21 Best Unique Gifts for Campers
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On the hunt for a unique gift for campers that they’ll love? Read on for my top recommendations!
Finding unique gifts for campers can be difficult if they already have a setup and have been camping for a while. You can’t just buy them a tent or sleeping bag and call it a day because chances are they already own those items.
As someone who started camping when they were little and rediscovered the joy of the outdoors as an adult, I’ve accumulated numerous items that enhance the camping experience. These items are a special addition to any camper’s gear line up and odds are there are at least a few things on the list that they don’t own.
Quick Guide
Best Affordable: Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Best Splurge: Eno Double Nest Hammock(suspension sold separately)
I can’t live without: Thermacell Mosquito Repeller
1. Portable Power Bank
A portable power bank is a must-have on any camping or backpacking adventure. I’ve been caught without it a few times and it’s never fun.
Not only does it help keep your phone charged, but you can also charge up items like your headlamp, electric hand warmer, and GPS communicator. If you’re a photographer, I’ve also used mine to give my camera a quick charge.
The hard part about portable chargers is finding one that is high-quality, durable, with a long-lasting battery, AND affordable.
After getting stranded on a backpacking trip with a dead phone, I did the research to find a charger that could survive multiple days in the woods. I’ve had my portable charger now for 3 years and it is always reliable.
INIU Portable Charger
This is 100% the best portable charger I’ve ever purchased. It shows the battery on the screen and you can charge multiple devices at once. My only tip is to not leave your cord plugged in if you’re not using it.
2. Inflatable Lantern
A lantern is essential for any camping trip, but an inflatable lantern is next level. And it can charge your phone? Game changer.
I was searching for a lantern that I could use for camping and backpacking. Most of the lanterns available are highly durable, but way too bulky and heavy to work for a backpacking trip.
An inflatable lantern packs down small and can clip anywhere on a pack. I tried one that was cheaper, but it stopped working after three uses.
The Luminaid solar lantern is worth the cost and has yet to fail me after two years.
Luminaid Solar Lantern
This lantern can be charged at home but also recharged on a sunny day using the solar feature. It has a great handle for hanging in the tent and can charge your phone!
3. Camping Hammock
Hammocks are the luxury camping item that I always throw in the trunk. Nothing is better than kicking back in a camp hammock to read a good novel.
They add that extra layer of relaxation that we’re all searching for.
There are hammocks and then there is ENO. I’ve tried a few hammocks and when I finally got my hands on an ENO I ended up donating my other hammocks because they never got used anymore.
The biggest appeal of the ENO hammocks is the suspension system (sold separately) that allows you to set up in mere minutes. It’s truly easy to use and much more secure than others I’ve tried.
ENO Double Nest
Durable, high-quality, a pocket to hold your things and cute colors… What more could you want??
4. Compact Stove
Almost everyone knows that you need a stove while camping unless you are a unicorn who doesn’t need caffeine in the morning. I have an incredible 2 burner stove that I love to cook on, but a compact stove is so incredibly useful.
Not only is a stove like this great for backpacking, but I also utilize it if I’m going on a minimalist camping overnight, at the parking lot before a hike, and as an extra burner if I’m already using both burners on my bigger stove.
I upgraded to the Jetboil two years ago and now understand the hype around it.
Jetboil Minimo Cooking System
This compact stove is sturdy, performs well in high winds, and boils water so quickly.
5. Camping Loveseat
Everyone wants a cozy place to sit around the fire after a long day on the trails. A camping loveseat is that unique gift for campers they didn’t even know they needed!
Imagine snuggling up with your honey (or even better furry bestie) under a blanket with a hot drink in hand.
I hate being cold so this is the perfect item for me. I force my husband or dog to share their warmth with me. Double the chair double the fun right?
Kelty Low Loveseat
This loveseat has cupholders for both users, is easy to pack up and set up, and is super comfy! Plus it packs down relatively small for how big it is.
6. Camping Storage Tote
Lugging around individual camping items can be such a drag and highly inefficient. I used to put a lot of my camping items in reusable grocery bags because I didn’t want to spend the money on a nice storage tote for my camping stuff.
A gearbox is such a great gift for campers because it’s practical and chances are, they don’t want to spend the money on it themselves. The best parts about a storage tote are that it keeps your items well organized, is easy to transport, and makes it harder to lose something.
I’ve also noticed that I spend less time packing for a trip.
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45
This gearbox is sturdy, easy to use, and seals well against rain. It also fits well in a lot of different spaces!
7. Camping Table
If you’re a fan of dispersed camping or looking for a unique gift for a camper who doesn’t like to go to more established campgrounds, this is the perfect gift! As someone who has done their fair share of camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, having a camping table that packs down is essential.
A camping table needs to support a decent amount of weight, be portable, and be stable on many different types of terrain. Bonus points if the height is also adjustable!
