Gift Ideas for the Minimalist Traveler

These gifts don’t take up a lot of space in a carry-on, a backpack, or tiny living quarters. Some serve practical functions of the minimalist travel lifestyle while others will provide the joy of a memorable experience.

So without further ado, here are a few gift ideas…

(Some, but not all, of the links in this post are affiliate links. This list was compiled based on things we would actually give as gifts for our friends and loved ones, or things that we think would be fun and meaningful to receive. Using the links helps support our blogging and travel endeavors, thank you!)

Internet On the Go with Skyroam Solis

Staying connected on the go can be a challenge, to say the least! Skyroam Solis provides mobile high-speed internet without contracts. The newest version is $149 and can keep travelers connected with up to five devices in over 120 countries. Plus this little orange hockey puck acts as a charging station for mobile devices as well. Once you own the device, mobile internet access can be purchased as needed for $9.99 a day, or $99 a month.

There are a few limitations that are very similar to restrictions placed on ‘unlimited’ data plans available for cell phones, namely, the possibility of reduced speeds after half a gig of downloads in any twenty-four hour period. This is due to fair use restrictions placed on all mobile data providers.

After doing all our research of the various options including price comparisons we picked one up for ourselves. We haven’t used it yet but once we have we will definitely report back with a full review.

Wireless Earbuds

It’s really nice to be able to use headphones and not have to worry about the limitations of a cord and the ensuing entanglement. Not to mention that, if you have an iPhone, the charging port and the headphone port are the same so you can only use one at a time.

For the Apple crowd, here are the Apple Airpods, or maybe a less expensive version.

And for the Android market, this wireless earbud option comes highly recommended.

Upgraded Personal Items

There are a few things that we all need and use. Receiving a higher quality version of something that we would normally buy for ourselves is a nice treat.

Socks come to mind. Do you know the joy of a truly high-quality pair of socks? I didn’t until my husband got me a pair one year. I love them. REI has some really nice ones to choose from.

This sounds a bit frivolous but we are talking gifts here. Better to spend your hard earned money on a quality gift that will last and that the recipient will actually want and use, than on something that will either be carried around out of obligation or end up in the giveaway pile. Don’t you think?

Here are a few more ideas along these lines…

• Again, nice socks
• Sunglasses
• Packable, lightweight rain jacket
• Maybe an REI (or another favorite store) gift card so they can shop for their own

Digital Books and Audiobooks

As a minimalist and traveler, you don’t have a lot of space to keep your personal library with you. Digital books, like Kindle, and audiobooks, such as what you get from Audible, don’t take up any space at all.

Purchase Audible books credits or even a full on Audible membership here.

And for those who prefer to read rather than listen, consider a kindle unlimited membership. 

Experiences, Not Things

Memories are something we keep with us forever. Our family will forever remember the year we rented an Airbnb big enough for an extended family gathering for New Year’s weekend. I doubt however that any of us would be able to remember one material gift we received that year. Experiences make impressions.

So go on an outing together, take a trip together, or take the time to do that special thing you’ve been thinking of but have never made the time to do. Time is one of the most valuable gifts we can give.

If you are new to Airbnb, you can use this link for a little travel credit and save some money on your first trip!

Have you heard of Airbnb experiences? There are so many to choose from and many of them are quite unique. There are cooking classes, kayak trips, or guided trips around the city, just to name a few. Look it up and see what is available in your area.

Doing something together not a possibility? How about these ideas?

• Airbnb gift cards
• Movie tickets and a gift card for concessions
• Live theater tickets to a play or ballet
• Concert tickets for a favorite artist
• Restaurant gift cards
• A cooking lesson

Just keep in mind the personality of the gift recipient and try to choose something you know they would enjoy. Don’t buy someone a skydiving lesson of you know they are deathly afraid of heights.

A Keepsake Letter

Now this takes some serious effort, especially if you are not a writer by nature. However, if you can bring yourself to do it, thoughtful words of encouragement that communicate what a person means to you could be priceless.

Consumables

Things you can eat or drink or use up don’t take up very much space for long. We recently received a gift of a huge box of baklava. Now, I’ve gotta admit, I internally rolled my eyes at this at first… great, a huge box of sugar… but then, I tasted it, and oh. my. goodness. More please? Here’s a link to the Mediterranean pastry company it came from.

Here are a few consumable ideas…

• A nice bottle of wine or spirits
• Some good chocolate
• A gift certificate for a local seafood company
• And don’t forget those Omaha Steaks we always see advertised during the holidays 

Investments

The gift that keeps on giving. There are logistics involved to buy investments on behalf of another person but Stockpile allows you to purchase stock gift cards. This is a great idea for younger gift recipients to help them get started on investing.

Make a Donation in Honor of Your Minimalist Traveler

What cause is your minimalist traveler into? Give the gift of generosity. It’s easy to donate in the name of another person and it shows them that you care about what they care about.

A Puppy!

Just kidding. That’s a really bad idea. I just couldn’t come up with any other minimalist traveler gift ideas. Actually, I think it’s never a good idea to give pets as gifts. That’s a personal decision that requires a long term commitment.

Maybe you have other minimalist traveler gift ideas?

What are they? Please share in the comments below!

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