25 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Your Travel-Obsessed Friend
- dainlukaa
- Nov 28, 2024
- 8 min read
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your travel-obsessed friend? I've got you covered!🎄
In this gift guide, I’m sharing thoughtful, sustainable gift ideas that are perfect for adventurers of all kinds.
Every item on this list has been carefully handpicked by me, a seasoned traveller who has explored 47 countries (and counting!). I’m particular about what I bring on my journeys, so you can trust that these recommendations are both practical and meaningful. Plus, I’ve included options to suit a variety of budgets—because great gifts don’t have to break the bank!
Anything from Ottway Clothing
Travellers need to be mindful of what they pack, and that’s why I’m such a fan of Ottway Clothing. I’ve been following them for the past few years, and I’m absolutely obsessed! Ottway creates sustainable, timeless pieces that not only hold up well during trips but also look effortlessly stylish in travel photos.
One of my favourite items is their Miller Linen Unisex Pants, which I’ve had for over a year now—and I’m still in love with them!
Loop Earplugs
Travelling often means dealing with noisy environments like bustling airports, train stations, or even busy European streets. This year, I was gifted a pair of Loop earplugs, and they’ve made my travels so much more comfortable! These earplugs are designed to reduce overall noise levels without blocking out the world completely, making them perfect for anyone who feels overstimulated in loud environments.
Thanks to Loop, my trips through noisy airports are now much calmer and more enjoyable!
TrustHousesitters membership
Perfect for Long-Term Travellers or Digital Nomads - A Trusted Housesitters membership is an incredible gift! It gives travellers access to thousands of free stays worldwide in exchange for house/pet sitting. I joined Trusted Housesitters this year, and it has completely transformed how I travel. Now, I plan my adventures around whose pets I can care for—and I save so much money on accommodation while having unique, homey experiences!
Snapwireless Universal Travel Power Bank
This game-changing piece of travel gear has become an essential for me—even when I’m not on the road! Snapwireless is revolutionising travel tech, and their Powerpack Universal is a standout.
Why do I love it so much? It’s not just a super convenient power bank; it also doubles as a charger you can plug directly into an outlet to power up your devices. It’s sleek, versatile, and absolutely genius for travellers who need reliable power on the go!
Sandproof Towel
This is a gift your travel-loving friend will truly appreciate! Encourage them to ditch those cheap microfiber travel towels and upgrade to a beautiful, sandproof Turkish cotton beach towel. Not only are these towels more comfortable and stylish, but they’re also practical for beach days and picnics.
I personally use Sammis Towels, an Australian-based brand, but you can find similar options worldwide. It’s the perfect blend of functionality and style for any traveller!
Luggage Tag
Digital luggage tags have become a travel essential in recent years, especially with the increasing risk of lost luggage. I use a Tile tag, and it’s now part of my airport routine to check exactly where my bags are, giving me peace of mind and reducing travel stress.
Another popular option is, of course, Apple’s AirTag, which offers similar features with seamless integration for iPhone users. Whichever you choose, it’s a thoughtful gift that every traveller will appreciate!
Lush Bars
For a more sustainable toiletry option, you can’t go wrong with Lush’s range of bars. These solid shampoo, conditioner, and body soap bars are perfect for carry-on travel, smell absolutely amazing, and help reduce plastic waste. They’re a thoughtful and practical gift for eco-conscious travellers who want to pack light and stay fresh on the go!
Reusable Film Camera
Travel is all about making memories, and what better way to capture them than with a vintage reusable film camera? I’m notorious for using my thrifted camera almost daily while travelling to snap those candid, unforgettable moments. I found mine for about $40 at a vintage store, and it never leaves my bag!
For a fun, modern twist, check out the 35mm Co camera, available in a range of vibrant colours. It’s a creative and nostalgic gift that any traveller will love!
Sunni Scenes Rug
This one’s perfect for the roadtrippers! Sunni Scenes creates stunning rugs designed for beach adventures, with plenty of space to fit a few friends. I use mine religiously on beach trips—it’s stylish, durable, and practical.
Some rugs even feature a secret zip pocket to keep your valuables safe while you relax, making it a thoughtful and functional gift for anyone who loves the outdoors!
Gift an Experience
Why not give the gift of adventure? My friends at GetYourGuide offer a huge range of unforgettable experiences, perfect for any traveller. Whether it’s a whale-watching tour from Sydney Harbour or a food and wine tour in their favourite city, there’s something for everyone. It’s a thoughtful and unique way to make their travels even more memorable!
The ULTIMATE Travel backpack
Finding the perfect backpack that does it all can be a challenge—but the search ends here. If your friend is a digital nomad, photographer, or just someone who loves a highly functional backpack for their adventures, I highly recommend the WANDRD PRVKE collection. It’s stylish, durable, and designed to carry everything they need for life on the go.
Kindle
This one is definitely on my Christmas list after realising it’s just not practical to carry three books around with me! Over the years, I’ve met so many travellers who rave about their Kindle and simply can’t travel without one. As a fellow book lover, I think it’s the perfect gift for anyone who loves to read on the go!
Packable Tote Bags
If we’ve met, you’ve probably seen me carrying my tote bag—I’m obsessed! Here’s why your travel-loving friend needs one for their next adventure:
Perfect for snacks and essentials you need easy access to on the plane.
Ideal for grocery shopping without the need for plastic bags at your destination.
Lightweight and packable, tote bags can be folded flat and easily tucked into any case or backpack—making it a must-have for the sensible traveller!
Burga Case for MacBook
Who says being a digital nomad has to look boring? Burga offers an amazing range of stylish cases for both MacBooks and iPhones! I always get tons of compliments when I'm working at a cafe, and I simply love the funky, eye-catching designs. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who wants their tech to look as good as it performs!
Multi-Plug from Iblockcube
A great budget-friendly alternative to my previously recommended travel adapter is my other favourite from Iblockcube. I’ve been using this plug since 2018, and it’s perfect for charging up to 5 devices at the same time! It’s compact, efficient, and a total lifesaver for digital nomads who need to keep everything powered up on the go.
Worldpackers subscription
Another great annual subscription worth having - giving the gift of experience and FREE accommodation? Worldpackers is an annual membership that allows you access to a community of volunteering opportunities around the globe! From teaching in Kenya to conservation work in Costa Rica - Worldpackers is the safest way to secure volunteering experiences around the globe.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
I’m ride or die for my Bose Noise Cancelling headphones, which have truly stood the test of time since 2019. I simply couldn’t manage a long flight without them! While there are plenty of more affordable alternatives, I have to say—Bose headphones are worth the splurge. The sound quality and noise cancellation make them a game-changer for any traveller.
Travel Insurance from SafetyWing
The biggest essential for any traveller—no one should ever travel without it! I’ve been working with SafetyWing for years, both as a partner and a customer. Their travel insurance works on a subscription basis, making it super flexible and easy to use. You could even sign up your friend and cover their first month—it’s a thoughtful and practical gift that’ll give them peace of mind on their adventures!
Luggage
When it comes to reliable, stylish, and durable luggage, American Tourister has been a trusted brand for years. Whether your friend is heading off on a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, their range of suitcases combines practicality with a touch of fun. Lightweight yet sturdy, these suitcases make packing and travelling a breeze. Plus, with a variety of colours and designs, there’s one for every traveller’s style. A perfect gift for anyone in need of new luggage for their next trip
Tech Organiser
Staying organised on the road can be a challenge, which is why I always recommend a tech organiser to keep your wires, chargers and hard drives neat and easy to find. It’s a simple but game-changing gift that helps eliminate the stress of rummaging through your bag for that one elusive cable! Perfect for any traveller who needs to keep their tech essentials in order.
I use the brand TomToc which is available on Amazon.
Laptop Raiser
Give the gift of a pain-free neck with a laptop raiser! This one folds up neatly and can easily be packed into a backpack—perfect for those digital nomad cafe visits. It helps keep your posture in check, so you can work comfortably wherever you go. A thoughtful and practical gift for anyone who works on the move!
Frank Green water bottle
Emotional Support Water Bottle? Check.
When exploring the world, it’s essential to reduce your carbon footprint however you can. A simple yet impactful way is by using a reusable water bottle. I absolutely love my Frank Green ceramic water bottle—it keeps my drinks nice and cold, even in the hottest climates! Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s also stylish and practical—perfect for any traveller looking to stay hydrated and sustainable on the go.
BEST overall travel camera
You’d have to really love your friend to gift them this, but it’s perfect for a partner or even as a treat for yourself! The Insta 360 camera is one of the most versatile cameras on the market. It lets you capture all kinds of creative angles and film everything in one shot. Whether you’re documenting epic travel moments or capturing unique perspectives, this camera is a game-changer for any adventure.
Packing Cubes
Packing can be a headache, but packing cubes make it so much easier! These clever little organisers help you compartmentalise your clothes, making it simple to stay neat and organised throughout your travels. No more digging through your bag for that one shirt! Perfect for anyone who loves staying organised on the go or wants to maximise space in their luggage. A small, but game-changing gift that any traveller will appreciate.
An airline gift card
Looking for the perfect gift for the jetsetter in your life? Airline flight gift cards are an amazing way to help your friend get closer to their next adventure. Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a long-haul dream trip, a flight gift card gives them the flexibility to choose their destination and dates. It’s the gift of freedom and adventure—the perfect way to support a fellow traveler’s wanderlust!
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned explorer, a digital nomad, or a road trip enthusiast, these thoughtful, sustainable, and budget-friendly gifts will make their travels even more enjoyable. From practical gadgets to unique experiences, you can’t go wrong with any of these ideas!
So, which gift will you be picking up for your travel-obsessed friend (or yourself)? Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow wanderlusters, so they can get their hands on these essentials too.
Safe travels and happy gifting!
Dain
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