sassenach Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 My mom and her husband just purchased a trailer and I'm trying to come up with gifts that would enhance their travel experience. My mom mentioned wanting to get a crockpot, so that's on my list. Do you all have any suggestions for items that have come in handy? My biggest problem with my mom is that that they tend to buy what they need (and want) before anyone else has a chance to gift it to them. Even if it's something small, I'm thinking that several small things may work. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keptwoman Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Headlamp flashlights for getting to the bathrooms at night? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Some ideas that come to mind are- folding table/chairs squashable tupperware containers because they don't take up much space unless you are using them battery operated alarm clock instead of mains so they don't have to reset everytime they set up camp non breakable serving platter door mat travel clothesline quality battery operated lantern incase they loose power boardgames/playing cards for evening entertainment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 One thing we tend to use every time we camp is an electric griddle. It is great for making breakfast in one place and makes for easy clean-up. This would only come in handy if they camp where there is electricity. If they are primitive campers, this obviously wouldn't work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choirfarm Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 What about camping books on their possible destinations. I LOVE this book we used when we rented an RV in Alaska: http://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Guide-Alaskan-Camping-Alaska/dp/0974947164/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260276531&sr=1-4 If the link doesn't work it is Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping by Mike and Terri Church. They have other books on other destinations. It has where to get gas, descriptions of the campgrounds, little maps. It was SO useful. They have one on the Pacific Northwest as well as Mexico and the Southwest. Just put Mike and Terri Church in an Amazon search and you will get their titles. Or if they love to go somewhere else, then google other books. I bet they got a copy of Trailer Life Directory when they bought the RV, but I like Frommer's Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in the USA as it gave better descriptions, but only a few parks are in there. Anyway do a google search for books like that. I hope they will love their RV as much as we do! Christine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenpatty Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 outdoor rug/patio mat screen tent lantern string lanterns/lights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacie Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Cast iron dutch oven for using with a campfire, corelle dishes (thin, stackable, and difficult to break), a folding clothes drying rack, tabletop heater/fan for outside, lawn chairs that collapse and store in bags, sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, clothes basket, thick memory foam mattress topper, barbecue accessories, portable grill, folding rake, small vacuum cleaner. Do they have a gps? That could really come in handy when traveling. There are so many things people could use that do not have to be moved from home to camper for each trip. Think of what you'd hate to move the most and get it for them. I use a large clothes basket and canvas totes for moving things back and forth, which then double as somewhere to store dirty laundry and other supplies while we're camping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 My mom and her husband just purchased a trailer and I'm trying to come up with gifts that would enhance their travel experience. My mom mentioned wanting to get a crockpot, so that's on my list. Do you all have any suggestions for items that have come in handy? My biggest problem with my mom is that that they tend to buy what they need (and want) before anyone else has a chance to gift it to them. Even if it's something small, I'm thinking that several small things may work. Thanks! a mini keurig. :) http://www.keurig.com/minibrewerBlack.asp?mscsid=88E1QNFVAH289J77VVJJMW8CEH66BP1D We're new campers and this is on my short list for next summer's vacations. A cup of hot coffee in 3 minutes . . . . divine. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralloyd Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Is this a tent trailer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Things my parents use on every trip: Leaf blower to blow dirt and rocks off the astro turf - it is almost impossible to sweep it all off. They also use it to clean the site before unpacking. A large piece of astro turf the length of the trailer that can be rolled up and put in the lower storage departments. It keeps the camper cleaner than just a small welcome mat. Vinyl table cloths for the picnic tables Lights to hang on the awning at night to make their trailer easier to find. We finally went with a funny design rather than plain Christmas lights because everyone else had plain Christmas lights. clothesline and pins for when stuff gets wet unexpectedly A bike rack for the camper Books on tape/cd to listen to when relaxing in the camper Folding comfortable chairs and recliner chairs. Usually my parents travel with about 6 or 8 so they have have guests over and stay outside. Rope and twine in assorted sizes/lengths. My dad is always using rope for something, even to help his temporary neighbors. small hotel sized bars of soaps so they can throw away after one use if necessary if they chose to use campground showers/bathrooms. Small lotions and shampoos are nice as well. Those blue portable water tanks so they can refill water tanks if needed without moving the trailer. You can find them at WalMart here. A lot of people also have these tanks they can pull behind the car/truck that holds sewage so they can dump sewage without moving the trailer if they are staying somewhere a longer time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralloyd Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Well I don't know exactly what kind of trailer it is, but here are some things I want for our rv: Two Shelf Organizer http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/two-shelf-organizer/24567 Brush/Sponge Holder http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/powerlock-suction-brushsponge-holder/43951 Collapsible Silicone Kitchen Accessories http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/collapsible-silicone-kitchen-accessories/7670 Flexible Measuring Spoons http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/flexible-measuring-spoons-set-of-5/47885 Knife Safe http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/knife-safe/28073 Acrylic Measuring Cup http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/2-12-cup-acrylic-measuring-cup/10185 Under Cabinet Fruit & Veggie Hammock http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/under-cabinet-fruit-veggie-hammock/12295 Collapsible Bowls http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/collapsible-bowls/6586 drawers http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/add-a-drawer/38133 napkin holder http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/pop-a-napkin-white/35332 Table Caddy http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/table-caddy/20773 Shampoo dispenser http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/the-dispenser-3-chamber/47755 Thumbs Up Soap Saver http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/thumbs-up-soap-saver/2374 thoothbrush holders http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/pop-a-toothbrush-holder/22098 Over the Door Compact Towel Bar http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/over-the-door-compact-towel-bar/24586 WashEZE 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/washeze-3-in-1-laundry-sheets/22320 And you can put it all in this: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/folding-basket/34592 Do you think my list is long enough LOL? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynful Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 I was going to suggest Camping World also. :) My FAV store. I don't think you can go wrong finding something there or even maybe a gift card so they can pick out what they need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassenach Posted December 8, 2009 Author Share Posted December 8, 2009 Thanks so much! These are great ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillZ Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 If they'll be gone for long stretches at a time, say a couple of months during the summer, it might be nice to have a digital picture frame loaded with a bunch of family pictures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferdie Posted December 8, 2009 Share Posted December 8, 2009 Things my parents use on every trip:Leaf blower to blow dirt and rocks off the astro turf - it is almost impossible to sweep it all off. They also use it to clean the site before unpacking. A large piece of astro turf the length of the trailer that can be rolled up and put in the lower storage departments. It keeps the camper cleaner than just a small welcome mat. Vinyl table cloths for the picnic tables Lights to hang on the awning at night to make their trailer easier to find. We finally went with a funny design rather than plain Christmas lights because everyone else had plain Christmas lights. clothesline and pins for when stuff gets wet unexpectedly A bike rack for the camper Books on tape/cd to listen to when relaxing in the camper Folding comfortable chairs and recliner chairs. Usually my parents travel with about 6 or 8 so they have have guests over and stay outside. Rope and twine in assorted sizes/lengths. My dad is always using rope for something, even to help his temporary neighbors. small hotel sized bars of soaps so they can throw away after one use if necessary if they chose to use campground showers/bathrooms. Small lotions and shampoos are nice as well. Those blue portable water tanks so they can refill water tanks if needed without moving the trailer. You can find them at WalMart here. A lot of people also have these tanks they can pull behind the car/truck that holds sewage so they can dump sewage without moving the trailer if they are staying somewhere a longer time. I want to be your parents. Whaaa! What a great time they must have on their camping trips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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