Deciding what to give digital nomads for Christmas or a birthday is often the hardest part of gift buying for them. Since they usually carry their belongings with them, you've to think carefully about what to give them.
If they don't find the gift useful for their everyday travel or it doesn't fit in their luggage, they may leave it at home or return it.
There are some questions that can help you choose the right gift for the slow-traveling remote workers you know, including:
- Can they easily carry it with them on their travels?
- Would it improve their quality of life and facilitate their nomadic lifestyle in some way?
- Are they likely to use it frequently—at least once a week?
- Will it save them money? Will it increase their productivity?
To make it easier for you, we've put together a list of gifts for digital nomads that they'll really like, so you don't have to worry about your gift being left behind.
The following list is perfect for people who're interested in the digital nomad lifestyle, or even for those who're digital nomads themselves and just want to find things they can use on the go.
Online courses
Digital nomads have one thing in common: they love to learn. You may think that's strange, but rest assured that they'll always value education as a gift. Online learning sites like Coursera and Udemy offer everything from entrepreneurship certificates to language lessons for digital nomads. Why not buy one?
Blue light glasses
Blue light, especially overhead lighting in guest houses and co-working spaces, can cause insomnia when working online for long periods of time. Trust us! Blue light glasses are a must-have travel gadget to prevent eye strain and insomnia.
Noise-canceling headphones
A pair of noise-canceling headphones is a gift the recipient didn't even know they needed until they have them. They'll definitely thank you for making their lives and travels more peaceful. Unfortunately, they're not cheap, but that's exactly why they make a great gift for digital nomads.
Keyboard protector
A keyboard protector is an excellent gift idea for digital nomads. They're small, lightweight, and easily fit in any pocket. Coffee addicts in particular will know the struggle: A spilled coffee on your laptop keyboard can ruin your workday in seconds.
Portable laptop stand
For digital nomads, a lightweight, portable laptop stand is the perfect tech gift. With a laptop stand, you can place your laptop in a comfortable position and adjust the screen to a height that's comfortable for your eyes to create an ergonomic workspace.
External keyboard
It's impossible to keep your hands on your laptop's keyboard when it's on a laptop stand. That's why an external keyboard is a good gift. However, make sure you choose a small and lightweight laptop keyboard.
Collapsible water bottle
A collapsible water bottle is a great gift for a digital nomad. It can be taken with you at the airport, doesn't take up much space, and reduces plastic usage.
Portable luggage scale
Digital nomads will appreciate a portable luggage scale because it's not only compact, but also extremely useful for avoiding unnecessary excess baggage fees.
Bamboo straw
This would be a great gift if your recipient likes cocktails or coconuts. This way, the person won't need plastic straws. Bamboo is a natural resource and a great alternative to plastic and a fun gift!
Priority Pass
If you travel a lot, consider investing in the Priority Pass, which gives you access to airport lounges around the world.
Give it to the digital nomad in your life as a gift and they'll love it!
Amazon vouchers
If you're looking for a last-minute gift, Amazon vouchers are the perfect choice. They'll prove to be very useful.
External hard drive
The storage space on your laptop will never be enough if you're a digital nomad, and it's a good idea to back up your important data somewhere online or/and on an external hard drive.
For digital nomads, external hard drives are also useful when they need to access their files without an Internet connection, for example on the train or bus.
Money
Cash is always welcome, whether it comes in the form of crisp bills, a check, a Visa gift card, or an electronic transfer.
Some people believe that cash should be a last resort. But we assure you that it's a great gift idea and will be greatly appreciated, especially because the recipient can spend it on what they need and want.
Audiobook
A valuable gift for your friends and family is an audiobook. They're great for taking them to a faraway destination, teaching them something new, or making a long commute to work more enjoyable. However, it's not always easy to figure out what to give as a gift when it comes to audiobooks.
