For the Anglophile

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last five months, you know that there is this little event that happened in London last Friday. The media has gone crazy over the announcement that William and Kate were finally tying the knot, and all eyes have been on the great city of London.

But for some people, interest in the UK is nothing new. These Anglophiles appreciate the Queen's English, follow the royal family, and have an all-around uncanny fondness for the US's closest ally. If you have one of these people on your gift list, consider giving her a British or British-themed item. Fortunately, there is no shortage of such products, so you will have plenty of options to choose from.

You can find British products in many stores, but there are some sellers who specialize in items from across the pond. Some of my favorites are Aspinal of London, Highgrove Shop (Prince Charles's store that benefits his charities), Not on the High Street (like a British Etsy), the British Museum gift shop, Emma Bridgewater, the London Transport Museum, and Liberty of London.

In honor of the marriage of two people none of us know and will likely never meet, here are some gift ideas for the Anglophile in your life:

Map Products: Maps are one of the most recognizable representations of a city and make a great gift. For fans of the London Tube (Underground), choose from a vintage London Underground poster, Underground carriage maps, a Tube map mirror, a stainless steel pocket Tube map, a reproduction of Tube map using tubes of paint, films of London Underground maps, or an image of your chosen section of the rail or Tube maps. Other great London maps include one that uses place names to create the map, this original London print (an outline of London with place names marking their spot), these London transit and cycle maps, a map tracing the city's expansion, and a Map of London mug. My favorites are the London cityscape coat hanger (pictured below) and the UK counties jigsaw puzzle. Check out the London Transit Museum for more great options.

London cityscape coat hanger (photo courtesy of HookPegSupport)

Transit Blinds: A great way to bring home a taste of the UK is with transit blinds from the Underground, buses, or other forms of public transportation. You can buy vintage blinds or customized ones with destinations of your choosing. Lots of shops sell these blinds, but Not on the High Street has a great selection. They offer blinds from London and other UK cities, vintage London bus blinds, and rare London Underground and bus blinds, as well as the option to choose your own destination (both single and multiple locations). Pedlars also has a good selection of special destination blinds and vintage Notting Hill gate enamel signs (square or skinny rectangle).

Vintage London Underground blinds (photo courtesy of Not on the High Street) 

Books: Nothing transports you to another place like a good book. Send your recipient on a discount voyage with a book about or set in the UK. This vintage "This is London" book is a cool memento, while art and history lovers will appreciate the Masterpieces of the British Museum book and DVD. The London Transport Museum offers wide variety of transport-related books (along with DVDs), and the London Moleskin city notebook is a great gift for anyone planning a trip to the UK. You also can't go wrong with a work of fiction set in the UK, such as a classic like Pride and Prejudice (my personal favorite) or Great Expectations, or a modern book like Atonement or the Harry Potter series.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Originally conceived as a motto to help the British people through the German blitz in World War 2, this phrase has recently seen a surge in popularity. There is no shortage of "Keep Calm" products on the market today, so you have your pick of these gifts. One of my favorites is a print that features the saying in Welsh (pictured below). You can find a wide selection at the Keep Calm Gallery, Keep Calm and Carry On, Keep Calm, and Zazzle. I especially love the travel card wallet, notebook, wall decals, band aids, book, cufflinks, and wall clock.

Welsh Keep Calm and Carry On print (photo courtesy of Bouf)

Home Decorations: The UK is known for many icons, and lots of them come in desk-sized forms. The famed red phone box is available as a K2 bookend (also available in The Gherkin, double decker bus, and black cab), the black taxis and double decker buses also exist as ceramic planters, and Big Ben has been shrunk down to a desk sculpture. You can also decorate your Anglophile recipient with a Troika Ocean Liner desk organizer, rustic topiary crown, non-London bus models, Little London bobbles (choose from London bus, taxi, phone box, soldier, and Big Ben, or get the complete set), and cute model toys from the London Transport Museum's children's line. For fans of Her Majesty, go with these vintage Queen Elizabeth II jewelry boxes, featuring the Queen's portrait and on horseback.

Home Goods: Add a touch of British charm to your recipient's home by giving her a home accent piece. For a die-hard Anglophile, consider a wall decal of a famous British scene, such as a phone box, double decker bus, postal box, London skyline, Big Ben, street sign, or lamp post. For a frequent entertainer, choose a serving tray with various London images or with rows of British guards (pictured below). A tea drinker will appreciate a Britannia Royal Stafford or London Icons mug, especially when paired with a Union Jack porcelain milk jug and a blue toile tea cosy to keep the kettle warm. For a uniquely British touch, choose this Highgrove cockerel chopping board or this sheep Southdown Face egg cup, a Highgrove check rug in the traditional Prince of Wales check, London Underground map or Buckingham Palace pillow covers, Queen Elizabeth II enlarged stamp rug, transit travel card cushion, British Museum classic tray (featuring images of the Museum), or a vintage-style Union Jack throne chair.

Royal Guards London tray (photo courtesy of  Liberty of London)

Union Jack: For the clearest image of the UK, you can't beat the Union Jack. Emma Bridgewater has a great selection of Union Jack and saltire items, and there is no shortage of these products on Etsy. Some of my favorites are this Union Jack throw pillow cover (also available in the Scottish saltire), dress form, and biscuit barrel tin (pictured below). For portable British love, check out these Union Jack high heels, scarves, and travel card holders. You can also bring the Union Jack home on coasters, magnets, frying pans, vintage pillows, illuminating coffee tables, personalized wooden cutting boards, and pillow covers.

