It’s that time of year again! Thanksgiving dinner hasn’t even rolled around but that doesn’t mean Christmas preparations aren’t in full swing! Every year it seems a bit more challenging to find unique and affordable gifts for those passionate about travel, so here’s a list of 11 Christmas gift ideas for a traveler that won’t break the bank!
1. Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places
Take a visual journey with National Geographic to 250 of the worlds most amazing places! How many have you heard of? How many have you been to? It’s funny how the more one sees, the longer their bucket list grows!
2. How to Shit Around the World: The Art of Staying Clean and Healthy While Traveling (Travelers’ Tales Guides)
Chocked full of helpful facts and peppered with humor, this makes for both a funny gift as well as a practical one. I’m sure you’ve either heard of someone getting sick overseas or perhaps you’ve been there yourself. I know I have! In fact, you can read about my experience here if you think you’ve got the stomach for it!
3. Camping and Traveling Backpacker Mountain T-Shirt
I think this is such a cute tee. Comes in Mens, Womens, and Youth sizes as well as four colors. Check it out! Perfect stocking stuffer, for a white elephant gift exchange, or for a co-worker or roomie. Everyone loves a comfy t-shirt!
4. Not All Who Wander Are Lost Hiking and Travel Lover Hoodie
Feel and look great as you or your loved one cozies up in this new garb! Unisex hoody comes in multiple sizes and colors. All around a great gift for the fall and winter months!
5. Backpacker the Ultimate Travel Game
So I haven’t played this game – That’s my disclaimer! But I read through all of the reviews and the description of the way the game is played and it sounds super fun! It’s small and easily portable, great for ages 10 and up, and can either be played in 15 minutes or over an hour (just reshuffle the deck of cards for a more lengthy game). I’m thinking I may give it a whirl! If any of you have played or heard anything about it, please let me know in the comment section below!
6. Safe Traveler Cuff Bracelet
I’ve come across a plethora of lovely cuff bracelets recently! This cuff bracelet featured is Rosegold and also comes in silver. The quote reads, “Safe trip wherever you go.” I’ll share a few more with different quotes below. They just couldn’t be more perfect for so many ocassions! Not only are they great for the person who goes on an occasional vacation, but also for the world traveler, a graduate, someone who’s moving states or beginning a new career. You’re bound to find one that suits any chapter in life. I just love these beautiful little reminders!
“Oh, The Places You’ll Go” Hand Stamped Cuff Bracelet
“She Believed She Could, so She Did” Hand Stamped Cuff Bracelet
“Life Is A Journey, Not a Destination, Enjoy The Moments” Hand Stamped Cuff Bracelet
7. Travelon Anti-theft Heritage Crossbody Bag
It took me several weeks to choose each of my Osprey packs, my Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag, and my Lowa hiking boots. That’s half of the fun! Researching and getting a good feel for the product before a purchase – no one wants buyers remorse! Travel bags/purses are no different in my book. When I’m in a foreign country (or just another unfamiliar state!) having a solid travel bag from a trustworthy brand provides peace of mind I wouldn’t wanna go without. So I’ve done lots of shopping around, and generally, I’d go with PacSafe here… but if you’re wanting less bulk and more fashion, Travelon is the way to go. This one comes in a few different colors, and there are other styles you can feel free to check out!
8. Tinkle Belle Female Portable Urination Device Teal with case! Discreetly Pee Standing Up Hiking/Camping/Travel/Skiing/Great Stocking Stuffer!
Okay Ladies! Don’t even act like you aren’t excited about this one! The Tinker Belle is basically a new and improved version of the PStyle, and also comes in black. I like a splash of color (see what I did there?) So I preferred the teal. I can’t even express to you how often this comes in handy! If you find yourself throwing back one too many you may just polish off the night by pee-writing your name! Hey, no judgment.
9. Nail Clippers with Catcher, Professional Stainless Steel Clipper Set
Omagoodness, yes! These are fantastic anywhere and everywhere! I learned early on that watching someone clip their nails as they fly off in every which way is one of my girlfriends’ pet peeves. I’ve watched her on several occasions tear off a neat little square of toilet paper and cut her nails over it. Then she folds it in half and throws it in the garbage. I’ve tried this method, and let me just say that it isn’t as seamless for me. I rather just do it outside! But this handy little contraption takes care of the mess with zero effort. You can purchase the small size, larger size, or both. It’s a must!
10. Paintspiration Adventure Awaits World Map 11 oz Mug 
This is such a super sweet and colorful mug! Makes for a great addition to the morning, kicking off your day with hot coffee or tea. With the cooler weather coming, add a calming touch to your evening with a cup of hot cocoa.
11. Wooden Savings “Adventure Fund” Suitcase Bank
Adventure knows no age! This is sweet for both young and old. Whether safekeeping a child’s pocket change, fueling the ambitions of a retiree, or anything in-between! This looks quaint and adorable practically anywhere!
Was this helpful? Fantastic! Not so much? Feel free to check out a few of my previous posts, such as Practical Gadgets, Books&Films, or click here for some pretty awesome gear and apparel.
