Shopping for full time travelers can be challenging. Shopping for people who live in a super tiny space on wheels is even more challenging. Most gift givers want to give something more thoughtful than cash while most RVers don’t have the space for thoughtful gifts that they don’t need. We’re here to help both sides with these useful and thoughtful gift ideas for RVers.
As full time RVers, we have either received these items as gifts and absolutely love them or would love to have them in the future. But first, let’s talk mail solutions for RVers.
How can I send mail to someone that doesn’t have an address?
Remember, when shopping for someone that lives on the road full time, ask for their shipping address before ordering since it might change weekly! A great option for sending gifts if they don’t have an address is USPS General Delivery but keep in mind UPS and FedEx do not deliver this way. You can hold packages at the nearest UPS or FedEx station. If you’re ordering from Amazon, an Amazon pickup location would be better! Check out our how to get mail without an address blog for more options.
Now for the fun part – gift ideas for RVers broken down by category:
For the foodie:
1. RV Cooking Made Easy by Heather Schlueter: this is her 4th cookbook, but it’s the very first that is fully designed with RVers in mind. We’ve personally tasted and tested many of these delicious recipes. We highly recommend for anyone that wants to have delicious meals on the road.
2. Weber 51010001 Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill: this gift idea for RVers was inspired by receiving it as a gift from my mom. We use this grill daily on the road (as highlighted in our Vlogmas YouTube series). We’ve even used it when we’ve stayed at AirBnbs! It’s easy to use, portable, and consistently provides us amazing grilled meals. Make sure you get the model with the temperature gauge on the outside – it makes a big difference.
3. GCI Outdoor 15026 Slim-Fold Camp Kitchen Portable Folding Cook Station: we started life on the road with one collapsible table, and we realized that wasn’t quite enough since we love cooking outdoors. This cook station works perfectly with the Weber grill with lots of shelving, cupholders, and utensil holders. The biggest benefit is it collapses to easily fit in an RV!
4. Soda Sensei: we use this to make sparkling drinks when out in the middle of nowhere. Before having a soda maker, I had no idea that it requires absolutely no power (important to consider for gift ideas for RVers). The tall, slender design makes it easy to tuck away in the corner of a table in any size RV.
5. Zip Tops: these silicone reusable food containers are amazing when it comes to storing and prepping food on the road. They reduce both food and plastic waste, come in a variety of sizes, store easily, AND are super easy to clean (maybe the most important part). Use code RAFH15 for 15-20% off!
6. Silicone ice tray: these are extremely helpful for cocktails and long-lasting ice. If you are planning on buying this for an RVer, just make sure they actually have a freezer first!
7. Immersion blender: we’ve yet to receive this gift as RVers, but we would absolutely love it! You can use immersion blenders to make ice cream, fancy coffee creations, smoothies, and more. It’s a great option for the foodie RVer in your life.
8. Yeti tumbler: I actually received this as a gift from one of my freelance clients! It’s a great gift idea for RVers because it keeps drinks hot or cold, fits in a cup holder, and is extremely durable.
For the exerciser:
1. TRX: this is the best way to stay fit on the road. It is super compact, comes with a year of training on their app, and can be hooked up to any tree, pole, or sturdy structure. The only thing we wouldn’t recommend is using a cactus…
2. Merrell Hiking Boots: these are a MUST for any hiker. I first discovered Merrells when I asked my hiking step-dad for the ultimate pair before heading to the Galapagos Islands. He confirmed that these are the best of the best for grip, support, and water resistance. And trust me, he knows what he’s talking about since he does hikes like rim to rim to rim of the Grand Canyon in one day. I linked the exact pair I own, but Amazon has a great Merrell store to best fit your needs. We highly recommend the higher ankle.
3. Survival bracelet: here’s a fun stocking stuffer for the outdoorsy RVer in your life. This bracelet comes in handy with its built in light, compass, whistle, and fire starter. It’s the perfect accessory for trail runners and rock climbers to add a little bit more safety… just in case.
4. Jump rope: jump roping is not just a fad on TikTok, it’s also a great cardio and skill-based workout. This was the very first exercise item we packed in the RV, and it still kicks out butt. Easy for all levels and super compact – a great gift idea for RVers that want to stay active.
