Shopping for van life gifts can be tricky — there’s a lot of gear out there, and not all of it earns a permanent place in a small space.
We asked two of our own team members — Eric and Cat — what gear they personally recommend and rely on in their own van life setups. Every item here has been tested through real van life: long drives, muddy campsites, cold mornings, remote trailheads, and everyday living on the road.
These are the products we truly love and would think would make a great gift for any van lifer.
Comfort & Everyday Living Essentials
CGear Sand Free Mat
A sand mat might not sound glamorous, but it’s a game changer. Whether you’re dealing with sandy beaches, muddy campsites, or snowy boots, it keeps the van cleaner and gives you a designated “drop zone” right outside the door.
Best for: Beach camping, winter van life, pets, muddy trails
Kelty Low Loveseat
This is hands down one of our favorite camp luxuries. It’s sturdy, insanely comfortable, and perfect for lounging by the fire or sharing a sunset drink. If you spend any amount of time outside your van with a partner(or pet), this chair is worth it.
Best for: Couples, social campsites, outdoor lounging
Rumpl Blanket
Lightweight, warm, and easy to pack—this blanket goes everywhere with us. From chilly mornings to stargazing nights, it’s versatile enough to use inside or outside the van, plus it looks good too.
Best for: Cold mornings, stargazing, layering warmth
North Face ThermoBall Booties
Cold van floors are real. These keep our feet warm in the mornings and are easy to slip on for quick trips outside. Cozy comfort matters more than you think on the road.
Best for: Winter van life, mornings, quick exits
Shop North Face ThermoBall Booties
Travel Foldable Electric Kettle
Space-saving and functional, this kettle is perfect for coffee, tea, or quick meals. It collapses down when not in use, which is a win in any small space.
Best for: Coffee & tea lovers, compact kitchens, minimal setups
Organization & Cleanliness
Van Essentials Window Covers
Privacy, insulation, and temperature control all in one. Window covers help regulate heat and cold while also making stealth camping much easier. We tried making our own several times before we purchased Van Essentials and are stoked we never have to pull out the sewing machine again.
Best for: Stealth camping, hot/cold climates, those not great at sewing
Shop Van Essentials Window Covers
Dot & Dot Packing Cubes
Van storage is precious, and packing cubes keep everything organized and easy to find. They make rotating clothes and gear incredibly efficient. We like the multi color cubes so we know exactly where we can find our favorite pants, socks, shirts, etc.
Best for: Minimalists, long-term travel, organization lovers
Fanttik Slim V8 APEX Car Vacuum
Dirt, sand, dog hair—it all finds its way inside. A handheld vacuum makes quick cleanups easy and keeps the van feeling livable.
Best for: Pets, beach travel, daily maintenance
Shop Fanttik Slim V8 APEX Car Vacuum
Safety, Recovery & Emergency Gear
Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards
If you spend time off pavement, these are non-negotiable. Sand, snow, mud—recovery boards have gotten me unstuck more than once and are worth every inch of storage space.
Best for: Off-road van builds, beach, desert & snow travel
Gerber Folding Shovel
A surprisingly versatile tool. From digging out tires to fire pit cleanup or emergency situations to those times you just need to take a “walk in the woods” for private business, a folding shovel is one of those “hope you don’t need it, glad you have it” items.
Best for: Overlanding, winter travel, emergencies, private business
Major First Aid Kit
Not just a basic kit—this is a comprehensive setup that gives real peace of mind when you’re far from help. We never travel without it.
Best for: Remote travel, solo van lifers, adventure sports, everyone
Garmin inReach Mini 3
One of the most important safety tools we carry. Being able to communicate and send SOS messages when there’s no cell service is invaluable, especially in remote areas. Our moms are also fans.
Best for: Solo travelers, backcountry adventures
Rocky Talkies
These radios are incredibly reliable for hiking, climbing, skiing, or coordinating with others outside the van. Clear sound, durable build, and no cell service required.
Best for: Group travel, outdoor sports, coordination
Tech & Connectivity
WeBoost Cell Signal Booster
If you work remotely or rely on navigation apps & don’t have a Starlink, this is a lifesaver. It boosts weak signals and has helped us stay connected in places where we otherwise wouldn’t have service.
Best for: Remote work, digital nomads, navigation
OnX & OpenSnow Subscriptions
Perfect for outdoor-focused van lifers. OnX is invaluable for navigation and land access, while OpenSnow is essential for chasing storms and planning winter adventures. We use both almost every day in the winter!
Best for: Outdoor-focused van lifers, winter travel
Outdoor & Adventure Extras
Nocs Binoculars
Compact, durable, and great for wildlife viewing, stargazing, or scouting hikes. They’re easy to grab and always fun to have around camp.
Best for: Nature lovers, national parks, wildlife viewing
National Park (America the Beautiful) Pass
One of the best value gifts you can give a van lifer. It pays for itself quickly and opens the door to endless adventures.
Best for: Road trips, national park enthusiasts
Personal & “Nice-to-Have” Items
Kula Kloth
Cat says this is a must for any female adventurer! When nature calls out on the trail or at a campsite, a Kula Cloth lets you pat dry comfortably and hygienically without disposable toilet paper — a big deal for leave-no-trace adventurers. It snaps easily to your pack or gear, dries quickly, and is ready for repeated use on long trips.
Best for: Leave-no-trace van lifers, camping and hiking, outdoor hygiene gear
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun
After long drives or big adventure days, this is a lifesaver. Recovery is just as important as the activity itself.
Best for: Active travelers, long driving days
Final Thoughts
Van life is all about balancing comfort, efficiency, and preparedness—and every item on this list has earned its place through real-world use. If you’re looking for gifts that won’t collect dust, these are the ones we’d choose again and again.
Whether you’re upgrading your own setup or shopping for someone who lives life on the road, you can’t go wrong with gear that’s been tested where it counts—out there.
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