Top Christmas Gifts for Caravan Families on the Road
What do you get someone who loves their caravan, travels often and lives to explore? It’s easy… something they can use on their adventures. But is it really easy? Is it the right thing? Is it useful? Do they have the space for it?
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for someone who loves caravanning is actually a little trickier than first thought… until you’ve come across this blog 🙂
We are a family of 4 – 2 adults, 2 young kids. And we get this question asked by family and friends often. What can we get the kids? What do you guys want? Here is a list of the things we either already have and love, or that we’re keen on getting – for either us, or the kids.
Our fav resources
– Looking for great camping gear? Check out: Wild Earth
– Need Caravan gear? We love Caravan RV Camping
– Going for unique and fun? Click here: iScoot
– Need general camping gear? We rate Snowys
The Ultimate Caravan Christmas List
To make this guide as simple as possible, skip to the section that you need, or browse our full list of ideas to make Christmas shopping simple. At the end of this list, I have a few tricks when it comes to postage – if you need to send your pressie somewhere around Australia!
Christmas Gifts for the Kids
Kids on the road need unique gifts in terms of usability, storage space and weight – all of which are important when it comes to gifts on the road.
Our Tip: if you’re not sure, check with Mum and Dad first, especially if travel is just after Christmas. You don’t want a sad kid if they need to leave their new present behind due to space issues!
1. Foldable Electric Scooter
Electric scooter – this one is aimed for the bigger kids, electric scooters are a heap of fun, useful and kids can join Mum and Dad exploring the surroundings in a unique way.
I would suggest something like this Razor , with a top speed of 16km/h, weighing only 15kg and a decent 80-minute run time.
Check out the Razor PowerCore scooter for kids here
2. Water bottle
This is a very useful gift! It will be something that will be used daily. The best bottles are bottles that can be easily cleaned (have a large opening to get a scrubbing brush into), and are leakproof. You can look at insulated bottles if the weather is extremely hot or cold, otherwise, a simple bottle will be great.
Here is a great range of bottles that we have for our kids
3. Adventure Headlamps
What kid doesn’t like tourches? Or even better, headlamps! This is a two fold gift, your kid can see what they’re doing around the campsite at nighttime, can provide their own light source if they need to make the treck to the toilet, but it also helps Mum and Dad see where they are!
Check out the range of headlamps for kids here (they come in different colours!)
4. Backpack
So, initially you might be thinking ‘back pack’? That doesn’t sound so exciting for a kid, but it’s really a storage vessel for all the cool things you find at camp site! Plus, if you give a good quality back pack that fits a child well, they’ll be able to carry their own water, snacks and hat on walks. Win-win!
For good quality back packs, check out the range here
5. Frizbee!
This is the gift that gets kids outside, running around, and entertaining themselves. It is also very easy to store – we have a number of frisbees in the back of the car.
This one here is a favourite of ours
6. Card games
There will always be rainy days… This card game has a camping theme, plus instruction cards for all the favourite games. Keep the kids entertained inside a small space with this card game.
For the Parents
Anything that makes life easier is the perfect gift for the parents! You may see lovely Instagram images, but travelling with kids takes a heap of effort! Here are some of our suggestions to make life that bit easier…
7. Portable Power Station
This is the ultimate gift for any caravanning family. A portable power station from BLUETTI Power allows the family to camp off-grid for longer, keeping phones, laptops, drones, and even a small fridge running.
This is perfect for those who don’t have an off-grid caravan setup or love camping but need a bit of power.
Check out the range here.
8. An experience
Have a chat with your gift-ee and find out where they’ll be. Purchase an experience for the family that is in the area where they’re staying. The bonus is that with this one, you don’t need to find out how to post something to someone already on the road! It will be a great day out.
We use and recommend Viator because they offer some awesome experiences, and many allow you to pay first and then select the date that suits your family.
9. Lightweight High-Back Camp Chairs
After a long day of driving or hiking, a really comfortable camp chair is priceless. WildEarth stocks a huge range of lightweight, high-back chairs that pack down small but offer maximum comfort for relaxing by the fire. Bonus points if you look into the chair cushion. Such a great idea (hint, hint, family reading this! 😛 )
Check out some super comfy chairs here
10. Good Quality Tumbler
An insulated mug or tumbler – whatever they’re called! is so handy. I use my Yeti tumbler numerous times a day. I put a tea in it in the morning, cordial or soft drink, then it can double as a wine glass for later! Make sure you look at getting one with a lid – I like the sliding variety, but as long as you keep the bugs out. It doesn’t need to be leak proof, but spill proof is nice.
This is one item that you buy once and have it for years, I know I have!
Have a look at these tumblers, they come in a range of colours too 🙂
11. Aloha Towel
Speaking from experience, when you’re at the beach, it’s near impossible to do the quick change when you have kids running around! I love Aloha Towels as they’re beach ready towels, sand resistant and light weight. But the part that makes them extra cool is the magnets that are strategically located to keep them up while you change. They also stick to your car – it’s the extra set of hands that you don’t have!
Shop the super cool Aloha towel here
12. Portable Coffee
While you’re camping, you can still have good coffee! But, sometimes if you don’t have power (if you didn’t check out my recommendation for the Bluetti powerbank!), here is a great alternative – the Staresso portable coffee maker makes really good coffee – for both normal and cold brew. This has even won a Reddot Award Winner
Check out this pink Staresso portable coffee maker – there are also many other colours. They’re pretty awesome!
