Avid campers and adventurers are almost always equipped with everything, but they have specific needs and specifications for their gear.
If you can get some clues about that through a conversation with them, you can generate camping gift ideas for them easily.
Here is a list of the best camping gifts for anyone, ranging from parents and partners to friends.
1. Portable Camping Stove
What’s a more pleasant gift than a portable stove for outdoor cooking enthusiasts?
You have various options in choosing stoves. Canister stoves are self-refilling and handy. A small (5 lb.) propane tank with a regular-size valve is ideal for one place.
If they are more of an ultralight camper, you need to get an alcohol stove, which is super lightweight and small.
Focus on a stove that is lightweight, fuel-efficient, and compact.
I often try to find a place that is somewhat scenic and easily accessible. I pack a fun lunch spread and make some coffee using a pocket stove.
2. Insulated Travel Mug or Thermos
A customized mug made from stainless steel or classic metal can be a great idea.
Coffee lovers may like it at least. No, it can also be a game-changer for those who drink beer in the hot summer.
If you want to condition the drink for gift recipients, consider getting a thermos. It’s perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold and helps preserve and consume them for a long time.
3. Solar-Powered Lantern
If you want to light your love or respect into the heart of your partner or friends, first get them a lovely lantern to grow. That’s too funny. Lol
The solar-powered lantern is eco-friendly and rechargeable.
I have two smaller versions, which are lightweight and water-resistant. With the glow, I wander around the beach and the lake.
In the morning, I put them out to charge via a solar panel.
4. Sleeping Bag (3-Season or Winter Rated)
If you have a decent budget, a sleeping bag can be an option that is a highly versatile and personal item.
I had my first sleeping bag from around 10 until I was in my teenage.
So, you can get 20 – 30 degrees, but at that temperature rating, it can get chilly if overnight lows are close to it.
Your sleeping pad is essential to keep you warm, so it relies on loft for insulation. Of course, you want a bag with a comfort rating for the temperatures you’ll be camping in.
If you’re heading to freezing temperatures, you should plan for a margin of at least 10 degrees below the coldest temperature you expect.
In getting this, you have options, including lightweight and heavy-duty versions.
5. Compact Camping Chair
Camping chairs are versatile with several use cases.
You can take it to the fishing, hiking on the trail, or any place where you find solace and want to sit for a while.
They are lightweight, portable, ergonomic, and foldable, so you can carry them along with you wherever you go. Additionally, you can cuddle up properly in a comfortable camping chair if you prefer.
No need to mention, they are perfect for campfire evenings.
If your recipient does car camping, I recommend you give them a swinging camping chair
6. Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife
If you can afford it, you can give the highest quality multi-tool that has a knife, pliers, and screwdrivers. They come in handy in the campground or any other situation.
I have several of them in pieces and find them very useful.
The bonus will be a good pouch or sheath for the gift.
Besides, you can gift a Swiss knife for bushcraft or wood carving. I got it, probably around the time I was 5 or 6 years old, from my grandpa. He asked my parents if he could gift me this one, and they approved, with the condition that I be supervised.
He taught proper handling and safety for bushcraft and has since had responsibility and respect for it.
They can be practical for survival and daily use for campers and adventurers. However, I recommend giving it only to the adult campers.
7. Waterproof Dry Bag
Waterproof dry bags can protect gear, clothes, and electronics so you would not cry over the wet and damaged stuff in the middle of the trip.
They come in different sizes, ranging from 5L or 10L to a big 20L, depending on your usage.
Make sure you choose PVC; they are pretty durable. Also, look at the NRS stuff and spray some 303 Protectant on bags every once in a while. This way, they will last a long time
8. Camping Hammock
A hammock is a great idea for summer camping and long trips.
The high-quality hammock straps make hammock use easier and much more enjoyable. It is lightweight, compact, portable, and easy to set up under the shade.
You can choose between double and single hammocks.
I find it more relaxing until some bugs and mosquitoes fly around. So, add a mosquito net also.
