It’s that time of year when that burning question resurfaces. Shoppers stuck gift-buying for a travel junkie must ponder: just what do you get for that wanderlusty person, especially if they have no fixed address?

If you’re buying for a globetrotter who has a home base to store travel-inspiring goodies, the following guidelines could certainly be loosened. Generally though, let these questions steer your travel-inspired gift shopping:

1. Does it fit in a backpack?
2. Is it useful, or will it become a baggage burden?

Now if you’re one for virtual gift-buying over angst-filled malls, this wishlist is for you, ’cause it’s all purchasable from the comfort of your own tush. Here’s a smörgåsbord of practical gifts for a thrifty nomad!

1. Portable cutlery

[amazon text=&asin=B0058FRMFS]

Like many backpackers, I used to hoard plastic fast food utensils which would eventually break or conveniently be dirty every time I needed them. Hoard no more! You’re moving up in the world with a pair of these [amazon text=My Cutlery&asin=B0058FRMFS] sets. They’re great for roadtrips or days wandering without packed meals – simply pop into a grocery store and grab something nutritious like pre-made soups or salad. I love this set as it’s colourful, compact and fits in my small purse. Because it’s knifeless, it can stay in your carry-on, though the less chopstick-inclined aren’t short on [amazon text=options&asin=B0006VHM40] that include knives.

2. A good book

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Travel will always present situations in which only a book can restore your sanity. Bring just one good read, and donate or swap it when you’re done. Some books just pluck you from where you are right into adventure and inspiration. My most recent favourites include: [amazon text=Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?&asin=0307394654], [amazon text=The Happiness Project&asin=1554682800] and [amazon text=Paddle to the Amazon&asin=0771082568].

If paper books aren’t your thing, the [amazon text=Kindle&asin=B00JG8GBDM] is a compact alternative that offers a virtual library of options. It’s readable in direct sunlight & has a light-up screen for dark – just be sure to buy a [amazon text=cover&asin=B00ID1IJXS], as we scratched our screens early on from constantly taking it in & out of our bags.

 3. A light & neutral scarf

A scarf, you say? Why on earth is a scarf on this list? Let me tell you. A scarf is not just a scarf for a traveller. A scarf is:

• a pillow and/or blanket on a long bus, train or plane ride
• a head cover or “shawl” for your arms when you’ve been in the sun too long and want to avoid heat stroke and sunburn
• that little accessory that redeems your plain Jane backpacker’s outfit
• the wee bit of warmth needed on a cool day without piling on layers
• a makeshift hood when it unexpectedly downpours
• a cushion to protect fragile items in a bag or suitcase

Put simply, a scarf is more than just a scarf. As an addict myself, I deem scarves as practical and space-worthy. For optimal versatility, I recommend a lightweight infinity-style scarf that’s wearable across outfits (ideally colour and pattern neutral).

4. Versatile shoes [amazon text=&asin=B000XR4K4C]

Alongside a pair of sandals and runners, [amazon text=TOMS&asin=B000XR4K4C] are an essential in my space-wise shoe triad. Unlike most flat-styled shoes, [amazon text=TOMS&asin=B000XR4K4C] are soft and cushiony on the foot, light as air, and are great for hours of walking. Best of all, they fold flat to roughly the size of two flip flops smushed together. If you’re looking for something dressier to have on hand, [amazon text=foldable flats&asin=B00DOIZ370] are a great addition for the space-conscious/shoe loving traveller.

5. A luggage scale

[amazon text=&asin=B005F7FVQ6]As anyone who flies budget airlines knows, with discounted ticket savings comes tight luggage restrictions. Don’t wind up dumping perfectly good clothes at the airport because you stupidly didn’t weigh your stuff, are vastly over your weight limit, and will be charged $1000+ in fees (embarrassing true story).

We bought [amazon text=this ultra light, sturdy luggage scale&asin=B005F7FVQ6] in Japan and it has served us well for 1.5 years. There are [amazon text=less pricey ones&asin=B00A8SXGKA] out there, but I can vouch for its durability, compactness and accuracy.

