Shopping for Christmas gifts is unfortunately something that I keep until the very last minute. Not like my brother who hits the shopping streets on the December 23rd or morning of the 24th, but something along those lines… If you are like me, this inspirational guide to great Christmas gifts for Travelettes and other travellers is hopefully coming in handy. And hopefully you manage to place your orders before delivery deadlines!
In the following list you will find gift ideas for worn world travellers, foodies, map freaks, tech nerds and gadget lovers, photographers, book worms and culture buffs.
For Foodies
Get them a long-lost treat from an expat online shop, like British Corner Shop or Aussie Food Shop.
If they are into cooking themselves, why not get them a cookbook explaining everything about a foreign cooking culture? Then they can learn everything about Korean BBQs or Namibian stews, and you can come around to indulge in the yumminess!
My favourite cooking book is a DIY recipe book in which I can collect recipes from all the people I meet around the world.
Invite them to their favourite restaurant around town, or give them vouchers to go with their partner!
Book them an exotic cooking class or a guided food tour if that is available in their hometown. We did fantastic food tours in Curacao and Marrakech lately!
On your next trip, find a traditional kitchen tool, like a Scottish porridge stirrer or an Austrian “spätzle” sieve.
For Book Worms
Are you a big spender? Get them an e-reader so they can save the space in their luggage and bring home more souvenirs for you. It all adds up!
We have collected a wish list of awesome travel-inspired books everyone should be reading – any of them makes for a great gift for a traveller.
If you can’t decide, go for my favourite book at the moment: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. It’s the story of a terrible life-changing event for the seven-year-old twins Estha and Rahel; but it’s also a story of India and a great inspiration to travel to this marvellous place on day!
Are you looking for a gift for someone who learns a foreign language? Giving them a book in a foreign language could be the right kind of motivation to push through!
I admit, it can be hard to choose a good book for someone else – why not start with a fancy bookmark like this one?
For Map Freaks
There is a small groups of people out there who goes crazy about maps – I know this, because I’m one of them. This section is dedicated to everybody who is like me!
My best friend got meworld map fairy lightsfor my house warming, and I’ve received nothing but compliments for it so far!
Travellers like to sleep everywhere in the world – with world map bedding they can do that every night!
Think practical – and check out our wish lists for travel gadgets here, here and here.
For Photographers
Photographers work potentially like gadget lovers and similar to map freaks – anything that makes their life easier is highly appreciated. And everything with a camera on just looks pretty.
My favourite ideas would be a chocolate camera (who doesn’t like chocolate?!)
a head torch for dark nights in big dorms or tiny tents
a notebook to keep track of all thoughts and experiences along the road
asleep mask for those long-haul flights and jet-lag rests
For Culture Buffs
If the person always wanted to learn a foreign language, give them vouchers for language classes. The time is now!
Music lovers might enjoy a mix CD with foreign tunes.
Or even better, give them the chance to learn a foreign instrument, like the West-African Kora or the Jaw Harp.
Book a set of dance classes to finally get that Salsa step right and prepare for a trip to Cuba.
Take them out to a concert in a venue the have never been to, or take them on an unexpected sightseeing tour in their own city.
Believe me, I could go on forever. The great thing about making gifts to travellers is that they are so easily enthusiastic about even the smallest of things. With that in mind: happy shopping!
This post contains affiliate links.
This is a post by Kathi Kamleitner.
Kathi Kamleitner was a regular contributor at Travelettes from 2013 to 2019. Originally from Vienna, Austria, she packed her backpack to travel the world and lived in Denmark, Iceland and Berlin, before settling in Glasgow, Scotland. Kathi is always preparing her next trip – documenting her every step with her camera, pen and phone.
In 2016, Kathi founded Scotland travel blog WatchMeSee.com to share her love for her new home, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, island hopping and vegan food. Follow her adventures on Instagram @watchmesee!
Kathi left her home town Vienna behind as soon as she could say, 'I'm 18 now'. After studying and watching movies for money at film festivals in Denmark, Iceland and Berlin, she now has a new hometown: Glasgow, Scotland! Kathi is always preparing her next trip, documenting her every step with her camera, pen and phone. Her all time favourites are the beautiful nature of Iceland, Costa Rica and Canada. Find out more about travel in Scotland & beyond on her blog and her Instagram @watchmesee. Website: http://www.watchmesee.com/
I love the idea of a DIY cookbook! I'm going to start taking a blank notebook to dinner parties and make my a sort of DIY DIY cookbook from now on! World maps are always on my wishlist, I love the scratch-off one!
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Love all of these! One from all these categories would make my life complete :)
I love the idea of a DIY cookbook! I'm going to start taking a blank notebook to dinner parties and make my a sort of DIY DIY cookbook from now on! World maps are always on my wishlist, I love the scratch-off one!
Such a great list!!!!!
Definitely sending this to my relatives so they know what to get me! nomoneywilltravel.com
Awesome list. I want them all :) I'm gonna check your links !
This list is perfect! Will definitely be referring to this numerous times this month
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