5. Adjustable dumbbell set: adjustable weights are one of those gifts that we’re still waiting on because this would complete our gym on the road in our RV. They take up very little space and can be used for all skill levels with the opportunity to build as you improve. This combined with TRX and jump rope makes for a full RV gym.
6. Aventon Ebikes: these ebikes are built for the outdoors. They default to fully man-powered but also have multiple levels of pedal assist. So you can have a hard workout or an easy form of transportation on the road depending on where you are and what you want to do that day!
7. Planet Fitness membership: this membership is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will your road warrior have access to gyms nationwide, they’ll also get access to unlimited hot showers, massage chairs, and a place they can safely park their rig while with workout. The black card (which is the one we recommend) also allows them to bring a guest as often as they’d like, making it the perfect couple’s gift!
For a hygiene boost:
1. Lume deodorant: it’s common knowledge that most RVers don’t shower every single day, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t smelling fresh! Lume is our go-to deodorant because it really works. This natural product was developed to be used on all body parts to keep you fresh all day long. I’ve tested this after CrossFit workouts, messy jobs, and stressful days… it’s the real deal. We have the deodorant sticks, wipes, and tubes – all of which do a great job!
2. Unbound Merino: if you’re a regular reader, you know just how much we love Unbound Merino. These clothes are antimicrobial, fast-drying, odor resistant, wrinkle resistant, super soft, and ultra packable – basically everything you want in your clothing as an RVer. We’ve tested them without washing for 90 days and they still remained clean-looking and pretty fresh. Get 10% off with this link.
3. Solar shower: we love our solar shower for rinsing off after hard hikes and as our main source for hot showers. It folds down super small and easily hangs on nearby trees.
4. Biodegradable soap: if you do plan on using a solar shower, going with biodegradable soap is the responsible way to do it. Remember to stay at least 200 feet away from nearby water sources when cleaning up in the middle of nature!
5. Face wipes: there are days in an RV where you just don’t want to go to bed without dealing with a shower or water source. There are days when you need to conserve your fresh water. Face wipes make these days a little more sanitary.
6. Dude wipes: this sturdy wipe is perfect for #2 or lots of dirt and stank. We keep these in our bathroom “go bag” when we use campground or nature toilets. Another gift idea for RVers that makes for a great stocking stuffer!
7. Shower Toga: this super compact shower coverup lets you take showers, change, and get naked anywhere you don’t have 100% privacy. It also doubles as a mylar blanket in emergencies!
On the electrical side:
1. Phone holder: not all RVers have TVs, but most have a smart phone. This phone holder works well for watching TV on your phone, playing games, and just scrolling mindlessly. It seems like a gag gift at first and then turns into a daily necessity.
2. Galaxy projector: this is more of a fun gift for RVers. In a small space like a home on wheels, this transforms your living quarters into a galaxy far far away. Perfect for content creators and people that want to enjoy a completely different aesthetic from time to time.
3. LED lights: LED light ropes are so popular among RVers. People use them to line the inside and outside of their rig. If your RVer camps with hookups, they can easily plug into the campground outlet and provide a cool, fun light to make it easier to navigate the outdoors at night while fending off little critters.
4. Projector: play video games, watch TV, and use as a second monitor! We received a similar projector as a gift this year and we were SO excited. It is by far one of the most fun upgrades to our RV that we’ve made.
5. Lithium battery (make sure to ask if this is something they’d like first because it does take effort to install): this was the nicest, most impactful Christmas gift we received in 2020. We absolutely wouldn’t have been able to experience the best places to visit in Oregon without having power that seemed like it never ran out.
For the game lover:
1. Nintendo Switch: this is a must have for full time RVers with kids or adults that like to play video games. It’s extremely compact, can house so many different games, and easily transforms into 4-player video game console. This combined with the projector above is the ultimate way to enjoy games on the road.
2. Dominoes: this is a great game on the road because you can play 1-player to several players when you meet new people! Mike and I have ongoing games where we play over months, keeping track of our score along the way. It’s a great way to get off screen and play when you don’t have any service. The case did get inspected when we RVed to Mexico because it looks like it could contain something besides a game – just a head’s up!
3. Pack-o-games by Perplext: these games are the ultra packable because they’re the size of a stick of gum. They have several to choose from and are perfect stocking stuffers or games for people with limited space.
4. Jazzminton: this game is like a combo of volleyball, badminton, and pickle ball. It’s fun for all ages and can be played anywhere. We highly recommend getting this version with multiple birdies so you can play in any weather, even the wind!
