10 Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Special Someone

December 2, 2015

The holidays are fast approaching, which can only mean one thing: It’s time to start shopping for that special someone! Whether it’s your first holiday season with your significant other or your tenth, you can still make it a memorable one by appealing to their adventurous side. Afterall, traveling more may very well be on their list of New Year’s Resolutions for 2016. Here are 10 gift ideas that he or she will love.

1) a GoPro

If you already own a GoPro, perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. In addition to their classic model, the iconic brand also has a new line called Go Pro Hero series. Their goal with all of their products is to make extreme photography (think lots of outdoors adventures) more affordable for the everyday traveler. Prices range from $130 to $500 but considering all the moments you’ll be able to document and re-live whenever you please, it’s well worth the splurge.

Image: Facebook/GoPro

2) CB2’s Cork Globe

My husband have been furnishing our new apartment the last few months but every time we walk into CB2 in downtown SF, we get distracted with all their accessories. On our most recent trip, we ended up buying their cork globe and immediately went across the street to Walgreens to buy some cheap push pins to color code our adventure. Safe to say…we are already planning our next getaway. The globe retails for $129 and is available in stores and online.

Image via CB2

3) Rough Guides’ Best Day on Earth

I remember when Diego and I first started dating. We’d set up shop at my favorite book store in Nolita and flip through travel books in search of all the places we wanted to go. Well, I recently picked up Rough Guides’ new book, Best Day on Earth and that same feeling of wanderlust consumed us yet again. The book features some pretty amazing destinations and the photography is unparalleled. We’ve already added about 5 places to our travel bucket list.

The concept of the book is, in one word, inspiring. The contents are divided into four sections that take the reader through experiences and activities through the day and night: Sunrise, Daytime, Sunset and After Dark. The photos are some of the best I’ve seen in a travel book and will definitely make you want to start planning your next trip.

On every page there is a wanderlust-worthy destination, some of which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting (like Machu Picchu and the Eiffel Tower) and many I’ve not (like a floating market in the Mekong Delta and Petra by candlelight.) Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just a serious dreamer, you’ll love this book. It has already earned a very special spot on our coffee table.

4) Kammok Camping Hammock

If you’re like me and grew up with a hammock in your backyard, you (and your SO) will appreciate this gift. This portable hammock got its start via crowdfunding and it’s been wowing travelers ever since. It’s easy to pack and won’t take up a ton of space in your luggage. An extra perk? With every $99 purchase, the Austin, TX-based company makes a donation to fund malaria treatments to children in Africa. There are six different color combinations to choose from, so take your pick!

Image: Facebook/Kammok (by @lbucio via IG)

5) Scratchable World Map

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford CB2’s cork globe, this is the perfect alternative. This scratchable map sells for just $29 and doubles as apartment decor. If you’re already living with you SO, this is a great addition to our kitchen or living room and will undoubtedly get you excited for your next adventure. After every trip, your beige map will reveal another bright color to mark having visited a new destination. It’s a fun way to showcase your love for travel…not to mention, an effortless conversation starter.

Image via Scratchmap.org

6) Bluesmart’s Smart Suitcase

Having already received my Bluesmart after buying one via their campaign on Indiegogo, I’m a very happy customer. Full disclosure: my husband is the CEO of Bluesmart. That said,I really do love and travel constantly with the product. In fact, within the past three months, it’s been with me in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Canada and France. Investing in smart luggage is certainly a commitment, as they are pricier than most holiday gifts but if you travel regularly, it’s a “smart” investment.

Image: Facebook/Bluesmartlabs

7) GorillaPod Tripod by JOBY

If your significant other already has a GoPro, the GorillaPod Tripod will really enhance their video coverage. The structure is flexible yet sleek and works with any type of camera, whether using a point & shoot or a DSLR. Traveling with a bulky tripod isn’t really ideal for intrepid travelers, which is another reason why the GorillaPod is a great substitute. Lightweight and durable, this product sells anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on the model.

Image via JOBY.com

8) LifeStraw

It’s easy to take clean water for granted but the reality is that not everyone has that privilege. While it’s not the most romantic gift on this list, the LifeStraw will literally save your life in a pinch. If your significant other is traveling somewhere remote or if he/she tends to go on long hikes without packing an extra water bottle, LifeStraw is a no-brainer gift. If and when clean water is not available, the straw turns contaminated water into drinkable water. The original model sells for $20.

Image: Facebook/LifeStraw

9) Everlane’s The Dopp Kit

Even if you’re significant other is the most rugged traveler you know, it doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t like cleaning up, too. The reverse-denim kit is made from fabric that is 100% water-resistant cotton twill and the leather detailing adds a touch of elegance to the classic design. Ideal for storing makeup and hair products or converting into your personal travel-size shaving kit. Throw this into your carry-on for easy access to your toothbrush and other toiletries during a long flight.

Image via Everlane.com

10) Flight 001’s Stocking Stuffers

If you can’t decide on one big gift for your partner in crime, consider buying a few Flight 001 small knick-knacks. I recently purchased a passport case that doubles as a wallet on a recent trip to New York and was amazed by the current selection of travel accessories. You can buy everything from luggage tags and sleep masks to rechargeable bottle lights and iPhone cables. If your budget allows, consider picking a theme for your stocking stuffers. For example, if your girlfriend is heading to Costa Rica, get creative with lots of color.

Image: Facebook/FLIGHT 001

What’s the best holiday gift you’ve ever received? Tell me in the comments below!

This post is in collaboration with Rough Guides. All opinions are my own.

Like me on Facebook and Tweet me: @BohemianTrails.

Hi! I’m Megan,

a Scorpio sun and Libra moon who left her job in the music industry to travel and write full-time. Since then, i´ve explored more than 60 countries in the hopes that you will, too.

The world is made of magic and so are you!

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