the top fill cap, press the power button, and spray.
This product is perfect for van lifers, surfers, and bikers. If you like bringing your kayaks and paddle boards on your adventures, your RinseKit will be handy for washing off your gear. The RinseKit PRO is about the size of a small cooler, making it easy to carry and store. It takes up less space than a built-in van shower!
Price: $249.95
