For many of us, the best gifts for the traveler are equal to the “top 10 best gifts” ‘full stop’ (as the British say), because as travelers, we know that the more prepared we are, the more fun the journey is! And travel gifts are great because they aren’t overly personal (not like giving underwear!) and they range from $15.00 stocking stuffers to – really the sky is the limit! I mean, how fun would it be to unwrap an initialed luggage tag on Christmas, and tucked in the box underneath it, are two tickets to Cozumel? That would obliterate those winter blues, right? You could also buy a few of the smaller items and present them like a gift basket inside an attache case.
When considering gifts for the traveler, I love either clever and fun or practical and useful. If the gift is all of the above, you’ve hit the jackpot! It’s great to find an item for travel that enhances the traveler’s experience by simplifying their journey and it’s also great just to add some fun. Following are ten great gifts for the traveler ( I will be adding to this list soon, so be sure you come back for the next ten!). Some of the top ten travel gifts are just fun little stocking stuffers, and some are more substantial gift items – you get to choose:
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#1: The Gorilla Pod:
This mini, flexible hands-free tripod you can take crisp photos in low light, join the group shot without stretching out your arm or capture the perfect angle. The legs can be easily wrapped around a branch, a pole, or a rear view mirror, so you have a million ways to set up your shot and easily be in it with your friends! Choose from a variety of colors including; Grey, Blue, Green, Pink, Yellow, Red and Orange. Sold at scottevest.com and other online vendors
#2 Take the music :
Eco Extreme Rugged and Waterproof Case with Built-In Speaker for iPod, iPhone and MP3 Players The Eco Extreme waterproof case works with every mp3 player and cell phone including the iPhone, iPod Touch, Motorola Droid and Blackberry. Built with a rugged, rubberized protective body, this is a great choice for anyone on the go who wants to take their music with them. $38.87 gracedigital.com
#3 Initialed Luggage Tags:
$12.50 Self explanatory! Available at Magellans.com
#4 Mini Travel Bar: 
A sleek and sophisticated Mini Travel Bar. Featuring, stainless steel accessories, this set includes everything needed to make a cocktail anywhere. $47.95 Bonanza.com
#5 Survival Kit:
Prepare for the worst with a just-in-case kit of survival essentials ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking or any outdoor adventure. This palm-sized lifesaver outperforms your average gear with a lightweight and nearly indestructible, waterproof pack of life-saving essentials including a compass, knife, flash light, a rescue flash signal mirror, fire starting tinder, an 150 lb-tested braided nylon cord, stainless steel wire, emergency sewing supplies, a basic fishing kit, and outdoor instructions teaching over 60 survival techniques and strategies. $60.00 uncommongoods.com
# 6 Mobile foodie survival kit :
$26.00 For foodies, nothing is scarier than being in a strange place where you’re subject to sub-par food. The horror! With this handy Mobile Foodie Survival Kit, you can doctor up even the most repulsive meal. Stocked with organic herbs and spices, plus indispensable extras like wasabi. Kit includes: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne, Onion, Basil, Conventional Wasabi, Cinnamon, Oregano, Garlic, Thyme, Curry, Ginger, Dill.
uncommongoods.com
#7 Protect your valuables :
Keep small valuables safe when you go swimming (don’t leave them poolside or on the beach!) This sturdy, ABS plastic case has an impermeable gasket seal that protects ID and credit cards underwater. $19.95
#8 Travel Boxers:
I know, I know, I said that travel gifts were the antidote to overly personal gifts, but travel boxers are so necessary! Comfy, easy to wash in a sink, quick drying, front and rear pockets for your iPhone®, passport, money, credit cards or room key!
$20.00 Scottevest.com
#9 Wireless Card:
For those who don’t want to pay the outrageous broadband fees in hotels or $9.99 for an hour of Wi-Fi in an airport, RovAir.com offers Internet access wherever domestic cell service is available. Get a wireless card from either Sprint or Verizon: from $5.95 per day for 30-60 days to $14.95 per day for 3-6 days.
#10 Travel Vest :
$75 and up. This one is straight from the expert: travel blogger Johnny Jet says the best travel gift is a jacket with hidden pockets. “….Someone I know was recently mugged in Barcelona. The incident made me look into travel gear that conceals valuables…”. Check out REI, Scottevest, Magellan’s….
johnnyjet.com
Clever and cute, practical and useful, from the diminutive to the grand, gifts for travel are an excellent choice. Special bonus to consider, the gift of the item itself and the gift when they use the item later makes it kind of a double gift!
It’s all about discovering something new and useful! If you have any great travel gifts that you have either given or received, please let me know. I welcome your ideas and the stories that go with them!