If you are looking for the most practical gifts for RV owners to show that you care, we’ve got you covered.
No matter whether you need gifts for new RV owners who just embarked on the nomad life or something for your full time camper friends who have been on the road forever, there is something in this list that they will get a lot of use out of.
These include absolute must-have RV accessories for power, WiFi and TV signals, multifunctional kitchen gadgets and electronics that can save space while producing quick, delicious meals, camping accessories for outdoor cooking and lounging around the campfire, brilliant storage solutions for each room/function and also the small but thoughtful additions that would make a tiny home on wheels feels so much more like home.
Most recommended gift will also include a few specific models for your reference.
Practical Gifts For a Livable Interior Space
This section has to do with temperature and humidity control, air and water quality, lighting and keeping a home on wheels clean.
Bladeless Table Fan
While a regular table fan is not up there among the coolest gifts for RV owners, a bladeless fan totally is. You might be wondering how the hell these things work, but I assure you that they produce quick cooling and smooth airflow, plus they will save you the trouble of cleaning the fan blades.
With no blades that will accumulate dust, these fans are healthier for you and are sleeker looking too.
This high-tech product also has a huge price range. The most affordable options will only set you back by under $80, but I recommend something between $80 and $100 for the best design, quality, durability and warranty.
Meanwhile, the most badass looking and advanced models with extra features can cost from $180 all the way to $300.
Hand-Held or Stick Vacuum
This is a practical gift for RV owners where you can choose to be quite fancy if you wish to. No matter whether the person you want to give it to is a full time camper or just typically take short spontaneous trips, they will get a lot of use out of a handheld vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum.
In the off season, they can also use it inside their home. A compact, lightweight and portable RV vacuum is essential, as an RV gets dirty very quickly with so many pairs of feet getting in and out every now and then, not to mention four-legged friends that shed a lot of hair.
For owners of a very small minivan or trailer, a battery-operated handheld vacuum with an upright charging station would make the best RV gifts any day. Within the limited space of an RV, a handheld vacuum can be maneuvered using only one hand to reach the tightest corners for instant cleaning of hair and dry messes, where a broom or a full-size vacuum would not be very helpful.
If your camper friend has a big home on wheels, you can gift them a handheld vacuum and a cordless stick vacuum. While a handheld vacuum is not the most powerful and is made for instant/maintenance cleaning, a stick vacuum is made for deeper cleaning.
The stick models will allow vacuuming the floor while standing upright, and the best of the category can detach to convert to a handheld vacuum, so that you can easily vacuum the ceiling and higher surfaces. The most thoughtful gift for RV owners should also include different attachments for effective cleaning of different surface materials like hard floor, carpet and upholstery.
This is a gift that you can go just basic or really fancy. At one end of the spectrum is an affordable but durable, well designed and adequately powerful handheld vacuum like the ThisWorx For TWC-01 available at only $30, or extra powerful ones like the BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL Handheld Vacuum at $90.
At the more expensive side is a powerful stick vacuum that is convertible to a handheld unit like the Shark ION F80 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum IF281 available for $395.
Air Purifier and Dehumidifier
An air purifier will be useful for sensitive traveling enthusiasts who have asthma or allergies, or are hypersensitive to objectionable odors, airborne dust, or pollen. You can get a compact and intelligent air purifier and freshener for $25 to $50.
They can perform better than those odor-absorbing gels and bamboo charcoal bags at removing contaminants and unpleasant smells from the air inside an RV, improving air quality and providing a healthier place to live.
An excellent model is FULOXTECH Portable Air Purifier, with an 4.5-star rating on Amazon and costs only $25. This small device has a unique 360-degree air-release pattern, which improves the machine’s built-in microelectronic odor removal. It is also USB-rechargeable, with each charge keeping it running for upto 10 days.
Aother popular unit recommended by RV travelers that shares the affordability and functionality is the PeakPlus Air Freshener, Ionizer, and Purifier. With its air purification technology, this gadget produces as many as 4.8 million of unhealthy oxygen ions to eliminate the pollutants, contaminants, mold, bacteria, unpleasant odors, dust and cigarette smoke smoke from the air inside your camper.
An air purifier is an ideal gift for RVers who travel in the hot and sticky summer months, as they’re very afforable costing only from $20 to $50. It’s a good idea to accompany it with a portable dehumidifier that can be used in the kitchen and the bathroom to counter off wet towels and clothes. Your camping brother will benefit from an inexpensive, effective portable dehumidifier. If your traveling friend is a frequent summertime traveler, this device will not only create a fresh air environment but also prevent peeling and rusting due to the significant dampness.
