Yahoo Finance 40 Unique Gift Ideas for Campers That They'll Actually Use
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40 Unique Gift Ideas for Campers That They'll Actually Use
Soaking up scenic vistas, cuddling up inside a cozy tent, roasting gooey marshmallows on an open fire — there's a lot of reasons to love camping in the great outdoors. But if you're looking for the perfect gift to give your favorite outdoor adventurer and you're not an avid camper yourself, you may be wondering where to start.
If you're shopping for someone who is a serious hiker or backpacker, it's likely they already have all of the basic gear they need — including tents, sleeping bags and hiking shoes — so they'll most likely appreciate a unique camping gadget, like a portable mosquito repeller, or a thoughtful accessory that reminds them of their time spent outdoors, like a funny pair of camping-themed socks. On the other hand, if you're celebrating someone who's new to camping or RVing, they'll probably be in the market for some of the most popular, top-rated camping gear. But no matter what their level of camping experience or what type of camping activity they prefer, from casual day hikes to something a little more off the grid, this list of camping gifts has something for everyone.
With most gift picks under $50, including camping gear tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute, you can surprise and delight your friends and family with a present that's creative, useful and perfect for a night or two spend under the stars. From inexpensive stocking stuffers to practical, lightweight accessories to long-lasting gear that will stand the test of time, read on to shop the best gift ideas for outdoorsy moms and dads, the newlywed couple that loves to take backpacking trips, the kid who's heading to sleepaway camp for the first time and everyone else on your list.
Amazon/Etsy - 2/41
Luminoodle
Power Practical
amazon.com
$21.99
Once it's charged via USB, this dimmable LED rope light — which comes in 5-foot and 10-foot lengths — can be strung up on tents, trees or RVs to shine some mood lighting on their camp site. The rip-stop bag can also act as a portable lantern if they decide to keep the ropes packed up inside of it.
amazon.com - 3/41
Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock
WEKAPO
amazon.com
$39.98
Wave this inflatable lounge couch through the air a few times to fill it up, and voila — an instant cozy spot to hang out. Pick from 16 colors for a gift your outdoorsy friends will love.
wekapo - 4/41
Ultralight Backpack Cooler Chair
One Savvy Girl
amazon.com
$52.00
This waterproof folding stool that's also a cooler is like two presents in one! Campers and tailgaters alike will love that it weighs just three pounds, and easily opens up into a place to perch when they need a rest. Plus it has handy exterior pockets for a water bottle and a wallet.
One Savvy Girl - 5/41
Camping Gift Box Subscription
Nomadik
thenomadik.com
$54.00
A unique subscription box gift for campers, Nomadik sends them a handful of top-rated camping gear items on a monthly (from $33/month) or quarterly basis ($150/quarter). Pick from one of three welcome box themes (Campfire Revelry, Light the Night or Hammock); then they can fill out a gear quiz so that future boxes will be tailored to their interests and the season.
Nomadik - 6/41
Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping
Therm-a-Rest
amazon.com
$48.50
Easy to pack for trips near and far, this convenient foam pillow squishes down to just one eighth of its 14" x 18" size. With almost 10K five-star reviews on Amazon, shoppers can't stop raving about comfortable these pillows are. "My husband kept telling me we needed to get these for our camping trip," wrote one reviewer. "I have NEVER ... I mean NEVERRR slept as good as I did during that trip with this pillow. "
Therm-a-Rest - 7/41
13-in-1 Outdoor Emergency SOS Survive Tool
TRSCIND
amazon.com
$26.99
This small kit is actually pretty mighty. It includes a compass, wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, knife, flashlight, whistle and more. If they're new to camping, this is a great pick to get them started with the essentials.
amazon.com - 8/41
Portable Outdoor Shower
Ivation
amazon.com
$34.99
If she loves to camp but can't give up her twice-a-day showering habit, this rechargable handheld shower will be a godsend. To use, just place the pump in a bucket of water — the brand claims a 2.5 gallon bucket can deliver an eight-minute shower, and it can be easily recharged with a 12V USB car adaptor.
