10 Best Gifts for the Return of Travel
If you’re like us, your holiday shopping list is probably growing and growing. Maybe you still need something for that friend who is already packing their bags for a trip in the new year? Maybe you’re stumped on what to get the family member who is itching to travel but is still home-bound for now. Or maybe you want to find the perfect gift for yourself!
Either way, we’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered ideas that the travel-lover in your life will be crazy about now—whether they’re ready for take off or waiting on standby.
1. Passport holder
With so many colors and styles available, it’s easy to find a passport cover that perfectly suits whoever you’re shopping for! When it’s time to start collecting destination stamps again, they’ll be the most stylish jetsetter in the airport. And before that, this will be a great reminder to renew their passport for all those future travels!
2. Socks
Socks may not be the most exciting gift when you’re a kid – but as an adult, socks are gold. Especially if they’re made of merino wool! In addition to being super comfortable, these socks are also moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating and odor-neutralizing. So, whether they’re used while trekking up Kilimanjaro, or while fantasizing about trekking from the warmth of the couch…these are sure to become their new favorite socks.
3. Nature and Wildlife Prints
If someone on your list is missing travel, you can help them relive their past adventures with a stunning photography print. Paul Joynson-Hicks leads our Thomson Photo Safaris and is a master at capturing everything from playful lion cubs to cheetahs on the prowl. Hanging in anyone’s home it’ll be a fun reminder of adventures both past and future!
4. Travel scarf
This isn’t just any scarf – in addition to providing warmth on a chilly flight, it has a secret pocket for passports, phones or whatever else needs to be hidden! It’ll be just the thing your friend or family member needs for their next trip. And until then, it can be just the thing for their next grocery store run!
5. Camera
A camera is a necessity for any travel adventure – especially safari. And since sometimes an iPhone just won’t cut it, and a fancy DSLR can be intimidating – this Nikon CoolPix is the perfect compromise! Recommended by Don Toothaker of Hunts Photo and Video (and the Hunts Photo Safari), this camera is an easy-to-use point-and-shoot, but with an incredibly long zoom. So, less fumbling with different lenses – more time photographing baby elephants! And as a gift this holiday season, your loved one will have plenty of time to learn its ins and outs before heading to the bush.
6. Safari / Kilimanjaro clothing
If only we could all snap our fingers and be somewhere else…But since we can’t, we can sport the coordinates and pretend! For anyone missing their time in the Serengeti, or counting down the days to Uhuru Peak, these t-shirts will bring some holiday cheer. Plus, all proceeds go to Focus on Tanzanian Communities – so they’re really two gifts in one!
7. Anything from The Little Market
Candles, soaps, cookbooks, jewelry – The Little Market has something for just about everyone on your list – all handmade by female artisans around the world to support their families. You can gift someone a unique token from their favorite corner of the world, all while helping support and empower women. Our favorite? Hand-woven baskets from Rwanda, Kenya, Cambodia, and, of course, Tanzania!
8. Sun shawl
Whether traveling out on safari next year, or just traveling to the park down the street for the afternoon, this shawl is perfect for anyone spending time in the sun. Its versatility allows you to wear it in whatever way suits you best – around your shoulders, over your legs or as a scarf. It is lightweight and moisture-wicking, but best of all, it’s UPF 50+ to protect you from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
9. Rwandan Coffee from RwandaBean
Do you have someone on your list who has always dreamed of visiting the mountain gorillas in Rwanda? They’ll probably go mad for RwandaBean! With rich soil and a tropical climate, Rwanda produces some of the best coffee in the world – and RwandaBean can bring it right to their kitchen with a monthly subscription! Plus, 50% of all profits go directly back to the farmers in Rwanda.
10. A Charitable Donation
For the person on your list who doesn’t need anything – think about giving to those who do. Thomson’s sister nonprofit, Focus on Tanzanian Communities, works with local communities to support healthcare, education and women’s empowerment in Tanzania. Those who have been on safari before will know how important this gift is. And those who haven’t traveled yet can look forward to meeting the wonderful Tanzanians they’ve helped.