The selection of small and lightweight RV humidifiers (below $150) includes many good options. However, if you have higher budget and decide to opt for the long-lasting best sellers, you can consider a the hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier or the Vremi 22 Pint 1,500 Sq. Ft. Dehumidifier.
Water Filter System
Traveling on the roads means you will be using water from unfamiliar sources, so it’s always a good idea to take precautions. Gift your traveler friend a good water filter that can get rid of harmful particles and sediment.
Solar Powered LED Lighting
This is a practical gift for the boondockers and the owners of minivans with minimal power demand. LED lighting consumes little energy, and better yet, a solar powered lantern or strings of solar fairy lights are self-sustainable lighting solutions for dry camping off the beaten path. These string lights are also aesthetically pleasing and can make your home on wheels feel more cozy and homely.
Cool Gifts To Take RV Life To The Next Level
Solar Panels
A solar system is one of the best gifts you can give to a full-time camper, especially if your camper friend loves to travel to remote places with no access to electricity. An RV solar panel can set you back by a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the capacity of the system, but you do not need to break the bank.
You can give your friend something of a decent size to start off with, then they can add onto it later to upgrade the system’s output. In addition to roof mounted solar panels, another option is portable solar panels. These are super compact and are designed so that you can easily take them with you on excursions and set them up on the ground once you set up camp.
Wireless Charger
A charger is undoubtedly a must-have for anyone, even when one is on a camping trip and should be spending time outdoors instead of using techy gadgets. Most of the latest models of smartphones these days have wireless charging capabilities, so a wireless charger can make really cool and thoughtful gifts for RV owners, especially if you’re gifting it to someone who travels with their family. A wireless charger can charge multiple smartphones and mobile devices inside a rig.
A wireless charger sounds high tech, but is very affordable. You can get a durable, functional and super sleek loong wireless charger for both iPhone or Android smartphones for anywhere from $20 to $40 only. The best wireless chargers these days are those using the Qi industry standard, and for convenience, you should look for a charger that can double duty as a smartphone mount with landscape and portrait mode. An excellent brand in this arena that you should consider is CHOETECH.
A Secondary Portable TV
Most larger RVs these days typically come with one or more TV sets, that is, those belonging to Class A, Class C, fifth wheel and full-size trailers.
That said, if your camper friend owns a Class B van or a small, minimal travel trailer that is not equipped with one, or if you know they want a replacement for a better viewing experience, a portable TV for RV would make some excellent gifts for RV owners. Depending on the size, you might only need to spend between $200 and $500.
TV Antennas
While we’re talking about TVs, we must mention RV TV antennas. You can also give your camper friend better entertainment on the road with a quality RV antenna with a broad range to reliably receive signals from towers faraway, so that the whole gang gets to enjoy plenty of channels for their content needs.
Oxygenics Shower Head
Now this is not a must-have for the RV life, but it’s one of those gifts for RV owners that will take life on the road to the next level. This wow-inducing gadget will make camping so much more comfortable and homely.
While low water pressure at the campground is pretty common, you will still get a good rinse, as the patented Oxygenics technology is capable of amplifying water pressure and widen coverage with the most effective yet water-saving spray pattern.
Other smart features include the ability to maintain water temperature and reduce water flow while you’re soaping. This is ideal for those with long hair and for camping, where fresh water is extra valuable.
Cool Gifts For Outdoor Gathering & Picnic
Cooler
If you’re on a small budget, a compact cooler on wheels would make some affordable but thoughtful gifts for RV travelers. It is essential for excursions and picnicking around the campground.
Portable Speakers
Another economical but practical option is portable speakers with Bluetooth connectivity, so that your friend can play their favorite tunes or listen to podcasts and news while making barbecue.
Portable Projector
If you want something cool that appeals to the tech savvy, gift him or her a mini portable projector. If the person usually travels with his family or friends, everybody will definitely adore these tiny device.
Models on the market these days boast increasingly high picture quality at increasingly competitive prices. Portable projectors can project directly on the side of an RV, or you can buy them an accompanying sheet, for many great movie nights.
