If you’ve got a mate, Mum, Dad, or other loved one who’s always itching to hit the road in their van or pitch a tent in the bush, you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, or “just because”, we’ve rounded up some unique camping gifts that’ll make your camping and van-loving friends and family grin with joy. Let’s dive in and explore 6 useful gifts for caravan owners and the outdoor lovers in your life.

1. The Ultimate Camping Cookbook

We all know camp or van cooking is an art form, and nothing beats a feed under the stars. So, why not surprise your travelling chef with a cookbook filled with simple yet delicious recipes that are easy to make in a compact kitchen or in the great outdoors? It pays to choose a recipe book that focuses on BBQ classics or one-pot meals for ease on the road. One excellent option is Barbecue This! by Luke Hines, a Gold Coast local and My Kitchen Rules finalist. When you’re looking for useful gifts for caravan owners, there’s nothing quite as needed as plenty of good recipes to keep hunger at bay while exploring our great Southern land!

2. A Clever BBQ Arm

When it comes to smart gifts for caravanners who love travelling with their Weber Q or other portable BBQ, you can’t go past the locally designed and made BBQARM. The original swing arm BBQ table mounts easily to your van’s drawbar or rear bar. Created by a Gold Coast couple who love camping and van life, this ingenious design is a space-saving innovation that creates a sturdy place to sit a BBQ so it’s out of the way when not in use.

The arm is lightweight and portable yet has a solid, simple design made from Australian steel. You only need to buy one once, and it can attach to any caravan. The BBQARM is a great example of luxury caravan gifts that are truly made to last. Your BBQ-loving friends and family will surely appreciate the gift so much that they’ll invite you over for snags or steaks ASAP!

3. A Top-Notch Esky

A reliable esky is one of the main camping gifts every camper and caravan owner needs to keep their beers cold and prawns fresh. Invest in a high-quality cooler that’ll keep ice frozen for days, even in the scorching Queensland sun. Be sure to opt for one with wheels for easy transport from car to campsite or beach. Your mate will be thanking you when they’re sipping on an icy cold beverage in the middle of nowhere! Check out Camping Plus (with a Gold Coast storefront and an online shop) for many excellent ice box choices.

4. Sun Shelters for Shade on the Go

Let’s face it, the Aussie sun can be brutal, especially when you’re out camping or caravanning. A portable sun shelter can be a real lifesaver for any outdoor-loving mate or family member and stop them from turning into a lobster. These nifty gadgets should be on any caravan owner’s checklist of essentials as they provide instant shade, whether they’re set up at the beach, in the bush, or next to a caravan.

Look for a shelter that’s easy to put up and pack down – nobody wants to wrestle with poles when they could be relaxing instead! The Fiesta Sun Shelter, which is easy to buy at Camping Plus on the Gold Coast, just requires being laid out, its sandbags filled, the fabric stretched out, and poles slid up underneath.

5. A Comfortable Hammock

For the ultimate in camping relaxation, you can’t go past a hammock. Easy to set up between trees or on a caravan awning, a hammock is perfect for afternoon naps, reading, or just swaying in the breeze. Opt for a lightweight, packable version that won’t take up too much space in the camping kit.

A fantastic example is the Alton Goods Ultralight Hammock from Outerbound. Alternatively, if you’re looking for personalised camping gifts, you could buy an option online that comes with the addition of the gift recipient’s initials or name.

6. A Portable Grill and Firepit

In areas where open fires aren’t allowed, a portable grill and firepit can save the day. These nifty devices can run on wood, charcoal, or propane and provide all the warmth and atmosphere of a traditional campfire without the hassle or risk of bushfires. Plus, you can cook on many of them, too, thanks to built-in or additional grills.

With the right portable firepit, such as the Biolite FirePit+ Wood & Charcoal Burning Fire Pit from Gold Coast business Wild Earth, your loved one can enjoy toasting marshmallows, cooking meals, and sharing stories around the ‘fire’, no matter their location.

Smart Caravan Gifts = Happy Loved Ones

There you have it – a list of fun and quirky caravan gifts and camping pressies that’ll make any caravan enthusiast or camping lover happy. Whether your loved one’s idea of camping is a luxurious caravan park with all the bells and whistles, or they prefer to rough it in the bush, there’s something here for every outdoor adventurer.

Remember, though, that the best gift you can give is your company on an upcoming trip. So why not throw in a promise to join your loved one on their next outdoor escapade? Or, you could even purchase your own caravan or renovate your current one and get back out on the road yourself. After all, nothing quite beats sharing a cold one around the campfire with good mates or close family members, surrounded by the beauty of the Aussie wilderness.

Need some help with buying, renovating or servicing a caravan? You can contact us for more information or book a free onsite quote today.