Travel gift guide 2019: Last-minute Christmas gifts for travellers

It’s that time of year again. As the nights get longer, the temperature drops and shopping reaches its annual fever pitch, it only means one thing – Christmas! While some of you may be super-organised and already have all of your gifts purchased ahead of time, there will be plenty of people out there who will leave it to the last minute.

But fear not! If there are any travellers out there on your gift list, here are some suggestions for last-minute, travel-friendly stocking fillers for Christmas 2019.

Water bottle

The health and future of our planet has been a huge topic this past year, and while travelling may not be the most eco-friendly pursuit, one way to contribute is by taking a re-usable water bottle with you. This gift is great for travellers so that they can stay hydrated throughout their trip, without going through a ridiculous

Travelling Tom recommends: Keep your water cool and environmentally-friendly with a Chilly’s Bottle.

Metal straw

This goes hand-in-hand with the above. Across the world, plastic straws are on their way out. Unfortunately, their popular alternative is the paper straw – which has to be one of the worst inventions in history. The traveller in your life can avoid getting a soggy straw after a couple of sips with a metal straw that won’t take up much room in a backpack, can be cleaned and used over and over again.

Travelling Tom recommends: Get your metal straw with straw cleaner from Amazon.

Electronic travel scales

In the past, being accurate when it comes to weighing luggage has been a pain. If you’ve ever used the traditional handheld scale, you’ll more than likely be familiar with the struggle of trying to hold a suitcase up by a small, metal hook while you desperately try to read an ever-fluctuating scale as you wrestle with this Matrix-like multi-task.

But worry no more, as an electric handheld scale means your sole focus will be on lifting the suitcase and keeping it still, while the device takes the reading for you, helping to ensure you stay within your airline’s baggage allowance limits.

Travelling Tom recommends: The MYCARBON digital luggage scale, which weighs up to 50 kilograms.

Travel diary

One thing I intend to start using regularly next year is a written diary. Sure, I can make notes on my phone, but they get lost in all the other clutter I have on my device. What I do find helpful, however, is to write things down. Not only does it help it stick in my mind, but having a paper-and-pen travel diary is a great way to organise and make notes about your travels.

Travelling Tom recommends: Lonely Planet’s The Travel Book Diary 2020.

Gift cards/vouchers

One great gift for enthusiastic travellers is either a gift card or gift voucher. Whether it’s for an airline, accommodation provider or an experience, it’s a great way to encourage their passion whilst giving them the freedom and flexibility to help them enjoy what they want to do, when they want to do it.

Travelling Tom recommends: Why not go for something a little different and get an Airbnb gift card?

Multi-country, multi-plug adapter

As we become more obsessed with technology, we need to continue to power it. Whether you need a three-pronged plug or simply a USB outlet, a multi-plug adapter is a great present for every traveller. To make sure you cover all bases, go for one with multiple sockets that can be used all over the world.

Travelling Tom recommends: The MyTravelPal All-In-One Travel Adapter.

Weighted sleep mask

Travelling, particularly long-haul, can be a strenuous and stressful experience. But if you want to attempt to chill things out and get a good night’s sleep on your travels, a weighted-sleep mask is the way to go. Not only will light be blocked out, but the added weight supposedly reduces stress and lowers anxiety levels.

Travelling Tom recommends: Try the ALASKA BEAR memory foam sleep mask.

Disclaimer: None of the links in this article are sponsored or paid-for. Each listing is a genuine recommendation of Travelling Tom.

Got any Christmas gift ideas of your own? Let us know in the comments! 👇