RV Propane Grill
While we’re on the topic of campfire, an RV camping grill would make another great RV camping gifts, since it allows one of the most loved perks of RV life: outdoors BBQ. Family gathering around the grill makes the whole camping experience more wholesome. Also importantly, cooking outdoors from time to time frees campers from having to prepare meals in a tight kitchen and tiny counter space, which is typical except for luxury motorhomes.
The best models usually boast handles for easy carrying, pivot to secure the lid in place and balanced steel legs. There are several options for cooking grates, but for RV camping, ease of cleaning should be a priority, so we suggest one that comes with fuss-free porcelain-enameled grates.
You can either get a portable gas grill that only costs $60 to under $100, or a typically more expensive but more powerful portable liquid propane grill, which runs on disposable liquid propane cylinders. For anywhere between $150 and $250, you can get more cooking area, more BTU-per-hour and per cooking area, plus convenient features like easy-start electronic ignition.
Camping Hammock + Hammock Mattress
A cool alternative to a full-fledged tent, which can get pretty expensive, is a camping hammock accompanied by a hammock mattress. Taking a nap in a hammock outdoors or just lounging around, reading a book can make the RV life so much richer.
If your camper friend travels in harsher climates and thus would only use a hammock from time to time, you can choose an entry-level hammock that only costs from $20 to $40. If they are likely to use a hammock frequently, the best gift would be an extra durable and versatile model with rainfly cover and/or mosquito net for better weather protection, which would set you back by $70 to $150. Most can sleep two adults, and an excellent option on Amazon is the Therm-A-Rest Double Camping Hammock.
Alternatively, you can complement the hammock that your RVer friend already owns with a hammock mattress. The best of the kind ranges between $50 to $110, and typically come with detachable wings on both sides, so that the mattress will form a cushiony boat inside the hammock. The wings when removed can also be used on the ground.
Portable Propane Fire Pit
Now this might sound like a luxury, but for those who travel full-time, or for months on end, a fire pit is the essence, the soul of camping in the wild.
When it comes to camping, nothing is more comforting than seating next to a warm, crackling campfire in the outdoors at night. A campfire is the centerpiece of any outdoor gathering. It would make all the difference by creating a cozy ambience and a wholesome camping experience.
A portable propane fire pit is an easy and convenient way to make sure you can always have a fire when camping, no matter where you are.
While a wood campfire might be bothersome and messy, a portable propane fire pit that only costs from $80 to $130 can make some of the most practical gifts for RV owners. They look very realistic without all the ash and smoke. Another advantage of propane fire pits over traditional wood campfires is that while the latter is prohibited by many national parks to protect forested areas, a CSA-approved and spark-free propane model is safe to use in most cases. This is obviously one of the best gifts for RV travelers.
Screen Tent + Sleeping Bag
Another duo that makes practical and thoughtful gifts for RV owners, especially those who travel full time or on long trips at a time, is a screened in tent plus sleeping bags. Sleeping outdoors in a tent might be great fun for the kids, and also can free up sleeping space in a small RV when the weather is good.
The best models on the market are made with durable material to protect against the element, and allow you to remove the solid fabric to reveal the screen on all sides, so that you can enjoy the stars at night without falling victim to the bugs. While you’re at it, get your camper friends well-insulated sleeping bags if they camp in the cooler months.
Folding Camping Chairs and Portable Table
This perfect duo of a folding camping chair and table will certainly be a cool and practical gift that RV owners would love to receive. While chairs and tables made for picnics are typically made to be lightweight and fold up neatly, you should pick those that come with a storage bag, or you can always get a separate picnic basket to complete the gift set. A setup of a folding chair and portable table would be ideal for you to enjoy a meal next to a campfire.
Telescope To Gaze At The Stars
The last two items of this list are camper gift ideas that not many gift givers would think of and not many campers would expect to be given, and that’s part of the reasons why they would make you an extra cool and creative gift giver!
A telescope for stargazing is one damn cool gift, especially if you’re planning to give it to an outdoorsy and adventurous camper, or a minimalistic camper who prefers to spend time appreciating nature and be present in the moment instead of watching Netflix.
The best option comes with a planetarium app for identifying stars and constellations. Even if your RV friend is not already a passionate stargazer, being away from the well-lit cities is always the golden opportunity to enjoy the starry nights, so most likely they will be more into it down the road. It can be said that your gift is a new healthy hobby.
Pet Fence
The four-legged friends are often forgotten when you’re thinking of gifts for RV enthusiasts, but a pet fence would be greatly appreciated by any camper with pets.
