Table of Contents
Introduction
Let’s be honest, like between you and me. What do we want for Christmas? I know what I want for Christmas, and that is to travel LOL! Now I get it. Christmas hasn’t always been that magical day of joy for everyone. Growing up, the 25th of December often felt like a mix of awkward small talk, gift-giving guilt, and far too much food. (Seriously, who actually likes Christmas pudding?) But in recent years, as I’ve spent the day with family that truly feels like home, I’ve come to appreciate the warmth of the season even if it comes wrapped in tinsel and sometimes passive-aggressive dinner debates.
Christmas is traditionally about family, friends (…I say that lightly), and giving. Because some givers like myself are around people who don’t know how to stop taking, sadly and they will take and take and still dare to ask you why you don’t have when they have contributed to nothing. As a traveller, a gift-overthinker, and someone who’d rather book a flight than buy a fourth scented candle, the festive season tends to be or can be financially exhausting.
Did you know that over 25% of people spend more than they actually have on Christmas presents? No wonder we all look a little dizzy in December.
So, fellow globe-trotters and gift-dodgers, I’ve put together a few ways to survive the Christmas chaos without maxing out your credit card or going broke. I want you to know some Christmas gifts for travel lovers that you can purchase for Christmas for you all not to get to mid-January and say that the month is taking forever because you have ran out of money! If you play your cards right, you might not even need to spend a penny.
Related Post: A Lovely Gdańsk Christmas Market Travel Guide: How to Spend 1 Day in Gdańsk
1. Don’t Buy Anyone Anything (Yes, Really)
I know. Scandalous. But hear me out.
I’m testing this myself for the first time. Not buying presents. I know boo the awkward pause as someone hands you a gift and you hand them… a smile (a great smile if I may add(. But if you actually agree in advance with the people you’re spending Christmas with, it can be pretty freeing. I’ve got a minor op scheduled this year, so I’m skipping the full festive fanfare. And honestly, it feels kind of nice. No panic shopping. No awkward wrapping on Xmas-eve. Just vibes. That’s what I want for Christmas.
Plenty of families now treat Christmas as a time to be present, not to give presents. Imagine that? Some warmth, laughter, and zero debt. I can that. Revolutionary.
2. Make Your Gifts (Yes, Even if You’re Not a DIY Queen)
Last year, my cousin made us handmade lip balms, scrubs, and creams using natural ingredients she found on Amazon and eBay. And guess what? I actually used them. All year, while travelling as they were all under 100ml, which for me was absolutely perfect with all the rules and all.
The best part? Those gifts felt personal. So if you’re feeling creative, why not whip up something meaningful, and budget-friendly from scratch? What about a travel-inspired recipe jar, a handmade photo album from your last girls’ trip, or even a playlist of songs from countries you’ve visited together. Thoughtfulness > price tags.
3. Secret Santa (or “Secret Fanta” as My Aunt Calls It)
Whether you’re in a big family or a small one, Secret Santa is a classic for a reason. Everyone draws a name (or family surname) from a hat, and voilà you’re only buying one gift.
Think about something the whole household can enjoy: a movie night box (popcorn, hot chocolate, travel-themed Netflix recommendations), or even a travel scratch map. Or better yet, why not get them a Woorden World Map? It’s a bit more pricer, but it allows your travel lovers to pin the countries they have been to around the world. You can buy yours here.
Bonus idea: set a theme for Secret Santa. Maybe something like “Things that remind you of Paris,” or “Gifts under £20 you’d pack for a road trip.” This makes the present more interesting.
4. Swap the Gifts for a Shared Experience
What if you are looking for gifts for travel couples? Well I have an idea. Instead of physical gifts, your family pooled their budgets for an experience? A staycation. A food tour. A pottery class. A cooking session where you all make jollof rice and call it “MasterChef: Family Edition.” Or the money you was going to spend on the gifts you can add together and go on a holiday? Is Mexico. And if you’re lucky like me you could just gift yourself a solo trip. Because honestly? All I want for Christmas is Travel. A gifted plane ticket, a window seat, and no Wi-Fi for a week.
Final Views on Christmas Gifts for Travel Lovers
Whatever you decide to do this Christmas, just remember: it’s not about the presents. It’s about the presence lol. No it’s actually about gifts right. It should really be about what you want for Christmas. And if you like to do it solo, don’t be shamed, and if you like doing it with family then do it! It’s all for you.
Whether you’re home, abroad, or scrolling Skyscanner in your pyjamas, make sure you’re doing something that fills you with joy. And if you do end up with a box of Celebrations or a regifted candle, just smile, eat the box of Celebrations or Quality Streets, and dream about your next adventure.
So tell me… what’s on your Christmas wish list this year? What I want for Christmas? Mine’s simple: travel. Always travel. What are some gifts for travel lovers that you would recommend?
A Christmas gift from me to you a selection of travel freebies – Travel Freebies
Speak soon,
Adebola x