6. Sleep survival tools

[ezcol_1third][amazon text=&asin=B000X1G8UM]
[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third][amazon text=&asin=B000Z3OX4Q&localise=0][/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end][/ezcol_1third_end][amazon text=Ear plugs&asin=B000X1G8UM] & [amazon text=eye masks&asin=B000Z3OX4Q&localise=0] can be the difference between a restful slumber or a hair-pullingly sleepless night. Because you can’t predict 4AM wake-up calls from drunk dorm mates who flip on all the lights, or know that the old man beside you will snore like a freight train on your 20-hour bus ride.

For ear plugs, I recommend a pair with strings to avoid losing a single one. I use [amazon text=this set&asin=B000X1G8UM] as it comes with a compact carry-case, which keeps them clean and easily findable in my bag. As for eye masks, choose any one that tickles your fancy, there are heaps of [amazon text=funky ones&asin=B000Z3OX4Q&localise=0] out there.

7. A deck of cards

[amazon text=&asin=B000050GET]It never ceases to amaze me how a [amazon text=deck of cards&asin=B000050GET] can pass the time, liven a night of drinking, or break the ice with newly made friends. Buy a pack and learn some fun games before you hit the road – Solitaire is perfect for the bored solo traveller, Crazy Eights is fun with a travel buddy, and for 3+ people, Kings is a guaranteed sloppy good time.

[amazon text=&asin=B00LTU0FB4]8. A compact water bottle

[amazon text=Collapsible water bottles&asin=B00LTU0FB4] are the answer to staying hydrated without the annoyance of bulky, crinkly bottles. Collapsible bottles roll flat when empty and can be easily stored away or clipped on to a bag. The cumulative dollars wasted on buying water bottles adds up, making this quite a thrifty gift! We use these [amazon text=Platypus water bottles&asin=B001AQM330] which are super sturdy & come with a lid. (Note: avoid the cheap plasticky ones which crack & leak, as happened to our $1 versions we first had).

9. Travel-sized toiletries

[ezcol_1third][amazon text=&asin=B001B84W1I][/ezcol_1third][ezcol_1third][amazon text=&asin=B004HCECVA][/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end] [amazon text=&asin=B00DN2XQGW][/ezcol_1third_end]Travel-sized items are huge cost & space savers, and [amazon text=reusable toiletry sets&asin=B004HCECVA] can generally be taken as carry-on if bottles are <100ml. You’ll remind yourself what a smarty pants you are during lengthy layovers when you can brush your teeth, wash your face, comb your hair, and remember that you’re human again. Also – thrifty tip – use the smallest round containers to hold spices for a mini spice rack on the go!

[amazon text=&asin=B00C586H52]10. A quick-dry, ultra light towel

As with shoes, towels can be a major space-taker if you don’t choose carefully. This has been [amazon text=our travel towel&asin=B00C586H52] for 2+ years now and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s fast-drying, super absorbent and is extremely thin. It also doubles as a light blanket on cool plane rides, accompanied by my scarf “pillow”!

11. A secure lock

[amazon text=&asin=B00L5IR5J0]Nothing deflates that bursting sense of wanderlust more than having something stolen. As I discussed in my article on how to stay safe while travelling, locking your belongings is one of the simplest safeguards against theft.

We use the [amazon text=Master locks&asin=B00L5IR5J0] which are extremely lightweight. Unlike bulky metal locks, the thin and sturdy wiring of these can secure backpack zippers together – something we did when in transit through not-so-safe areas. Also, because it’s TSA approved (as indicated by the red & white symbol), TSA workers know they can open & close the lock without breaking it open.

12. A scratch map

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While this is arguably not as practical as the other items, those who are map-infatuated understand the satisfaction of tracking your globetrotting on a big honkin’ map. I have this [amazon text=scratch map&asin=B003NCIPS6] which comes with a handy tube for storage, looks great framed, and is insanely gratifying to scratch off.

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So, now you see shopping for the minimalist traveller doesn’t have to be challenging. Practical doesn’t mean boring, and minimalist doesn’t imply nadda. There are plenty of fun and useful travel tools out there, and I hope this list has inspired you to find your own!

So tell me, what are your biggest travel “must haves” this year?