No one would be able to take their pets with them all day, and letting their furry companions roam outside in good weather is always preferable to locking them up inside a small rig.
Pet fences for camping typically are durable yet lightweight and fold up for compact storage, and are designed to be flexibly shaped to fit in any campground.
Practical Gifts for RV Owners: The Absolute Essentials
Below are some gift ideas that any serious camper would appreciate, but especially so for the full-time campers or those who stay on the road for months on end:
National Parks Pass
If you think a gift card is not practical enough to gift your friends, consider getting an a US National Parks Annual Pass instead for only $80. This would certainly make an exceptional gift for RV owners who love national parks.
With this National Parks Pass, your friends can visit all sites in the United States managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation for an entire year. This is such a great deals since the park admission price for a single visit is now around $20, which means you can enjoy everything for free after the first 4 visits.
RV WiFi Booster
Although the world’s most outdoorsy adventurers love to dry camp or boondock, it’s necessary for them that they get stable wifi at times in order to use topographic map applications, get weather forecasts, hang out with friends and family or just keep up to date with the world on social networks.
Another reason why an RV WiFi booster would be a highly appreciated gift is that it’s typically hard to get strong WiFi in huge RV parks, not to mention that such public wifi is often unsecured. In any case, you would want something that can boost weak WiFi from up to two miles away and tether multiple wifi signals together to deliver a more reliable service.
The nifty WiFiRanger is an favourite name among RV community because of its ability to strenghthen WiFi signals from two miles away. Not only that, it can connect multiple signals together to increase the overall signal strength. The WiFiRanger also offers solid encryption to keep you safe from unsecured internet connection.
Top-quality models are usually designed to be strong enough to contend with the harsh elements of the outdoors.
Cell Signal Booster
As one of those who love to hit the open road in an RV, then you know that one of the challenges you face is keeping your cell phone signal strong. A weak cell phone signal can lead to dropped calls, missed opportunities to connect with loved ones, and a general feeling of being cut off from the world. And an RV cell phone booster would be a great gift to solve the cell phone signal issue and help your friend stay connected while on the go.
A booster amplifies your RV’s existing cell signal and can provide better coverage for up to four devices at once. The weBoost Drive 4G-X RV is one popular option – it’s compact, easy to install, and it works with all major U.S. carriers.
RV Navigation System
While almost anyone in this day and age owns a smartphone with at least one navigation app like Google Map, it is not sufficient for traveling in a big RV.
Due to the size of a typical RV, except for minivans and teardrop trailers, a navigation system designed specially for RVs would be safest and most effective, as it takes into account hazards that are unique to driving an oversized vehicle, for instance low hanging bridge, overpasses or forestry and rough roads that aren’t RV-friendly.
There are many excellent systems, but one of the best selling models is the Garmin RV 785 GPS Navigator.
RV Battery Charger
In case you know that your camper friend owns an old rig, especially if they have complained about how their built-in battery charging system tends to undercharge or overcharge the battery, then the best gift you can give them to show you care is a reliable RV battery charger.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to get a good charging system, especially for full-time campers and those who like to travel off the beaten path. Having battery problems when one’s in the middle of nowhere is no small issue.
This is not an inexpensive gift, but it will make such a major RV-life improvement. A good aftermarket RV battery charger can ensure optimal charging without undercharging or overcharging a rig’s battery, both of which will lead to premature death of the battery, which is expensive and troublesome to replace.
In addition to maximizing the battery’s lifespan, another advantage is that a quality charger can also minimize energy consumption by converting energy up to a few thousand times faster than an average factory charger.
Two solid options in this category that have been given the nod by veteran campers are the NOCO Genius Chargers that comes with a built-in battery desulfator to rejuvenate underperforming batteries, and the UltraSafe Smart Battery ChargerAn, which boasts ultra-safe spark-proof technology.
Jump Starter
Talking about getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, a portable jump starter can be a lifesaver on the road and thus makes a perfect gift for RV campers who often travel to remote areas.
A good jumper starter for recreational vehicles should be portable and lightweight while being powerful, that is being able to produce at least 300 cranking amps, and should have a low discharge rate, ideally only 1-2% per month.
This is of utmost importance, since such a low discharge rate means the jump starter can be put in storage for one whole year and can still deliver enough charge in case of emergency.