5. Waterproof deck of cards: we had our favorite deck of cards until we left a window cracked during the rain and they got destroyed. We’ve since converted to these sleek waterproof cards that are very difficult to ruin. In a small space, durability is key!
6. Punto: this game is loved by everyone that we’ve played with it! It’s a 2-4 player, super simple game that’s easy to learn and takes up almost no space. You can play Punto after several cocktails too, which is great as a gift idea for RVers!
7. Fluxx: this is a great card game because the rules change every single game. There are tons of versions of Fluxx, so you can buy one that best fits the gift receiver. We have original and Batman, both are great!
8. Red 7: this is a staple game in our family. It stays interesting for 2 players, but it’s simple enough to play with new gamers. And like the others, it takes up minimal space.
For gifts that give year round:
1. Harvest Hosts membership: this was the very first gift we received when we moved into our RV full time (thanks, mom!). And let me tell you, this was a gift we used to the max. We have stayed at vineyards, breweries, casinos, farms, museums, golf courses, and so much more thanks to Harvest Hosts. It’s fun and we support small businesses along the way. Truly a gift that any RVer would love to have. Plus, you get 15% off with this link.
2. Good Sam Roadside Assistance: we didn’t know we needed this until we knew we needed this… Good Sam Roadside Assistance has proven itself far superior to AAA and other roadside memberships. They also include hotel stipends if your RV needs to stay in the shop for a few days. Give the gift of peace of mind when you choose Good Sam!
3. Passport America: it shocks us how many RVers don’t know about Passport America. This membership gets you 50% off campsites and RV parks across North America. It paid for itself after our very first stay and kept on spreading the savings as we continued on our RV journey. Our favorite Passport America was near Mt. Hood, Oregon where we saved over $40/night! Use code HOME3 for discounted membership!
For added outdoor comfort:
1. Outdoor mat: this was the second gift we received as full time RVers, and thank goodness we did! It helps so much with minimizing dirt that tracks into the RV, dampening dust from our surroundings, and making our outdoor area feel like home.
2. Canopy shade structure: if your RVer likes to boondock, a shade structure helps a lot. It’s a great gift idea for RVers that tend to stay in sunny or rainy climates. It also makes working remotely outside much easier by reducing glare on computer screens! Getting one with bug netting is an extra bonus!
3. The Comfy: this is a MUST for winter RVing. We found out about these while RVing in Mexico. They truly keep you cozy and warm in any weather and are comfortable to sleep in. I truly believe this is the only way I was able to RV in the winter. I essentially live in my Comfy Dec-Feb.
4. Beanie with light: this is a great gift idea for RVers with dogs. We got these as gifts last Christmas (thank you to Mike’s mom!) and we use them each night when our dogs need to go out to pee. We also use them to do work on the RV in the cold and look for things at night. It’s like the most comfortable headlamp that also keeps you warm!
5. Binoculars: we can’t believe we started RV life without binocs. Since we got them, we’ve seen whales, otters, sea lions, rare birds, and so much more. When you’re living outdoors surrounded by nature, you’ll want to soak in every single moment.
6. Solar-powered motion activated spotlight: this is great for security and ease of going outside at night. We picked this up as an extra security measure and it is amazing! Just don’t forget to take it off before driving away, which we did not do and unfortunately lost our original.
For the pups:
1. Cooling mat: this is so nice for the pups and somehow actually works! Both of our dogs lay on this in hot weather, which is how it made our top tips for staying cool without using A/C!
2. Puppy bag: not all dogs are made for long hikes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come along! We use dog bags on bike rides and hikes where our little ones just can’t quite keep up.
3. Stake for leashes: this is the easiest way to keep pets safe while boondocking. Just screw it into the ground, attach their leads or leashes, and you’re good to go!
4. Waggle pet temperature monitor: we recently got this and absolutely love it! There will be times you need to leave your pet behind and this device lets you check the temperature and humidity of your RV. It’ll send you notifications when temperatures are too high/low and when your RV loses power. You do need a device plus the waggle subscription for service, but it really is worth the peace of mind! You can get 50% off the device with this link.
This ultimate list of gift ideas for RVers truly will make someone’s day! We are so particular about what we can have in the rig, and all of these are amazing improvements or small enough that they are fun and no hassle. For more RV content, check out our YouTube!