Gifts for Campers
Before buying a camping gift, find out whether every gram goes on their back or whether the car stops beside the tent. A roomy chair can be wonderful for one camper and unusable for another. These ideas tackle repeated campsite jobs while leaving fitted sleeping equipment and major shelter choices to the person who will carry and sleep in them.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial ideas, not tested products. “Plan up to” is a suggested spending allowance, not a retailer price or a promise that every version costs that amount. Check the exact fit, current price and delivery before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Choose for backpacking or car camping before comparing size and weight.
- Ask which cooking fuel and equipment they already use; avoid incompatible refills.
- Look for replacements that reduce clutter rather than adding another complete kit.
The ideas
- 1
A small rechargeable camp lantern
Plan up to £35A good fit for: Car campers sharing a tent or table
A dimmable lantern provides a shared pool of light for meals and finding things inside a tent. Look for an easy hanging point and controls that are obvious to everyone using it, rather than choosing by maximum brightness alone.
Before you buy: Check charging needs and usable runtime; it does not replace a personal torch.
- 2
Packing cubes for camping clothes
Plan up to £25A good fit for: Someone tired of searching through a large holdall
Separate bags for sleeping clothes, spare layers and everyday items make a wet-weather arrival less chaotic. Choose colours and sizes that fit the existing luggage so the system is easy to keep using after the first trip.
Before you buy: Ordinary packing cubes are not waterproof dry bags.
- 3
A nesting washing-up set
Plan up to £30A good fit for: Car campers who cook at their pitch
A small basin, brush and drying cloth create a practical station for the unglamorous part of outdoor cooking. Check nesting dimensions against the kitchen box so the gift earns its place between trips.
Before you buy: Check campsite wastewater rules and avoid adding chemicals without knowing their routine.
- 4
A repair pouch for their tent
Plan up to £25A good fit for: A camper who knows the shelter model and materials
Correct replacement cord, patches and the small parts specified by the tent maker can be more valuable than another gadget. Build the pouch around the shelter they own and include the instructions for the materials.
Before you buy: Patch adhesives and pole parts are not universal; ask for exact specifications.
- 5
A comfortable folding sit mat
Plan up to £20A good fit for: Backpackers stopping for lunch or a rest
A lightweight mat provides a simple dry place to sit without carrying a full chair. Check folded size and how it fits inside or on their pack so it will come on actual trips instead of staying in storage.
Before you buy: A sit mat is not a sleeping mat and should not be sold as one.
- 6
A campsite contribution
Plan up to £60A good fit for: Campers with a trip already in mind
Paying towards a chosen campsite supports time away without guessing equipment. Let them select the pitch type and dates, especially if they travel with children, a dog or a vehicle that needs particular access.
Before you buy: Check booking conditions, extra-person fees and whether electricity is included.
Save your favourites
Save your favourite ideas to a free WantThis list. Product picks include their retailer link; for general ideas, add the exact product link later. Price tracking is available for supported products.
Create your free listFAQs
Should I buy a tent or sleeping bag?
Only from a specific request. Packed weight, fit, season and sleeping comfort matter enough that choosing together is usually better.
What suits a camper who has all the gear?
A campsite contribution or a refill for their established repair and cooking setup can be more useful than another accessory.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.