Holiday Gifts for RVers

The holiday gift-giving season is approaching, and we’re already asking ourselves the same challenging question: What to give those special RVers in our lives?

Before we answer that question (and check out the suggestions below), let’s step back and remind ourselves of some ground rules around gift-giving. It’s important to know what people need, not what we want them to need. Something that we might think is an ideal gift may not be the same for your recipient. Good gifts show that we’ve paid attention. Bad gifts could make the recipient question whether we know them at all! Context is everything when it comes to gift-giving – and success depends on our ability to listen, observe, empathize, and do a bit of sleuthing. A big task!

RVers are diverse: some are new to the RV experience, some are dedicated rough, off-grid campers, some are seasonal site RVers, and others are dedicated road warriors. However, one common trait among all RVers is limited space, making it especially important to choose a gift
carefully.

Choosing the right gift means getting something that provides long-term enjoyment, not that immediate “smile-seeking” moment. If your friend or family member doesn’t have a wish list, choose something that gives them the gift of time or helps them create memories.

These gift-giving guidelines are ringing true for me this year. Before my husband, Martin, and I headed out on a 5-month, 3-oceans (plus Hudson Bay/Churchill), 30,000 km Canadian road trip earlier this year, we received gifts that confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt that we were in their hearts. My client group gave us enough gift cards for three fuel fill-ups. A friend gave us a travel journal and pens. Another friend offered to sell some items on Facebook Marketplace for us during our absence and e-transferred the funds to us as the items sold. One unexpected gift was from our seasonal site neighbour, Tammy, who crocheted two lovely throw blankets for us last winter. Each time we used them (frequently), we were reminded of her thoughtfulness and referred to them as “our tammies.”

Here are some thought-starter suggestions for giving that special RVer the gift of time or the opportunity to create memories.

Gifts of time

• • • Offer to cut their grass and water their lawns (or purchase a lawn care package) while the RVer is travelling/li>
    • Prepare and freeze three simple meals in advance (chilli, etc.) to help the RVer, especially in their first few days on the road/li>
    • Offer to check their property regularly for security/li>
    • Prepare some frozen meals for them to enjoy upon their return so they don’t have to worry about their first few days back from their travels/li>

Gifts of experience

• • • Parks Canada Discovery Pass
    • Explorer RV Club membership
    • Terego membership
    • Harvest Host Boondockers Welcome membership

Other gift ideas

• • • Waterproof and fireproof document bags – These waterproof and fireproof document bags come in different sizes and can help protect your important documents (including passports) from a fire or flood. It’s very useful for storing documents in an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag
    • Silicone sink trays – These silicone sink trays reduce the dripping and water puddling on both the RV kitchen and bathroom countertops
    • Space-saving coat hangers – Using these slim coat hangers frees up hanging space in the RV
    • Folding step stool – This multi-purpose step stool can easily be tucked in behind a cupboard in the RV
    • RV oven-sized baking sheets – These baking sheets are perfectly sized for smaller RV ovens
    • Bubble level – For those RVers who do not have automatic levellers on their rigs, this little tool takes the guesswork out of determining the level of the campsite
    • Dashboard compass – For those RVers who do not have one built into their dashboard, this compass will reduce the frustration when Mrs. Google tells us to head north, and we haven’t the faintest idea about our starting direction
    • Clock and thermometer – This (silent!) battery-operated clock and thermometer comes in handy when planning a day of adventure on the road
    • Mini Wall Lights – These mini wall lights can be installed beside the bed, at the entrance to the RV, and in the bathroom. They attach to the wall with 3M tape (provided) and are USB rechargeable. We recently installed some in the RV, resulting in an additional level of coziness.
    • Cordless Table Lamps – These cordless table lamps are LED rechargeable and perfect for focused reading and outdoor use. We used them every day on our recent road trip.

Always Appreciated

• • • Rolls of loonies, toonies, and quarters to use in laundry machines and toll booths
    • US currency (small bills) for travel south of the border
    • Packs of toilet pucks and septic-safe toilet paper
    • A roll of postage stamps, some fine-tipped Sharpie pens and highlighters, and a roll of cellophane tape
    • Hard copy maps of their travel destinations
    • Battery charger and selection of rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA)

Gift certificates

If you are still not sure what to give, it’s ok – and will be welcomed – to provide gift certificates to your RVer so they can choose exactly what they want or need:

• • • Amazon
    • VISA/MasterCard
    • Fuel stations

One final suggestion

Recently, RV manufacturers have switched to cold blue-white LED puck lights. Although they are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, there is evidence that the blue light spectrum interferes with our ability to produce melatonin, interferes with our sleep patterns, and may have a negative effect on our mental health. One option is to install RV light covers that fit snugly over the existing LED lights. No tools are required, and there is no need to modify your RV in any way or work with wires. We recently installed them on the RV and are delighted that we’re no longer blinded when we turn on the lights! Maybe your RVer would like to feel the same?

Hopefully, these thought-starter gift ideas will help you choose something your special RVer will remember with a smile all year!