The Ultimate (Online) Christmas Gift Guide for Travellers

It is November 22nd, and my Christmas tree is up. Students at my school have been requesting a ridiculous Jingle Bells remix song on repeat. My kids have already had one visit with Santa Claus, for goodness sake. Yes, it is safe to say that the holidays are officially here. 

With that comes one of the season's most challenging aspects, for me at least: choosing the perfect Christmas gift. (Or whatever denomination you celebrate - we do Christmas in our house.)

My husband is admittedly better at finding 'perfect' gifts for people than I am. However, I usually have a pretty good handle on knowing what I want, personally. As a traveller, there's always at least one or two items that support my wanderlust addiction.

If you have a traveller in the family, or are one yourself, here is a list of items that might help you to find that 'perfect' holiday present this Christmas season. I tried to list every travel item I've ever asked for, wished for, or even daydreamed about to try and make your gift-giving a little easier.

To help clarify some of my suggestions, I have included handy-dandy Amazon affiliate links with pictures right here on the post. That way, you don't have go around Googling these ideas to see what I am talking about. I also am the type of person who does most of my shopping online because I hate the malls at Christmastime, and I know there are others out there like me. Of course, you can go to the mall and enjoy the crush of a million frantic shoppers if that floats your boat - Christmas spirit and all - but I personally prefer the calm of online shopping with a glass of vino to see me through. To each their own!

Happy shopping, and even happier holidays!

Category 1: Technology

iPhone tripod - I purchased this tripod for myself recently. I couldn't wait for Christmas to try it out. It is a 'kinda-sorta' tripod in that it stands an iPhone up in a tripod fashion, but it does so much more than that. This little gadget has bendy tripod legs, which can wrap around tree branches, posts, door handles, or whatever you can find to use as a convenient stand. I attached mine to the vacuum cleaner handle in my first test run and videotaped myself chasing the kids around the house with the vacuum. Good times!

 

Drone - I have been begging my husband for a drone for Christmas. I chose this model because of the price range and the great reviews on the company's customer service, particularly for replacing lost or broken drones due to newbie misuse. This model is on the cheaper end of the price spectrum, so the battery life is only around 8-10 minutes and the picture quality isn't movie-production-quality, but for me to learn on it seems like a perfect fit. (Of course, if you already know how to drive a drone and are looking for better picture quality, feel free to go ahead and spend thousands on your drone. I will work my way there eventually! Maybe...)

Extra phone battery charger - I was thinking of asking for this specifically for use on the Inca Trail, if and whenever I get there. Embarking on a walking / climbing hike for three days in the rainforest with no amenities around would mean, for me, running out of charge on my iPhone within the first day. This would be the solution to ensure my iPhone, which typically doubles as my camera, would stay available for taking some pretty spectacular photos of Machu Picchu!

External memory drive for iPhone - This is the coolest little piece of technology, and one I know I would use again and again. As I make a concerted effort to grow my blog and my YouTube channel, I find I am taking a LOT more photos and videos of my adventures. And as most people have experienced, image and video files in particular take up a lot of space on a phone. This device solves that problem by plugging into the phone charger slot and adding an extra 16 GB of memory for all of those files. And the price and size are perfect for a stocking stuffer!

Side Note: I realize this list is aimed primarily at iPhones, but that's because that's the format I use and these are all gifts I hope wind up under my Christmas tree. However, there are all similar devices available for Samsung and other brands. Feel free to click the link provided here but then branch off from there to search for the brand that suits your needs.

Bluetooth shutter control for iPhone - If you don't buy the tripod set-up that comes with the Bluetooth remote shutter control, this little toy can be a great stocking stuffer. The one I chose to show you is compatible with almost every type of phone, so yay for the non-iPhone users!

Selfie sticks - I have a selfie stick. It has no remote shutter control, so either I have to have Go-Go-Gadget extendible arms in order to click the photo button, or I have to start a video, set up the shot, have everyone pose, and then take a screenshot from the video in order to get a photograph of the group. It is a process. I like this featured selfie stick because all you must do is mount your phone and click the button at the end of the stick that remotely activates your camera shutter. So much easier!

