Peek at their kit first
Have a look in the shed or ask a camping buddy what they already own. Doubling up on a chair or lantern is the most common gift mistake.
Gifts for campers they'll pack every trip
The best camping gifts are the ones that make the campsite feel like home, from a good chair to a warm light after dark. Here are our favourite ideas and how to pick one that suits their setup.
Gift ideas campers will use
Comfort upgrades for the campsite, from the big gift to the small surprise.
CAMPFIRE SEAT
Folding chairs and rugs for long evenings outdoors.
What to prioritise
Sit back
Camping Chairs & Rugs
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AFTER DARK
Lanterns, torches and headlamps to light up camp.
What to prioritise
Light the way
Camping Lamps & Lanterns
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CAMP COOK
Gas stoves and portable barbecues for cooking outdoors.
What to prioritise
Hot meals
Camp Stoves & Portable BBQs
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SLEEP BETTER
Air beds, self-inflating mats and foam pads for camp.
What to prioritise
Better nights
Air Mattresses & Camping Mats
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SLOW AFTERNOONS
Hammocks for lazy afternoons strung between two trees.
What to prioritise
Kick back
Camping Hammocks
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EASY WIN
Packable pillows that make a sleeping bag feel homely.
What to prioritise
Small and handy
Camping Pillows
Shop the RangeWhat makes a good gift for campers
Comfort they wouldn't buy themselves
Most campers already own the essentials, so the gifts that land are the upgrades. A better chair, a softer pillow or a proper lantern turns a basic site into somewhere they want to linger.
Packs down for the car
Boot space fills fast on a camping weekend. Look for gear that folds flat or packs into its own bag, so it earns a spot every trip instead of staying in the garage.
Easy to use in the dark
Camp life runs on simple, reliable gear. Rechargeable lights, quick-pitch kit and stoves that light easily get used far more than anything fiddly.
Fits the way they camp
Car campers love comfort and space, while hikers who camp overnight care about weight. Ask how they travel to the campsite before you choose.
Gift-giving tips
Think about their crew
If they camp with a partner or kids, a two-person air bed or a big lantern helps everyone, which makes the gift feel even more thoughtful.
Pair a big gift with a small one
A stove with a spare gas canister, or a hammock with a pillow, feels complete and gets used on the very first trip.
Gift ideas at a glance
| Gift | Why they'll love it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Camping Chairs & Rugs | A comfy seat by the fire is the heart of camp | Low chairs suit beaches and fireside sitting |
| Camping Lamps & Lanterns | Cooking and card games carry on after sunset | Rechargeable lights save buying batteries |
| Camp Stoves & Portable BBQs | Hot breakfasts and proper dinners at the site | Check which gas canister the stove takes |
| Air Mattresses & Camping Mats | A good mattress is the biggest sleep upgrade | Match the size to their tent floor |
| Camping Hammocks | An easy way to relax once camp is set up | Check campground rules on tying to trees |
| Camping Pillows | Small, cheap to post and always appreciated | Inflatable pillows pack smallest |
| Esky Coolers & Cooler Backpacks | Keeps food and drinks cold for the weekend | Soft coolers suit day trips and short stays |
Help it last
- Dry chairs, rugs and hammocks fully before packing them away to stop mould.
- Store air mattresses loosely rolled, away from sharp tent pegs and heat.
- Recharge lanterns after each trip so they're ready for the next one.
- Wipe stoves clean once cool and keep gas canisters out of direct sun.
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Frequently asked questions
What's a good gift for someone who already has all the camping gear?
Go for comfort upgrades rather than essentials. Most campers start with a basic chair, a thin mat and a torch, so a reclining chair, a thicker air mattress or a bright rechargeable lantern is a genuine step up. A hammock is another good pick because few people buy one for themselves.
What should I buy a beginner camper?
Start with the things that make the first few nights comfortable, because a good first trip keeps people camping. A camping chair, a decent sleeping mat and a lantern cover the basics and work for car camping at almost any site. Leave bigger choices like tents to them, as size and style depend on how they plan to camp.
Are camp stoves a safe gift?
They make a great gift for campers who already cook outdoors, as long as they use them sensibly. Stoves should be used outside in a well-ventilated spot, kept stable on flat ground and never left unattended. Fire and gas rules vary by park and season, so it's worth reminding them to check local fire restrictions before each trip.
What are some small gifts for campers?
Camping pillows, compact headlamps and small lanterns are easy wins that don't take much space in a stocking or a gift bag. They get used on every trip and are easy to replace when they wear out. If you know their kit well, a spare gas canister or a pump for their air bed is handy too.
How do I choose between a car camping gift and a hiking camping gift?
Ask how they get to the campsite. If they drive in, size and weight matter less, so bigger chairs, double air beds and portable barbecues are all fair game. If they carry everything on their back, look for lighter, packable options such as inflatable pillows and compact headlamps.
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Make their next camp the comfiest yet
Pick one upgrade or put a few small ones together. Either way, it's a gift that comes out every time the tent does.
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