With rents increasing by dizzying amounts and mortgage rates flying sky-high, it's no wonder your most adventurous friend scooped a remote job and started living the van life. Yes, it does mean you'll have to take a pause from enviously scrolling through their IG feed to find them the perfect space-saving gift (after you find their most recent address, of course!).
With limited space and a tiny trash can, it's important to be mindful and consider eco-friendly or experience-based gifts your van life friend will actually use. If it sounds like a big ask, don't worry. We've rounded up our favorite gifts that'll enhance a road trip of a lifetime without a big impact on the planet.
The Cool Down may receive a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Price and availability are subject to change. Learn more about our Product Mission here.
National Park Pass: America the Beautiful
Why It's Cool
What better gift for the U.S.A. roamer than a year of free entrance fees to all National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands? For just $80, they'll get access to over 2,000 sites and some of the most beautiful places in the country managed by federal agencies.
$80
Duxtop 1800W Portable Induction Cooktop
Why It's Cool
A lightweight, easily storable induction stove is the perfect addition to any tiny kitchen. Whether they have a solar setup or a traditional outlet, your traveler will be thrilled at easy access to hot meals!
$58.99
Cotopaxi Kapai 3L Hip Pack - Del Día
Why It's Cool
For trips out of the van, this colorful hip pack is a winner made from fabric remnants that would otherwise have been thrown away. Even better, cotopaxi is B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral, and boasts an array of benefits for its employees!
$40
Light My Fire Biobased Cutting Board + Strainer
Why It's Cool
In tight spaces like a van, space and multipurpose is everything. This mini cutting-board-slash-strainer made of bioplastic fits the bill perfectly.
$4.99
Jenni Earle Keep Going Bandana
Why It's Cool
We love Jenni Earle's 100% cotton bandanas — handmade in the Carolinas — whether it's for warming up on a cold morning or just looking the part of a carefree traveler.
$34
Scrubba Wash Bag Untouched
Why It's Cool
Touted as the "world's smallest washing machine," the Scrubba untouched washbag is a pocket-sized, updated version of a washboard. More effective than hand-washing and using way less water than a conventional washing machine, it's a van life win — and this is an undyed and unbleached version.
$49.95
Harvest Hosts Subscription
Why It's Cool
Give the gift of not having to overnight in a Walmart parking lot! This unique subscription gives you access to over 4,000 unique camping locations with no fees. Available across the U.S. and Canada!
$99/year
GOpure Pod Water Purifier
Why It's Cool
Having access to clean water when traveling is critical. These tiny water purifiers are good for two weeks of use in any small water container and purify the water within the first two minutes.
$57.45
superzero normal, oily, fine hair shampoo + conditioner bars + free savior bag
Why It's Cool
Why take up space with bulky liquid containers while on the road when shampoo and conditioner bars exist? Gift these plastic-free and cruelty-free vegan bars for on-the-go hair washing.
$55
Nordhus Design Swedish Dishcloths
Why It's Cool
When space is limited, even the most functional items should look cute! Colorful, 100% biodegradable sponges in place of single-use paper towels fit the bill.
$25.99
Voited Soul Slipper
Why It's Cool
Van life inevitably means a blurring of indoor and outdoor living, and these eco-conscious camping slippers work either way. They're made of recycled water-repellent fabric and will stand up to the nomadic lifestyle.
$45
Follow The Cool Down on Instagram and TikTok.
Cool Picks
