The holidays are here, and for many people that means lots of gift exchanging. Unfortunately for full-time RVers like me, the thought of this induces more stress than excitement. The fact of the matter is that people like my family who live in tiny spaces don’t always have room for more things. Fortunately, there are ways around this problem. If you’re wondering what to give RVers for the holidays, think experiences, not things.
What to Give RVers for the holidays
People like me who choose to RV full-time likely value seeing and doing over having material items. Experiences take up no physical space at all. Best of all, experience gifts are likely to create memories that last for years to come, making them gifts that keep on giving.
If you’ll be shopping for someone who lives in an RV—or if you’re a full-timer yourself and looking for ideas of things to ask for—we highly recommend going the “experience gifts” route. Below are some of our favorite ideas for gifts that will create memories rather than clutter.
RVer Gift idea 1: Camping memberships
As an RVer, your friend or family member is likely always on the lookout for new places to stay (and ways to save money on those stays). Help them out by gifting a camping membership! There are dozens of camping clubs out there, meaning there is sure to be one that suits your loved perfectly. Some excellent options include Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome.
another present for tiny home dwellers: Reciprocal museum and zoo memberships
Another option that is perfect for the traveler is a membership to a museum or zoo that offers reciprocal benefits at similar attractions across the country. Such reciprocal programs include the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and Time Travelers, a history museum reciprocal program.
In our opinion, the following museums offer the best value, giving each member access to more than one reciprocal program with a single pass:
- Kern County Museum — ASTC, NARM, Time Travelers, ACM
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery — ASTC, ACM, AZA
- WNC Nature Center — ASTC, AZA
Rver gifts can also include Theme park season passes
Is your friend a thrill seeker? If so, a theme park pass might be one fo the best experience gifts for them. Find out if your loved one plans to be in one place for an extended period of time, and if so, purchase a pass for a park in that area. Alternatively, you could choose a park pass that offers reciprocal benefits at other parks.
The following park passes offer reciprocal benefits:
- Six Flags Gold Pass
- Merlin Pass (LEGOLAND and other Merlin properties)
- Cedar Point Platinum Pass
- Busch Gardens Florida Platinum Pass
- Herschend Pass (Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, etc)
don’t forget: A National Parks Pass is a great holiday gift, too!
Yet another awesome membership that will give the card holder access to a number of attractions across the country is the “America the Beautiful” National Parks Pass. After all, what better way to experience this country than through all the natural beauty it has to offer?
Single-use attraction and event tickets
Single-use attractions and event tickets are a great gift for anyone. If you know where your friend or family member will be traveling in the coming months, choose an attraction along their route and surprise them with a fabulous day they may not have even thought to explore.
kids and grown-up RVers love Camps and classes
Some of the greatest things about traveling are the amazing things you learn along the way, and you can bet that someone who travels full-time loves to learn. Why not help them out by paying for a camp, workshop, or class?
Whether it’s for a fun dance class or a day of cake decorating, the person you’re buying for is sure to appreciate the new knowledge and the fun day(s) out.
what about gifting An outing with you?
Finally, there is the option of giving the gift of time. If you’re buying a gift for someone, it stands to reason that you care for them, and we’re betting they care for you too. For this reason, time spent with you might just be one of the best experience gifts there is!
Obviously, this isn’t feasible if your loved one will be out of town for the foreseeable future. However, if the two of you will be in the same place at the same time anytime soon, a day together could be the perfect thing to put a smile on your friends face.
Some great ideas for your day together include:
- A trip to a new restaurant, coffee shop, or ice cream shop
- A trip to the movie theater
- Time at a local attraction such as a museum
- An art class together
- A day of baking or cooking together
Holiday gift ideas from other RVers
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
