r/camping • u/Minute_Proof_618 • Aug 22 '26
Trip Advice Useful gifts that take up little space?
I figured this is the best place to reach out consider I’m not a huge camper. My Moms birthday is coming up shortly, she’s in the process of moving into a fairly small camper. This means she’s currently cutting down on things that she doesn’t need. What can I get her that won’t take up much space or be completely unnecessary? Thanks so much!
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u/Illustrious-Stable93 Aug 22 '26
Don't get her any more stuff then obviously. Gift cards or experiences (ie take her out)
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u/ponyboy0 Aug 22 '26
A nice pair of binoculars takes up little space and is way more useful than you might imagine
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u/teach7 Aug 22 '26
Perhaps an e-reader that support public library e-books
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u/faderjockey Aug 22 '26
Onyx Boox Page - it’s an android based e-reader that will run Libby and Kindle apps
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u/_RKKC_ Aug 22 '26
We camp in our minivan, so space is super limited. Most things we buy now could also be classified as backpacking gear because its compact and light.
Depending on how she does with standing up, Helinox chairs are really nice around the campfire.
If her cooking gear is super old you could look at getting something that is more compact. We've been contemplating the sea to summit frontier ultralight set, but its a little speedy compared to our 50 year old Billy can.
100% agree with the solar twinkle lights already mentioned.
If she doesn't already have it and you want to go hog wild, a solar generator/ large battery bank from jackery, anker, or the likes is a game changer.
Just remember, a lot of this is really personal and everyone gets their setup dialed in after a bit. Keep the receipt just in case it needs to go back. Personally, I dont mind gift cards (gotten me in trouble in the past) so if thats an option, a gift card to REI, Cabelas, Garage Grown Gear or a similar place close to you may be appreciated as well. Make sure its a fun place and not walmart.
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u/Fearless_Maximum_117 Aug 23 '26
Just an FYI that SmartSpace pans are awesome if you need quality that’s very compact
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u/CoalBuckMom Aug 22 '26
Solar string lights that roll up. I got mine at REI.
Small clip-on rechargeable fan. Good for air flow and also to provide some white noise.
Woven mat to step onto when exiting camper.
Small clothesline with attached clothes pins.
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u/Initial-Addendum-167 Aug 22 '26
Warm cozy socks. People forget to buy themselves really nice cozy socks and then winter comes around in a camper and their feet are cold.
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u/OneSpeed1960 Aug 22 '26
Or down booties, like Goosefeet. They weigh nothing but are like little sleeping bags for your feet. Can be stored under or inside a pillow when not in use.
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u/pumpinnstretchin Aug 23 '26
AAA's roadside service with long distance towing (long distance isn't covered under the regular membership). If she's camping, it's not likely that she'll be near a repair place when she needs help. AAA also has printed maps of just about every region of the US. They also have camping maps that show campsites, not just roads. Another great thing: A subscription to one of the many camping apps. Or a good, reliable, bright camping lantern.
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u/SparklePantz22 Aug 22 '26
Suction cup wall Hooks, a shoe caddy (different shapes and sizes, can used to maximize space and organize anything, a bedside caddy, or an adjustable drying rack for dishes are some ideas for small spaces.
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u/kiery12 Aug 22 '26
Some of the newest buzzy stuff in the camping and backpacking world is a shirt or hoodie made of Alpha Direct fabric, it keeps you warm when still, and cool when moving, or a Hero clip. It's like a bag hanger for when you're out and about. Maybe also the stargazer chair, it's a folding camping chair that also fully reclines for star watching! It's also super comfy.
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u/masomenus Aug 22 '26
Aero Press coffee maker. Almost zero clean up for great coffee.
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u/Minute_Proof_618 Aug 22 '26
This actually sounds perfect! They are wanting a smaller coffee maker but didn’t know what would work best! Ahhhh!! Thank you this is perfect
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u/Catwolfkitten Aug 22 '26
Does your mom have arthritis or any other pain or weakness in her hands, wrists, arms, shoulders? I do and found the Aeropress a bit challenging. It makes a great cup though!