Camp Chef Mesa Table
Big enough to support all your kitchen or camp items, performs well in all temperatures, and is easy to transport from camping to events!
8. Long Spoon
This might be one of the most underrated camping items to ever exist. I mean it’s a spoon so you’re probably thinking what’s the big deal right?
When I tell you this completely changed the game for me I’m not joking. As someone who loves to minimal camp and often will eat straight out of a freeze-dried bag to save dishes, this is handy.
It allows me to get into all the nooks and crannies of a deep bag without getting my hands super dirty. The titanium is a must because I had another one with plastic on the end and a friendly squirrel chewed it.
Toaks Titanium Long Spoon
This little guy speaks for himself. Durable, portable, and affordable.
9. Camping Slippers
I bought my first pair of camping slippers a few years ago and they’re one of my favorite items to use at camp. For those campers who love a long day on the trail or a little extra sprinkle of comfort, this is the ideal gift.
I love to slip these on after a long day of hiking, especially on those cooler nights/mornings when my sandals just won’t do. They’re super comfortable and the back is flexible so you can wear them like a true shoe or as a slip-on.
Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons
One of the best inventions ever made. These are incredibly comfortable, and warm. They also have just the right amount of traction for camping!
10. Kula Cloth
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a female camper, then I have the item for you. I discovered the Kula Cloth on a random shopping trip to REI and have never looked back.
I use this for both hiking and camping as it’s an anti-microbial pee cloth that air dries and is machine washable. No more drip drying (if you know you know)!
This is great for camping when you’re far away from the bathroom, have to get up in the middle of the night, or are in an area that doesn’t have any established bathrooms.
Kula Pee Cloth
I know what you’re thinking, why would I need this? It’s much better than toilet paper when you’re in a pinch and it’s better for the environment!
11. Screen Room
Screen Rooms are such a unique gift for campers as this is something they probably wish they had. Most people who go camping love the outdoors, but not the bugs that come with it.
The mesh walls keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects out, letting you enjoy the outdoors without the nuisance of pests.
It also provides protection from rain, sun, and wind while still allowing ventilation. Speaking from experience, it is really nice to be able to have a space to hang out that’s not your tent in bad weather.
Screen rooms are also incredibly multi-purpose and can be used for camping, picnics, backyard gatherings, tailgating, or beach trips.
Focus on purchasing a screen room that’s easy to set up and transport since adding another big item like this to the camping arsenal can become cumbersome quickly.
Coleman Skyshade Screen Dome
This screen dome is easy to assemble and disassemble with two people. The dome is also lightweight and compact when broken down.
12. Backpack Cooler
A cooler is always a must for camping, but a backpack cooler is the height of convenience.
The backpack design allows for hands-free carrying, making it easier to transport food and drinks over trails or to campsites. Many of the best campsites are walk-in only and hauling a large cooler more than 20 ft. is a drag.
Carrying your cooler like this also means you can stack both arms with other items when you need to trek to the campsite.
I love this because it’s great for camping and days at the beach, sports games, boat days, outdoor concerts, and days by the river.
Yeti Hopper Soft Backpack Cooler
High-quality insulation that keeps items cold for 24-48 hours. Leak-proof, durable, easy-to-use magnetic closure, and comfortable straps!!
13. Poncho Blanket
This is for all my fellow campers who are always cold. A poncho blanket is a unique gift that provides comfort and hands-free warmth.
It’s not a jacket and it’s not a blanket, it’s the best of both! I love throwing this on when making camp dinner in those cooler months because I can stay warm while still moving around.
Then I can plop in my camp chair by the fire when I’m done and I already have a blanket. Plus the water-resistant treatment is great for when the weather gets dicey.
Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho
Easy to pack down, operates as both a poncho and blanket, and has a big pocket to keep your hands warm!
14. Electric Mosquito Repellant
Do you despise mosquitoes as much as I do? Camping is fun until you’re getting swarmed by these little pests and aren’t able to do the one thing you came for: relax.
I purchased a Thermacell mosquito repeller years ago when I stumbled upon it in an outdoor goods store. I thought I would see if it helped at all because I was sick of combatting the mosquitoes in the Minnesota summer.
Four years later it’s one of the first things I pack when camping. This little device creates a great bubble of protection around you keeping about 80-90% of the bugs at bay.
I still use bug spray with it because I hate getting eaten, but I immediately notice the difference when it’s not in use.
Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller
Rechargeable, has minimal scent, and clears bugs within 15 minutes. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to use it.
15. Binoculars
Binoculars are a fantastic tool for camping, providing a closer look at nature, wildlife, and distant landscapes. For the nature freak or bird lover in your life, these are a must-buy!
