35 Unique Camping Gift Ideas | ZERO Boring Gifts Here!

Camping is a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. It can also be a lot of fun, especially when you have the right gear. Camping gift ideas are a great way to show your loved ones that you care and want them to have a good time on their next camping trip.

But what do you buy for the camper that seems to have everything?

Here are 35 unique camping gift ideas that will make them smile and help them enjoy their next trip.

We’ll start off with some gifts, most of which are $50 or more. Then, check out the section with budget-friendly gift ideas (all are less than $30).

As an Amazon and REI affiliate, I will get a small commission should you purchase anything through my links. Learn more here.

Solo Stove Bonfire

Tired of giving the same old camping gifts? The Solo Stove Bonfire is the perfect solution! With its superior airflow and secondary burn, the Bonfire is ideal for uninterrupted outdoor enjoyment.

solo stove bonfire

The wood-burning flames get 400° hotter than conventional fires, eliminating smoke and creating fine ashes. And it’s even more efficient than ordinary campfires – start up isn’t just fast, it’s easy.

Constructed from 304 stainless steel, the Solo Stove Bonfire is built to last. It also weighs in at only 20 pounds, making it portable and adventure-ready.

So if you’re looking for a unique Camping Gift Idea that will really wow your friends and family, look no further than the Solo Stove Bonfire!

See it on the Solo Stove website.

Check out my full review of the Solo Stove Bonfire after several years of using it.

Lightweight Camp Chair

Like the REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Dreamer.

flexlite camp chair
via rei.com

The Flexlite Camp Chair is the perfect gift for any camping enthusiast. This upgraded chair features a removable pillow, higher back and increased weight limit of 300 lbs.

It also sets up easily using an aluminum frame and folds down easily to store in the included stuff sack. The abrasion-resistant ripstop polyester seat also has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish to resist moisture and stains.

lightweight camp chair
via rei.com

The Flexlite Camp Chair is made to reflect our love for people and the planet through the use of bluesign®-approved polyester. Bluesign®-approved materials conserve resources and protect the health of the environment, workers and user (you!).

See the price at REI.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove

The moment I saw this stove, I was in love! It’s versatile, it’s well-built, and it’s got that cool retro styling.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove
via rei.com

The Coleman Cascade Camp Stove is the perfect gift for the camper in your life. This three-in-one stove easily converts from a camping stove to a grill or griddle.

The two wind guards help shield the burners and flame from the wind, while the cast-iron pan support and cooktop are quick and easy to clean. The knob rotation allows precise temperature and simmer control, and the rotary ignition offers quick and matchless lighting.

camping stove and griddle in 1
via rei.com

The Camp Stove also fits a 12-inch pan and 10-inch pan, with up to 1 hour of burn time on high using one 16 oz. propane cylinder. Plus, the nylon carry case stores all of your accessories neatly and securely. Give the gift of outdoor cooking this year with the Coleman Cascade Camp Stove.

Check the price on REI.

Battery Powered Camping Lantern

Like the Goal Zero Lighthouse 600.

Battery Powered Camping Lantern
via amazon.com

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 is the perfect companion for a camping family. This professional-grade light can be recharged in three ways (solar, USB, crank power), making it a versatile and convenient option for camping, backpacking, or emergencies.

With up to 600 lumens of adjustable light, this lantern is ideal for providing usable light in any situation. The legs are collapsible for easy storage, and the built-in handle allows for easy carrying.

Plus, with its USB output you can use your Goal Zero rechargeable lantern to power your phone when your battery’s on 0% but you just need to upload a picture of your s’more to the ‘gram.

Check the current price.

Camping Pizza Oven

Like the Ooni Karu 12 Pizza Oven.

Ooni Karu Wood and Charcoal-Fired Portable Pizza Oven | Ooni USA
via ooni.com

You can’t get much better than a combination of the outdoors, a campfire, and a wood-fired pizza! That’s why the OONI Karu 12 is a great gift idea for campers.

This portable wood-fired oven reaches temperatures up to 950F in just 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a fresh, stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds! It’s easy to use – simply light it up with wood or charcoal, get your pizza dough and toppings ready, and start cooking.

See it on OONI’s website.

Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All

No set of camping gear would be complete without some cast-iron cookware. This Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All Kit is the perfect addition to any camper’s arsenal.