13. Devanti Air Diffuser
This might come as a surprise, but I’ve loved having our air diffuser in the van. There’s something homely about having a nice scent. It also helps to have an air diffuser for night times, as this one has a night light. You can also add some soothing scents like lavender to help with sleep.
This is one that I recommend: USB air diffuser like this one
14. Electric Scooter – for the Adults
Don’t let the kids have all the fun! These electric scooters are so much fun. There are so many different types, so start with what you know the person loves. Is it cruising, going fast, needing the distance? Also, look at the size to make sure there is room in the caravan.
Check out the huge range of electric scooters from iScoot here
15. Rashies
One thing that I live in while travelling, especially out so often at the beach, hiking, and generally outdoors, is my rashie. When it’s hot, it’s nice to be in bathers, but day after day, I find the sun gets too much (and I hate sunscreen!) It is probably the most used piece of clothing I have. Not trendy, but useful!
Look for one that is breathable, lightweight and 50+
For the Retired Travellers
No kids, time to spare… these guys know what they’re doing! They have everything they need, but perhaps don’t usually splurge on the extra nice-to-have things. Here are our suggestions for ideas we have for friends and family.
16. Caravan Reversing Camera
Reversing cameras are very useful. If you’re retired friend has an older car, chances are it won’t come with a reversing camera. Especially one that is attached to the van – that seems to be a very new thing that companies are offering.
Good news, is you can purchase a reversing camera that can fit to the van and have the display inside for the driver. They’re really handy!
17. Throttle controller
This is the gift that isn’t a necessity, but more of a nice-to-have. Chances are, your retired friend hasn’t already got one. You will need to know the model of car they have, but this throttle controller helps with engine lag, decreases fuel consumption and allows a selection of different throttle responses.
Check out throttle controllers here
18. A comfy mattress topper
Give the gift of a great night’s sleep! A caravan mattress topper can make a standard mattress feel amazing! Just make sure to work out if you need to buy a topper for a Queen or a Double-size mattress. There’s a big chance, if it’s a relatively new van with only 1 North south bed, it will be a Queen size.
Have a look at the comfort of this mattress topper
19. Speakers
Does your retired mate have some cool tunes? Whatever they like listening too, do they have a Bluetooth speaker? Most caravans have useless music players – we always use our bluetooth speaker. It’s easier and has better sound quality.
Here are a few for you to check out
20. A Lightweight Hammock
Nothing says “I’m relaxing” like a hammock. WildEarth has lightweight models that pack down into a tiny bag and are perfect for an afternoon nap between two trees.
I added this in the retired category, but realistically, I have a hammock also! I think they’re great!
Check out some lightweight hammocks here
Your Caravan Gifting Questions Answered
When is the best time to buy?
For caravan families, “early” is the golden rule. Avoid the December shipping rush at all costs. The Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are the perfect time to snag deals on tech like power stations, cameras, and e-readers.
We recommend making early November your cut-off for ordering physical items. This gives you plenty of time to receive the item and figure out the logistics of sending it to a family on the move.
Tips for What to Look For in a Caravan Gift
When in doubt, run your gift idea through a mental checklist. The best gifts are compact or foldable because space is everything. They should also be lightweight and durable, as items in a van get moved a lot and need to withstand bumpy roads.
A gift that is multi-purpose (like a power station that’s also a light) is better than two separate items. Prioritise gifts that are 12V or USB-rechargeable, as things that rely on a 240V wall plug are often useless for off-grid camping.
Finally, if you’re stuck, remember that an experience voucher for fuel, groceries, caravan park stays, or local tours is always appreciated and takes up zero space.
How do I send gifts to a family on the road?
This is the tricky part, but it’s not impossible!
- Communicate: First, ask them for a good address. They will know their travel plans best.
- Australia Post PO Box: They can pick up mail from any Post Office in Australia. You just need to address it correctly (Their Full Name, c/o Post Office, Post Office Name, Suburb, STATE, Postcode).
- Send to a Caravan Park: This is a popular option. Have them call a park they plan to stay at for a few days and ask permission to have a parcel delivered there.
- Use Parcel Lockers: If they know they’ll be in a major town, you can send it to a free 24/7 Australia Post Parcel Locker.
A great tip is to buy online, then use the address that you choose to get the item sent directly to your family/friends. This cuts down on shipping costs, and saves out one step!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good Christmas gift for Van Life?
A great gift for van life is anything that is space-saving, practical, or enhances their freedom. Top picks include a Rumpl (a compact, warm, water-resistant blanket), an Aeropress coffee maker, a Kindle e-reader, a quality headlamp, or a subscription to a music or audiobook service.
What does every caravan need?
Beyond the caravan itself, every vanner needs a set of non-negotiable basics. This includes a quality freshwater hose (food-grade), a grey water hose, a 15A power lead, levelling ramps and chocks, a first-aid kit, and essential safety gear like a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
What is a good gift for someone who lives in an RV?
Someone who lives in an RV full-time appreciates gifts that solve a problem or add a touch of luxury without taking up space. Think digital (subscriptions, e-books, fuel vouchers), consumable (a really nice bottle of wine or gourmet food), or practical upgrades (a high-quality set of nesting cookware, a new outdoor mat, or a portable washing bag).
Our Thoughts
Hopefully this list has given you a few ideas of what to gift your caravanning enthusiast. This is also a handy list if a birthday comes up.
Enjoy the gifting process and have a wonderful celebration.