There have been so many times when I’m out enjoying nature and I wish I had binoculars. On a camping trip in Glacier National Park, we saw a grizzly and moose in the distance.
Could I see them with the naked eye? Yes. Would it have been way cooler if I could see them up close without actually getting close? Definitely.
These are on my list to get for my husband before we head to Alaska because I know we’ll be seeing some insane wildlife there.
Nocs Provisions Waterproof Binoculars
These binoculars are packaged plastic-free and include a drawstring pouch, neck strap, and lens cleaning cloth. They are incredibly lightweight, adjustable for eyeglass wearers, and have a lifetime warranty!
16. Extra Food Storage
Want a unique gift for campers that can be used in everyday life? Stasher bags are the perfect present.
One of the biggest problems I noticed when I first started camping a lot was how to cook the right amount of food. Quite frankly, I didn’t love having to cook every single meal so I started making food ahead of time and storing it in my stasher bags.
Not only does this eliminate time cooking at camp, but they’re easy to store and throw in the dishwasher when you get home. My husband and I use these for everyday storage, but I reach for them when I go camping because they’re so versatile.
I always pack an extra in case I have leftover food that I need to store in the cooler!
Stasher Bags Value Pack
Great for food storage at home, at camp, and while on the trail! Dishwasher safe, high-quality, and lasts for years.
17. Knife Set
Quality knives for cooking are essential and just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you should skimp on this.
When I first started camping as an adult my parents gave me some old items to use as camping gear because I couldn’t afford to buy a bunch of camping gear.
It turns out that using old knives, even if you’re roughing it outside, is never a good idea. I decided investing in a knife set might be the right call if I want to keep all my fingers.
GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set
This set comes with a pairing knife, a chef’s knife, and a serrated knife for all camp kitchen needs. There’s also a cutting board and a microfiber towel for kitchen cleanup.
18. String Lights
Does the camper you’re buying for own everything? Get them some solar-powered string lights to add that extra ambiance to their camping trip.
String lights are a great way to introduce extra light to your camping space while also giving it a layer of coziness.
This is a great alternative to the inflatable lantern since the functionality is similar. If you get solar ones they’ll even charge during a sunny day so you can continue to use them every night while camping!
MPOWERD Solar String Lights
Eco-friendly, retractable for easy storage, and has mobile charging capabilities!
19. Travel French Press
Looking for a unique gift for campers obsessed with coffee? A durable French press to make the perfect cup of joe in the morning is just what you need.
I personally don’t drink coffee but I have so many outdoorsy friends who can’t go a day without it. A French press adds a little something special to that morning brew.
An outdoor French Press is typically made of stainless steel to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The simple brewing process requires no electricity, just hot water, and ground coffee, making it perfect for off-grid use.
Yeti Rambler French Press
Double-wall vacuum insulation to keep the coffee warm in cold temperatures. This French press also has a special filter to lock in flavor!
20. Kitchen Cleaning System
Nobody likes doing dishes, but having a cleaning system can make it slightly less cumbersome. I try to eliminate as many dishes as possible while camping, but something always needs to be washed.
I never understood the need for a wash basin for camping until I started camping as an adult and realized it makes life so much easier.
Getting a kitchen cleaning system that includes a sink as well as a drying spot and a way to stow all of my cleaned dishes is a game changer.
OXO Outdoor Wash Dry & Stow
The OXO Outdoor Wash, Dry, and Stow System is a self-contained solution that simplifies campsite dishwashing by cleaning, drying, storing, and transporting your cooking gear efficiently.
21. Rechargeable Hand Warmer
One of the most unique gifts for campers is a rechargeable hand warmer! I use this bad boy all the time and don’t go on any cold weather trip without it.
I recently used this on a girl’s winter trip and I’m always surprised at how well it performs. It’s nice to have a hand warmer that is reusable and more reliable than the hot hands that you buy and then inevitably throw away.
The battery life on most rechargeable hand warmers is 10+ hours making it great for camping trips since you can turn it off when you don’t need it. They’re also small enough to fit in a pocket and durable so you don’t need to worry about breaking it.
Coopa Hand Warmer
15+ hours battery life, 3 heat settings, and can be used as a charging bank for phones!
FAQ: Unique Gifts For Campers
What to get a person who loves camping?
Camping gear… obviously! Your best bet is to buy something that they can also use in their everyday life. Consider purchasing a portable charging bank, a reusable hand warmer, or stasher bags!
Wrap-Up: Unique Gifts For Campers
Whether you’re buying for someone who’s been camping for ages or a new camper just starting to fall in love with the outdoors, these gifts are bound to impress. Shopping doesn’t have to be stressful and I’ve taken all the hard work out of it for you.
And when in doubt, just ask them what they want! You can even send them this blog andtell them to pick their favorite item.
Read More:
53 Best Gifts For Outdoorsy Women In Your Life