Most travelers I know would rather be given experiences than material goods. That’s why they travel isn’t it? To experience new things, to explore and to have adventure. However there is a little part in all of us travelers that secretly enjoy getting gifts because we are much less likely to spend money on these items than most people. Below is a list of my top gifts for travelers and items that I have and love or would love to have (hopefully mom and dad are reading this post!).
I bought this camera a couple of months ago so I had it in time for my trip to Montreal to start getting familiar with how to use a real camera. For the past, decade almost, I’ve been using my Iphone to take pictures only out of pure convenience. When I started doing research for my camera purchase I came across the built in wifi feature. After blog post after blog post, article after article and trip after trip to the local Henry’s I finally settled on the Olympus OM-D E-M10. I could not be happier. You can use it simply as a point and shoot camera, but you can also use the more advanced features, similar to those of a DSLR (I have yet to get there though!).
So I have this pillow that I call ‘Squishy’ that I can’t leave home without if I’m travelling anywhere. In fact I can’t even sleep without it when I’m home. Yes, in case you’re wondering I am past my mid-twenties, go ahead and judge me. Squishy was originally intended as just a travel pillow but I loved it so much, I sleep with it every night. I can’t remember where I got it but it’s not your typical neck pillow, it’s almost a long cylinder. All this to say that a travel pillow is super important and useful. You never know when you’re going to be somewhere with uncomfortable and/or dirty pillows and need to use your own (thank you random hostel in Indonesia).
It’s no secret that Iphone batteries are complete crap after several months. While they are getting better, I find if I’m out travelling around I still will need to recharge around 2 or 3pm. An external battery charger
is the lightest and easiest way to do this. I charge it at night when I’m charging my phone and keep it in my purse for those – in case of emergency moments.
This is probably one of my favourite pieces in my home. I have placed it in the bathroom for those times when you need a bit of extra reading. It’s also a great way to brush up on geography when brushing your teeth or getting out of the shower. It’s also now a goal of ours to travel to geographically larger counties so we can scratch off bigger areas!
I usually don’t like to lug around my laptop when I’m travelling and so I often bring my Ipad. It’s a bit more inconvenient but I can keep up with my blog while I’m travelling as well on the Ipad which is super helpful. One of my favourite apps is Texture (available in Canada only) which is basically Netflix for magazines. I love it. Their selection is decent (with quite a number of travel magazines), and definitely saves you money if you buy even two or three magazines a month.
This one is obvious. Everyone needs a good adapter no matter how often you travel. In fact I lost mine when I was in Italy so this should have been put on my list (mom.. dad?). It’s one of those things you don’t think of until it’s too late – or if you already have an adapter so do your traveler a favour and buy this – it makes a great stocking stuffer.
I am absolutely obsessed with Moleskin notebooks. I use them for everything. I’ve used their daily planners for years. It’s something about the paper texture. Although you are speaking to someone who gets excited over stationary so …. Either way these make great gifts to help your traveler keep track of plans or jot down notes, or reflections while travelling.
Okay, maybe not in this colour but for those of you who aren’t Canadian (and I’m sure most Americans by now), if you haven’t heard of Lululemon yet I’m introducing you. This Canadian company has been making asses look great for years (you laugh but I’m serious, ask any Canadian millennial male). They are also way to comfortable. Lululemon leggings are my staple anytime I’m going to be in transit or just too lazy to pick out a real outfit for the day. Plus they were technically made for working out, so there’s that too.
Is it just me or do other people have a strange attachment to their backpacks too? When my sister asked to borrow mine for her recent trip to Europe I may or may not have had a mini fit. My backpack has been with me for two of my most memorable and best trips to California and Indonesia. It’s also very important to get your traveler a backpack that will not only last but also be comfortable. My North Face bag is just that, I love it and it strangely always feels lighter once I’ve put it on my back!
This is definitely a want not a have. I know so many people who have these and love them. They are especially great if you’re planning to be outdoors for longer periods of the day. For the cottagers out there, if you don’t already have one of these – I have no idea what you’re waiting for.
Ever hear of this company? The one that straight up told people they were purchasing poo for $5 and the delivered it to their doorstep? Or how about their black Friday deal where they sold absolutely nothing and charged $5 for it. If you haven’t played Cards Against Humanity yet, I feel bad for you. This game is better played in large groups (perfect for a hostel setting). While it could be awkward lugging the box around with you while you travel, even one game will make it all worth it.
Of course there are about a million other things I could think of but I think this is a sufficient enough list for now! Your traveler will be very happy.
*This post does contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing but helps to support my expensive coffee habit. As always I promote products I would love to have or already do and love to use.
Great list, that battery charger is a life saver, sometimes literally. I have the scratch map too and love it!
I love the Olympus OM-D which I bought recently – definitely recommend it!
Love all of these items! I just talked my friend into buying that travel pillow when our flight was delayed. She didn’t regret it one bit!
Yup! Can definitely relate to that 🙂