Lodge Cast Iron Cook-It-All
via amazon.com

It comes with five pieces of cast iron cookware, each with its own unique function. The reversible grill/griddle is perfect for cooking up steak or pancakes, while the wok can be used as both a skillet and lid. You can even use it as a Dutch oven to bake campfire pizza!

Check the current price.

cast iron camping gift
via amazon.com

Kids Camping Journal

Make sure family camping is as fun (and organized!) as possible with my Camping Journal for Kids! This journal is packed with games and activities to keep kids entertained while also providing opportunities for connection and detail-focused scavenger hunts.

outdoorsy gift for camping kids

The best part? Seeing the trip through their eyes and years later reading all about it together. The Camping Journal for Kids captures all the best parts of camping in one special journal.

Camping is a time to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature. This journal will help kids do both! With pages for drawing, writing, and pasting in mementos, this Camping Journal is the perfect way to document all the fun of a camping trip. It’s also great for school-aged kids who need some extra writing practice during the summer months.

The journal includes:

  • A list of things to pack for camp
  • A campfire story starter
  • Scavenger hunts
  • Camp games
  • A packing list
  • And much more

Get the Kids Camping Journal on Amazon.

Inflatable Paddleboard

Inflatable Paddleboard
via amazoncom

SUPs (stand up paddleboards) are all the rage these days, and with good reason!

  • They’ve come down in price a lot in recent years (sometimes you can find ones for $99!)
  • They’re a lot less hassle to transport than kayaks and canoes
  • They’re loads of fun!

While you can find a few that are cheaper, I highly recommend the SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard. It’s about $250 and comes with everything you need — board, paddle, leash, pump, carrying bag, repair kit, etc.

We’ve had ours for a year and they’re still going strong. And I have friend who’ve had theirs for 2+ years without any problems.

Check out the current SereneLife SUP price.

Hiking Backpack – Like the Kelty Redwing

hiking backpack
via amazon.com

Kelty’s Redwing backpack is the perfect gift for any camper on your list. Its advanced perimeter frame and AMP-Flow ventilated back panel provide superb stability and keep hikers cool, while the hybrid U-zipper entry offers both top and panel loading options. The backpack also features Kelty’s signature wing side pockets with pass-through functionality, ideal for carrying hiking or fishing poles, and a shock-cord stash system for small items.

Simply put, the Redwing 36 (or the 50 L) is a true Kelty classic with modern upgrades that any camper will love.

The 36L is big enough for a 1-2 night backpacking trip but not so enormous that you couldn’t just take it on a day trip (or even as a carry-on on a flight). The 50L is a little bigger and better suited for ones who might want to take multi-day backpacking trips.

AEROPRESS Coffee and Espresso Maker

small camping coffee maker
via amazon.com

The AeroPress is the perfect gift for campers! It’s lightweight, compact, and portable, making it easy to take on the go. Plus, it’s durable, so it can withstand the rigors of camping life. The AeroPress is also great for making coffee in a hurry. It uses a rapid, total immersion brewing process to make smooth, delicious coffee in just a minute.

And because the brewing time is so short, the coffee doesn’t have time to become bitter or acidic. Plus, the AeroPress comes with a paper microfilter that eliminates grit and makes cleanup a breeze. So if you’re looking for a gift that’s both practical and convenient, the AeroPress is the perfect choice for campers.

Check the current AEROPRESS price.

Lightweight Camping Hammock – Like the Wise Owl Outfitters.

lightweight camping hammock
via amazon.com

You can drop big bucks on a lightweight camping hammock. But fortunately, you don’t have to. The Wise Owl Outfitters’ camping hammock is a great camping gift idea because it…

  • comes with everything you need to set it up
  • and it costs less than $50 (in fact, a lot less!)

It’s comfortable, compact, and easy to set up with the included carabiners and straps. The fabric is soft yet strong parachute nylon with triple interlocking stitching so there’s no chance of falling through to the ground!…as long as you’re less than the 400-lb weight limit.

Check out the Wise Owl Outfitters’ LOW PRICE.

Camping Hatchet – Like the Fiskars X7

Fiskars X7 camping hatchet
via amazon.com

Any seasoned camper knows that a good hatchet can make all the difference. Whether you’re chopping wood for a fire or trying to build a shelter in a hurry, a hatchet can be a true lifesaver. The Fiskars x7 Hatchet is one of the best on the market and makes an ideal gift for any camper in your life.

