Let’s be honest – most “camping gifts” end up buried in the garage or ditched at the bottom of a kit bag. I’ve been the giver and receiver of those forgettable gadgets (looking at you, inflatable pillow that deflated by midnight). But the right camping gift? That’s gold.
Good camping gifts can make (or break) a trip. Get it right and you’re not just giving something to stash in a rucksack – you’re handing over comfort, cleverness, and a bit less hassle in the wild. Let’s make sure your gift is the one they remember when they’re swapping stories round the fire.
1. Packable Camp Pillow
Let’s kick things off with one of the most underrated bits of kit – a proper pillow. So many campers think a rolled-up hoodie will do the job. It won’t. I learnt the hard way on a damp night in the Brecon Beacons, trying to sleep on a bunched-up fleece.
A lightweight, packable pillow is a game-changer. It doesn’t take up much room and gives proper head support after a long day outdoors. It’s not a luxury – it’s smart comfort.
2. Portable Camp Lights
Of course, sleep is only part of the experience. You’ve still got to see what you’re doing once the sun goes down. That’s where a reliable camp light comes in. Forget those cheap torches that flicker at the worst moment – what your camper friend really needs is something like the Mergerled Camping Lantern.
This compact lantern punches well above its weight. It’s USB rechargeable (no extra batteries), throws out a bright white light. It’s got a hefty 10400mAh battery, and even works as a power bank to charge your phone. At just 280g, it’s easy to carry and way more reliable than a bargain torch from the garage. Whether it’s cooking, playing cards, or midnight trips to the loo, it’ll light the way with ease.
3. Insulated Camp Mug
Good lighting sorted? Great – now picture a chilly morning, mist hanging low over the field. You know what hits the spot? A steaming mug of tea that stays hot. That’s why an insulated camp mug is another gift that’ll be used every trip.
Go for a double-walled stainless steel one with a solid lid. It’ll keep drinks warm, resist dents, and survive a drop on the rocks. A small thing, yes, but one that makes cold mornings much nicer.
4. Car Camping Fan
Now, we’ve talked about staying warm, but what about staying cool? If your camper friend heads out in summer, a tent can feel like an oven. A USB-powered camping fan is a lifesaver when the air gets still and sticky. I’ve had nights where the fan was the only reason I could sleep. They’re small, quiet, and clip easily onto tent poles. One of those gifts people didn’t know they needed… until they did.
5. Heated Bodywarmer
Still, for most UK campers, cold is more of a problem than heat. That’s why the ProSmart USB-Heated Bodywarmer makes such a brilliant gift. It slips right over your clothes and gently warms you up using a battery-powered heating panel. Perfect for sitting around the fire or early morning walks to the toilet block. It’s available in both men’s and women’s versions, and yes, it actually looks good, not bulky or clunky.
6. Rugged Power Bank
A fan or a mug isn’t the only thing your camper buddy will appreciate – power is a big deal when you’re off-grid. A rugged, waterproof power bank is one of the most useful things you can gift.
Whether it’s keeping phones charged for maps, torches topped up for night use, or speakers going for campsite tunes, a solid power bank means they’re never caught out. Look for one that’s tough enough to survive knocks and damp grass, with a decent capacity to get through a weekend.
7. Campervan Cooler Bag
If your camper friend loves beach picnics or cold drinks by the fire, a cooler bag is a winner. The VW Campervan Cooler Bag is a great pick. It holds up to 27 litres, has a foil-lined interior to keep things chilled, and folds down when not in use – handy when space is tight. At just 400g, it’s light enough to sling over a shoulder for day trips or campsite BBQs. Plus, the retro campervan design gets smiles wherever it goes.
8. Cornhole Table Set
Let’s be honest – camping isn’t just about hiking and tents. It’s also about fun. A cornhole set is brilliant for campsite games, especially on drizzly afternoons or lazy evenings. We once turned a quiet corner of a Lake District site into a mini tournament – it broke the ice and got everyone involved.
These sets pack easily, and they’re tough enough to take the odd beer spill or muddy toss. A feel-good gift, especially for families or groups.
9. Camp Dutch Oven
Now, if your camper loves food, here’s where things get tasty. A camp Dutch oven changes everything. Forget sachet noodles – this thing lets you cook proper meals over a fire. I’ve made everything from chilli to fresh bread in mine. Yes, cast iron is heavy, but the durability and cooking quality are worth it. For car campers or vanlifers who love good grub, this one’s a keeper.
