Suggestions on what to get that traveler on your list that won't cost a lot or require you to visit a mall.
Whether it’s for Christmas or birthdays, there always ends up being someone you need a last minute gift for. So you trek on down to your local mall or discount store and spend an hour or two frustrated because nothing seems to be what the person would be thrilled to get. Not exactly the way to get into the gift giving mood, right?
Have no fear. Choose any of the items from the list below and you’re guaranteed a gift that any traveler will love, at a price you can afford.
- Restaurant.com Gift Certificates -- Does someone on your list already have a trip planned? Or maybe someone who likes to explore new restaurants in the town they live in? Simply visit Restaurant.com, choose a restaurant and purchase a gift certificate at a discount. Common denominations are $25 certificates for $10, but the website often runs discounts of up to 70% off their prices, meaning if you’re a savvy shopper, you can nab a $25 certificate for only $3. Your gift recipient doesn’t have to know you got such a great deal. They’ll be too busy eating.
- FlickrPro -- Got a shutterbug traveler on your list? Give them a Flickr Pro account. Sure they can get a regular free account, which gives them up to 200 photos visible at at time, the ability to sort photos into three sets and a generous monthly upload allowance. But the pro account will absolutely thrill your photographer with unlimited storage, unlimited uploads, unlimited sets, the ability to group those sets into collections, and even photo stats. All for $24.95 for a year, or $47.99 for two years. Log onto Flickr.com for all the details on how to gift an pro account.
- Travel Books -- If the person you’re buying for already has a trip planned, a guidebook to their destination will never be a bad choice. Older travelers will appreciate the traditional guides by Fodors or Frommers. Younger ones will enjoy the Rough Guides, Time Out or Lonely Planet guides. Don’t shy away from smaller publishers or independent authors who might offer a unique spin on the locale. Other great book choices include photo collections and travel narratives, which will stimulate the wanderlust. Some favorites to check out include the “Sand in My Bra” anthology series, which is a collection of hilarious travel misadventures, and the classic “1,001 Places to See Before You Die”.
- Airline Gift Cards -- Many airlines are now offering gift cards, and those that don’t, usually offer some kind of program where you can gift miles into someone’s frequent flier account. Either way, the traveler you’re buying for will appreciate help in getting to their destination. Airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest and AirTran all offer regular sales to a multitude of destinations, making your gift cards go even farther. Simply log onto the airline’s website for details on how to purchase.
- Pre-Paid Telephone Minutes -- Know somebody who uses a pre-paid or “pay-as-you-go” cellphone? Why not purchase a few gift cards and give them minutes they can use while they travel? Many offer them for sale on their company websites, but you can also pick them up the next time you’re at a store like Target or Circuit City.
- Digital Camera Accessories -- Who doesn’t want the ability to take more photos on a trip? If you know the make of their digital camera, a couple of storage cards make a great gift. Put together a little kit by adding batteries, a camera case or a very cool Gorilla tripod.
- Homemade Travel Coupon Books -- All this requires is paper, time and a little artistic creativity. Design a gift certificate on your computer (or search online for free templates), print out five or ten, design a cover and fasten them into booklet with staples or even ribbon. What to put on these homemade certificates for your traveler? How about “Good for one week free house/baby/pet/plant sitting” or “Good for one round-trip ride to the airport”? Other suggestions: offer a free meal on you (great if traveling together), or a spa day. Use your imagination to tailor the coupons to your gift recipient. You can even get crafty by embellishing them with glitter or stickers.
Got more ideas? Feel free to add to this list on our discussion board.
The copyright of the article 7 Last Minute Budget Travel Gifts in Budget Travel is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish 7 Last Minute Budget Travel Gifts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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