Franz Eliz
It’s Christmas soon! If you’re looking for a gift for the traveller in your life, why not give something practical for the road?
Not sure what to give? Here’s a list of 15 Christmas present ideas to consider. Let’s get started.
1. Travel Journal
Documenting experiences in a travel journal is a great way to preserve travel memories. A travel journal can do a lot for the avid traveller, from storing important travel tips and guides to tracking travel expenses. I often use mine for notes, contacts, lists of purchases or places, food I’ve eaten, travel budgets and expenses, and so on.
A travel journal can also help with language barriers. For example, you could use drawings instead of words to express your thoughts. I recommend a medium-sized travel journal.
Check out the Robrasim Refillable Handmade Leather Travel Journal. It comes in black or wine colours. The leather cover gives it a sophisticated look and a nice feel, and the journal’s premium, thick paper prevents damage and ink bleeding.
The Moleskine Traveller’s Journal is also a good option. It’s especially great for a minimalist friend who prefers a simpler look. This journal offers 400 pages and comes in a hard or soft cover. It’s great for both writing and sketching.
2. Passport Holder
My friend Eric gave me a passport cover from Craft Factory, a shop in Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur, many years ago. Since then, I have enjoyed using a passport cover, especially a custom one. I think a passport holder would make a great Christmas gift.
You can find passport holders in different colours, patterns, designs, and materials. If you like, you could include the recipient’s name on the passport holder. Choose the colour and pattern they will like – whatever suits their personality.
Optionally, you could get a passport holder that also acts as a wallet, like the Melsbrinna Passport Holder, available in different colours. This passport holder combo has slots for storing a passport, travel tickets, and cards. The wallet is waterproof and RFID-friendly.
For easier access, consider a small pouch or a water-resistant wallet like the Alpha Keeper Neck Wallet. Made of nylon, it’s lightweight and easy to carry. This TSA-approved travel passport holder is so versatile. It can store a passport, ID, cards, vaccination certificate, and coins.
3. Bottle Holder
A water bottle is a must-have for travel. But sometimes carrying one isn’t convenient, especially if there’s no space in the bag and it has no water bottle sleeves. That’s when you need a bottle holder.
I have a bottle holder from Quechua (it holds 1L) that I often take with me while travelling. Hanging it on my shoulder allows me to access my water bottle easily, especially when I’m only carrying a small day pack. I like it because it protects my stuff from getting wet whenever I have a cold water bottle in my bag. Water condensation doesn’t bother me much anymore.
A bottle holder is also useful during hiking. It’s always best to keep your hands free whenever possible. Check out the R.SASR Tactical Drawstring Molle Water Bottle Holder, designed for the outdoors. Carry it over your shoulders or hang it on a belt, backpack, or vehicle.
4. External Hard Drive
Sadly, people often lose their travel memories when their phones or cameras get lost or stolen. I’ve also heard of people losing their precious memories when their only data storage gets corrupted. Such misfortune can be avoided with a backup external hard drive.
Maybe the traveller in your life already has an external hard drive. But it won’t hurt to give them another one. In this modern age, digital storage is a prized commodity.
This gift may be pricey, but it’s excellent, especially if the traveller in your life loves taking photos and videos. That extra storage will mean a lot.
Of course, data backup is an important habit to begin with. Why not include a small greeting card with a kind reminder to back up their data?
Pick an external hard drive with decent storage capacity. The lighter the external hard drive, the better. Western Digital and Seagate are two popular brands which I’ve used. If you don’t mind splurging on a nice gift, get an external hard drive that suits life on the road. The OWC Elektron Portable External Hard Disc is a good option. It’s fast and can withstand water or a drop. The traveller in your life will be so pleased.
5. Phone
Smartphones have become more affordable, and you can even get one under U$100. Many modern brands offer smartphones with decent cameras.
Suppose the traveller in your life doesn’t have a smartphone, or could use an upgrade. How about getting one for them? iPhones are known for beautiful photos and videos, but many mid-range phones can do the same, too.
As mentioned earlier, smartphones that take decent photos and videos don’t need to be very expensive. As long as your budget allows, a smartphone for that special someone in your life sounds like a great idea.