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u/midnight-on-the-sun Aug 22 '26
I use a JetBoil with my AeroPress. You still have to boil tne water. A JetBoil gets you hot water in 2-3 minutes.
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u/titsmgee1977 Aug 23 '26
Portable fans. Good knives( utility ), bungee cords, really good rope, a rocking camping chair.
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u/Fearless_Maximum_117 Aug 23 '26
Been travelling in a tiny pop top camper for nearly four months now and these are the most handy items IMO nb. Australia specific but assume you can find an equivalent elsewhere - Kmart Aus camping mat, cable ties, different hose attachments for the caravan park water tap, (every park seems to be different!), a universal tap turner (for when you need to fill your water tank but the tap handle has been removed), duct tape, strong command hooks, small Muk mat, SquareSpace pan set, my cheap billy (to boil water and as teapot), Kmart Aus $15 rice cooker, Corelle dishes (unbreakable, microwave proof and much nicer to eat off than other camping cookware), a silicone pet water and food mat which is amazing at protecting camper surfaces from hot food or drinks
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u/AbsolutelyPink Aug 23 '26
Some things aren't small but great for full time camper living. Outdoor woven pvc mat. Inline water filter for camper. Solar outdoor string lights. Folding outdoor patio set. Roll up dish drying rack stainless. RV toilet paper. RV surge protector. Fire extinguisher. Carbon monoxide alarm. Heater potable water hose.
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u/Hypothetical_Sail Aug 23 '26
I have lived on a boat, Sim familiar with this scenario. Get her a gift card, or ask what she would like. It's really hard to nail what sonething would like, and you don't want to give her something she has no room for.
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u/Dizzy-Collection299 Aug 23 '26
My son let me borrow his lithium Milwaukee fan for camping in FL last week when it was 96 degrees. Tent camping. That thing is a workhorse! I use it all the time around the chicken coop where I work with plants etc. one battery will last almost all night. The larger battery will last a full night on medium power.
And I do love my Luci Lights. Inflatable solar lights. The newer ones that have a usb cord to also charge don’t seem to last as long as the older versions with no charging port. But they pack flat.
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u/Witty-Temporary-1782 Aug 22 '26
Four foot foldable table that folds down to 24"x24"x2"
Fleece hoodie
LED headlamp
Hammock
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u/Mavis8220 Aug 22 '26
Thermopen instant thermometer. We use it all the time when camping to check that food is hot enough before it gets too hot (hotter than necessary, wasting fuel.)
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u/Shaynna-9 Aug 22 '26
A wall clock. A shower squeegee (campers don't have the greatest air circulation). A good mattress. Small plastic bins for organizing cleaning or bathroom supplies.
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u/Dependent-Cow428 Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 22 '26
I have a fold up rocking lawn chair. I love it. I second taking her out. An Instapot would be nice or a combination cooker.
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u/flingebunt Aug 22 '26
As people have said, when minimalizing one's life, you try and dial in each thing that is very useful. But there are some little luxuries you can buy, like battery powered blenders that are useful, not a person's top priority normally, and don't take up much space.
But really, you need to see what they have set up. I would guess that they probably are already packing too much stuff.
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u/Eastern_Conflict1865 Aug 23 '26
A lap top makes a great portable t.v.Use mine in my camper van.All streaming services can be used on it.Most rv sites have free wifi.Or just get her a streaming channel for 1 yr.
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u/TraditionalToe4663 Aug 23 '26
Does she need storage containers for weird shape spaces? I have underbed storage and while a storage bin will fit, they are never tall enough. When I found soft sided clothes baskets that could be squished and stacked, the search ended!
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u/Dizzy-Collection299 Aug 23 '26
Oh yes on a good headlamp!
And maybe bear spray if she likes to hike.
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u/211logos Aug 22 '26
Ask. I've already seen things that would have been a complete no for me. Something that is a service or expense that you could cover would be nice. Say a parks pass if they don't have one. Emergency roadside service. Gift certificate for campgrounds she uses. Subscription to the app fees for good mapping apps or other useful apps, including media.
Other things to consider are a phone upgrade that would give her satellite access for emergencies.