With its perfect balance, amazing power-to-weight ratio, and low-friction blade coating, it can handle any task you throw at it.

Check the current Fiskars X7 Hatchet price.

A Quality Flashlight

We’ve all had it happen to us…it’s dark at the campsite and you grab your 20-year-old flashlight that runs on the huge D-cell batteries and guess what? It’s dead. Or you have to bang it on the picnic table to wake it up.

Give the gift of illumination with a quality camping flashlight. Here are two great options from good brands — Fenix and Coast.

The Fenix E09R 600 Lumen Rechargeable

fenix flashlight for camping
via amazon.com

This Fenix flashlight is small but powerful. It’s less than 3 inches long and weighs just 1.5oz (that’s about the size of your thumb). Its aluminum body is IP68 waterproof and impact resistant so it’s ready for any camping adventure. Plus, it’s less than $50!

Check the current price.

For a more budget-friendly gift that’s still top-quality, go with the…

COAST PX20 Dual Color 315 lumen flashlight

quality camp flash light
via amazon.com

It’s got a bulls-eye spot beam with a transition halo so you get the best of both worlds — spotlight and wide angle viewing. Plus, the red color option is nice for using at night when you want to preserve your night vision — like when you need to take care of “business” in the woods at night.

Check the current price.

LEATHERMAN, Signal Camping Multitool

LEATHERMAN, Signal Camping Multitool
via amazon.com

Looking for a unique camping gift that’s sure to get used on every camping trip? Go with the Leatherman Signal Camping Multitool!

This handy multitool is designed specifically for outdoor use and comes packed with 19 different tools to help you out in any situation. From the fire-starting ferro rod to the 420HC combo blade and emergency whistle, this multitool has everything a camper needs to MacGyver their way out of any situation!

Check current price.

A Quality Camp Cooler – Like Ones from Canyon Coolers

Yeah, yeah…but what about YETI coolers?! Yes, we know…YETI coolers are great, but it’s worth considering other brands that also offer some bombproof options.

A great brand of coolers to check out is Canyon Coolers.

  • They’re built like mini tanks
  • Many report that they hold ice longer than comparable YETI coolers
  • They’ve got a lifetime warranty. That’s right…not 3 years, not 5 years, a LIFETIME warranty with very few restrictions!
camp coole6re comparable to yeti but cheaper
via amazon.com

Go with the Outfitter for a large multi-day cooler or the Scout for a versatile day cooler.

Slackers Slackline Set

Got any camper friends who are a bunch of slackers (or wannabe slackers)? Not the lazy kind, the cool balancing kind! 😜

Then they’ll love this portable slackline kit. It’s a really great gift idea for families with kids who might think that camping is soooo booooring. “Mom, but there’s nothing to do at the campsite!!!”

Get ’em this slackline kit and let the fun begin.

outdoorsy camping gift
via amazon.com

This slackline kit includes an extra training line to hold on to, an instruction manual, and a storage bag. The slackline is made of two-inch wide nylon webbing and ratchet tensioning for easy use and set-up. 

Check the Slackers Slackline price.

Speedminton Set

You’ve probably played badminton, right? Kick the fun up a notch with speedminton (or crossminton to some). The rackets are more like tennis rackets and the birdies fly farther and faster than normal badminton birdies.

Use it with a net like volleyball or just find an open area to bat it around — either way, it’s load of fun and makes a great gift idea for active families.

Check the Speedminton S600 Set price. (I’ve had this set for over a year and it works great)

speedminton set
via amazon.com

Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad

Know some campers who are still using that old air mattress that loses air all night until it’s almost flat in the morning? Get ’em a self-inflating sleeping pad!

nice sleeping pad
via amazon.com

Personally I love the Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self-Inflating mat. The Sea to Summit pads have a special valve that makes them really easy to inflate and deflate.

Just open it up, let it expand, and then give it a few breaths until you reach the desired firmness. Too firm? Just use the little tab on the valve to let a little air out until it’s exactly how you want it.

The Camp Plus model comes in several sizes, but all of them are a full 3 inches thick! And they pack up small enough that you could take them backpacking.

Ever feel the cold air coming up from the ground when you sleep on an air mattress? You don’t have that with these sleeping pads. The extra foam insulation of the 3-inch Camp Plus model has an R-value of 4.3 which is enough to protect you from the cold ground even on chilly autumn camping trips.

Check the Sea to Summit Camp Pad price.

National Parks Pass

No list of camping gift ideas would be complete without the National Parks Pass. For campers who like to venture outside their neck of the woods, this is a truly awesome gift idea.

  • Access to 2000 federal recreation sites
  • Covers entrance fees at national parks and wildlife refuges
  • Covers fees for a driver in a non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers at per vehicle fee areas (that means one pass is good for a whole family!) At per-person areas, it covers up to 4 adults.

Get the National Parks Annual Pass.

national parks pass gift

Camping Gift Ideas Under $30

At this point on the list of gift ideas for campers you’ve probably thought at least once “Wow, hmm…that’s a little pricey! I don’t think I could get one of those for all my camper friends” 

No worries! There are tons of budget-friendly gift ideas too! *At the time of writing all of the below gifts were less than $30!

Moremili Campsite Storage Strap 

campsite storage tree strap hanger
via amazon.com

It’s cheap. It’s fun. It’s super useful. Yup, the Moremili Campsite Storage Strap is a perfect gift idea for the camper in your life! This lightweight strap can be easily assembled and hung, making it versatile and convenient for use indoors or outdoors. The 16ft of LED rope lights create a warm and romantic atmosphere while the sturdy build ensures that your belongings are safe and secure.

Just hang it up between two trees and the included carabiners or hanging clips give you an easy way to hang up wet clothes, a backpack, cooking utensils, or your dirty water shoes.

The World’s Toughest Emergency Blankets

emergency blankets
via amazon.com

Help your camper friends be prepared with the Don’t Die in the Woods (gotta love the name, right!) World’s Toughest Emergency Blanket. It’s made from extra-thick mylar which is durable and more flexible than ordinary space blankets.

Plus they come in a 4-pack in a convenient carrying case and individual rip-stop stuff sacks so you can stash them in a pocket, first aid kit, or emergency kit.

Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards

A camping trip almost always leads to some epic game nights. That means your standard playing cards get used hard and are lucky to last much more than a camping trip or two. I mean, think of what they’re up against — dirt, ketchup, bacon grease, pancake syrup, and a whole bunch of sticky fingers.

That’s why these durable, waterproof playing cards make a great camping gift idea. Whatever happens to ’em, just rinse ’em off and they’re good as new.

Check the Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards price.

waterproof playing cards
via amazon.com

MYOTT Silicone Pioneer Mug

Camping is hard on drinkware and utensils. Glass shatters, ceramic mugs crack, and even metal thermoses collect dents. So why not give the gift of a virtually indestructible camp mug.

And don’t think that MYOTT uses the word “indestructible” lightly.

silicone collapsible camping mug
Source: MyottGear

It’s made from 100% food-grade silicone. Drop it. Kick it. Sit on it. Heck…you can even run it over with your car. All you gotta do is dust it off, fill it up and it’s ready to go again.

The silicone is dishwasher and microwave safe and doesn’t stain, so go ahead and use it for your camp coffee or dark red wine (just not at the same time).

Get the MYOTT Pioneer Mug only at MyottGear.com

Gear AID 550 Paracord and Carabiner

Can you ever really have enough paracord? Um…no!

paracrod and carabiner combo
via amazon.com

The ways you can use paracord while camping is virtually unlimited — stringing up a clothesline, making an emergency shelter, or trying to show off your impressive knot-tying skills. Or kids can even use it for making camp crafts like survival bracelets, dog collars, or a knife handle wrap.

Check the current price.

Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet

paracord bracelet with compass
via amazon.com

These make a great gift idea for kids and teenagers who want to look the part of a hardcore camper. Plus, they’re functional too and with a whistle, they help your kids stay safe. There’s even a mini fire starter built into the bracelet!

Check the Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet price.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

waterproof drybag for camping
via amazon.com

All campers need a secure and waterproof way to keep their delicate gear (keys, phones, etc.) dry while kayaking, paddleboarding, or when they get caught outside in a freak downpour.

That’s why a dry bag makes such a nice gift idea. This Earth Pak 10 liter dry bag is a good choice since it’s durable, budget-friendly and super versatile. It’s got a shoulder strap for easy carrying to your favorite swimming hole. Plus it’s got a small front pocket and comes with a waterproof phone case — so you get to give 2 gifts in one!

