top birthday gifts for campers: a gift guide for outdoor enthusiasts
our campervan during california’s wildflower superbloom
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it’s my birthday month and i’m celebrating a big one! naturally, i’m asking for all things camping, van life and outdoors to mark this special occasion. and now that we’ve put nearly 20,000 miles on our camper van, i have lots of ideas about van life essentials, as well as those luxury items that would be the perfect birthday gift for the outdoor lovers.
in this post, i'm sharing the best birthday gifts for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. whether you’re shopping for a seasoned camper or just starting your own camping journey, i've got ideas for you. this list includes all the must-have camping gear, gadgets, and accessories that are on my birthday wishlist right now!
accessories to elevate the camping experience
camping accessories can make the outdoors all the more enjoyable and thus make the perfect gift for outdoor lovers! sure, the camping essentials are all that’s really needed (and i’ve included some below!), but when it’s super buggy out or you can’t figure out where to put your muddy boots without getting everything dirty, some extra accessories make all the difference. these items may not be essential, but they can enhance the overall outdoor experience.
gear and shoe storage bag
keeping dirt out of any camping space is a challenge - whether you’re tent camping, glamping or cruising in an rv. and the biggest culprit for bringing in dirt is always the shoes - whether you have dusty camp shoes, sandy sandals, or muddy hiking boots, they’re all something you want to keep separate from the rest of your camping gear. but that can be tough when you’re limited in space and leaving them outside can mean rain or critters.
enter this shoe storage bag that magnetically attaches to your vehicle! it’s water-resistant (in case the rain rolls in) and the perfect place to tuck away any shoes you don’t want in your sleeping space. it even has a mesh bottom so soggy shoes can drain and air-dry overnight! this has been high on my list of camping accessories for quite sometime and i’m always dreaming up how i can use it to store camping gear beyond shoes.
bug screen for camper van
with the weather warming up again, a camper van bug screen is at the top of my list! when it’s warm, we open open up the screened windows, which can bring a nice breeze into a toasty van. but to enjoy the views, we’d really love to be able to keep our side doors open! unfortunately, bugs can be a major issue, especially when evening lights attract all the bugs in and there’s no fire to help keep them away. a bug screen would allow us to take in fresh air, enjoy the views, and just be that much closer to nature!
vehicle door step
this door step would be so handy!!! it would be great for making adjustments on our awning or pop top on the camper van. but i’d really love to get it for our car when we’re taking road trips and tent camping adventures without the van. we have vehicle roof storage, which is so incredibly helpful for hauling all the camping gear. however, it can get cumbersome to haul heavy or bulky items in and out from down below. this door step would make it so much more accessible for me!
portable air conditioner
since we’ll be on the road again this summer - and traveling through some really hot places! - i’m adding one of these portable air conditioners to my list of camper van accessories i’m pining for. a camping air conditioner will be especially helpful getting us to sleep on those hot summer evenings. and with a built in timer function we can be sure it doesn’t drain out power by running all night! true camping luxury!
travel laundry washing bag
this foldable laundry bag would be soooo helpful on the road! especially with kiddos or for longer term boondocking. going to the laundromat is one of our least favorite van life chores. while we can’t get rid of the need to do laundry, this portable wash bag would make it a lot easier, reducing the necessity for detours and additional research when we’re farther away from towns. it does require water, but would help us travel more efficiently overall.
travel electric kettle
we already have this electric kettle, but i had to add it to this birthday gift guide as it’s been one of my favorite luxuries for the camper van. yes, we can use our propane stove to heat water in pot - and lots of times we do! but the more time i spend on the road, the more i find myself using this collapsible electric kettle. when we’re away from a power source we just use our solar generator (below) to run it!
tools for campers working remotely on the road
so many people are working on the road these days. it’s such an incredible privilege afforded by technology - but the right tech makes all the difference. tech-savvy campers will appreciate gifts that improve their outdoor experience, making camping more enjoyable by being more efficient at work.
portable laptop monitor
this is so cool! i saw a van lifer who works from the road use one of these, and i immediately added it to my birthday gift list for campers. this portable laptop monitor attaches to your laptop to create a double monitor that’s road-friendly! the space-saving design makes it easily portable and perfect for working remotely while on the road. a double monitor like this would help me increase my productivity, which is essential while traveling because i’m always trying to squeeze work in between driving, hiking, filling tanks, and all the other daily chores that come with van life.
