The Ultimate Gift Guide for Digital Nomads
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Do you have someone special in your life that lives the digital nomad lifestyle? Maybe your sibling, partner, or best friend dropped their 9–5 job to go globetrotting while working online.
As a digital nomad and full-time slow traveler myself, I know exactly the type of gifts I would love to receive.
Most nomads I know, including myself, appreciate minimalism and practicality; so don’t just go buying any travel product like a scratch-off map and think that’ll be right up their alley!
Since nomads travel nomadically and move from country to country, what they choose to pack and take with them is very limited and intentional.
Keeping that in mind, I’ve included the best gift ideas for digital nomads down below—for all budgets!
If you are looking to buy a gift for a digital nomad in your life then this conscious gift guide will help you find the perfect present! 🎁
The Best Gift Ideas for Digital Nomads
1. Gift an Experience or Activity
As the quote goes, “Collect memories, not things.” Many digital nomads out there live by this philosophy.
Instead of buying a product, why not give a gift that lasts?
A unique travel experience or activity would be the perfect digital nomad gift—no shipping required, no waste, and no expiration date.
Two of my favorite sites for booking experiences around the world are GetYourGuide and Viator.
A few example experiences that you could book are:
- 🌄 Mount Batur Sunrise Hike with Hot Springs (Bali, Indonesia)
- 🌋 Guided Acatenango Basecamp Volcano Trek (Antigua, Guatemala)
- 🤿 Discovery Scuba Diving in Cenotes (Tulum, Mexico)
- 🪨 Guatapé and El Peñol Boat Trip (Medellín, Colombia)
- 🏔 Kazbegi and Gudauri Mountains Day Trip (Tbilisi, Georgia)
What’s awesome about this gift idea is that you don’t need to ship any product across the world. Instead, you can gift them with a local experience in the destination they are currently based in!
Gifting an experience is a meaningful, not to mention more sustainable, way to show someone that you care.
✨ Search more ideas on GetYourGuide or Viator
2. Blue Light Glasses for Nomads
Digital nomads are called “digital” for a reason—because they are plugged into their gadgets for work.
For example, I spend 10+ hours working on my laptop most days for my job as a blogger. All that screen time can contribute to headaches, fatigue, eye soreness, drowsiness, and lack of sleep.
The solution? Blue light glasses!
These chic anti-blue light glasses from Horus X are perfect for digital nomads.
The company has a range of styles, but the Ushuaia is my favorite because they are designed with nomads in mind—they actually look identical to my prescription ones!
Plus, you can feel good about your purchase because Horus X is a member of 1% of the Planet and your purchase is 100% backed by their Lifetime Guarantee.
Trust me, I’d be so happy to receive blue-light-blocking glasses as a gift!
3. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
So… The nomad in your life may already have a pair of AirPods. But I have recently picked up my first pair ever—the AirPods Pro 2nd Generation—and I am mildly obsessed!
AirPods are not exactly a budget-friendly gift, but if you’re looking for something luxe to treat a special nomad in your life who doesn’t already have a pair, then this present will be revolutionary!
I haven’t stopped wearing them since I got them. I can listen to music and podcasts, and focus on my writing with their active noise-canceling feature.
As I said, a total game-changer (especially for working in busy cafes or whenever Paul is talking super loud in French on biz calls, lol).
🍏 Click here to purchase and get them delivered in time for the holidays!
4. Cable Organizer Pouch
This next gift idea for digital nomads might not be as sexy, per se, as AirPods or an experience, but let me tell you it’s a digital nomad essential.
A cable organizer pouch was something I neglected for the first few years of my digital nomad life—oh man do I wish I had found it sooner!
The satisfaction that comes with having all those pesky cables and chargers and adapters and SD cards in one place is not to be overestimated… 🤤
Plus, this is a super budget-friendly gift for nomads. And I bet the nomad you know doesn’t have one. I found mine on Amazon for around $20 last Christmas! I loved it so much that I bought two more—one for my partner and his brother (who’s also a nomad).
I honestly can’t believe how much I can fit into this seemingly simple tool. Practical presents for the win!
5. WANDRD Camera Travel Backpack
One backpack that has changed the way I travel as a digital nomad is the WANDRD PRVKE Backpack.
It is so small (11 oz) and yet can fit SO much—my SonyA7II, DJI Mini drone, Blue Yeti microphone, Nintendo Switch, cable pouch, plus my water bottle, Kindle, and a few other odds and ends.
These backpacks are extremely well-made (and responsibly, too) which is why I invested in one as a Christmas gift to myself.
They’ve just launched 3 epic colors for the adventurous souls out there (I’d totally get the new Sedona Orange). Now is the perfect time to gift this to a digital nomad!
One premium bag to replace them all. That’s what this backpack can do.