Check this Earth Pak Dry Bag price.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Towel

camping travel towel
via amazon.com

The Wise Owl Camping Travel Towel is the perfect companion for your daily outdoor adventures. It’s lightweight, compact and quickly absorbs sweat and water without drying out your skin. The soft, suede-like fabric leaves you feeling refreshed after each use.

They’re super absorbent, durable and come in a variety of vibrant colors. Plus, they pack down really small so they don’t take up precious room in your camping gear.

Check the current price.

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow

Wise Owl Outfitters, there’s that brand again. Yup, that’s because they make nice camping gear that doesn’t break the bank.

wise owl camping pillow budget
via amazon.com

You know how it feels to wake up with a stiff neck and aching back after sleeping on the ground with your balled-up hiking pants as a pillow. Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with this camp pillow.

This pillow is made with cushioned memory foam wrapped in a soft, micro-suede cover, giving you a truly supportive rest. It’s also lightweight and portable, easily compressing down into its waterproof stuff sack. So whether you’re sleeping on a hammock, a plane, or in a tent, this travel pillow will help give you a great night’s sleep.

Best of all, it comes in two sizes, gets consistently great reviews, and starts at just over $15!

Get the Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow.

Coghlan’s Cooler Light

camping cooler light
via amazon.com

You know how frustrating it is to try and rummage through the cooler in the dark while trying to juggle a flashlight or lantern. Chances are your camper friends have had the same experience. That’s why this battery-powered cooler light makes such a great gift.

The LED cooler light is the perfect way to add a little extra light to an ice chest, cooler, tackle box, or even a toolbox. The light is small and easy to install with the included adhesive tape. It turns on when the lid is raised open and turns off when the lid is closed shut.

Plus, it only costs $10!!!

Check the Cooler Light current price.

Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO

via amazon.com

The Eveready LED Camping Lantern 360 PRO is a great gift idea for any camper. The lantern features four light modes, super-bright LED lights, and an impressive runtime of up to 16 hours. It’s perfect for camping trips, hiking excursions, or just keeping in the backyard in case of emergencies. Plus, the collapsible design doesn’t take up any extra space.

It also has a convenient magnet base, so you can attach it to any metal surface for hands-free illumination where you need it around the campsite.

Check the current price.

Jolly Green Products Rotating Marshmallow Roasting Sticks 

No camping trip is ever complete without a couple of flaming marshmallows over a crackling campfire! Do you have a camper friend who’s always using random sticks they find in the woods or rusty old roasting sticks from the 70s? Why not get them a new set of marshmallow roasting sticks?

portable marshmallow roasting kit
via amazon.com

The Jolly Green Products Roasting Sticks are marshmallow roasting sticks 2.0.

  • Extendable so they’re easy to pack
  • Made from long-lasting stainless steel
  • Heat-resistant carrying pack
  • Rotating handles for perfectly roasted marshmallows
  • Cool retro design

Check the current price.

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System

Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System
via amazon.com

A mini filter straw is an essential part of any survival kit and it’s hard to beat the compact size and versatility of this Sawyer filter straw kit.

It’s one of the smallest and lightest filters on the market, yet it can remove 99.99999% of all bacteria and protozoa from water sources. It can also fit on standard disposable water bottles, hydration packs, or the included drinking pouch.

Check the current price.

TiTo Titanium Long Handle Spork

portable camp spork
via amazon.com

The TiTo Titanium Long Handle Spork is the perfect utensil for backpacking and hiking. It is lightweight and portable, with a long handle that reaches to the bottom of deep pots and containers. The titanium construction makes it rustproof and wear-resistant, while the easy-to-clean surface keeps your spork free of oils and flavors.

Check the current price.

Adventure Medical Mountain Series Medical Kit

camping first aid kit
via amazon.com

If your camper friend is constantly getting scrapes and bruises while out on the trails, then this nifty little medical kit from Adventure Medical is a perfect gift idea. It comes with all the basic supplies needed to clean and close wounds, as well as an external kit map to help locate supplies quickly. It also has a practical mini guide to wilderness first aid so they’ll know what to do in an emergency.

And you can’t beat the sub-$20 price!

Check the current price.

The End of the Gift Ideas

So which camping gift idea are you gonna use?

Either way, be sure to look for something that’ll make their camping trip more comfortable, safe, fun, and enjoyable! AND…maybe get one for yourself while you’re at it!😜

Want some more gift ideas for campers? Check out these articles.

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