Knowing you have bought the perfect gift for someone can be one of the most exciting feelings in the world. However, in a world full of mediocre, mass-produced “stuff” it can also be stressful to find an original and meaningful gift. Let me help with this intensely researched list of creative and conscious gifts for travel lovers. These aren’t the usual travel accessories you’ll find on most holiday listicles. I’ve curated unique gifts from small businesses, and non-profits that prioritise experiences over things.
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Table of contents
The shutterbug
Gift photography-enthusiasts a voucher for a photo book publisher. I have used Photobook America, Photobook Australia and Photobook Singapore to create my travel photo books, all to great satisfaction.
The travelling artist
Buy your beloved globetrotter a travel-sized watercolour palette and/or maybe some paint. Watercolour artist Brenda Swenson recommends the Heritage Arts HWP18 Paint Palette 18 Wells as a great travel-friendly palette
If you are wondering where on earth to start with colours, artist Jane Blundell wrote an informative blog post explaining how just three primary colour paints can give an artist a rainbow to work with. So you can feel confident in buying your creative traveller the basic DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Primary Watercolor Set, 3 Tubes, 15ml
Urban sketchers and watercolour artists will appreciate the Moleskine Art Plus Watercolor Album, as used by urban sketcher and travelling creative, Liz Steel.
The crafty sojourner
Gift your crafty traveller a world map wall hanging to mark their global adventures. Alternatively, a cross-stitch pattern for their favourite city. Satsuma Street and Xrestyk on Etsy sell gorgeous modern cross-stitch patterns for city skylines in pdf format.
Knitters, quilters and textile artists will love one of the subscription services by Darn Good Yarn. This New York-based company source products from artisans in India. Order fulfilment is performed by a non-profit organisation providing employment to adults with developmental disabilities. Their products include used saris that have been cut down to create unique ribbons and yarns.
The touring musician
For the composer in your life, a Moleskine Art Plus Music Notebook
A unique gift for travel lovers who are also musicians and/or music fans, is this World Song Map which replaces place names with song titles.
The foodie adventurer
Foodies and cooks will love the Luxury Collection Epicurean Journeys. It’s described as a “culinary journey of the world’s most beloved food destinations, curated by internationally celebrated chefs.”
For the mixologists onboard, gift your travel lover a Carry-on Cocktail kit for their favourite mixed drink. These airport security-wise kits are available for the following cocktails: Gin and Tonic, Hot Toddy, Old Fashioned, Champagne, Margarita and Moscow Mule.
The homebound traveller
Pandemic or otherwise, these are gifts for travel lovers who can’t travel (right now). Like the “Try The World” subscription box which will allow your gift recipient to try food products produced around the world without leaving home. Another non-subscription option is the “Taste of” Box. This box allows you to choose from a selection of themed ingredients from France, Spain, Greece, Southeast Asia, India and Mexico.
Those with an appreciation for handmade products are going to be rapt with a Globein Artisan Box subscription. Globein curate a monthly box of ethical, artisan products that will bring joy and colour to the recipients home. At the same time it helps to provide an income for people in developing nations. Box subscriptions start at $10 per month for a single item. You can also curate your own box for a one-off, personalized gift.
The jet-setting designer
An original vintage travel poster makes a very special gift for a travelling designer. However, if an original piece isn’t in your budget, there is always a print. All Posters offer framed and unframed options.
Get instant cred with the designer that receives your gift of a LOSTin city guide, designed by NODE Berlin Oslo. These indie-magazine looking guides are filled with recommendations by local creatives in destinations around the world.
The experience seeker
We may not always be able to travel as much as we like. However, there are plenty of fun experiences to be had closer to home. Buy your favourite explorer a gift voucher for a new restaurant, admission to a local attraction or a fun experience. Companies like the AmazingCo, offer mystery picnic dates, trivia nights, murder mysteries and seasonal experiences.
The one who has it all
As travellers, we are well aware of the many problems in our world. We’ve seen heartbreaking poverty, poorly treated animals, ecosystems under threat and the decimation of historic and cultural sites. When shopping gifts for travel lovers, I like to look beyond the direct recipient to see if my present can have an even greater impact. My favourites include some of these unique gifts for travellers:
- Purchasing a farm animal, a water pump, school supplies or something else from Oxfam, you are actually donating money that will be put to use fighting inequality and discrimination. Those funds help provide access to basic necessities such as food and water or supplying relief after a natural disaster.
- “Adopting” an endangered species that needs support. You can adopt a sleepy-eyed sloth, cute koala or any number of threatened species from around the world through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Alternatively, look for a local organization such as the National Parks Service in the USA, Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia or APOPO that trains rats to sniff out landmines!!
- Gifting the preservation of art, architecture or history, by buying them a year’s membership to their favourite museum or gallery. For example, The Met in New York City or the British Museum, London. Membership dollars are generally used to preserve and maintain museum collections, while your loved one receives free/discounted entry and possibly even invitations to special members-only events.
Enjoy watching the face of your dear travel lover, light up when they receive your unique and thoughtful gift.
Peace, love and inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo