The Ultimate Gift Guide for The Traveler Who Just Can’t Stay Home!
Ok. That would be me! I am an avid traveler, and I also live abroad. My friends and family have struggled for years trying to figure out what to give me for my birthday, my anniversary, and the holidays. Even though I try to dissuade them into not giving anything (because then I'll have to pack it, LOL!). I just don't have the heart to say no to gifts!
Over the years, I'll be the first to admit that I've been difficult to shop for. I don't hold to one place long. I’m someone who doesn’t let the grass grow under my feet. I'm always on the move! So I have had to make adjustments with my family members for birthdays and holidays. For example, in the past, we would typically have one big Christmas party just before I would depart for the rest of the year, and we would have a gift exchange then. However, without any guidance from me, I would receive gifts that were large and unusable (for my lifestyle). I would either re-gift them or, sadly, donate them before leaving the United States.
Brilliantly, I made a list for my family members who might be stumped as to what to get me for a birthday or Christmas gift! I came up with a general list of things I would definitely use or bring me joy. What brings me joy are items that can enhance my travels or my life in the present moment.
Collectively as a family (and my friends love this too), we have found several websites that offer joyful giving all over the world. Sites such as Tinggly.com and TheBlackTravelBox.com. But we also use Amazon.com because if they couldn't travel across the country, they could always have their items shipped to my house or I could pick them up from an Amazon Locker. And now that I live in another country, I frequently use Amazon.com to send gifts home in time for the holidays.
This list is to give you travel gift ideas for anyone you know with a serious case of wanderlust. You may or may not see them for the holidays, and you want to give them something that is meaningful but will not slow them down or keep them from being #teamcarryon!
Below are a few of my travel favorites that I personally use and/or have recently gifted to another travel enthusiast.
For the Newbie Traveler
What in the world is Tinggly? It’s a website that lets you gift experiences. There really is no better present to give a friend, family member, or yourself than a little taste of the world. Tinggly.com is a great way to enrich a person’s life with the world. In the current trend of giving stories and not stuff, Tinggly’s experience packages great gift ideas because they allow the receiver to choose the experience they're most excited about in their current life stage. I personally believe that experiences make the best gifts and when it comes to the gift of travel, nobody does it better than Tinggly.
For The Day Trip Fanatic
This stylish and convenient backpack can do it all! Whether you’re packing for a picnic or putting together a carry-on for a weekend getaway, this is the perfect solution. It features a sleek and modern design and is made from waterproof materials, ensuring that it can keep your valuables protected in any scenario.
For The Jetsetter
The Black Travel Box specializes in TSA-friendly products and travel bags that are perfect for slipping into carry-ons when on the go. But unlike most travel-friendly shampoos and conditioners, these are full-size products made with premium quality ingredients. Trust me, there’s nothing more luxurious than dousing yourself in rich and creamy spa-quality products after a long day of traveling.
For The Solo Traveler
Solo adventures can be quite a cathartic experience. The only problem is there’s not a lot of options when it comes to documenting the trip through photos. Whether your friend is an active travel influencer or just likes to send photos of their adventures back to their family and friends, this selfie stick can come in handy.
For The Traveler Who Has it All
That’s where Lume comes in! It can be applied anywhere on your body, keeping you feeling (and smelling) fresh for up to 72 hours. For those long flights or heavy travel days, Lume works brilliantly until your next shower! My favorite scent is Coconut Crush, but all of their aromas are refreshing and uplifting, unlike many traditional deodorant scents. Seriously, if you haven’t given Lume a try already, you’re missing out!
For The Travel Couples
If your friend can frequently be found traveling with Bae, a group of friends or family members, this wireless transmitter/receiver is the perfect addition! This pocket-sized device allows you to sync up multiple sets of AirPods so that you can enjoy music, videos, or even movies together. Long gone are the days of having to split headphones, thanks to the AirFly Pro!
For The Traveler Who Loves Luxury
Nothing says luxury quite like a cashmere travel set! This stunning set comes with all the essentials needed to make a long trip comfortable and cozy. It features a sumptuous afghan, a travel pillow, socks, and an eye mask.
For The Forgetful Traveler
If you have one of those friends who always seems to forget their essentials, you won’t find a better gift to give them than this Tile Mate Essentials set. The pack comes with two standard mates, one slim mate, and one sticker, making for a versatile array of item trackers. Give your friends and family the gift of never losing an important item again with Tile Mates.
For The Sentimental Traveler
There’s no better way to show someone just how much they mean to you than with an adorable necklace that they can carry with them on their travels. This 18K gold plated necklace features a dainty charm of the world and a cute little compass to match. The best part is that it’s sure to match any style and aesthetic.
For The Coffee Lover On The Go
When it comes to avid travelers, there's one thing that’s never going out of style: coffee, of course! This convenient coffee press includes paper filters, a scoop, a stirrer, a travel cup, and even a lid so that your loved one can enjoy fresh coffee no matter where they are. You can even use it to make cold-brew coffee!
For The Coffee! Or Tea, Soup, etc.
When I travel, I want good coffee, and sometimes the simplest way to get it is to make it myself. This is the ideal kettle for trips, vacations, or short-term stays. It’s lightweight, portable, and quickly heats up. Instead of relying on hotel room service or purchasing drinks from cafes, make your own hot beverages, such as tea or coffee, and instant soups. I take it everywhere I go because it's the perfect size and boils quickly. It is extremely useful for travel and takes up very little space. This folds down to a height of 2 inches (5 cm) and comes with a convenient carry case. Plus, everyone has heard about the hotel travel kettles, ew.. Select your favorite color!
As a frequent traveler living abroad, I'm all about my travel gear! I've actually tried out every product I've listed, not just once but over and over again. I'm here to help you find the best travel items to purchase for you or the travel enthusiast in your life!
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