But if they prefer a dumb phone, then get that instead. I, myself, want a dumb phone – the old-school one. I’ve been wanting to have a flip phone that reminds me of my university days. Nostalgia!
6. E-Reader
Suppose the special traveller in your life is a bookworm. Then an e-reader would make an excellent gift.
Paper books are great, but they’re heavy. A Kindle, on the other hand, is lightweight and space-saving. Its greatest strength is the ability to store hundreds of e-books. How awesome is it to have the world’s library at your fingertips? You’re spoiled for choice. Which one should you get?
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is a good option for reading on the go. It’s waterproof and offers up to 10 weeks of battery life. Its adjustable warm light also makes reading in a dim environment more comfortable.
I have the 7” Kobo Libra COLOUR e-reader. It has 32 GB of storage and connects to WiFi. Mine came with the Stylus 2 Pen. I absolutely love it. So far, I am pretty happy with it. This e-reader comes with an optional Kobo Plus subscription. There’s a one-month free trial. I have subscribed to Kobo Plus and read many books and manga.
7. Travel Charger
The traveller in your life may already have this, but it won’t hurt to have another one. A travel charger is a practical and thoughtful gift. Any traveller would appreciate an extra charger. You never know when the current one will break down or get lost.
I’ve lost or broken travel chargers on the road many times. So, yes, I think an extra travel charger would be great to have.
Besides, high-quality travel chargers (especially with multiple ports) aren’t cheap. So when you gift the special traveller in your life a spare charger (that will last), you’re helping them avoid spending money that could otherwise pay for more trips.
8. Travel Towel
A travel towel is another great gift for the traveller in your life. You could get a travel towel in the size or design that they don’t have yet.
Consider getting a travel towel that’s packable and lightweight. A good travel towel must also be soft on the skin and able to withstand the test of time. Check out PackTowl Personal Quick Dry Microfiber Towel, available in various patterns. It’s perfect for camping, yoga and sports. This towel will dry quickly. It won’t smell either, as long as it dries properly. The towel has a hang loop for easy hanging in places like hostel bathrooms.
9. Scarf
Some travellers don’t carry travel towels to save space in their bags. They use their scarves instead. Whether or not the traveller in your life does the same, a scarf gift would put a smile on their face. A scarf is so versatile that it can be used as a fashion accessory or for survival situations.
A scarf can be used in many ways, such as a face or head cover, blanket, picnic cloth, beach skirt, and more. Of course, the scarf’s size and fabric will determine its practicality. I usually prefer a lightweight but long scarf. I find it easy to use year-round, and it can still keep me warm on cooler days. It’s also usually inexpensive.
You might like this HappyLuxe Wayfarer Travel Wrap and Shawl. It works well as a scarf and a blanket and is reliable on sunny days. This versatile scarf will make a wonderful travel companion for the special traveller in your life.
The photo below is a lovely blue scarf I bought from a boutique in Arequipa. I believe it’s from a brand called Andina Outdoors. The scarf is small but functional. It’s multi-purpose – it can transform into a cowl, a leg warmer, or a hand warmer. It can also be worn around the head to keep the head warm or to keep hair out. It does make a fashionable accessory, too.
What I like most is that it’s made from baby alpaca wool. That means the scarf feels luxurious on the skin.
10. LED Headlamp
An LED headlamp makes a great gift for the adventurous traveller in your life. Consider getting a high-quality headlamp good enough for caving, jungle trekking, or camping. A headlamp could be a lifesaver, so it’s an item travel junkies never leave home without.
I remember this one time when I was relaxing by the riverbank in Cambodia. Some locals were riding motorbikes at dawn with a headlamp on their foreheads because their motorbikes’ lights were not working. While it seemed funny to me, I then thought that it was genius.
Not long after, my travel buddy and I did the same in Vietnam when our motorbike’s lamp got broken. Note that doing so is dangerous, especially on big roads, so it’s best to avoid such situations if possible.
The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp is a popular option for travellers who enjoy running, trekking, or climbing. It can also be used for other activities. This headlamp works with a 1250 mAh CORE rechargeable battery or AAA batteries. It produces up to 600 lumens of light output, which is great for various outdoor activities, including caving.