A reliable product for full-time camping is the Wagan Corporation’s iOn Boost V8 Air Lithium Jumpstarter. It is a powerful, safe and convenient option, as it comes equipped with an air compressor, a LED spotlight and two high-speed USB ports. A bonus is the built-in protection against overcharge, overvoltage, short-circuit and reverse polarity.
RV Cover
An RV cover is a type of accessory that helps to protect the recreational vehicle from the elements. It is made of a heavy-duty material and usually has a waterproof backing. The cover can be placed over the entire RV or just over the portion that contains the bedroom and bathroom.
RV covers are important for two main reasons: they help to keep the RV clean and they help to protect it from weather damage. The cover will keep out dirt, dust, and debris when the RV is not in use, and it will also help to prevent sun damage, wind damage, and rain damage.
If you are considering purchasing an RV cover, be sure to measure your recreational vehicle so that you can select the correct size. You should also consider whether you want a full-cover or partial-cover model. Full-cover models are more expensive but offer more protection.
RV Surge Protector
A surge protector for RV is one of the first things a dedicated full-time camper would buy. Connecting to the unfamiliar power outlets at RV parks and campgrounds can pose many electrical problems, with the most common problems being the voltage might be too low or the outlet might be wired incorrectly.
In case of a lightning strike, the outlet might feed sudden electrical spikes to an RV’s system and thus roast it. In any case, the electronic appliances inside the rig will be damaged, as they require a consistent level of voltage to operate safely.
Needless to say this is troublesome and expensive to repair. That is not to mention the inconvenience of having to live without the needed creatures of comfort until things get fixed.
A solid surge protector is one of the best gifts for RV owners you can give, provided that you have at least $100 to spend.
This device stands in between an RV and a power outlet: it is made to be plugged into the power source at the campground, then the rig’s cable is plugged into the surge protector.
It protects an RV against the above electrical problems by instantly shutting down when it detects that the voltage is at dangerously low or high levels, thus preventing problematic power sources from reaching the electronics inside.
RV Water Pressure Regulator
Similar to the problematic power source at campgrounds, unusually high water pressure is another huge headache that can blow out the water system on a travel trailer. Even in less serious cases, higher than normal water pressure can cause extra stress and will eventually lead to leaks in an RV’s water line.
Leaks are one of the most serious RV problems that are time-consuming to detect and fix. Thus if you decide to give a surge protector as a gift, you can add a water pressure regulator on top of that, so your camper friend will be protected from campground risks. Some campgrounds do have the pressure regulated on their water source, but it’s always better to have insurance.
A reliable water pressure regulator can be had for under $15. A best seller is Camco’s all-brass water pressure regulator, offered at about $10.
A Quiet Generator with Remote Start
Another essential equipment that would make the most appreciated gifts for RV owners that love to boondock and those who travel full-time is a generator, ideally a quiet one with a remote key fob so there’s no need to leave the rig to go outside and start the generator.
An RV generator would make a huge difference when a camper travels to remote areas without access to electrical hookups at traditional RV parks and campgrounds.
There are many big brands in this category, but the absolute top choices are no doubt Japanese makers Yamaha and Honda, although their RV generators are the most pricey, costing north of $800. If you want something more affordable, look at Champion and Predators, who offer many generators typically costing from $400 to under $700. For starters, check out the Champion 75537i generator.
Air Compressor
If you want to give something essential for open road traveling that will not break the bank, a quality RV air compressor would always be welcomed, despite not being the coolest gift idea.
And it’s quite a thoughtful gift, since while not many gift givers would give any attention to the boring tires of an RV, improperly inflated tires might result in a blowout, which means getting stranded in the middle of nowhere.
At the very least, it would lead to uneven and excessive tire wear, which equals costly premature replacement.
Roadside Rescue Kit
Now this is not a sexy gift, but if you are parents of an RV enthusiast, it would give you, as well as them, a peace of mind by giving them a roadside rescue kit.
Every camper, be it the beginners or the veteran, the weekend traveler or the full-time camper, should own one of these just to be prepared for all sorts of emergencies.
A comprehensive kit not only includes a basic first aid kit for treating minor injuries but also offers an array of tools to deal with breakdown, including flashlight, jumper cables, roadside warning signs, tow strap, and much more.