9. Portable Water Filter
A water filter or purifier is vital for safety in the backcountry and while backpacking.
You can find different types of portable water filters, such as gravity water filters, squeeze-style, and pump-style. They have their own setup and work style.
This gift might be only for those who go into the wilderness, and there they have to prepare themselves, including drinking water.
After that, you can get some choices such as Sawyer Squeeze and Katadyn BeFree. They claim to filter bacteria, protozoa, and gunk.
10. Compact First Aid Kit
This safety-oriented gift is necessary for outdoor lovers. Seriously.
In the initial years, I had burned my fingers many times tending the fire and cut myself on whatever. So, I always carry a solid first aid kit for aches and pains from hiking and splitting wood.
Must-have items inside include first aid, burn cream, Neosporin, and bandages.
11. Headlamp or Rechargeable Flashlight
Even if your friends already have a lantern or headlamp, you can still find a way to gift a headlamp. They might get stuffed in a pocket somewhere and forgotten about.
Additionally, it offers hands-free convenience, which is particularly useful when cooking or setting up a tent in the dark.
Make sure you give them a headlamp that has a red light, better for nighttime.
Besides, you can gift them the rechargeable flashlights with three light modes. When selecting one, consider the brightness levels and battery life.
12. Camping Cookware Set
Compact pots, pans, and utensils are a perfect gift for outdoor cooking lovers.
You can handle a piece of the set or the whole set, depending on your budget. I love using a pie iron for cooking.
A cute can cooker is also an alternative.
Mony loves cast-iron skillets that make delicious meals over the campfire. The cast iron duo cooker set can be perfect for solo or 2-person meals.
It’s not super lightweight, but it can pack together well.
Based on the preference, you can choose a cooking set between titanium and stainless steel.
13. Portable Power Bank (Solar/Waterproof)
Who doesn’t carry electronic devices on the trip? A phone, at least for GPS, emergency calls, or snapping pictures.
But they can run out of battery if used consistently, and for a long trip (3 days or more), you need a backup.
In this case, a portable power bank can help charge your phone while camping and can be a lifesaver. Get a power bank with 10,000mAh or more for your device.
You can gift a solar-powered power bank so that users can charge it while hiking and use it without worrying about the decreasing battery level.
I recommend you choose a power bank with features such as waterproof and rugged outdoor designs.
14. Fire Starter Kit
Many campers would scoff, but fire starters are pretty great. If you’re not skillful at building a fire when everything is soaking wet.
It feels like a novelty, but you can also buy pocket-sized flint or fire starters that work without any kind of fuel, or even if it’s wet.
You can have many options, such as ferro rod, waterproof matches, and lighters.
This can be very special for campfire enthusiasts. The customized lighter or DIY fire starter can be the icing on the cake.
15. Portable Coffee Maker or French Press
I’m a coffee lover, and I know how relatable it is to me as a gift. I enjoy solo backpacking sizes, but I’d love to own a larger coffee maker for car camping.
A French press is a game-changer for coffee lovers in the morning at a campsite.
Instant coffee is cool and a time-saver, but the French press is the best way to make coffee.
When choosing, make sure you get coffee devices with battery-free options (Aeropress, pour-over).
Additional Camping Gift Ideas
16. Thermal Blanket or Emergency Blanket
17. Insulated Cooler Bag
18. Camping Pillow
19. Foldable Camping Table
20. Camping Journal or Logbook
21. Camping-Themed Board/Card Games
22. Rechargeable Bug Repellent Device
23. Camping Tarp or Shelter
Final Thoughts
The list of camping git ideas is endless, but you need to fix on something that adds value and remains useful to the recipient.
If they are backpacker, you can give them compact and customized gear. But RV campers have a bit more space to hold gifts, so you can give them spacious items such as a foldable chair, a campfire cooking tripod.
The easy one is for beginners as they need to buy everything. So, gifting whatever is ideal, even basic tools, is helpful for them.
Leave a Reply