Kindle Paperwhite
Books can be heavy to carry. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a precious gift for any digital nomad who loves to read. It's thin and light, and allows you to enjoy your favorite books anytime. It has adjustable backlighting and customizable font, holds thousands of books, and has a battery life of ten weeks.
Electronic cable organization kit
Digital nomads often have a lot of electronics in their luggage, including computer and cell phone chargers, HDMI cables, and other essential cords. Give your nomad friend an electronic cable organization set to keep them organized and sane.
Subscription to a streaming service
An annual subscription to an entertaining streaming service is a great gift idea for digital nomads. With a Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ subscription, they can relax while watching their favorite shows. This is an ideal gift for evenings when they've no plans or need to kill time on a plane or bus.
Shampoo powder
Any nomad's traveling kit should include shampoo powder. If you don't have the time to stop at your hotel for a shower before you head off to take care of business after a long flight, it can be an excellent way to refresh your hair.
For good-smelling hair and to kill harmful bacteria that cause itching, you should use products that contain rice starch instead of talcum powder.
Solar power bank
Digital nomads appreciate the freedom of being able to charge their electronic devices wherever they're. Nomads traveling to areas with an unreliable power grid would appreciate this gift even more.
VPN subscription
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives you complete Internet freedom wherever you're, allowing you to keep your private data safe and secure.
When you buy someone a VPN subscription for Christmas, you can help them protect their communications and sensitive data from unjust government snooping or third-party hacking.
Portable projector
It's easy to see why portable projectors make a great gift for business travelers and digital nomads.
A portable projector smaller than a can of Coca Cola will impress whether you're streaming Netflix and chilling with friends on a quiet night at the beach or giving a presentation at a trade show.
Portable clothesline
No matter where you go, you'll probably have to do your laundry in your sink or bathtub, because laundry services can be hard to find or expensive.
A portable clothesline is a must if you want to save money and make sure none of your favorite items disappear while washing and folding. So it makes a good gift!
Travel yoga mat
If you're planning to travel or go on vacation, it's especially helpful to have a yoga mat that's compact, thin, light, and foldable so you don't have to lug around the heavier mat.
Travel mats are great for people who need to save space in their luggage and can even be packed in their suitcase. They're also great when you're on a weekend away or need to walk or cycle and don't want to carry the heavy mat around.
Portable speaker
An ideal gadget for any traveler or digital nomad who loves to listen to music. Hanging out at the beach or hiking in the mountains is much better with music playing in the background, isn't it?
Some digital nomads may even need it for their work. For example, a video editor who doesn't have good laptop speakers may need it to hear their work in good quality.
Comfortable clothes for travel
Sitting in jeans for hours on a plane or bus isn't a good idea. Every nomad should have a comfortable outfit for travel. With multiple layers, they can beat the cold.
Stylish yet comfortable sets make great gifts for your nomad friends or family members. They're ideal for traveling or just lounging at home.
Professional camera
The best way to capture the important moments of your life is with a professional camera, whether you're taking travel photos for fun or professional photos for work.
Drone
Drones have become increasingly popular among digital nomads to capture stunning shots of their travels. For some, a drone is an important part of their business. It can be a thoughtful gift for anyone, whether they use it for leisure or for their business.
Portable printer
Those traveling abroad may be happy to receive mobile and truly portable printers as gifts. Whether it's a passport photo, a business card, a contract, or a template for a website, you never know when you'll need to print something out.
Wi-Fi hotspot
Getting access to Wi-Fi while traveling can be a major challenge for anyone trying to maintain an online presence. Purchasing a worldwide Wi-Fi hotspot is one option. This allows you to share your Internet connection with up to five different devices and only pay for the days you use it.
It's the perfect gift for people who usually stay in places with good Internet, but are occasionally without Wi-Fi and need fast, reliable access on a given day.
Wi-Fi signal extender
A Wi-Fi signal extender—also known as a range extender or Wi-Fi signal booster—is another must-have when you're on the go. A range extender connects wirelessly to your router via built-in Wi-Fi radios and antennas.
