Merry Christmas, wanderlusters
You can’t buy everyone the dream holiday this Christmas, but you can help fuel their dreams of exploring the world, writes Bridget Jones.
Here are some stocking-stuffers and gifts for under the tree that are perfect for anyone bitten by the travel bug.
Go To: The Refillables $38 from Mecca Beauty
Travel-sized cosmetics can be a nightmare on the skin, but this set collects three best-selling products from the Go To range in mini, refillable sizes. All natural, smelling of grapefruit, and manufactured in New Zealand, these will make you feel fresh after any flight. Plus, the company offsets 100 per cent of its carbon emissions.
Scratch map $30 from Mighty Ape
Sometimes (if you’re lucky) it can be tough to keep track of all the places you’ve travelled to. This fun, interactive map might be the answer. Simply scratch a country off when you’ve visited, and watch the world unfold. A great pick for seasoned travellers and even little explorers in your life.
Aesop Resurrection rinse-free hand wash $15 for 50ml at aesop.com
We all know airplanes can be filthy, but sometimes you want to wash your hands without climbing over the sleeping stranger next to you. This gentle hand wash is perfect to get clean when water isn’t an option. Pocket-sized, and smelling like mandarin and rosemary, it’s a travel essential.
Mophie 10K mAh Powerbank $69.99 from noelleeming.co.nz
Never be caught out with a low phone battery while trying to navigate the streets of your destination. With this universal powerbank (or portable battery), you can charge a smartphone twice before it needs to be recharged itself. Rachel Hunter’s Tour of Beauty, by Emma Clifton $39.99 from Whitcoulls
Kiwi supermodel Rachel Hunter has the perfect gift for the armchair traveller in your life. Her first book details a life-changing year for Hunter, as she travelled and learnt about how countries define the idea of beauty and wellness.
From the ancient health practices in China to the futuristic, forward-thinking beauty worlds of South Korea and Japan, it’s a fascinating look at the world without leaving the couch.
Tinggly Christmas Gift Box $205 from tinggly.com
Now this is clever. Tinggly claims to have the largest selection of hand-picked Christmas gift
ideas for travellers who appreciate real experiences over ‘‘stuff’’. You pay for a bunch of experience options for the recipient to choose from.
Then, they choose the one they want, and book it with just a couple of clicks.
The Christmas collection has more than 550 adventures, romantic escapes, food and drink experiences, and activities from all around the world.
Packing cubes From $19.99 from Kathmandu
Show us a messy traveller, and we will show you someone who hasn’t found the joy of packing cubes.
Clever packing comes down to preparation, and packing cells are the greatest trick in the trade.
Keep your socks separate from your jumpers, and your pants away from your pyjamas with these tiny suitcase organisers. They are great to keep all your electronics and charges safe as well. Maybe not a sexy gift, but they will change lives.
Handpresso $199 from The Coffee Company
Sure, you might be becoming one with nature, sleeping under the stars on a good ol’ Kiwi camping trip, but that doesn’t mean you need to go without coffee.
This portable espresso maker makes coffee literally anywhere. It works a bit like a bike pump, the caffeine-fiend in your life just needs to add hot water and voila. No battery or electricity is needed.
Napoleon Goods chilly bin $180 from Everyday Needs
The classic chilly bin is deceptively heavy, bulky and ugly. But not any more.
Mt Maunganui-based brand Napoleon Goods