10. Foldable Camp Chairs
No one wants to spend a weekend crouched on a rock. A solid foldable camp chair brings real comfort to the outdoors. We recommend the UMI Camping Lounger. It’s got a reclining backrest and a built-in headrest – ideal for long chats by the fire, reading a book, or simply watching the clouds drift by. It folds down nicely and doesn’t wobble, even on bumpy grass. A practical gift that gets used trip after trip.
11. Gear Organiser
Another one that seems small but makes a big difference: a gear organiser. I’ve wasted too many minutes rummaging for a lighter, only to find it buried under pans and wet socks. A modular organiser with clear pockets or colour-coded zips keeps things sorted and quick to grab, even in the rain. Hang it in the van or tent and thank yourself later.
12. Reliable Sleeping Bag
And finally in this set, let’s talk sleep. A sleeping bag is one of the most personal bits of kit, and one of the easiest to get wrong. I once froze in what was labelled a “3-season” bag during a June trip in Snowdonia. Never again.
A good bag with real temperature ratings, quality insulation, and a compact stuff sack makes a huge difference. Whether it’s synthetic or hydrophobic down, make sure it’s warm, light, and trusted.
13. All-in-One Camp Kitchen Set
You know what kills camp dinners fast? Realising halfway through that you forgot the spoon – or the pan. That’s why an all-in-one kitchen set makes such a smart gift. It packs everything into one neat bundle: pot, pan, utensils, and even plates sometimes. I always go for steel or aluminium – they last longer and don’t melt if they get too close to the flame.
A great pick is the Odoland Camping Cookware Kit. It includes a stove, foldable cutlery, pans, a beaker, and even a stand. All of it packs down into a compact kit that weighs barely anything. And for around £22, it’s a real bargain that any camper will actually use.
14. Insulated Cooler
Of course, once you’ve got food sorted, keeping it fresh is just as important. A good insulated cooler changes the game. It keeps meat safe, milk from going off, and drinks chilled after a long day walking. The really good ones even double as extra seating when the camp chairs are taken. Trust me, cold cheese and warm cider don’t mix. If you’re gifting to someone who loves to eat well while camping, this is a no-brainer.
15. Multi-Tool
Every camper needs a multi-tool. Full stop. From cutting rope and fixing tent poles to opening tins and tightening screws, it’s the item that always gets pulled out. I use mine every trip – sometimes daily. Just make sure it has pliers and a proper blade. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but a decent one makes all the difference. It’s the gift that’ll keep on saving the day.
16. Soothing Neck Fan
For summer campers or festival goers, things can get unbearably stuffy. That’s where something like the Trilink Neck Fan comes in handy. It runs off USB and sits comfortably around the neck, blowing cooling air onto your face and neck. Quiet, rechargeable, and surprisingly powerful, it’s a clever stocking filler that adds a lot of comfort when the heat picks up.
17. Hammock
Let’s finish on a chilled note. A lightweight hammock might not seem essential – until you try one. There’s nothing quite like dozing under the trees after a hike, or swinging gently with a book in hand. Most modern hammocks pack down small, weigh next to nothing, and set up in minutes. 7
Just make sure the site allows them and the camper has tree-safe straps. It’s a little slice of luxury that feels far from the rough-and-ready image people sometimes associate with camping.
How to Pick the Best Camping Gift?
Think about how your camper likes to pitch up. Are they into wild camping, car camping, or family weekends away? What do they already have? If they love their old mug, maybe they need a tougher chair. Got all their basics? Try something that brings comfort – like a hammock or proper lights.
Listen to their stories – do they always moan about sleeping cold? Is their headtorch held together with tape? That’s your cue. Aim for things that solve a pain point or add a bit of joy. If all else fails, pick gear known for making a difference, not just for looking clever on Instagram.
Need more advice, or want to compare top-rated kits before you buy? Explore our reviews and guides on camping gear in our blog.
Final Thought: Make It Count
The best camping gifts aren’t flashy – they’re the ones your mate will thank you for, years later, as they watch the rain from a warm sleeping bag or serve up a late-night brew. Be that mate. Pick smart, and you’ll be part of their best adventures, every time they head out under the stars.
