Throughout the year I look for interesting or suitable items for gifting to your favorite RVer, kid, pet and cook. For 2016, I have found a smaller selection of gift ideas - but amazing items. Remember, if you are doing any shopping at amazon.com, please click on the little black circle on the top right of every page of RVGoddess.com. Amazon gives me a little commission on anything you buy from this link! I have no way to know who you are or what you order, but I use the proceeds to pay for the upkeep of this massive website. Thank you!
Gifts for Kids
Purchase a handmade knit doll from Cuddle + Kind and they will donate meals to 10 children. Ethically produced in Peru. Fair Trade. Priced from $45. Super adorable!The Mini2Go Deluxe Scooter, made by Micro Kickboard, for toddlers changes from a sit-and-scoot ride to a stand-up scooter as the child grows. Suitable from 18 months to 5 years. There is even a little drawer for snacks or toys! Available in blue, pink, mint and red. $129. Order from Micro Kickboard and amazon.com.
Also consider:
A membership to their local zoo or children museum
A gift card to their favorite ice cream or fro-yo shop
For the Foodie
Two stainless mixing bowls, a fine mesh sieve, a strainer, with measuring cups and spoons in the space of one mixing bowl? How RV-perfect is this set from Joseph Joseph? This set would also be perfect for newlyweds, new home owners, first-time apartment dwellers, RVers or down-sizers. Available at amazon.com. Also available in a less expensive plastic multicolored set.
Order a personalized platter for your favorite camper. Many styles, backgrounds and sayings to choose from at Simply Sublime Gifts Etsy shop. Melamine. Dishwasher safe. $28.
The June Oven claims to cook faster and cook better. A scale weighs the food. A camera identifies the food. A phone app lets you know what is going on. The manufacturer says you will no longer need your toaster or your microwave if you have a counter-top June oven. The June oven retails at $1400. Is this the future?
This is not a gift idea, but you might consider getting a stainless steel Kitchen Sink Strainer for your RV. It's only a $6, fits in nearly every sink drain and keeps all that little stuff (rice!) from sneaking into your grey water tank. Cleans easily. Dishwasher safe. Order one at amazon. Stocking stuffer?
I loved this 4-piece cheese grater/storage dish so much, I bought one for Lisa as well. The porcelain dish has a removable grater, a lid for storage and a porcelain serving spoon. Genius. From Loveramics. Available from Gumps. $38.
Compact and powerful, the Cuisinart 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case is RV-ready. Includes beaters, chef's whisk (!), dough hooks, spatula, and instruction book. Power cord swivels for left/right-hand use (though not shown in the above photo, this mixer has a cord - it's not cordless). $57 at amazon.com. Also available at Target, Macy's, etc. for $79.
Your favorite camper would love a cookie jar shaped like a vintage travel trailer. The cookie jar is sold by World Market. Available on-line and in most stores nation-wide. $15.Also consider:
A gift card to their favorite restaurant
A bottle of their favorite wine
A gift card to their favorite fancy grocer
For the Traveler
The Loop Rope is like a bungee cord on steroids. Pretty sure you know someone who needs this in their life or at their campsite. Available from The Grommet and amazon.com.
Speaking of bungee cords, take a look at StrapGear Straps from Old Ephraim. The silicone-blend utility straps are flat, not round, in order to minimize roll and maximize grip. Also available from The Grommet and amazon.com.
Made in Spain, the Pallares Solsona Navaja folding knife is picnic or purse perfect. Olive wood handle; carbon steel blade. $76, from Quitokeeto.
The Sling Safe 300 from TravelSmith features slash-safe straps, a RFID-blocking pocket, and room for a 15-inch laptop. Great for a day bag or carry-on. Available in black or red. On sale now - $52.
The British Wide Boy Flask is made of (lead-free) pewter in Sheffield, England. Six ounce capacity, 4.5 inches tall, $98, from Guideboat.Ladies with a laptop will love the OMG (or the larger OG) bag from Lo & Sons. The light-weight OMG bag fits under an airline seat, and also works well as a commuter bag. Both bags feature a laptop sleeve and tons of pockets, dividers for your gear, a sleeve for shoes, and have a slip sleeve to securely ride on top of a wheeled suitcase. Many colors. $275 (but watch for constant sales/coupons).
Keep germs away with the Oral SteriClean Portable UV Toothbrush Sanitizer. Doubles as a toothbrush case and uses UV light to kill 99.99% of germs on your toothbrush. Uses two AAA batteries and works with most standard toothbrushes. Automatic turn on/off. $25.
A pretty little trinket bowl with your initial from Anthropologie? Yes! Marble with brass monogram and decoration. 4-inch diameter. $22.Also consider:
Tickets to a ball game or concert
Gift certificate to their favorite campground or RV park
Gas card
Gift card to Camping World
Gifts for Pets
Love your rescue dog and curious about his breed/breeds? Order a DNA kit from Wisdom Panel, swab his cheek and send it off to the lab. The results can be read on-line. $85 - and watch for promo codes during the holidays. A great gift. Also available at amazon.com.
The dog collar has moved into a new era. The link AKC works as a GPS and activity tracker for your dog and can send a message to your cell phone (download the app) if your dog leaves a pre-determined "safe zone" (i.e., if he escapes from your back yard) or if the ambient temperature is too high or low. The collar also has a light for night-time walks. The collar comes with a recharging station. Pre-order now for $149.
Caspar, the company that can send a King-size mattress to your front door in a box, now make a memory foam bed for Fido. Removable, washable cover. Hidden zipper. Three colors to choose from; priced from $125.
Cats love sacks! The Kitty Crinkle Sack from K&H Pets has the crinkly sound cats love and is lined with "lambswool sherpa" for cozy comfort and the sack stays open for easy access. Washable. Comes in two colors. $39.99, with free shipping from K&H Pet. Also available at amazon.com.Also consider:
A gift card to a dog walking service
Gift certificate for dog grooming
Until my next update, I remain, your gifted correspondent.