Okay, sure. I like camping-themed T-shirts. But this year I’m hoping for something more. Not necessarily items that cost more. Just practical things that I know we’ll use. It’s not too late to shop. The supply chain seems to be catching up, so here’s my list. You can get more information by Googling each service or product. You might be able to get lower pricing if you shop around, but be sure to check user ratings for each suggestion.
Camping memberships or passes:
- Harvest Hosts – Usually $99 per year, but right now through December 31st it’s 20 percent off through RV Travel. Click here.
- Escapees RV Club – $49.95 per year for U.S. citizens; $64.95/year for residents of Mexico and Canada. Click here.
- Boondockers Welcome – Stay at the homes of other RVers who welcome you to their driveways, yards, or other space on their property. Peace and quiet! $50/year. Click here.
- Passport America – $44/year
- National Park passes – $80/year
Books, maps, and more:
- The ABCs of RVing (Written by Chuck Woodbury, Publisher of RV Travel)
- Rand McNally 2022 Road Atlas
- The Next Exit 2021
- Rand McNally 2022 Road Atlas & National Park Guide
- Motor Carriers’ Road Atlas
- National Geographic Road Atlas: Adventure Edition
- National Geographic 50 States, 5,000 Ideas
RVer’s Gadgets (Prices and manufacturers vary)
- Appliances: Instant pot, coffee maker, air fryer, ice maker, immersion blender, toaster. (Think: any appliance that is usually found in the RVer’s home and that they’d use while on the road.)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Solar-powered Cell Phone Charger
- Telescoping Ladder
- Portable Propane Fire Pit
- RV Exterior Cleaning Kit (extender pole, brush, bucket, squeegee, etc.)
- Foldable step stool (Who can reach into those RV upper cabinets, anyway?)
- Bedside caddie (Many RVs do not feature a bedside table.)
- Headlamp (For RV underbelly checks, maneuvering in dark campsites, etc.)
- Comfortable camping chairs (We really like our zero-gravity loungers.)
- Rain poncho
- Folding picnic table, we like this one because it comes with an umbrella
- Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer
- Water Filtering System
- Nixplay (Plays photos of the family left behind.)
Sports/Hobby Equipment
- Inflatable kayak (single or double, they’re a surprisingly great price!)
- Bocce Ball or Pickleball set
- Fishing/Hiking Gear
- Bicycle tire pump; water bottle
Gift Cards
- Cracker Barrel
- Walmart
- Fuel card
- Amazon
- Favorite camping store
Here’s hoping you get every RV thing you wish for this Christmas!
##RVT1030
You forgot about Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) under “Camping memberships or passes:” FMCA is $50.00 per year for membership. I find it much better than Escapees of which I am also a member.
Link to Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). https://www.fmca.com/fmcarvclubbenefits
Thanks for the addition, Bill!
I saw an air fryer that was more for small spaces and portable. I liked it. Otherwise I am getting another cuisine art air fryer that is also an oven and toaster. Pretty big but nice. Can’t live without the air fryer. I hardly use the stove or microwave.
Gail, I love all your suggestions but, what I really want is to turn back the clock on this old body so I can still do the things I love, such as a long hike, being able to play softball, play golf, and have enough energy to get through the day.
Our joy at Christmas is seeing the younger grandchildren playing, getting hugs and just being alive. We still use the motorhome to travel to see family and friends but it is becoming a chore to do the things we once done with ease.
I never knew I was getting old until, we went to our oldest son’s retirement ceremony, our oldest granddaughter’s graduation from nursing school.
We have everything including the joy’s of getting old. We still love getting out and are thankful for what we can do and the little things that make our day. Our prayer is for everyone to have a Joyful Christmas and good health in the coming New Year.
Mine too! And I wish we could turn back the clock sometimes as well! Merry Christmas!