It’s that time of year again – we’re all scrambling for gift ideas. If you’re looking for something for the traveler in your life, here are some suggestions to help you figure out what to give!
For the Beach Bum
1. Reef safe sunscreen – a number of countries are moving towards a ban on what we think of as ”traditional sunscreen”. Why not be ahead of the curve? I’ve actually bought reef friendly sunscreen at Walmart. It should say it somewhere on the label.
2. Beach towel – can you ever have too many?
3. Cool flip flops – ditto (like my fun fish flip flops or ones from my sponsor Zakistar Flip Flops!)
Gift idea: put all three in a fun beach bag!
For the Ski Bum
1. Ski socks - because you can never have too many
2. Ski lock – locking your skis while you’re in the lodge warming up will deter the “lazy” thieves.
3. Sunscreen stick for face and lips – the snow is really strong and the air can be quite dry on the slopes.
4. Liftopia gift card – Liftopia is a really great website for buying lift tickets. I use it all the time.
5. Magazine subscription to a ski magazine Like Ski or Powder.
6. Gloves that have finger and palm touch-screen conductivity so you can use your phone without your fingers getting cold!
Gift idea: Pair a magazine subscription or a Liftopia gift card with a sunscreen stick and a cool pair of ski socks. Or, what about a pair of gloves and a ski lock?
For the Adventurer Junkie
1. Cool gadgets:
A compass combo like a thermometer, magnifying glass and compass - it sounds kinda geeky, but I have one and I use it frequently.
A multi tool (just make sure to check on the TSA website if you can take it on a plane).
2. Energy bar subscription
3. Collapsible water bottles: Great to take on a plane. Fill them up before you board.When you’re done, they collapse, roll, flatten, whatever...
4. A water sterilizer or a bottle with a built in sterilizer.
5. Quick dry towels – nothing worse than both you and your towel being wet and cold.
6. Dry bags - a dry bag is exactly that – a sturdy, but flexible watertight bag that keeps your stuff dry. It’s useful for all kinds of situations. I use mine for kayaking and scuba diving.
7. Water shoes – good for a lot of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, etc.
Gift idea: Fill a dry bag with some of the goodies!
Ideas for Any Traveler in Your Life
1. A cord organizer for electronics – there are a lot of different organizers – ones that look like boards with bungees on them, pouches with specific compartments, etc.
2. TSA approved locks - I don’t know if you're like me, but I seem to lose my locks on a regular basis. And, like a ski lock, it keeps the “lazy" thieves away.
3. Personalized luggage tags and a luggage strap. You can order personalized luggage tags online. Why not get a cool strap, too? Besides, if your suitcase zipper breaks, a luggage strap will at least keep your bag closed.
4. All-in-one adapter converter – Long gone are the days when you had to carry a separate converter and adapters, then worry if you’ve brought the right adapters .You can buy them all in one unit now!
5. Combo travel alarm clock – I have one that is an alarm clock and flash light. Sure you can use your phone for the alarm, but if you’re looking for a cool multi function gadget, this is a fund idea.
6. Packing cubes: I'm sorta on the fence with packing cubes. But a lot of people love them. They're really lightweight pouches that keep your stuff organized in your suitcase.
7. Money belt – yup, they’re making a comeback folks.
8. Compression socks – these are great for long flights. They come in fun patterns too.
9. RFID blocker wallet – this is a great idea so no one can use an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) to swipe your credit card info. An RFID blocker wallet allegedly prevents the transmission of data from someone trying to use radio waves to steal your credit card info from a remote location, or even passing by you on the street. Some people say it doesn’t work and that it’s better to use a few sheets of aluminum foil. I guess that’s a debate for another day, but I think an RFID blocker wallet makes a way better gift than aluminum foil.
10. Amenity bag for a weekend trip or to place in your checked luggage – while you probably won’t be able to make it through airport security with this, it’s great for a weekend trip or to put in your checked luggage. Both my husband and I have them and we use them ALL the time.
11. Gather travel photos to create a book. I've gotten deals on Shutterfly for a personalized book, but there are probably other sites that offer the service.
12. Subscription to Audible.com – for listening to books and podcasts on road trips or on the plane.
13. Road ID – originally started by a cyclist who had been hit by a car while riding, Road ID sells very cool ID bracelets. It has your name, emergency contact, and any medical information that first responders may need to help you in a medical emergency (like a medical condition or allergies to medications). My husband and I have had them for years. I gave my cousin (who’s a runner) a Road ID that fits on her shoes. You can even get one for your pet!
14. Universal Yums! is a subscription service for snacks from different countries. I love any subscription service that provides something from around the world – like wines, beers, etc.
15. A cookbook from a place they’ve visited that they love or to a place they’ll soon be visiting soon!
16. And for kids – Little Passports helps kids learn about the world. Each month they get fun souvenirs, activity sheets, stickers for the suitcase that he or she gets initially, passport & map, photos.
Gift ideas:
A Road ID and personalize luggage tags
Packing cubes and compression socks
A snack subscription and a cool cookbook
An adapter converter and an electronics organizer
Luggage safety – personalized luggage tags, a fun luggage strap and TSA locks
Even try a mix and match!
**Bonus host/hostess gift ideas: Are you looking for a host or hostess gift for a traveler? What about travel themed wine charms? How about a beautiful travel themed cocktail table book? Or if you have a chance to plan ahead, order personalized luggage tags - they might make a great gift!
Remember - it's the thought that counts!
Were these ideas helpful? Let me know if my list gave you gift inspiration on Facebook or in Traveleidoscope's comment section!
