Season’s greetings! The holidays will be here before you know it, so it’s time to start shopping for those you care about— including the RVers in your life. So, what’s the best gift for an RV owner or frequent traveler? Read on as we unwrap a few favorites and a few surprises.
What is RV Living?
RV living is a catch-all term that covers the lifestyle of those who are dedicated participants in the world of RVing. This includes not just the full-time RVer, but also the regular camper, new RV owners, and anyone else who enjoys taking part in the RV lifestyle.
Best Gifts for RV Living
Sure, you could always get them a gift card. But wouldn’t you rather find a fun gift that RV lovers can use? Before you embark on an epic quest to find that perfect gift for the RV campers you care about, check out our complete guide to the best.
1. Cast Iron Skillet
Whether you’re cooking over an open fire, in an RV, or the kitchen of a mansion, there’s no more reliable cooking implement than a cast iron skillet. With proper treatment, they’re naturally non-stick and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, over a fire, and just about anywhere else. They’re also famously durable, lasting generations, if taken care of.
2. Collapsible Measuring Cups
Measuring cups are an essential part of the kitchen for anyone who cooks regularly. But as anyone who’s struggled to open a kitchen drawer knows, they can be a pain in the neck to store. Collapsible measuring cups fold flat neatly when not in use, saving valuable kitchen space.
3. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is the all-in-one kitchen appliance that’s taking the world by storm– including RV owners. By combining a rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, sauté pan, and more into one moderately sized and easy-to-use device, RVers can save space and dramatically expand their culinary possibilities. In addition, there’s a whole world of Instant Pot-focused recipes, allowing you to leave the rest of the pots and pans in their place and keep meals simple, yet delicious.
Books About RV Living
The gift of knowledge is one of the best things you can give an RVer. And there are so many great books about RV life! Choices can include the basics of RV living, campground cooking, suggested routes and attractions, or even guides on how to make money while on the road. An e-reader like a Kindle may be better than any single book as one of the best gift ideas for RVers. This allows owners to transport hundreds of books, magazines, newspapers, and more, all in the palm of their hands. This is convenient in all cases, but especially an ideal gift when the small space of an RV prevents you from keeping many physical books around.
Practical Gifts for RV Owners
1. Telescopic Extension Ladder
There are plenty of situations where you’ll need a bit of extra height, whether it’s checking out something on the roof or hanging festive outdoor lights. But carrying around a typical ladder or even a stepstool can be a hassle in the tight storage space of an RV. Telescopic extension ladders expand as needed when in use and fold down to a tiny fraction of that size for storage.
2. Portable Power Station
There’s no better way to stay charged up and powered while on the go than a portable power station. But these are a lot more than just a rechargeable battery. Portable power stations provide traditional outlets in addition to USB and other charging ports. In addition, many now have inputs for solar panels to allow you to recharge your power station on the go. They’re also extremely handy during power outages or other emergencies.
3. Bungee Cord
They may not seem the most exciting, but bungee cords are one of the best practical gifts for those on the go, primarily because of their versatility. These humble items can be used to secure a variety of items, whether it’s outdoor gear stored below or even helping to keep your cabinets shut while in transit. It’s also a relatively affordable RV gift that you can rest assured will be well used.
U.S. National Parks Annual Pass
For frequent travelers who enjoy America’s public lands, one of the best gifts when it comes to value is the National Park Service Annual Pass. For just $80, the pass holder and four guests can enjoy free entry to every national park and NPS property, with a few exceptions. With entry fees ranging from a few bucks to $35 or more, it can save the RVers in your life huge amounts of money. At the same time, you’ll encourage them to get better acquainted with the hundreds of national parks, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, preserves, and other public lands that showcase America’s one-of-a-kind natural heritage.
Harvest Host Membership
After a little while on the road, even the nicest RV parks can feel a bit like more of the same. Help your fellow RVers switch things up and put an unique and affordable spin on camping with Harvest Hosts. A Harvest Host membership offers the opportunity to stay for free in your RV overnight at a mix of farms, breweries, wineries, and other attractions. Harvest Host members swap out a typical campground for gorgeous natural scenery, delicious on-site food and drink, and a chance to get to know these small businesses and their owners. RVers will need to be able to dry camp (or boondock) and generally can only stay for a single night at a time. Still, at just $99 per year, it’s an exceptional value for both the financial savings and the ability to check out some campsites unlike any others.
Fun RV Life Décor
There’s a ton of cute, affordable decor out there for the RV enthusiast. Sites like Etsy, Amazon, and others are packed with cute posters, throw blankets, pillows, and other items to spruce up any space. Some of the best options for RVers include scratch-off or sticker posters that can track their progress as they explore new states, national parks, or other attractions.
Sporting Gifts
1. Inflatable Kayak
Kayaks are one of the best ways to combine exercise and sightseeing. Unfortunately, they’re also quite big and bulky, which doesn’t usually go well for RVers. Fortunately, inflatable kayaks shrink to just a tiny footprint while traveling and then easily expand when you’re ready to hit the water. They can also be among the more affordable kayak options.
2. Cornhole Set
Cornhole is one of the most popular games you’ll see when out on an RV or camping trip, and it’s easy to see why. The game, is simple to learn, easy to play, and a great social game for all kinds of travelers. The gear is also relatively compact and easy to store, especially with collapsible sets designed for those on the go.
3. AllTrails Pro Subscription
This is an excellent gift for RVers who like to hit the trail, whether they’re hiking, running, mountain biking, or just looking for great views. AllTrails allows users to sort trails by use, distance, difficulty, and many more factors. It’s a simple way to avoid hours of research and just get out there and enjoy nearby nature!
Technology Gadgets
1. Solar Panel Kit
A solar panel kit is another perfect gift idea for the tech-savvy RVer. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels create usable electricity that can charge RV batteries and run critical systems. Even a single panel can help them start on the quest for a fully off-grid power supply, courtesy of solar power.
2. Cell Phone/Wifi Signal Booster
Staying connected while on the go is crucial, but some RV parks and campgrounds don’t have the best cell or Wi-Fi service. Cell phone signal boosters can be installed on your RV or travel trailer, providing you with a much more powerful way to make sure those calls and texts get out. Meantime, Wi-Fi boosters can take that faint, distant signal from the campground office or other location and make it usable for campers, even all the way across the RV park.
3. Noise-Canceling Headphones
RV life often means being right next to your fellow travelers just about all the time when you’re around the campground. Sometimes, you just need a little quiet time. Noise-canceling headphones are an excellent way to get a little peace or enjoy your favorite music or other media without interruption.
Shopping for Yourself? Upgrade Your Rig with AM Solar
Don’t forget about one of the most important people in your life this holiday season– yourself! One of the best things you can treat yourself to is an upgrade to your RV with some new gear from AM Solar. Some may simply want to upgrade their batteries to new models that can dramatically increase capacity and lifespan. Others may finally take the plunge and invest in a full solar power system to improve their boondocking capabilities and help the environment. In between, there’s a whole world of battery accessories, monitoring equipment, cables, and more. Plus, AM Solar can also help install your new gear, which can be an awesome gift on its own for the less tech-savvy among us. Contact us for a quote today! No matter what improvements you’re looking to make to your RV’s electrical system, AM Solar has you covered with the best gift you’ll get your rig this year. It’s the season of giving, so give yourself a present from AM Solar!