GoPro camera - A few years ago, I left so many hints to my husband about the virtues of owning a GoPro camera, I annoyed him enough to get me one. And I LOVE it! I don't use it as much as I probably should after the level of obnoxious I reached just to receive it, but I promise you I do love my GoPro. If you have a traveller in the family who does not have one of these, then this should be pretty high up on your list of options.

GoPro accessories - And what is a GoPro without the fun accessories? I don't have that reachy stick that allows you to take 360 degree selfie shots, or a helmet with a mount. I should probably have some of these toys in order to be a proper travel blogger, right? Right? The Amazon affiliate link below features the GoPro Hero5 plus most of the popular accessories.

Clip-on iPhone lenses - These are too cool! These clip-on lenses change your regular ol' iPhone camera into something more like a fancy DSLR. This featured package includes a wide-angle lens, a fish-eye lens, and a macro camera lens. I don't even know how to work a DSLR, and I know I can't afford one of those cameras, so these lenses are definitely on my wish list.

Category 2: Packing

Carry-on luggage - Luggage can be a pretty personal thing, somehow, so buying others luggage might be tricky. Cute carry-on luggage is a little safer, as carry-ons can be swapped from one trip to the other, and they aren't as crazy expensive as buying someone an entire set of matching luggage. If you know the intended's personal style, a great piece of carry-on luggage could be a real hit on Christmas morning! I am loving this Rockland set, particularly the pink, black and white chevron bag. (Not the one pictured here; you'll have to see all the styles Rockland offers on Amazon to find the one I'm talking about.)

Funky luggage tags - Although I'm loving the chevron carry-on mentioned above, in reality all of my luggage is basic black, with no striking features to make the bags stand out. Therefore, I really could use a set of fun, bright, and durable luggage tags to help me locate my precious stuff on the luggage carousel. These tags are perfect! They say things like, "Don't Touch!", "Put Back - It's Mine!" and "Not Your Bag!" Clever and cheeky, just like me...

Luggage Scale - There are the hanging type scales (I have one of those already) and there are digital scales to choose from. I like the accuracy of the digital scale a little more than the hanging scale, because even a couple of pounds off on your baggage and you could be paying big moolah to the airline. These are great to tuck into your luggage and take with you on your trip, so you can make sure you didn't buy too many souvenirs for the flight home!

Passport / boarding pass case - I love the sleek look of this case, and how many little pockets it has. I never know what to do with my boarding pass once I've actually boarded the plane. Do I keep it just in case? Do I rip it up to hide my personal information? Do I eat it? Normally I just jam it in my purse, but I like how you can tuck it away into this little case and then shred the passes once you are done your trip.

 

Packing Cubes - As someone who craves organization, these packing cubes are great. I like the idea that your stuff gets packed away compactly, neatly, and in groups. Not only that, you can pull each cube out of your bag separately and take what you need without having to rifle through the entire suitcase (hence packing in 'themes', so you can find what you need all that much easier). This UBAG set is a great deal as you get two more cubes than most sets.

Thin Profile Money Belt - After having a member of my travel party get mugged on the Metro in Paris, I am always a little wary of ensuring my valuables are safe while traveling. This slim fitting money belt, worn close the skin under your shirt, is a great way to store money and other important items without anyone knowing you even have them on your person.

Category 3: Memories

Online scrapbooking gift card - I use online scrapbooking programs to make all of my travel photo books. I like this style of 'scrapbooking' as the final end product is sleek, high quality, and does not take up much room on my shelf. I also like that all of my travel books are the exact same size and shape, so they make my bookshelf look super pretty. There are TONS of online digital photo book programs out there, so take your pick and send your loved one a gift certificate to help them preserve their travel memories!

Digital photo frame - Maybe your traveller isn't into scrapbooking, but still wants to show off all of the fabulous photography taken while abroad. Digital photo frames are a fun way to do so - we have one in our living room on repeat and my kids love it when the photos of me swimming with dolphins pop up. I like the ones with wood finishes, because they blend right in with other traditional photo frames and don't stick out.

Scratch off world map - I have seen these all over Facebook, and thought they were pretty cool. I am not sure I agree with scratching off an entire country, saying you have seen it, when all you probably really saw was one region of that nation. I have been to Mexico a couple of times, but I wouldn't say I've seen the 'whole country'. However, the idea behind this gift is neat, and it looks beautiful up on the wall.

