Forget about the goofy tie and the poinsettia set in a terra cotta pot. If you have frequent travelers on your holiday gift list you need to be thinking about function at 35,000 feet, or at least behind the wheel of a car.
This blog was actually inspired by an item I saw on sale at Target this week—-a road emergency kit. This one retails for just $25 and includes the basics. However, if you have the time and inclination you could get even more creative and tailor the contents specifically for your special traveler. Simply get a sturdy duffel bag and fill it with a travel flashlight, a stash of his or her favorite snacks, first-aid supplies, a phone card, a dual-voltage immersion coil or a universal cell-phone recharger.
Another option is to fill a pretty (or masculine—-think leather) bag full of travel-sized toiletries. If you have a frequent flier in your family then you know the 3-ounce rule regarding containers of liquids and gels at airport security checkpoints means that toiletries have to be replaced often. My best friend is a flight attendant. I was thinking of getting her some high-end lotions and potions and a supply of quart-sized ziploc bags. If you don’t want to create your own bag of travel goodies you could purchase minimus.biz’s product-filled Carry-On Caddy specifically designed for security checkpoint use.
Speaking of travel treats; I don’t know a single frequent flier who doesn’t spend at least part of a trip wandering airport terminals searching for something to graze on. Especially since most (if not all) carriers no longer provide free meals. The solution: Gift cards. Not only are they easy to buy and deliver, but think about how thrilled your favorite traveler will be to have a stash of gift cards to use at Starbucks, McDonald’s and Chili’s at airports around the nation.
Another gift idea for travelers who spend a lot of time in busy airports or on crowded subways—-noise canceling headphones. They range in price from $50 to $250.
Finally, if you are really desperate for a unique travel gift, get creative and design a book of vouchers good for rides to or from the airport. This would be especially appreciated by someone like my cousin who flies in and out of New York airports, but lives on Long Island and would prefer not to hop on a train after spending four hours on a plane.
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