11. Portable Speaker
We don’t just use speakers at home these days. We take them with us even when we travel. Of course, I don’t mean the big ones, but the portable ones!
A portable speaker like the XB13 EXTRA BASS™ Portable Wireless Speaker would make a wonderful gift. It’s small and is available in nice colours. The speaker has a nice bass. It is also dustproof and waterproof. I have the same speaker. Mine is black, and I often travel with it.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like music. I’m sure the traveller in your life would love this gift. Even if they don’t travel abroad with the speaker, a portable gadget like this will still make a perfect travel companion for trips close to home.
12. Selfie Stick
If the special traveller in your life loves taking selfies, why not get them a selfie stick? A selfie stick makes capturing moments on the go easier. Some people even use it as a self-defence tool during an emergency.
The Smatree Q3 Telescoping Selfie Stick with Tripod Stand is an option to consider. It’s made of rubber and aluminium and weighs 1 kg. While it may seem heavy, the selfie stick is sturdy and strong enough to support different camera types. It also features slip-resistant rubber and a wrist strap for a more secure hold.
I can also recommend the Flymile Action Camera Quick-Release Tripod. This tripod can also act as a selfie stick. But it doesn’t extend as far as a regular selfie stick usually does. Still, it’s a good buy. I have taken mine on trips and found it useful. The tripod-selfie stick is also sturdy and durable.
13. Travel Pillow
Although I rarely carry one, I don’t mind receiving or giving it as a Christmas present. Since not everyone is a fan of travel pillows, it’s worth asking the traveller in your life if they’ve ever considered having one.
While some travellers may find travel pillows unnecessary, some consider them essential for a restful sleep, especially on long-haul trips on public transport. These pillows provide neck support and comfort. With them, the traveller in your life will always be insouciant, knowing that they won’t fall onto a neighbour’s shoulders while sleeping (and drooling!).
You can find many good travel pillows on the market. But I personally like inflatable ones as they’re easy to keep when not in use, like the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow. It’s made of 50D knitted polyester fabric and weighs less than 100 g. Pack it in its zippered pouch when not in use.
I have recently purchased the Trtl Travel Neck Pillow. It seems like a good product, but I haven’t used it. Even so, I usually have it with me on long-haul flights. The Trtl Travel Neck Pillow doesn’t look like your typical travel pillow, though. It almost looks like a neck brace. Some people might find it weird and awkward to wear.
14. Puffer Jacket
Travel jackets, such as puffer jackets, are not cheap, especially high-quality ones.
Suppose you noticed the traveller in your life could use a new puffer jacket. Why not surprise them with a highly functional one? A good puffer jacket can last for many years when cared for properly.
Many people like travelling with a packable travel jacket. It’s easy to travel with and will come in handy on those colder days. It’s also useful whenever you’re in the mountains. A packable puffer jacket can also act as a travel pillow. While it doesn’t feel the same, it works.
I’m a big fan of the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. It’s available in two versions: a non-hoodie and a hoodie. I own the latter, and I really like it a lot. It’s very warm, windproof, water-resistant, and lightweight. I’ve taken it to the French Alps before and worn it on its own and as a mid-layer. This puffer jacket is a good alternative for travellers who want to travel light or avoid wearing a down jacket.
15. Earphones
Earphones are super important to me, and I have rarely gone on a trip without them. These days I usually use wireless earbuds, but I still have wired earphones. My phone has an earphone jack – something rare these days. Maybe the traveller in your life could use a pair of new earphones, too.
But it might be a good idea to know if they’ll appreciate this gift. Not everyone likes using earphones due to their long-term effects on the ears. Still, it’s a gift worth considering. Noise is frowned upon in many public spaces, such as on public trains. Therefore, earphones are necessary for consuming digital entertainment on the go.
I don’t have a specific brand of earphones to recommend. I usually buy mine cheaply at night markets.
Alternatively, you could opt for headphones. I have used the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones and was very pleased with them. They’re high quality but more affordable than many of Sony’s other options.
I am more of an earphone-type person, so this is a kind of gift that will make me over the moon. But I understand that not everyone is a fan of earphones. Earphones can feel uncomfortable after prolonged use.