amazon.com - 9/41
Marshmallow Roasting Sticks Kit
Arres
amazon.com
$12.57
So they're out with the kids, and there are no good sticks to be found at their perfectly-manicured campsite. What to do? Good thing you gifted them these colorful, telescoping marshmallow roasting sticks to save the day. They're also good for roasting other stuff, like brats and hot dogs, too.
amazon.com - 10/41
Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set
GSI Outdoors
amazon.com
$159.95
This compact cooking kit tops the list of the GH Institute's best camping cookware sets — it includes a frying pan, pots, plates, mugs and bowls, and everything packs away nicely in small containers.
GSI Outdoors - 11/41
I'd Rather Be Camping Socks
Lavley
amazon.com
$10.95
With over 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, folks say these socks make a great gift and are super cute. "My daughter got a kick out of these and happily added them to her pack for her upcoming camping trip," according to one reviewer.
amazon.com - 12/41
18-in-1 Credit Card Sized Multitool
Wallet Ninja
amazon.com
$9.99
It will fit in their wallet, it's durable (made from heat-treated steel) and it serves 18 functions (ruler, can opener, Phillips and flathead screwdriver ... you get the gist) — sounds like a home-run gift to us.
Wallet Ninja - 13/41
Portable Campfire
Radiate
uncommongoods.com
$28.00
Come again? A portable campfire? It's true — a recycled soy wax campfire in a tin exists, and it'll burn for three or more hours. It's also easy to relight for multiple uses.
uncommongoods.com - 14/41
Outdoor Magic Headband (6 Pack)
Toes Home
amazon.com
$13.90
Tame flyaways with a soft headband that keeps hair — and, er, sweat — out of their face while they're climbing, jogging, hiking or biking.
Toes Home - 15/41
Hiking Daypack
4Monster
amazon.com
$18.99
They probably already have a serious hiking travel backpack for overnight trips, but what about a smaller option for day trips? Weighing in at less than half a pound, 4Monster's water-resistant daypack conveniently stuffs into a small drawstring pouch for easy storage. It can easily fit snacks, water and other day-hike essentials.
4Monster - 16/41
Happy Campers Campfire Mug
RiversideBridal77
etsy.com
$16.96
Gift this sweet personalized mug to the glamping enthusiast in your life (look, it even has a cute little camper!).
RiversideBridal77 on Etsy - 17/41
MR300 Portable Mosquito Repeller
Thermacell
amazon.com
$23.53
No cords, batteries or DEET necessary: Thermacell claims this handheld repeller keeps mosquitoes away in a 15-foot zone for up to 12 hours of protection.
amazon.com - 18/41
"Take a Hike" Printed Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Mage Ella
amazon.com
$17.99
Who doesn't need another cute graphic tee? Soft cotton-blend fabric, a beautiful design and a cheeky saying make this the perfect gift for hikers.
Mage Ella - 19/41
Portable Wash Bag
Scrubba
amazon.com
$54.95
This one's great for world travelers and campers alike. The nifty Scrubba bag allows you to wash small-to-medium loads without a sink or laundry machine, and it folds up nicely when not in use.
Scrubba - 20/41
Personal Water Filter (Set of 2)
LifeStraw
amazon.com
$30.49
There's a reason this unique product has more than 80,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. This alternative to iodine tablets means you can filter up to 1,000 liters of water without chemicals.
amazon.com - 21/41
Ignite Plus 2-Burner Camp Stove
Eureka
rei.com
$154.95
This portable stove was rated the top pick the GH Institute's list of the best camping stoves. It has a wide 23-inch cooking area that can accommodate larger pots and pans for greater food output. Our Kitchen Appliance Lab experts love that the grates aren't quite as wide as some other models, meaning it can accommodate smaller pans, too.