solar power bank
a portable solar charger is an eco-friendly way to keep electronic devices charged while camping shorter-term. it's an essential gadget for any camper who relies on their phone or GPS device and is compact enough to make a great gift for backpackers, along with any other kind of outdoor enthusiast who needs access to tech. i carry this solar power bank no matter how i’m camping, as it’s easy to move from the van to a backpack and back. i charge it via usb before hitting the road and then leave it on the dash of the van so it stays charged up while we camp. when we’re doing longer hikes that only require a daypack, i carry this even smaller portable charger juuuusst in case. i’ve only had to use it once, but it was great to have in a pinch!
solar generator
if you’re on the road longer-term and use larger devices like laptops, tablets, or even appliances, a more serious power source is necessary. a solar generator may seem like a luxury, especially given the price tag, but it is extremely useful and downright necessary for any camper who is working remotely from the road. a solar generator, of course, requires solar panels, so i opted for this solar generator and panel bundle, which saves a bit of money when buying the items together. it has been so easy to use on the road and i’ve been extremely impressed both with just how much it can charge and how quickly it charges.
jackery solar generator for vanlife
essential camping gear every outdoor lover needs
when it comes to the best birthday gifts for campers, it's wise to consider essential camping gear. we already have camping essentials like tents, sleeping bags and camping cookware, but there are still a few essential items on my birthday list. (an important note when shopping for essentials: it’s helpful to invest in high-quality, durable gear that can withstand the elements and provide comfort during outdoor adventures!)
insulated water bottle
an insulated water bottle can keep beverages cold for extended periods, making it a useful gift for campers who love hiking and spending time outdoors during warmer months, especially. i have this parks of the usa water bottle, which is a big hit at every national park - especially with the park rangers! and now that we’ve been driving the camper van cross-country, i’m hoping to add this fifty states water bottle to my collection!
portable air pump
sleep comfort is high on any camper’s list, so this compact air pump is the perfect gift for backpackers, campers, van lifers, and more! it’s super lightweight and small enough to tuck into any pack. we use this portable air pump to inflate our mattress for the top bunk when we pop the top of our camper van on warmer nights. but it’s also great for any other kind of inflatable - it comes with multiple adapters to fit different gear!
rv water filter
virtually anyone you meet doing van life or rv living has a water filter. it’s an absolute van life essential. and, it’s not a one and done. for as long as you’re filling you’re tank, you’ll need a filter that needs to be changed periodically to ensure safety. it may not seem glamorous, but any van lifer would appreciate this water filter! we have this one and i have a new one on my list to get before we take off for summer.
emergency jump starter
anyone that has followed our adventures knows a portable jump starter has been a LIFESAVER! we had a major electrical issue in our camper van that no one could figure out for months. so, every week we’d be stuck with a van that suddenly wouldn’t start. thankfully, we have a portable jump starter in our rv emergency kit! we honestly couldn’t have traveled as much as we have if we didn’t have a jump starter on board. again, it may not be the most glamorous gift, but it is one of those rv essentials and would make a great gift for adventurers! (side note - this essential isn’t just for rvs! a jump starter is an essential item for car emergency kits, as well!)
foldable tote bags
let’s be honest, transporting gear in and out of the van can be a pain. it always feels like there are too many trips and we’re just grabbing random items until our hands our full. we finally decided to get some foldable grocery bags to reduce the frustration, as well as the trips back and forth. having extra bags on hand has gone a long way toward helping us stay organized in a small space, and we continue to come up with new uses for them! if you’re springing for something a bit more luxury, this eco carry bag is on my wishlist. but this set of reusable bags would be a great stocking stuffer or add-on gift, too!
our camper van at carrizo plain national monument
the more time i spend on the road the better i understand what we do - and don’t - need to enjoy camping. while many of these are extras or luxuries, that’s exactly what makes them the perfect gifts! i hope this gift guide for campers helped you find the perfect gift for the outdoors lovers in your life. or gave you a few ideas to elevate your camping experiences! go out wild and enjoy!