Fancy travel journal - Some people like to blog, but other travellers like to journal. I love the look of this 'ancient leather tome' travel journal: it looks like you've been out wandering the world with Indiana Jones. P.S. - the travel journals on Amazon are waaaaay cheaper than the ones I was checking out the other day at Chapters. Just sayin'...

Category 4: Experiences

Weekend getaways - I often give this a gift to my husband, usually for his birthday and not so much at Christmas. However, weekend getaways are great gifts for travellers who don't have an immediate trip coming up. My hubby and I often go to the mountains here in Alberta - we have a ton of amazing things to see and do just a few hours drive away. Check out what there is to explore around your area, and make a weekend of it!

Flight tickets - Of course, if you are flush with cash and feeling generous, giving the gift of an actual trip would probably be every travellers' perfect gift. I seriously doubt that I'll be finding any airline tickets under my tree this season, but a gal can dream, can't she?

Passes to an attraction - Maybe it isn't a weekend getaway or a Bora Bora vacation, but passes to a fun and exciting adventure could be just as fun. (Maybe not 'just as fun' as Bora Bora, unless the pass is for snorkelling lessons IN Bora Bora.. but I digress.) Maybe you have an amusement park nearby that your travelling friend has wanted to try, or maybe some sort of lessons they've always meant to take but never have (skydiving, scuba diving, some other type of diving?). Be creative and remember that presents don't always have to be physical items you hold in your hands.

Outdoor gear - Aaaand back to material items, on the heels of my 'presents are ethereal' speech. If you have an active traveller, you can always give them the gift of adventure in the form of outdoor gear that will help them achieve new experiences. One year my hubby got cross country skis, and really got into the sport. I have asked for snowshoes for several years in a row, and probably will again, and probably the year after that too. Find out what interests your traveller, and go from there.

Category 5: Gadgets

Universal Adaptor - There have been a few trips where I forgot about power conversions in foreign countries. This has led to the purchase of a couple of different power converters, both quite expensive and both shoddily made. (That's what you get for a souvenir stand power converter.) I like this little pack, because it basically has everything you need for a trip to anywhere, and the reviews and price are great.

 

Ostrich pillow - I have a cheap travel pillow that I bought out of desperation at an airport one time. It is pretty much flat by this point, and I'd be better serviced by rolling up my hoodie and using it as a pillow. I don't know if a truly comfortable travel pillow actually exists. Sleeping on an airplane is nearly impossible for me. But I am super duper DUPER curious to see if this hilarious thing works. It is called the Ostrich. You'll see why as soon as you see it. Too funny - but also intriguing...

Guidebooks for future destinations - Finally, if you have a traveller that is planning an excursion somewhere in this big, wide world, ensuring they are knowledgable, safe, and prepared is a great way to show them you love them. I love Lonely Planet's guidebooks, as focus a lot on safety and customs as well as sightseeing, which is extremely helpful in not only planning your itinerary but in preparing how you will conduct yourself while traveling.

Category 6: Staying Healthy

Getting run-down and sick is the worst when you are on the road. Between jet lag, staying out later than normal to explore, eating new foods, and so many other tolls on your body, staying healthy can sometimes be a challenge during travel. 

L-Lysine - Cold sores and canker sores are painful, annoying, and don't look good in your travel photos. This health store product helps to prevent and battle these sores, so pack a bottle in your bag for good measure! 

Jet Lag Energy Drinks - Combat jet lag by mixing a package of this powder in some refreshing cold water, and bounce back (a bit) to your usual self. Healthier than an energy drink, in powder form so you can pack it into your carry-on, and in small, convenient pouches for easy portability.

Compression Socks - If you get achy feet and legs from sitting on long flights, compression socks can help with circulation and good health. Though they might not be the sexiest things you've ever worn on an airplane, they are worth it for the health benefits!

So there you have it. My Christmas list... er, I mean, the Ultimate (Online) Christmas Gift Guide for Travellers. I hope you found some inspiration for your holiday gift giving this season, or something to add to your list for yourself. If you know of someone looking to shop for a travel-obsessed individual, feel free to send them this list so it can be of some service.

Did I miss anything? What's on your list?