rei.com - 22/41
Waterproof Fabric Wireless Speaker
iLive
amazon.com
$15.99
Since headphones aren't ideal when camping, gift them this top-rated Bluetooth wireless speaker so they can play all their tunes. The detachable carabiner allows them to clip it anywhere.
amazon.com - 23/41
The Field Guide: Eating Outdoors
Country Living
countryliving.com
$24.95
Country Living editors share everything you need to cook up and plan an amazing outdoor adventure. This full-color, beautifully crafted keepsake includes 100+ recipes and ideas for camping, picnics, porch parties and more.
countryliving.com - 24/41
Coffee and Espresso Maker
Aeropress
amazon.com
$39.95
This nifty camping coffee-maker is an excellent replacement for larger French presses, thanks to its easy-to-use, lightweight design (and tiny stature, making it easy to stash away).
Aeropress - 25/41
Solar Charger
Anker
amazon.com
$79.99
They can hang this solar phone charger outside their camper van on their next trip and charge their phone or battery pack as they unwind in the great outdoors. The panels unfold to span nearly 40 inches to capture loads of sunshine — the GH Institute loves the the compact, flexible nature of the solar panel because it's ideal for charging up to three phones or tablets at a time.
amazon.com - 26/41
Camping Mode Sweatshirt
NunusStudio
etsy.com
$19.20
This sweet sweatshirt says it all: Camping lets you kick back and relax. Choose from 17 color options and cozy up by that fire pit, stat!
Nunus Studio - 27/41
Waterproof Clear Playing Cards
Hoyle
amazon.com
$6.97
There's no bigger bummer than accidentally spilling your drink all over your playing cards while you're in the middle of the woods, so help them prevent game time tragedies with this waterproof, hand-washable set printed on clear plastic card stock.
amazon.com - 28/41
LED Head Lamp Flashlight S500 (2 Pack)
GearLight
amazon.com
$19.77
For hands-free light as you wander at dusk, this lightweight GearLight LED headlamp is a must-have. With over 28K five-star reviews on Amazon, shoppers say this adjustable, single-strap lamp is "very bright" and features a "comfortable" and "super strong" strap. It also features a red-light mode (better for night vision) and tilts down 45° for added visibility.
GearLight - 29/41
Jungle Explorer Double Camping Hammock
Easthills Outdoors
amazon.com
$52.99
For a fun alternative to tent camping, gift this deluxe sleeping hammock that comes complete with a rain fly and bug net. Named one of the best hammocks of 2022 by the product testers at the Good Housekeeping Institute, it weighs just four pounds but can hold up to 700 pounds. It even features handy pockets to hold all their important belongings (aka their phones).
amazon.com - 30/41
Classic Vacuum Bottle
Stanley
walmart.com
$24.97
Want to keep your coffee piping hot? That's no problem if you have one of these stainless steel bottles. They even come with a large lid that screws off and doubles as a cup.
walmart.com - 31/41
'Where Should We Camp Next?' Book
Sourcebooks
amazon.com
$9.89
This book is filled with the best places to take family-friendly trips across the U.S., from national parks to RV resorts to camp sites.
Thanks to this guidebook, they'll always be able to find something great to do no matter where they are in the country.Hearst Owned - 32/41
Camping Chair
CLIQ
amazon.com
$78.40
Clocking in at just 3.5 pounds, this no-tip camping chair supports up to 300 pounds, yet folds up to the size of a drinking bottle. "[This chair] allows me to lean back so comfortably and without fear of falling back — its balance is impeccable even in uneven camp ground terrains," writes one Amazon reviewer.
amazon.com - 33/41
Extra Large Picnic & Outdoor Blanket
Scuddles
amazon.com
$26.99
Make any picnic more comfortable with a chic blanket that folds easily for on-the-go fun (it also has waterproof backing so you won't be bothered by wet ground). It has thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, and it's easy to wash too.
