Holiday gift guide: 32 gift ideas for roadtrippers, campers, and adventurers

The temperatures may be getting cooler and the days darker, but here at Roadtrippers we think any time of year is a good time to take a road trip. Whether you’re staying close to home for the holidays, shaking off the winter blues by indulging your wanderlust, or adding dream itineraries to your New Year’s resolutions, here are our team’s favorite gift ideas for roadtrippers, RVers, campers—and anyone else who plans to hit the road, no matter the season.  

On the road

Utilitarian toiletry cases 

I love the Matador toiletry bottles and cases for all types of travel. The FlatPak toiletry case and bottles are my go-to for everything from air travel to camping.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor  

Rolling cooler 

In my never-ending quest for the ultimate cooler, this rolling Brumate one has piqued my interest.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor  

Dog car harness

I’m always searching for travel pet gear, and Ruffwear’s dog car harness is on my list this year for my pup.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor  

Car door step

I could use a Moki Door Step so I can reach the roof racks on my SUV.—Sam Lechlitner-Lewis, features editor 

Tech and cable organizer

I hate when my purse is filled with cords and headphones, so I love these carrying cases to keep everything organized and in one place.—Kelly Kollmeier, production manager

Slip-on travel shoes

These are my all-time favorite shoes to travel with because they’re super comfortable and they’re slip-ons, so they’re easy to get on and off at the end of a long day. They’ve gotten me through miles and miles of walking at Disney, on hikes in state parks, and are great for everyday wear. I own three pairs and wear them all the time.—Kelly Kollmeier, production manager

Ginger chews

I hate flying, but I get hopelessly carsick if I’m not the one driving—and even sometimes when I am. These ginger chews are a great way to help with queasiness around those hairpin turns without making you drowsy.—Alexandra Charitan, features editor

Sleep headphones Bluetooth headband

Anyone who has tried to drown out ambient noise or has shared a bed with someone who snores has probably tried to wear headphones to bed, with limited success. Side sleepers rejoice: This headband has discreet, small, rechargeable headphones inside of the soft fabric band and connects to your phone via Bluetooth. Pair with a white noise app or your favorite soothing soundtrack to make sharing a room a bit easier on light sleepers.—Alexandra Charitan, features editor

Vacuum insulated water bottle

Any insulated reusable bottle is great for keeping plastic out of landfills and for keeping that free hotel coffee hot for hours after you check out. This one is easy to open and works equally well for keeping ice intact and hot beverages steaming.—Alexandra Charitan, features editor

Cervical neck pillow

If you frequently wake up with neck pain, this pillow is a lifesaver. It’s a bit odd looking and might take a few nights for your body to adjust, but after days spent driving and using too many (or too few) flat hotel pillows, you’ll be thankful you brought your own.—Alexandra Charitan, features editor

Tri-season bomber jacket

I took a 22-day road trip this spring across several states, landscapes, and climates, and this jacket was sufficient in almost every scenario. It can’t replace a proper rain coat or winter jacket, but it’s perfect for layering, water resistant, and has spacious pockets (including an interior one for your valuables).—Alexandra Charitan, features editor

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Camping

Microwave bowl hugger

This bowl hugger can be used to warm items in the microwave, so you don’t burn your hands when removing them. It can double as an ice cream bowl holder so your hands don’t freeze.—Patte Means, community support

Smokeless fire pit

After sitting around a campfire at Stephanie Puglisi’s Solo Stove during a team camping trip earlier this year, I’ve been eyeing this mini smokeless fire pit.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor

The Solo Stove is on my wishlist this year—they’re lightweight, portable, smokeless, and easy to use.—Meosha Bates, email marketing manager

Campsite dog-hitching system

An ideal gift for the camping pooch and their companion.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor

Outdoor blanket 

The makers of the beloved puffy outdoor blanket Rumpl (one of Oprah’s Favorite Things) partnered with workwear brand Carhartt for a limited edition collection. Besides the sherpa puffy blanket, the beverage blankets also make for great gifts.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor  

Rumpl makes amazing durable blankets for around the campfire or while camping. I brought one of these blankets for a fall run down the Grand Canyon and have used it when sleeping in negative temps in the hills of the Cascades.—Garrett Hampton, brand manager 

Hammock stand

A vehicle-mounted hammock stand is perfect for overlanding or off-roading adventures.—Ashley Rossi, managing editor

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Outdoors and activities

Two-way satellite manager

I’ve long used two-way satellite communication for road trips and adventures. The insurance and assurance that it provides to family and friends is well worth it. Outside needing it for emergencies, it’s helpful for coordinating meeting friends at remote campsites or communicating change of plans.—Garrett Hampton, brand manager

Subscription box

A subscription box like Nomadix is great for the outdoorsy adult in your life. Go with the Think Outside box for younger nature lovers.—Stephanie Puglisi, VP content

Stunt kites

This is my favorite gift to give. I’ve had my Prism kite for 16 years and flying it is one of my favorite activities. It brings me the ultimate joy, and I love getting other people hooked. A great starter kite is the Nexus 2.0.—Larissa Piper, senior partnership manager

Surfboard balance board

This is on my wishlist this year, so I can work on balance training for surfing in Hawaii and snowboarding in Colorado.—Larissa Piper, senior partnership manager

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National and state parks

State park pass

In the spirit of focusing on experiences over things, I always gift my husband an annual state park pass for the upcoming year. It encourages us to get outside even in the cold winter months, and also to explore hidden treasures in our own backyard. Some states have fun annual hiking or fishing challenges, so check out your home state park system and see what it offers.—Stephanie Puglisi, VP content

National park-inspired coffee beans

If you’re looking for a national park-inspired gift for the coffee lover, these Drive Coffee collections taste amazing, and the cans make for great keepsakes.—Sam Lechlitner-Lewis, features editor

National park blankets

Stay warm and cozy with a memorable national park keepsake.—Stephanie Puglisi, VP content

National park posters

I love these national park posters from the Parks Project. I have one on my wall, and it’s my go-to gift for fellow park fans on a mission to visit them all.—Sanna Boman, editor in chief

National park pass

Keeping with the park theme, giving someone an America the Beautiful or local state park pass is a great way to encourage adventure.—Sanna Boman, editor in chief

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Photography and mementos

Trailhead wood carving

Gift one of your favorite hikes with your special someone.—Stephanie Puglisi, VP content

Smartphone gimbal

I love capturing photos and videos on trips, and with iPhones having such amazing camera quality, I like to up my content by using this DJI Osmo to capture stable footage.—Kelly Kollmeier, production manager

Instant camera

These instant cameras are a fun gift to give because everyone loves having a print-out photo right away, and there’s something super nostalgic about it. It also captures great memories of your trip to look back on.—Kelly Kollmeier, production manager

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From Roadtrippers

Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica

If you’ve been dreaming of finally crossing Route 66 off your road trip bucket list, you absolutely need a copy of Roadtrippers’ Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica. I’ve personally planned an entire Route 66 trip using this book and it helped me find so many interesting stops along the way.—Sanna Boman, editor in chief

Roadtrippers Plus

Not sure what to give the die-hard roadtripper in your life? For anyone looking to hit the road in the new year, a Roadtrippers Plus subscription is the gift that keeps on giving.—Sanna Boman, editor in chief