Gifts for Vanlifers You Can’t Miss

Do you know someone who could use the perfect accessory to accommodate their van life? Look no further! Below you will find items that are the best gifts for vanlifers. With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no time to waste! 

What is Van Life? 

Van life, or van-dwelling, is a lifestyle where people live in a van, car, or other motor vehicle full-time. This lifestyle offers freedom, simplicity, and adventure. However, downsizing is essential when it comes to customizing the vehicle to fit their needs. Everything needs to be easily stored and have a specific purpose to have a spot on the van. Keep reading to discover what some of those items are and why they would make the perfect gift!

What Are Some Essential Gifts for Vanlifers?

For the person who lives a downsized, simple life and doesn’t have a lot of storage space, finding a gift can be hard. Practical, multi-functional, and small items are sure to provide your vanlifer with exactly what they need on the road. From safety gear to water purification tablets to fun games, this gift guide has it all. Check out the best gifts for vanlifers below!

1. Dometic GO Camp Table – This table is the definition of versatile; it folds in half, making it easy to store, and is durable enough for extended periods of time outside. Also, the leg height is adjustable, transitioning from a cooking station to a child’s play table. 
2. MoonShade Awning – Fitting on nearly any vehicle, this awning is perfect for the vanlifer who doesn’t already have one. It also does well in windy conditions and is compact in size. 
3. Trelino Composting Toilet – More compact than traditional composting toilets, the Trelino Composting Toilet is a hit among vanlifers. This toilet also doesn’t require any outdoor venting or power source. 
4. Scrubba Wash Bag – Washing clothes can be difficult when living in a van. This device allows you to wash a few items of clothing without having a machine. Simply fill the bag with warm water and soap, then scrub your clothes on the washboard nodules. 

1. Table Top Ping Pong Set – When staying in an area with picnic tables, this is the perfect game to make new friends. It is easily stored and a great source of entertainment. 
2. ARB Air Compressor – If your van lifer doesn’t already have one, an air compressor is an essential piece of safety gear when on the road. This portable compressor comes in a tool box making it easily transportable. 
3. My Medic First Aid Kit – This kit is compact enough to be easily stored anywhere in a van, but also has all the essentials you need in case of an emergency. For van lifers who like to get out and explore on their trips, this is the perfect gift. 
4. Aquatabs 49 mg Tablets – These water purification tablets are perfect for any kind of adventure. Just one tablet can treat up to .5 gallons of water in 30 minutes. Your vanlifer will be worry-free, hydrated, and protected against bacteria and viruses. 

1. Puribag – This is the perfect on-the-go water purification system. The Puribag is a 10 liter system that takes only 30 minutes to clean unsafe drinking water on any adventure. This product is WHO tested and certified and protects against bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and even heavy metals. 
2. Mr. Buddy Heater – For the vanlifer who might not already have one of these, this indoor heater would make a great gift. It is made for small spaces and has an auto shut off if it is knocked over, the pilot light goes out, or if it detects low oxygen levels. (Tip: buy a carbon monoxide detector with this gift just to be on the safe side!)

1. REI Shower Roll – Sometimes, showering for van lifers is a luxury, but dragging all of their toiletries around is not. This shower roll is an easy way to keep all their shower necessities in one place. It hangs out to make everything accessible, but then rolls up again to take up less space.
2. Coleman Fold-N-Go Stove – If your vanlifer doesn’t have a built-in stove, this gift is a great addition for them to enjoy meals on the road. Folding in half for storage makes it a great space saver and offers a full-size, two-burner cooking surface. 
3. National Parks Pass – Outdoor hiking and exploring sound like something your vanlifer enjoys? Getting a US National Parks Pass is the perfect gift! They give you access to all sites managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation for a whole year. 
4. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera – Is your vanlifer looking to spruce up their interior? Polaroids are a great addition to any van and capture all of their amazing adventures! 
5. Osmo Combo Pack – On-the-go preparedness has never been easier than with the Osmo Seal & WaterDrop Combo Pack. Forward osmosis technology allows filtration of both fresh and salt water through these packs, turning them into flavored sports drinks. 

Make Their Holiday Special

Treat your vanlifer this holiday season by getting them one of the many exciting items on the list above! They will appreciate the practicality and the thoughtfulness behind getting them a gift targeted towards something they love. As a reminder, go for compactness and simplicity when looking at getting the best gifts for vanlifers. Adventure awaits! 

Britt Smith

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