When it comes to the holidays or our birthdays, we get the standard, ‘we don’t know what to get you for Christmas’. Seriously? It’s not that hard these days with the plethora of blogs and sites that give great ideas. But since you’re already reading this, I’ll save you the trouble.

While we don’t need weed whackers, lawn mowers, winter parkas, pieces of furniture, or useless ugly sweaters. we still endeavor to see fancy decorated presents under our tree or open packages that have been sent to us.

So many think just tucking gift cards in envelopes and calling it a day is the answer. While nice, talking with several other nomads like ourselves, sometimes gift cards can become generic. It was resounding collection of opinions but they call came down to one thing. We all like to open presents with pretty paper with a fancy bow on top.

GALLEY/KITCHEN SUPPLIES

Portable Electric Ice Maker Machine

If they don’t have a residential refrigerator with a built in ice maker, this are a must-have!

Instant Pot

They are faster cooking, easier to clean up after and can be left cooking while we are out hiking, shopping and sightseeing.

Collapsible Kitchen Bowls, Colander, and Measuring Cups – they store beautifully and won’t break while in transit.

ELECTRONICS

SD Memory Cards (mini and macro)

For all of our electronics such as phones, computers, notepads, etc.!

Portable USB battery banks

These are great for power outages or when we’re on the road or day trips.

Solar Battery Charger

Like above however, these don’t need to be plugged in to charge. It only needs the sun!

Electronic Picture Frame

Since we are minimalists, we can’t have a thousand picture frames in our RV’s however, we love to show off our families and friends.  Make sure you include an SD card…with a few of your own photos loaded on it!  Good quality is a plus!

Automobile Dash Camera

We pray we won’t ever get into an accident but if or when we do, we need proof for court and our insurance.

OUTDOOR GEAR & CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Hiking Gear

Some of us hike or trek.  Ideas are hand compass, small handheld GPS, trekking poles, backpack(s), multi-use tool, waterproof topography maps, water bottle or stainless water bottles, flashlight(s), first aid kit, personal water filter kit, energy bars, etc.

Binoculars

You can’t believe the many uses these offer.  Not only for spotting cool looking birds out our back window but also, in the passenger side of our truck.  While transiting, the passenger can look through them to see traffic up ahead, exit signs, fuel stations, wildlife, etc.

LED Lantern and/or Flashlights

We love to walk everywhere and sometimes it’s really dark outside!   Get one…two…or five…all different sizes too!  Seriously, we can never have too many.  We have about five; one in the truck, two in the RV, underneath storage compartment, and backpack.

Outland Propane Fire Pit

These are amazing because most RV parks and Resorts no longer allow wood burning fires.  As well, firewood is expensive and not easy to acquire.  Add in a couple of those small green propane canisters you can find in the camping section of stores.

 

Tabletop Portable Grill

Blackstone

Every RVer needs a grill!

Small Hand-Carry Soft Cooler

Fill this sucker up with a couple of can and bottle koozies, bottle/can opener, wine bottle opener, ice packs, vinyl tablecloth, wet wipes, etc.  A ’12-pack’ size is great for a day trip out.  Also, a nice thing to have when we go grocery shopping to put our raw meats in to keep them from spoiling on the way home on hot days.  We have one and its worth a
million dollars to us!

OFFICE SUPPLIES

Books of Post Card and First Class Stamps

Some of us still like to ‘write home’. Add in a nice pen and pencil set and some all-occasion box of greeting cards too!  We still send birthday, get well, sympathy, and congrats cards.

Small Computer Printer

This one is what we have! We still need to print things like insurance cards, shipping labels, documents to sign, etc.  Pair it with an extra BLACK or COLOR print cartridge  and small ream of paper.  Don’t forget to buy a printer cable too.

TRAVEL

Plane Ticket(s)

Most times, we are going to be far from family. Help us to come visit you.  It also gives us ‘a vacation from our vacation’.  (again, humor us!) Pack them inside a small carry-on bag with some destination maps to make it fun!

 

Motor Carriers Trucker’s Atlas

We mentioned this in our 7 Road Trip Books and Travel Guides for the United States. These are a must, even if we have a GPS.  We travel the same roads as truckers so this is a no-brainer gift.

MEMBERSHIPS & PASSES

RV & Travel Club Memberships – always check with your RVing family member or friend to see which ones they have or may be expiring.  Even if you don’t buy one, perhaps put cash in an envelope and say ‘this is for your Escapees renewal’.  It’s a thoughtful and practical gesture.

Check out these:

• CoachNet
• Escapees
• Harvest Hosts
• Good Sam
• Passport America, AAA, etc.

GIFT CARDS

Restaurant Gift Cards – like we mentioned, national chain restaurants are awesome, but please not McDonald’s or Burger King.  Try for something healthier because we admit, we get caught up in eating local foods and most times, they are not exactly the healthiest.

Gas Gift Cards – we ALWAYS need fuel! But please, make certain the fuel stations you pick have diesel in most places.  That’s what most full-time
RVers use for diesel trucks and motorhomes.

Home Depot, Lowes, BedBath & Beyond Gift Cards – we always are fixing something. We may need a certain tool or supplies.  They also sell holiday decorations, grills and grill parts, outdoor furniture, patio rugs, plants,
cabinet knobs, cleaning supplies, etc.SO much better than Walmart (humor us!)  We also like to change out our towels and bedding.  Great for cooking tools too!

1. ASK what they would like. You might get them something they already have or tried and it didn’t work for them or their RV lifestyle.
2. Always include the receipt. Ask the retailer if your gift can be returned at a different location as we travel around.
3. Ask if gift cards have expiration dates.  Perhaps your RVer won’t be at that RV resort, or city until a year from now.
4. If you get anything personalized, make certain you get the names and hometowns/state correct spelling (for signs, banners, flags…).

So, if you’re reading this, whether you’re an RVer or a family/friend of an RV’er, we hope this helps.  Sometimes asking what they/we would like gets you the standard “I don’t care” or “whatever you’d like” but really, it’s about what the RVer in your life would like.  Holiday gift giving should be FUN…for both of you!