The Best Gifts for Vanlife Lovers: Original Ideas That Always Make People Happy!
Vanlife is a lifestyle that is attracting more and more people in search of freedom and adventure. If you have a loved one who is passionate about vanlife, you know just how intense that passion can be. To delight vanlife lovers, we’ve selected 10 gift ideas that are sure to warm their hearts.
I. An Effective Solution for Drying Clothes, Sports Gear, and Kitchen Utensils
The number one enemy in a van is humidity. Drying wet towels or a surf wetsuit inside the vehicle creates condensation and unpleasant odors. You absolutely need a solution to hang your belongings outside without damaging the bodywork.
Our recommendation: the goDry Hanger Dryer / Clothes Rack
A must-have accessory for vanlifers and surfers. It attaches to the vehicle body with suction cups and allows you to air-dry your wetsuit, hang laundry, or suspend kitchen utensils during your road trips in a van, camper, or motorhome. Compact and easy to carry, it’s the perfect companion for van adventures. Discover the goDry Hanger dryer in the shop.
II. A Nomadic Relaxation Space
After hours on the road or an intense sports session, vanlifers need to relax. The inside of a van can sometimes feel stuffy. Being able to create an “outdoor living room” between two trees is an invaluable luxury, whether for a nap or a reading break.
Our recommendation: the “Kick Back” Hammock by Northcore
Compact, lightweight, and durable, it sets up in seconds so you can enjoy a nap in the fresh air. Discover the Northcore Hammock.
III. Seat Protection for the Vehicle
Vanlife often goes hand in hand with dirt: sand, mud, salt, crumbs, spilled coffee… The original seats take a real beating. Offering seat protection is an excellent way to preserve the vehicle’s value in the long term.
Our recommendation: Northcore Waterproof Seat Covers
Durable, waterproof, and giving the cabin a rugged look. A safe bet. Discover Northcore universal seat covers.
IV. A Solution to Secure Keys During Activities
This is the classic stress for surfers or hikers: “Where do I hide the van keys?” Under the wheel? Too risky. Keep them on you? Risk of loss or corrosion (especially for electronic keys).
Our recommendation: the Northcore Keypod 5G Lock Box
This mini combination safe securely attaches to a handle, suspension spring, or tow hook. Impossible to leave without it. Discover the Northcore Keypod 5G.
V. A “Vanlife Spirit” Decorative Touch
A van is more than just a vehicle—it’s a small home. Decoration matters to feel comfortable. A fun little accessory on the dashboard always brings a smile during long drives.
Our recommendation: the Hula Doll
The original Hawaiian dancer that sways to the rhythm of the road. The perfect wink gift to personalize the driving area and brighten up journeys. Adopt the Northcore Hula Doll.
VI. Magnetic Storage Tips
Vertical space (the metal walls of the van) is often underused. Being able to hang objects anywhere—inside or outside (on the open rear door, for example)—is a real game changer.
Our recommendation: “Hook Up” Magnets
A powerful silicone-coated magnetic hook that sticks anywhere on the bodywork to hang a tarp, suspend a lamp, or hold clothes or bags. Discover Northcore Hook Up magnets.
VII. Versatile, Hands-Free Lighting
Van lighting is often dim to save the auxiliary battery. But for cooking outside, fixing a tire, or reading at night, powerful directional light is essential.
Our recommendation: Waterproof Rechargeable LED Headlamp
USB rechargeable (perfect for vanlife), it keeps your hands free for all campsite tasks. Discover the Northcore Headlamp.
VIII. An Ethical, Zero-Waste Toiletry Kit
On a road trip, managing water and waste is crucial. Conventional plastic bottles are bulky, can leak in cupboards, and often contain substances harmful to nature—especially when washing outdoors. The ideal vanlifer wants to reduce impact while traveling light.
Our recommendation: Solid, Organic Care by Sloé
Sloé offers a minimalist approach perfect for vanlife, with healthy, multi-use products. Their Néo nomadic soap replaces five products on its own: shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Huge space savings and no chemical traces left in nature. Discover Sloé products.
IX. The Comfort of a Real Hot Shower Anywhere
For many, vanlife means giving up hot, powerful showers. Rinsing with freezing water from a hand-pumped can quickly become a chore—especially after winter surf sessions or muddy hikes. Offering the comfort of a mobile bathroom is probably the ultimate gift.
Our recommendation: the RinseKit PRO Pack
The Rolls-Royce of portable showers. Battery-powered for constant pressure (no pumping) and equipped with a heating element, it turns any campsite into a hot shower experience. Discover the RinseKit PRO Pack.
X. A Sanitary Self-Sufficiency Solution
Not everyone has fixed toilets in their van. Yet emergencies happen, or you may camp in sensitive areas where leaving traces is forbidden. Sanitary autonomy is a true freedom issue.
Our recommendation: Cleanis Cardboard Dry Toilet Kit
Foldable, compact, eco-friendly, and hygienic—an ideal backup solution to respect nature and travel with peace of mind. Discover the Cleanis Dry Toilet Kit.
Bonus Gift Ideas
A filming solution: to make road trips unforgettable and capture vanlife memories.
A camera, action cam, or drone is the perfect gift to capture breathtaking landscapes or film sporting activities, allowing vanlife enthusiasts to preserve visual memories of their adventures.
You’ll find a perfect selection and excellent advice from our friends at Studiosport.
Conclusion
Giving a gift to a vanlife enthusiast means showing that you understand their passion and want to support them in their adventures. With our curated gift ideas, you now have everything you need to find the perfect present. Make your loved ones happy with gifts that will accompany them on the road and remind them, every time they’re used, of their love for vanlife.