Top 10 Gifts for Campers in Australia

Looking for camping gift ideas for someone who lives for weekends in the bush, beach, or outback? Whether you’re getting a head start on Christmas shopping, a birthday, or just want to surprise a mate who loves the outdoors, the best gifts for campers are practical, well-made, and fun (with bonus points if they’re sustainable too).

At Nakie, we’re pretty much experts at gifts for campers. We make eco-friendly camping gear designed for Aussie conditions, like hammocks, towels, blankets, and more, all made from recycled plastic bottles. Plus, everything’s lightweight, easy to pack, and built to last. So, if you’re stuck for ideas, here are some gifts for campers that’ll actually get used.

1. Hammock 

A hammock is the perfect gift for campers who love to kick back after a hike, snooze by the beach, or read a book under the stars. It’s one of those things people don’t often buy for themselves, but once they try it, they never look back.

At Nakie, our hammocks are made from recycled plastic bottles and come with an easy, no-knot strap system. That means setup takes under a minute; just wrap the straps around a tree, clip the carabiners, and you’re good to go. Anyone who has a Nakie hammock can’t get over how easy they are to set up! They’re also triple-stitched for strength, hold up to 225kg, and pack down to just 600g, making them ideal for solo adventurers or couples hiking light.

Read more: 5 Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoor

2. Puffy Blanket

A good camping blanket makes all the difference when temperatures drop overnight, and a puffy blanket is warm without being bulky. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys winter camping or sitting around the fire long after the sun goes down.

The Nakie outdoor puffy blanket is made from recycled bottles, weighs just 780g, and comes with its own carry pouch. It’s water-resistant, stain-resistant, and warm enough for nights down to 5°C. You can even wear it like a cape thanks to the handy clip, which keeps your hands free for things like cooking dinner, holding a torch or eating snacks (very important!)

3. Camping Cookbook

For the camper who thinks a packet of Mi Goreng counts as a meal, a camping cookbook is a nice upgrade. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who wants to eat slightly better in the bush without too much effort. 

The best ones keep it simple: minimal gear, one-pan wonders, and zero chance of setting the tent on fire. It’s a great gift idea for new campers, vanlifers, or your mate who’s always “experimenting” with suspicious stew combinations.

4. Picnic Blanket

Picnic blankets are one of the most useful gifts for outdoor frothers, whether they’re setting up lunch in the bush, relaxing at the beach, or even just stargazing in the backyard. The best ones are big, waterproof, and easy to pack up.

Nakie’s picnic blanket ticks all the boxes. It’s 2m x 2m (big enough for the whole crew. made from recycled bottles, and folds down to a compact roll with an adjustable shoulder strap. It even comes with a bottle opener clip built into the strap, which is absolutely ideal for lazy days by the river or park.

5. Sand-Free Beach Towel

If your camping mate loves the beach as much as the bush, a sand-free towel is a no-brainer. It’s the gift they didn’t know they needed… until they realise they’ll never have to deal with sandy, sopping towels again.

Nakie’s sand-free beach towels are made from recycled bottles and designed so sand just shakes right off (it’s like magic!). They’re super soft, dry fast, and come in a bunch of fun and colourful designs that stand out at the campsite. Each one is 160cm x 90cm and packs down into its own waterproof storage bag, so it won’t dampen the rest of your gear. How good!

6. Insulated Mug

There’s something deeply satisfying about sipping coffee from an insulated mug, especially when it’s still way too early and you’re half-wrapped in a sleeping bag. Go for something stainless steel or titanium if you want it to last. Bonus if it’s double-walled, because no one wants third-degree burns from a black coffee moment gone wrong. Add a bag of fancy coffee grounds or hot choccie mix if you want to level up the gift.

7. Hooded Towel

A hooded towel makes getting changed after a swim easier and more private, especially in public campsites or surf spots with no change rooms. It also doubles as a warm, wearable layer after cold ocean dips.

Nakie’s hooded towel is made from recycled plastic bottles and measures 80cm x 100cm, with a simple pull-on design that keeps you covered. It’s sand-free (bonus), quick-drying, and comes with a waterproof pouch so you can toss it in your pack without worrying about getting everything else wet.

8. Bug Net

For campers who love sleeping in hammocks but hate getting bitten by mozzies (we mean, who does enjoy it?), a good bug net is essential. It’s lightweight, packs small, and can turn any hammock into a cosy bite-free zone.

Our bug net is made from recycled plastic bottles turned into polyester micro-mesh, keeping even the smallest bugs out. It’s designed to fit snugly over any Nakie hammock and can be set up quickly with or without a tarp. At just 410g, it’s perfect for packing light and makes a surprisingly thoughtful gift for campers heading into mozzie territory.

9. Rain Tarp

A rain tarp is one of those gifts that seems overly practical and not very creative… until you see how often it gets used. Whether it’s sheltering from a summer downpour, adding shade at camp, or covering gear overnight, a tarp is a camping essential. 

Our rain tarp is made from waterproof recycled polyester with a 3000mm PU coating and heat-taped seams for full weather protection. It measures 3m x 3m and comes with guy lines, a ridge line, and aluminium ground pegs for easy setup. It’s light, tough, and packs down neatly into a carry pouch – perfect for campers who like to be ready for anything Mother Nature decides to throw at them.

10. Fold-Up Camp Chair

Logs are fine. Rocks will do. But a proper fold-up camping chair? That’s luxury. Look for camping chairs that pack down small but still support a decent weight (bonus if they have cup holders and mesh pockets for snacks). It’s the gift that turns “roughing it” into “relaxing it” real fast, and yes, they’ll probably end up whipping it out at every backyard BBQ too.

Find the Perfect Gift for Your Camping Mate

Check out Nakie’s full range online, browse our bundle deals, or pick up a digital gift card. Because the best gifts for campers aren’t just useful – they’re an invitation to get outside and keep enjoying our wild and precious places in comfort and style. 

Gifts for Campers FAQs

What are the best camping gifts for couples?

Anything they can share without fighting. A double hammock is great if they like to cuddle, and a large picnic blanket gives them plenty of space to snack, sprawl, and argue over who forgot the bottle opener.

How do you choose the right gear for beginner campers?

Stick to the no-brainers: a hammock that’s easy to set up, a blanket that keeps them warm without being the size of a doona, and a towel that dries fast and doesn’t smell like wet socks. 

What’s the most practical camping gift?

Anything waterproof. Rain tarp, picnic blanket, or even a dry bag. Because at some point, it will rain (and it’s usually right after they’ve set everything up and cracked open a beer). 

Are sustainable camping gifts actually useful?

You betcha! The good ones aren’t just made from recycled materials – they’re also comfy, look shmick and are built to survive everything from beach sand to bush bashings.