I created the Nomadic Gift Guide because it’s really hard to get a gift for someone who lives minimally. If you’ve never been nomadic, it’s really hard to explain how little space you have to fill with things and let’s face it, the holiday season is about material goods. Nomads don’t have a lot of material things on purpose. If it can’t fit into a backpack or is not utilitarian in nature then they aren’t going want it.
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🖤Jinx & Willow
They will end up trying to return it and either take the store credit and wait for something they need or they may just donate it if it can’t be returned. When space is hard to come by, you forgo certain things and your weird scarf doesn’t help if the only time we need a scarf is to come see you.
5. National Park or State Park Passes
One item to put on your Nomadic Gift Guide Shopping List would be a National Park Pass! Each pass covers entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service and standard amenity fees (day use fees) at lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers. This can be a significant reduction in living expenses for any nomad. Plus the parks are just beautiful. The National Parks pass will run you $80 (unless you’re military, a senior or disabled).
If your nomad is limited to a specific state, you can opt for something more localized, like a State Park pass. Price will vary from state to state. If you’re a resident it is usually cheaper, but this is limited to the person staying so make sure their vehicle is registered in the state for which you are buying the pass for.
4. Yearly Fee for Their Favorite Travel App
Hands down my favorite membership to have is Passport America! Discount tent camping? Discount on mail and package services? Discounts of up to 50% at campgrounds in the U.S, Canada and Mexico? That pays for itself within one or two stays. I know most nomads stick to BLM land or stealth camp and that’s fine but from time to time, staying at a campground is necessary and when those times arise, I do not pay full price. That’s for weekend warriors who don’t know better.
Not an affiliate, but if you’re worried about them on the road, a Good Sam Membership ($39) could be worth your peace of mind! It includes roadside assistance and you can use the dump stations at Camping World locations (which are bountiful and are worth the price right there). Plus a whole host of other perks.
Runners up on the Nomadic Gift Guide include The Dyrt ($36) and Allstays ($35) to help you find places to camp.
3. Campground Stays
Does your traveler have a campground that they frequent regularly? Maybe they make an annual trip to see you every year but can’t camp in your backyard or driveway (I hate HOAs for this). Gift them the gift of a campground stay!
Or you could pay for a membership like Harvest Hosts (starting at $99) which would allow them to stay at farms, breweries and vineyards as well as peoples properties (if you upgrade to the second or third tiers).
2. Gym Membership
Many nomads do not have access to showers in their rigs. We make due with sponge baths and wet wipes, but nothing beats being able to stand in the warm stream without any regard for how much water we are consuming. It’s terrible to run out of water mid rinse with no way to get more water until you do a town run. Many have used gym memberships to national chains like Planet Fitness ($49 per year, plus $25/month for national access) or Anytime Fitness ($41/month + annual fee) to supplement their lack of showers (and wifi).
1. Gift Cards
I will get A LOT of heat for this but I’m just going to say it – the number one gift on this Nomadic Gift Guide will always be a gift card. I have a list of Must-Have Car Camping Items, if you’re dead set on getting something physical for them to open. Gift cards are MUCH more practical for the nomad on your list. They absolutely will not be mad at gift cards for:
- gas
- groceries
- chain restaurants
- Cell Phone Providers (to help them stay in touch with you)
- auto parts stores
Gift cards often get a bad rap, but they shouldn’t be shunned as a gift. They offer the perfect blend of thoughtfulness and flexibility, allowing recipients to choose exactly what they want or need. Instead of a one-size-fits-all gift, a well-chosen gift card can cater to personal tastes, hobbies, or future plans. Plus, they can be especially thoughtful for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family members, ensuring they receive something they’ll genuinely appreciate and use. In a world where individual preferences vary widely, gift cards provide a customizable experience wrapped in a simple package.