amazon.com - 34/41
Leschi LED Lantern
UCO
amazon.com
$12.99
This tiny LED lantern has a strap that makes it easy to loop onto the interior ceiling of their tent, providing plenty of light once the sun sets. It's also easy to pop in a pocket for late-in-the-day hikes!
amazon.com - 35/41
Fire Starter Kit
WEYLAND
amazon.com
$34.95
He'll always be ready to light a fire with this practical kit that includes everything from waterproof camp fire sticks to a hemp wick reusable match packed inside a lightweight nylon bag. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, reviewers say the kit "works great in the rain and wind" and is "small enough to carry everywhere."
amazon.com - 36/41
Microfiber Fast Drying Towels (2 Pack)
EPAuto
amazon.com
$12.97
Whether you're backpacking or camping, every inch of space in your pack counts. These lightweight microfiber towels fold up into a teeny tiny pouch, making them easy to bring on adventures.
amazon.com - 37/41
Editable Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables
DesignMyPartyStudio
etsy.com
$4.37
Thanks to this cute printable, kids can explore nature and check off the cool things they find along the way. Sibling challenge, anyone?
Design My Party Studio - 38/41
Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler
YETI
amazon.com
$325.00
This sturdy, soft-sided cooler made its way on the GH Institute's list of the best coolers of 2022 and for good reason — you can toss your adventure gear into this bag and you'll be ready for anything in no time. Its especially roomy — in our tests, we fit up to 26 cans inside with no ice, and designed to last. If you think they'd prefer a hard-sided cooler, check out the perfectly-sized Roadie 24 Hard Cooler that conveniently fits behind the passenger's seat of any car.
amazon.com - 39/41
Rambler Stackable Mug
YETI
amazon.com
$42.99
Rated one of the top travel mugs by the GH Institute, Yeti's stylish, stackable 10 oz. mug comes in tons of colors (just look at that purple shade!) and keeps your coffee piping hot until you're ready for that first soul-warming sip.
amazon.com - 40/41
Whisper Sandals
KEEN
rei.com
$119.95
Sure, she may already have a pair of hiking boots, but these waterproof walking sandals are just as important to pack if river exploring or water activities are on the agenda. The experts in the GH Institute like that rubber sole on these sandals extends upward to keep toes secure and protected, which is a must for hiking sandals. Plus, they're easy to slip on and off, and machine washable to boot.
Keen - 41/41
Hike/Trek Full Cushion Boot Socks
Darn Tough
amazon.com
$27.95
Sure, socks are kind of a basic gift — but trust us when we say these are the best hiking socks you can buy. It's no surprise that Darn Tough socks have a cult following: The comfy wool material keeps blisters at bay and wicks away moisture while also keeping toes warm in colder temps, plus the company's lifetime guarantee means they can ship any worn-out pair back to them for a new one at no extra cost.
amazon.com
![<p><strong>CLIQ</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$78.40</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6MR1R5?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.29499968%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Clocking in at just 3.5 pounds, this no-tip camping chair supports up to 300 pounds, yet folds up to the size of a drinking bottle. "[This chair] allows me to lean back so comfortably and without fear of falling back — its balance is impeccable even in uneven camp ground terrains," writes one Amazon reviewer.</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lq2dPIa1HezsMDWnhgPnqg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTk2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/good_housekeeping_561/1036464675a5489135ae9a9f8409ca1c)
![<p><strong>CLIQ</strong></p><p>amazon.com</p><p><strong>$78.40</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V6MR1R5?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.g.29499968%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Clocking in at just 3.5 pounds, this no-tip camping chair supports up to 300 pounds, yet folds up to the size of a drinking bottle. "[This chair] allows me to lean back so comfortably and without fear of falling back — its balance is impeccable even in uneven camp ground terrains," writes one Amazon reviewer.</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iLxtDzx_1V9bkU3hiEAiXw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTEzMQ--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/good_housekeeping_561/1036464675a5489135ae9a9f8409ca1c)