Even if you don’t find anything helpful on this list (which would be hard to believe!) hopefully, one or more of these items can at least kick-start ya off in the right direction! If you find yourself checking out this list of 11 Christmas Gift Ideas for a Traveler, please leave some feedback in the comment section below! I’d love to know if you purchased anything, or better yet if you have any other ideas for Christmas gifting!
These are great gifts for Christmas for a frequent traveler. 🙂
Courtney,
Great list of ideas for Christmas. I like the travel book and Backpack game. These will go on my list today. I hope that Santa will look into these items for me as I like to travel and backpack.
John
Aw, that’s great John! I hope so too!
Nice Way of presentation, very polite and convincing
I absolutely love all of these gift ideas for the traveler! I love to travel myself, and can see wanting a few of these myself. They are definitely unique and some will bring a smile or two. Gonna have to share with my kids and show them exactly which items I like 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to put together this great list of gift ideas!
Thanks so much for popping in, checking out my post and sharing your thoughts!
Hi Courtney, I absolutely LOVE all your gift ideas, they are just brilliant! I’m not even a traveler and I want them for myself haha. Those Tee-shirts are brilliant.
I also like the fact that everything you picked is pretty cost-effective, there’s no point in buying travelers expensive items that may get lost or stolen – or hopefully not if you buy the Travelon bag. Sounds like that would be a must have item for valuables such as money and passport, so that would probably be my number one choice of gift.
It’s a pretty cute bag, isn’t it!? Thanks for checking it out and hope to see ya back soon!
Hi Courtney,
My younger brother is planning on going travelling in the new year. Number two sounds like the perfect small gift for him as he’s asked for things to read, so I may as well give him something that is funny and practical! :p
Is there anything else similar to number two that you can recommend?
Thanks
Nathan
It’s quite the coincidence that I listed that book second on the list! I didn’t realize until people started commenting and referring to it as “#2” haha. I’m sure your lil bro will love it! There are several books that I can recommend… however, they are travel books lol Not pooping books. Not sure which you’re referring to? 🙂
HaHa, I really love all the 11 Christmas Gift ideas because they are so unique real funny and, let’s face it also very useful.
#2 and #8 are on my wishlist because I had a few experiences in the past regarding sanitary issues and I like to try the Tinkle Bell to see how it really works.
#9 I am using it, already, and it is fantastic won’t miss it.
Great article, saved it too 🙂
That’s great Sylvia! Thanks so much for stopping by, sharing your thoughts, and saving my article! Cheers!
I like the National Geographic Magazine on Destinations of a Lifetime. I spend too much time on my phone, gotta get back in magazines and the newspaper haha. I once knew a guy who collected National Geographic Magazines and had a whole pile of them sitting in his own woodshop, only memorable because there was literally a mountain of them haha.
That seems to be a favorite, Nate! I have a few travel magazines on my coffee table, and I Just love them. Guess they just create a nice ambiance 🙂
I like the variety of gift items you have here. And you can’t go wrong with a National Geographic book!
Thanks, Bryan! Yeah that Nat Geo book is a best seller!
I love traveling and want people to know my passion. That mug looks like the best option considering its affordable price range, plus I’m an avid coffee drinker and this will be great to start off my day! Thanks a lot my friend, will be getting one asap!
Sounds like you found yourself a great deal, Brandon! Enjoy your morning coffee!!
Haha a fantastic post, full, of what I think, are VERY valuable gifts indeed! Out of this list of 11 Christmas gift ideas for a traveler, one, in particular, caught my eye. It would appear to contain humor (Which I love) and yet it is also extremely practical too. How to shit around …………… Yes, this one is a must-have, at least I feel. I’m buying it!
Too funny! Thanks for your purchase! I’m sure you’ll love this book, it’s great!
Not All That Wander Are Lost! I love these gift ideas. Actually, I’m debating between getting the National Geographic book, Destinations of a Lifetime, for myself for Christmas… or How to Shit Around the World because it looks hilarious! Where can I get a Mountain Hardware sleeping bag? I love their clothing line. The durability and functionality is superior to all mountaineering garments out there. I really like this site and the blog on your Cambodia sojourn. I cannot wait to get there someday and take in the depth of the Killing Fields. So much to process. What an adventure… Read more »
I bought my Mountain Hardware sleeping bag at REI quite a few years ago. It’s definitely one of my most prized possessions lol I’ve slept in some pretty random places all across Europe and Asia in it. I don’t backpack without it! Happy you enjoyed the list of gift ideas — thanks so much for your feedback!
I have to admit, I would think about getting a couple of these gifts for myself! I love the hoodie and the bracelet. For the hoodie, I am such a collector of hoodies, and that saying is just amazing! The bracelet would give me motivation I need on my path of fitness. The saying on the bracelet just speaks to me!
Yeah I also think the bracelets are just adorable! There’s gotta be one for everyone. Thank for stopping by, Amanda!
What a great list! I love traveling… I’m going to add the Destinations of a Lifetime to my Amazon wish list. 🙂
Right on, Cassie! Happy you found it helpful!
I love your sense of humor, the Tinker Belle made me laugh. I think I may get the How to Shit Around the World for myself.
Haha great choice, Justin!