Note: The WANDRD is first and foremost a camera backpack, so it’s especially relevant for digital nomads who are into travel photography. Check prices here 📸
6. Kindle Paperwhite
What nomad has the storage space to carry around loads of books? Not me, even though I wish I could! That’s why, a couple of years back, I bought a Kindle Paperwhite.
Now I can keep up my reading without worrying about buying books and having to leave them behind (or ship my favorites home).
I know Kindles/Amazon are not very loved by indie bookstores around the world, but as a nomad, I can’t deny their practicality! They also end up paying for themselves since books are heavily discounted for Kindle users.
7. Pela Eco-Friendly Phone Case
Have you ever heard of biodegradable phone cases made from plants? If not, get ready to fall in love with Pela. 🌿
I’ve had a Pela phone case for both my Android and (now) my iPhone 13 Pro. They are eco-friendly, plastic-free cases that aren’t only protective and durable, but also irresistibly cute!
If you are looking for a gift with a green thumb, don’t overlook Pela cases!
I love mine and would buy several if that very thought didn’t go against the whole purpose of minimalism and sustainability, lol.
8. Moft Invisible Laptop Stand
An invisible laptop stand…? Yes! I, too, was a non-believer, until I saw my friends’ Moft laptop stands and saw how cool they were!
These “invisible” stands actually are adhesive, flexible kickstands that stick to the bottom of your laptop. Raise it up, fold it, and you can have a pro-looking setup now! But for only $20 bucks. Win-win! (They also have MagSafe snap cases, battery packs, and other tech accessories.)
Did you know that Moft stands are better for your wrists and eye level with the computer resulting in better posture?
Ergonomically, it’s much more comfortable for working on your laptop. I feel extremely weird if I use my laptop flat now—really, it feels like it’s falling backward!
The angle/lift this stand gives your laptop is amazing. Plus, the adhesive isn’t damaging and it is super slim, so it still fits in those snug laptop bags or cases.
9. Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
Looking for a fun and unique gift that your digital nomad could use? This portable washing machine by Scrubba is quickly becoming a staple item in many nomads’ backpacks.
With this bag, nomads/RVers/van lifers/hikers can wash their dirty socks, undies, and shirts on the go. No more need to go to a laundromat or wash clothes in hostel sinks!
There are currently two sizes, both of which can easily roll up and fit snuggly in a backpack or suitcase — the Scrubba Original for small loads and the Mini Ultra-Compact for socks and undies (and maybe one t-shirt).
In short, the Scrubba makes for a quirky but practical present for nomads for Christmas or birthdays. You can’t go wrong with this gift idea! (And it’s under $50 too.)
10. Nintendo Switch Lite / eShop Gift Card
Does the nomad you know happen to also love video games?
If like me, they travel with their Nintendo Switch Lite, then a great gift idea is a Nintendo eShop gift card so they can indulge in a game on their wishlist!
The Switch Lite packs up pretty small. It fits in my WANDRD backpack which I can take on planes as my personal item with all my gear inside (including my Switch—perfect for long flights!).
11. Allbirds Sustainable Shoes
I’ve had my Allbirds for years, and go everywhere with them! Heck, I’ve even trekked on an active volcano in them! So I mean it when these shoes are awesome for travel.
If you want to learn more about the shoe, and why they’re awesome for nomads/travelers, check out my full and honest Allbirds Review.
12. GoPro Hero 11
Adventure typically accompanies nomads on their travels, which is why the GoPro Hero 11 is such an awesome gift idea (especially if you’re looking to pool funds together with a friend or family member). The price point is steep, at just under $400, but it’s a gift that lasts.
13. Traveler’s Journal / Notebook
As a blogger, I write a lot. But that’s not the same as journal or reflection writing, which for me is the most transformational. While any traveler’s journal should do, I’ve linked this one in particular by Intelligent Change.
I have one of their Five-Minute Journals already and love it, but the one shown above is designed in partnership with a traveler/artist and offers more space for free writing and creative prompts.
14. Reusable Water Bottle or Travel Mug
Another thing that’s synonymous with digital nomad life? Coffee.
If the nomad you’re shopping for doesn’t already have a reusable coffee mug or water bottle, then that’s a winning gift.
I use and take my 20oz. yellow Hydro Flask everywhere I go and I also have a reusable coffee mug (purchased from a local coffee shop).
Shop all Hydro Flask colors and sizes here 💦
15. A Monthly (Digital) Subscription
Finally, if you’re not able to deliver a gift to a nomad who’s constantly changing addresses, then you can offer them a monthly subscription for a digital tool or service.
Think $10/month for six months or one year for Spotify or Apple Music so they can listen to unlimited music and podcasts ad-free, or even a service such as Headspace for meditation and sleep guidance!
I know I would have loved to receive such a gift because I’d make use of it and it doesn’t encumber me with extra stuff to carry around.
I hope this digital nomad gift guide helps you find just what you’re looking for! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions (or more cool ideas to add to the list!)
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