Inexpensive Gifts For Storage and Organization
Storage and organization solutions always make wonderful gifts for camper owners, regardless of the size of the RV in question. Here are the most versatile and useful ideas in this category:
Adjustable pots and lids organizer
This type of organizer consists of a rectangular rack where you can flexibly fit the detachable wire dividers depending on the thickness of a pot or a lid. They typically can be set up horizontally or vertically. This smart design maximizes space while allowing you instant access to what you need, a major upgrade from trying to get a pan at the bottom of multiple pans stacked on top of each other.
Slide-out pots and pans rack
If you’re getting gifts for full-time campers, a more expensive but more convenient and permanent alternative for the above adjustable pots and pans organizer is a slide-out rack. These need to be screwed onto a kitchen cabinet, but they are more heavy duty. There are various designs for optimal storage of cookware, heavy pots and pans as well as lids.
Slide-out trash bin
A trash bin as a gift is far from fancy, but a slide-out version would be welcomed with both hands. A slide-out trash bin can be hidden from view and there’s no need to secure it when the RV is rolling on the road. These also require installation, and the bin can be detached from the slide-out should you decide to keep the bin outside.
Magnetic shelf
These are metal shelves that stick to the front or side of a fridge. While they are not made to handle something too heavy like half a dozen glass bottles full of liquid, they are great solutions for spices and small bottles of oil or vinegar.
Many models come with hooks for having pot holders or frequently used cooking tools, as well as a wooden rod for hanging kitchen towels or holding paper towel rolls.
Under-sink free standing drawer unit
While the above expandable shelves are most suitable for storing larger pots and pans under the sink, a drawer unit is usually smaller and lightweight with a metal wire design and thus are ideal for holding small tools and cleaning supplies.
These units typically consist of one top shelf and one or two slide-out drawers underneath. Such portability and versatile design makes these handy gifts for RVers to use in the kitchen as well as in the bathroom or laundry room, the closet and the work station.
Under-sink expandable shelf
While a slide-out rack typically costs at least $100, there are two more affordable alternatives that would still make practical gifts for RV owners: under-sink expandable shelf and free standing drawer unit. Plus, these options don’t require any drilling in the cabinet.
An expandable shelf costs less than $50, looks like a shoe rack and is typically made from a metal frame with movable plastic panels that slide on the shelves to give room for any pipes under the sink.
These typically can be expanded in length to fit many spaces, and many options on Amazon give you the option to buy extra plastic panels to cover the whole length of the shelves when the unit is fully expanded. Some expandable shelves let you further customize to fit the intended space by adjusting the height of each tier.
Collapsible hanging shelf
The closet in an RV is another area that requires smart space maximization, and a collapsible fabric hanging shelf is a practical way to get the most from the existing vertical space in a closet. The best units are made from heavy duty fabric and a solid metal frame, with hooks at the top to hold onto the closet rods.
Most come with additional mesh pockets on the side, which is ideal for storing underwear, socks or accessories, and some come with one or two drawers for storing small items or things that would easily fall out.
To complete the gift, you can also get separate collapsible fabric drawers plus collapsible drawer dividers to give your camper friends more options to play with. For reasons of structural integrity, the size of these units do not vary greatly, and the most common sizes make them ideal for also storing shoes, backpacks and bags.
Over-door towel bars or Behind-the-door swivel towel bars
As for storage solutions in an RV bathroom, where there is never enough storage for more than two people, the most basic solution for hanging towels is an over-door towel bar that hangs over the thickness of the door.
This option usually has space to hang three towels at most, sometimes with additional hooks to hang bath sponges. To further add hanging space, a set of swivel towel bars that secure over the door hinges can smartly take advantage of unused space behind the bathroom door.
A huge plus for both designs is that no screwing is required, but if you want to give your camper friend more options, choose a model that can also be mounted on the wall.
Best RV Gifts For A Functional Tiny Kitchen
Cooking is perhaps where full-time campers have to sacrifice the most, but thanks to technology, you can now give great gifts to RV owners that will allow them to effortlessly prepare hot, healthy meals daily while on the road. These will be essential RV kitchen accessories that every campers will love to receive.
Multi-Functional Cooker
An all-in-one cooker is not only one of the best gifts for RV owners, but also for anyone who lives in a small space. Since space, especially counter space in most rigs, is as precious as gold, a multi-functional cooking appliance that only takes the space of one but functions as many would be invaluable to any camper, regardless of cooking preference and diet.
The most common functions include rice cooker, porridge cooker, steamer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, warmer, sauté, and even yogurt maker.
