Christmas is almost upon us and that means time spent scratching your head, wondering what to buy the special people in your life. Of course, finding the best gifts is about connecting with their interests. If you’re trying to shop for a digital nomad that opens plenty of present-buying inspiration.
The difficulty with a digital nomad is that it needs to be something small enough to be packed and brought around the world. Don’t worry, there are lots of options! To narrow down your options, let’s check out seven of the best Christmas gifts to buy the travel-loving, online-working person in your life.
7 Christmas Presents to Buy a Digital Nomad
One positive thing about being a digital nomad these days is that there are plenty of accessories to make life easier and improve your workspace. From secure laptop bags to on-the-go water filters, I appreciate a work-related gift to help my travels go more smoothly. I’m sure your DN friend or family member feels the same, so why not consider these potential gifts?
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1. Reusable & Collapsible Water Bottle
I own the collapsible water bottle by Special Made and it’s one of the best things I ever bought. Not only is it leakproof and looks the part, but it collapses down small when you’re not using it, so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. It’s one of my go-to pieces of travel equipment and I’m sure the digital nomad in your life will feel the same.
Of course, we all need to think about being responsible travelers and reducing our plastic waste and this ticks that box while saving money at the same time. The other advantage is that it’s cold and heatproof, so whatever you want to put in it stays the temperature it’s meant to for quite a while; I’ve put coffee in this before and it’s stayed warm for around an hour. See the collapsible water bottle on Amazon.
2. Travel Electronics Organizer
If there’s one thing I hate more than anything else, it’s charging cords getting wrapped around each other and tied up in knots. When you travel and work, you need many chargers and cords, and it’s just a recipe for stress. However, this FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch solved all my problems and I no longer sit there cursing under my breath while trying to unravel them.
Basically, it’s a small zip-up bag that has various sections for chargers, cords, flash drives, and other small electronic items that tend to get lost or wrapped around things in a regular backpack. This one even has space for power banks, so you know where to reach when you’re low on charge and in a rush. See the organizer on Amazon.
3. Noise Canceling Headphones
Original, I know, but noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for any digital nomad. I promise, there is nothing worse than trying to get on with your work while everyone else in the room is having the loudest conversation ever. Similarly, you’re trying to sleep on the plane and the person next to you is a mega-snorer.
These are all common issues for a DN, but a good quality pair of noise-canceling headphones solves all of that. I own the Sony Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones and I’ve had them for more than a year now. They’re the perfect pair and can even be connected to Alexa.
4. Solar Power Bank
Charge is a major issue when you’re on the go, especially if you find yourself working in more remote areas, somewhere where the power frequently cuts, or if you’re living van life. That’s where a solar power bank comes in. You charge it in the daylight and you have enough charge to keep you going when you need it the most.
It’s a great gift for a digital nomad who works around the world. I might have to buy myself one of these. See the solar power bank on Amazon.
5. Laptop Stand
The only downside of working on a laptop is that there is a temptation to slouch and end up with back and neck aches. Laptop stands are a great solution to that but they can be bulky, which isn’t ideal when you need to travel light. However, this foldable laptop stand is a great solution because it collapses down small enough to be stored in a backpack.
If you speak to any digital nomad about the issues of working remotely, you’re sure to hear about aches and pains from sitting incorrectly. It’s not always possible to go to a co-working space and cafes aren’t likely to have ergonomic furniture either. So, this laptop stand will certainly make them smile. See it here on Amazon.
6. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
You’ve no doubt heard that blue light messes with your circadian rhythm and can make it hard to fall asleep, but it can also cause headaches and fatigue. By definition, digital nomads spend a lot of time on various gadgets so blue light can be a problem over time.
Blue light blocking glasses help to filter out blue light and take away the problems that it causes. They’re not only great for working but they can also be used for watching TV and gaming too, so they’re multi-purchase. The gift of sleep is something worth giving, right?
7. Personal Water Filter
Working online while traveling around the world means there isn’t always easy access to water, and even if there is, it’s not always something you want to drink directly from the tap. I have a personal water filter which I carry with me wherever I go, and I have peace of mind that the water I’m drinking isn’t full of bacteria and other harmful things.
You can buy these straws in multi-packs too, which will make a great and very thoughtful gift for a digital nomad. You’re looking after their health, and nothing says “I care” more than that. See it here on Amazon.
SEE ALSO: 7 Best Travel Routers for Digital Nomads
In Conclusion
Buying a useful present is always preferable over gifting something for the sake of it. Digital nomads certainly have specific needs and by thinking about those and giving something appropriate, you’re not only helping them out but showing them that you support their lifestyle.
Personally, if someone gave me a gift that helped me out in my daily work, I’d be thrilled. Hopefully, these seven ideas have given you some food for thought.