It's a tiny device that easily fits in a nomad's luggage. When you plug in an extender near your router's range and pair it with the network, it broadcasts the signal farther into your home.
Paperback productivity planner
Definitely a brilliant gift idea for any digital nomad, freelancer, or entrepreneur! There are many people who prefer to plan their week with a digital planner, but others prefer a paperback one.
With a productivity planner, you can prioritize your goals for each week, reflect on your accomplishments, and evaluate your productivity so you can identify weaknesses and improve them. You'll also find inspirational quotes in some productivity planners.
A place to stay or a way to get there
One of the best gifts for a digital nomad that doesn't take up space is a place to stay. You could offer them a stay at a nice hotel, a great vacation rental, or a beautiful villa by the sea. Or you could gift them a plane ticket to their next dream destination.
Check out the listings on Flatio if you want to surprise a digital nomad friend or family member!
Travel insurance
In addition to being an absolute must, travel insurance is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will you save someone money, you'll be making them blush with your thoughtfulness.
Experiences
Whether it's a wine tasting, a Thai massage, a surfing class, or dinner at a nice restaurant, an experience can give a digital nomad an unforgettable travel experience.
International power converter and adapter
A digital nomad may be frustrated when they find they don't have the right converter or adapter with them in a foreign country, but with an international power converter and adapter, they'll never be in that situation again. A smart gift for a digital nomad, then, right?
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are a great way to help a digital nomad organize their luggage. They may seem like a boring gift, but anyone who travels regularly will tell you that packing cubes are extremely useful.
They allow you to fit more clothes into your suitcase or backpack, and help you stay organized. Plus, the fabric is usually water-resistant, so your clothes stay protected.
Yoga and fitness apps
Many digital nomads find it difficult to stay fit while traveling. Although there are many free apps, the paid ones are usually more effective if you're on the road for the long haul. Since it's hard to justify buying them if you don't really need them, they make a great gift for digital nomads.
Laptop sleeve
A waterproof laptop sleeve is the perfect travel gift for anyone who wants to be prepared for any situation—for example, water damage in a violent storm or a half-open backpack zipper.
Travel scarf with hidden passport holder
There are scarves with passport holders in many different colors and patterns that are both fashionable and functional, and suitable for any gender.
Hammock
With a camping hammock, you'll be comfortable and covered up all night long, whether you're relaxing by a fire, sleeping under the stars, or just lounging. They're great for camping, hiking, and beach trips, as well as relaxing in your backyard or on the patio!
UV water purifier
With a UV water filter, harmful bacteria are killed by UV rays. This makes the water free from pathogens. This product is an essential travel utensil and is good for your health because it kills almost all harmful microbes without changing the taste.
Personalized passport holder
Along with computers and phones, passports are one of the most important items that digital nomads travel with. A personalized passport holder is therefore the perfect gift for all travel enthusiasts.
Electric travel toothbrush
In the modern world, a regular toothbrush just doesn't cut it anymore, but many electric toothbrushes are too bulky to carry around and charge.
Whether you need a toothbrush with a USB charging station or a battery-powered toothbrush with a sleek design, there's one for every traveler. A gift that can help the recipient maintain their oral health while traveling.
Daypack
Every digital nomad needs a daypack. It's not only used to carry your laptop from home to the coffee shop or co-working space, but it's also taken on the plane as a personal item. Some even use it for day trips and short hikes. That's why it's important to have a comfortable, lightweight daypack.
Resistance bands
Using resistance bands is a great way to maintain your muscles, especially if you don't have a gym nearby or don't spend a lot of time in one place. So you should consider giving it to the digital nomad in your life for Christmas.
Time together
The gift of your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give someone, as strange as that may sound. Traveling full time can get lonely for digital nomads from time to time, so they'd really appreciate the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones.
You can make a digital nomad or family member very happy by giving them a spot in your schedule on Christmas Day!