The most popular brand of all time in this category is Instant Pot, and among their many models, the best seller is no doubt the Instant Pot Duo Mini 7-in-1 Electric. It’s popular for being affordable, costing only $60, reliable and user-friendly. You might go fancier with models costing from $200 to $400, in case you know that your camper friend is a passionate and sophisticated home cook.
Stove Top Oven
In case the RV owner doesn’t have an oven in their RV kitchen, a stove-top oven is a space-saving and convenient alternative for them to achieve delicious oven-cooked dishes.
For less than $100, there are ample options, but an excellent no-nonsense entry level best seller is the one by Omnia, which costs $67. While you’re at it, you can also buy your camper friend complimentary accessories and tools for best oven cooking results.
Immersion Blender
Another super compact yet practical and versatile kitchen appliance is a handheld stick blender or an immersion blender. As the name suggests, this type of blender looks like a stick and does not come with a container that sits on top of a bulky body like the conventional blender, so it would not take up a lot of valuable counter space and is easier to store away.
These are not only made for making smoothies and other refreshments, but also allow an RV owner to quickly whip up fresh sauces and soup.
Coffee Maker & Milk Frother
If you’re on a budget and if you are not very sure of what to give your RVer friend so that they will get a lot of use out of your gift, here’s one gift idea that any camper will appreciate and use often for sure: a compact coffee maker that will not take up counter and storage space.
In this category, you literally get hundreds of options. Depending on your budget and your RVer friend’s style, you can go for a basic, traditional stove-top coffee maker with a capacity of 6-cup and over, complemented with replacement gaskets plus replacement filters, all for just under $25.
On the fancier side, you can spend from $50 to north of $150 for a sleek looking programmable coffee maker with a low-maintenance construction and multiple handy features like fast brewing and keep warm.
Stackable Cookware and Bakeware Set
This is one of those classic gifts for RV owners who travel full-time and are dedicated home chefs. A non-stick set that allows easy cleaning and can be neatly stacked up to take less cabinet space would be perfect, ideally complemented by affordable silicone pots and pans protectors.
These protectors would prevent scratching and rattling when the RV’s rolling.
Inexpensive Gifts To Make An RV A Cozy Home
If you don’t want to deal with the technicality when shopping for RV-specific devices and equipments like the surge protector above, here are some gift ideas to create a cozy, homely ambience for making a home on wheels feel more like home:
Hardy Indoor Plant Pots and Succulents
Yes, camping means there is plenty of greenery outside, but nothing makes a space more relaxing and welcoming instantly like a few pots of indoor plants.
Something hardy and low maintenance like succulents, cactus, snake plants and ZZ plants would make fuss-free and cute gifts for campers who are away from home for months on end. A burst of greenery in an RV’s interior can go a long way.
Outdoor String Lights
Lighting is a super easy and affordable way to create a classy, cozy and homely ambience both inside and outside a home, as well as one that is on wheels. This is why there is the phrase “mood lighting”.
If your camper friend loves outdoor dining and lounging, another budget gift you can give them with confidence is outdoor string lights with subtle warmth and glow. These are perfect for use inside the rig as well. Whether you’re setting up a campsite or decorating your RV, string lights are a must-have.
Not only do they look great, but string lights are also functional. They provide light for cooking or reading, and can even be used as a makeshift lamp if your power goes out.
So if you’re looking for a way to add some extra warmth and personality to your outdoor space, don’t forget the string lights. They’ll make any night under the stars feel just a little bit more special.
Carpets, Curtains, Cushions, Throws, Bed Linens
Although a new set of curtains, or some cushions and throws for the common living area, or a bedding set are not exactly RV-unique gifts, they can instantly and surprisingly add more warmth and liveliness in a small space and freshen up one’s mood. Something durable, in a low-maintenance color and made from breathable fabric would be perfect.
Don’t worry if your RVer friend already has their own, as it’s always preferable to have extra sets to rotate. If you want to go fancy, opt for linen or linen blend curtains and bedding sets, as the material’s natural texture and satisfying “wrinkles” will soften an RV interior’s harsh and crisp straight lines, thus making a space extra cozy.
Gift Card
Now this might not sound at all creative and exciting, but you might not want to ask your camper friend or family member what they need, or the person you want to gift is very picky, or if you don’t have the time to browse through the reviews to choose a high quality gift.
In these cases, an Amazon, Walmart or Target gift card is a practical solution. These stores offer everything from grocery to home decor and organization to DIY home and vehicle maintenance.
