Punkee’s Christmas Gift Guide: Pressies For That Friend Who Is *Always* In Europe

As Mariah Carey so delicately puts it each year, “It’s tiiiiiiiiime!”. Somehow, it’s already November – Christmas is less than two months away. If you haven’t started your shopping, it’s time to get cracking!

We all have that one bestie who is *always* overseas and gallivanting their way around the world. They’re never in the country long enough to need homewares or a cute candle, so what on earth should you buy them?

Here’s a bunch of Christmas gift ideas for the eternal traveller. 

Vue Coastal Spiro Terry beach bag, $49.95 from Myer

This super cute bag is stylish, practical and a great addition for anyone on the go. The cotton bag has a sun pattern on the outside and can fit quite a few things inside. It’s perfect for a day at the beach – whether that’s in Bondi or somewhere in Ibiza.

INSTAX Pal, $149 from JB Hi-Fi

If your friend only has room for carry-on luggage, this INSTAX Pal is perfect. The little digital camera has a built-in wide lens and can store 50 photos internally. Pop a micro SD card in and you can fit a ton of memories on the tiny but mighty camera. It’s smaller than a phone, and you can also wear it around your neck, too. It’s easy to send the photos across to your phone via the INSTAX Pal smartphone app, or you can print directly by using an INSTAX Link printer.

INSTAX mini Link 2 printer, $179 from JB Hi-Fi

This nifty printer connects directly to your phone or INSTAX digital camera. As a teen, I was obsessed with getting sticker photos at the arcade, adding fun patterns, speech bubbles… you know the drill. With the INSTAX mini Link 2 printer, you can relive your youth and add things like bubbles, petals, neon and glitter. 

A Morgan Jamieson Art Series Drink Bottle, $29.95 from Myer

This gift is handy, relatively small and really pretty. For anyone visiting the deserts of Morocco or setting sail around Greece, they’ll need a way to keep their water cold. It helps cut down on single-use water bottles and it’ll be the one thing they use the most while abroad. 

Australian Shepherd Waterproof Ugg Boots, was $245, currently $115 from Ugg Express

I once found myself on a camping trip through parts of Africa during the rainy season. Safe to say, I was not prepared. I ended up tying plastic bags around my sneakers while trudging through the Okavango Delta, and I would’ve killed to have a pair of these. Combining comfort, style AND practicality, these waterproof uggs sound like the best things to wear on your travels. The sheepskin lining also helps regulate your temperature and stops your feet from getting too sweaty. Brb, about to order a pair for my next 17-hour plane ride.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, $1,849 from Samsung

As someone who has been on the road for months at a time, a great phone is a must. You need it to be functional, compact, but also use it to take some incred photos and vids. Did your trip really happen if you didn’t put it on Instagram? Samsung’s newest flip-phone ticks all the boxes, and it’s really cute. I was obsessed with my flip phones back in high school, so this is giving me all the feels. The pocketable phone comes in mint, graphite, lavender or cream, with a large Flex Window to make taking selfies a breeze. This one will defs be a winner.

The Quick Flick’s SPF BFF Travel Kit, $45 from Quick Flick or Coles

This airplane-friendly ziplock bag contains some key products to keep your summer adventure sun-safe. Each tube of goodness is under 100ml, so it can be carried onboard. There’s a SPF50+ Prep Lotion which apparently acts as a “satin base” under makeup, plus a SPF50+ Lip Balm Glaze and a SPF50+ Set Spray. 

Tiny Away gift card, $50 from TinyAway

Tiny Away is the best place to find eco-friendly getaways in tiny houses. I’ve stayed in one and can confirm they’re relaxing, adorable and totally different from your usual hotel or apartment stay. There’s also quite a few in Australia, so if you’re trying to convince your bestie to stick around for a bit after Christmas, this is the pressie you need.

Samsung SmartTag2 4 pack, $169 from Bing Lee

Samsung’s latest offering gives forgetful people peace of mind. Coming in a pack of four, the dust and water-resistant tags are the best way to figure out where you left your important belongings. When Lost Mode is activated, anybody coming across the tag can see your registered contact info, regardless of what smartphone they’re using. Lifesaver.

Palmer’s Travel Size Christmas Bundle, $11.99 from Palmers

This little bundle is great for anyone heading overseas for Christmas and helps tackle that dreaded dry air while flying. It includes three mini Body Lotions, a mini Body Oil, a mini Cocoa Butter Jar and a moisturising lip balm.

The Rambler’s East Coast Tasmania coffee table book, $44 from The Rambler Co

And finally, if you want to remind your friend that Australia is worth exploring, this coffee table book featuring snaps of the Bay of Fires, Flinders Island and Tassie eats is a great option.

Looking for other gift guides? Punkee has you covered: from Secret Santa gifts under $30 to gag gifts for your sworn enemy.

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Image credits: Palmer’s, The Rambler Co, Bing Lee, Myer, Tiny Away, The Quick Flick, Ugg Express, The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi