Keep these three words in mind: necessity, convenience, portability

Whether you can believe it or not, the holiday season is right around the corner. And it’s a safe bet you’ll be purchasing something travel related for the RV enthusiast in your life.

However, when buying that perfect gift, there are few things to consider….

  1. Do they need it?  Do they have room? As we all know, space is especially limited in an RV – there is no room for extra clutter, just the essentials. It is imperative, when purchasing a gift that will be used and stored in their coach or towable, that your gift recipient not only has the necessity for it but also the storage room available. Compact and collapsible are key.
  2. Do they already have plans to buy it themselves? Many assume that if a fellow RVer expresses interest in purchasing an upgrade or an amenity for their rig, that they wouldn’t mind someone else getting it for them – which is not always true. Someone other than the co-pilot may not know the exact specifications of say, a new awning. In instances such as this, it’s generally a safer bet to let them buy it themselves.
  3. Will it break? Is it portable? In a home on wheels, the contents needs to be, well, portable. They should be lightweight, durable, and bonus points if it can adhere to a fixed spot – such as a cabinet. Breakable materials such as glass, clay, or porcelain should, in most instances, be avoided.

Now with these key considerations in mind, let’s explore some options – for any budget and lifestyle.

$1 – $50

  • Travel journal – A great way for a traveler to record their journeys and track their favorite sights and campgrounds.
  • Cookbook – One with RV or camping specific recipes designed for low maintenance, compact cooking.
  • Personalized plaques and camping signs – A fun way to identify and customize a campsite or rig.
  • Campfire panini maker – A great gift for any sandwich lover!
  • Campfire and fireplace colorant packets – A unique way to spice up a family bonfire.
  • Flashlight –Campers can always use another, but if you have someone who is more hands-on, consider a head lamp.

$50 – $100

  • RV awning lights – Illuminate your campsite with various shapes, sizes, and colors.
  • Binoculars – Perfect for anyone who wants to get closer to nature from the comforts of the campsite.
  • Stainless steel grilling utensils – Easy cleanup and appropriate for any grill master.
  • Walkie Talkies – These aren’t just for kids, but useful tools for hiking expeditions.
  • E–reader – An ideal gift for any book lover that’s lightweight, thin, and won’t take any room on the shelf.

$100 +

  • RV GPS – The open road can get disorienting, so safeguard against that with a portable GPS.
  • Pocket projector – As the name implies, it is compact enough to fit into a pocket, but powerful enough to project movies, audio, and photos onto the side of your rig – a fun twist on family movie night!
  • Mattress topper – Bring the luxury of home into the RV – and add comfort to a stiff RV mattress.
  • Travel telescope – Explore the night sky with a compact, refractor telescope.
  • Wireless Bluetooth speakers – All the power of a large sound system packed in a compact, portable package.

And of course, gift cards of any value to restaurants, gas stations, or MARVAC campgrounds, dealers, or suppliers are always an excellent option – especially if you have a picky RVer on your list!

Any great gift ideas we’ve missed? Share some of your favorite RV gifts you’ve received in the past – or given – on our Facebook page!