Union Jack biscuit barrel tin (photo courtesy of Emma Bridgewater)

Art: Works of art are a great way to demonstrate a fondness for the UK. The British Museum offers many reproductions of items in their collection, including fine art, historical objects, and jewelry. A Keep Calm print (see above) is a great choice, as are these patchwork prints of the Liverpool skyline and Anglican cathedral, the "Quintessentially British" print (featuring 244 British icons, people, places, and things), and this God Save the Queen print. The London Transport Museum also offers a wide choice of London and UK prints.

Royal Wedding Commemorations: If your Anglophile is a big fan of the royal family, you might consider a gift related to the recent royal wedding. You could make a donation in her name to one of William and Kate's designated charities or give her one of the many wedding-related products. There is a wide variety of gifts, including official royal wedding commemorative items like china patterns, as well as not-so-official products like the royal couple refrigerator. Lots of stores currently carry these products, but you can find great selections at Highgrove, Emma Bridgewater, and Not on the High Street.

Official royal wedding commemorative plate (image courtesy of Highgrove Shop)

Miscellaneous: There are so many great British gifts, but these recommendations wouldn't be complete without including the rest of my favorites. For a recipient who lives in a rainy climate (or would enjoy a reminder of London's weather), go with the Prince of Wales check umbrella from Highgrove or this color changing umbrella featuring London landmarks that appear when wet. For a frequent traveler, I love this vintage tartan plaid suitcase and vintage suitcase featuring Queen Elizabeth, and this 5 pound note travel card wallet. Gamers and sports fans will love a UK version of Monopoly (available in Aberdeen, Bath, Birmingham, Blackpool & The Flyde Coast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London Underground, and Manchester) or vintage Wimbledon and football (US: soccer) items. You can also find London Tube cufflinks, reusable bags featuring various shopping areas (link: High Kensington), and blitz and wartime reproduction items. The London Transport Museum also has a great selection of souvenirs.

What are your favorite British products?

For the political junkie

You've probably heard that you should never discuss religion or politics, and that certainly is good advice for new and casual acquaintances. But having been a political science and religion double major in college, I've often found it difficult to completely avoid these topics that occupy so much of my time. For today, I'm ignoring the rules and talking politics 100%. If you know someone like me, who keeps up with politics like its her job or watches C-SPAN for fun, this post is for you. Everyone knows there are plenty of humorous and parody political products on the market, but what about a more serious gift for a serious political junkie? 

When buying for a political buff, be wary of anything too partisan. Even if you know where your recipient stands on the political spectrum, you can't go wrong with a non-partisan gift. Your ultra-liberal recipient might love a parody doll of Dubya, but his wife might find it offensive and his kids might learn that the Presidency is only good for a laugh. However, if you are beyond certain that your recipient will appreciate a partisan gift (and your relationship is close enough to make such a gift appropriate), be sure to use discretion if you choose a politically charged present. When in doubt, it is better to be safe than sorry, and this goes double for politics!

In honor of President's Day, here are some ideas for the political junkies in your life:

The West Wing: The West Wing is TV at its finest and a must-have for any political junkie. Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Rob Lowe, and Bradley Whitford are just a few of the great actors in the series, which takes place over the course of a two-term presidency. I recommend springing for the complete series (which comes in a super cool dossier), but if you have to pick a single season, you can't beat the first one.

The West Wing: The Complete Series Collection (DVD) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Presidential Memoirs and Biographies: As I've said before, regardless of political persuasion, presidential memoirs are a rare and unique look into one of the world's most exclusive, demanding, and private jobs. Even hatred for a particular president can't overshadow the opportunity to delve into the mind of the world's most powerful person. Most presidents have memoirs, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Biographies are another great source of inside information about presidents, and although they may include fewer personal anecdotes, they have the benefit of being told by an outside source who can provide some perspective and criticism. Don't just stick to the US - most world leaders have memoirs and biographies that give this same insight, including Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Golda Meir, Charles de Gaulle, and Tony Blair. Whether your political junkie prefers life overviews, war accounts, or leadership guides, you can find plenty of books to satisfy her curiosity.

Miniature Figures: If your political junkie enjoys displaying his love of politics at home or in the office, a replica doll might be just the thing. You can find stationary versions, bobble heads, and parodies, but my favorites come from Jailbreak Toys. They offer Barack and Michelle Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, and Mao Zedong individually, along with a revolutionaries collection with Che, Mao, Gandhi, and Malcolm X (the old version also included Lenin). They also offer various other historical figures and collections of writers, artists, and scientists.

Little Giants Revolutionaries (L to R: Gandhi, Che, Malcolm X, Mao) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Political Books: There is certainly no shortage of political literature, and new books are published weekly, meaning that you have a constant flow of gift possibilities for a politico who enjoys reading. For the latest books, just check the NY Times bestseller list or the displays at your local bookstore. However, there is a good chance that your recipient doesn't have every older political text, so here are a few suggestions if you want to avoid the latest (and likely quite partisan) books. My number one recommendation to anyone remotely interested in politics is Thomas Goldstein's The Lexus and the Olive Tree, which provides a comprehensive look at globalization and how the world came to face our current political issues. Every political junkie should own classics like Plato's Republic and Rousseau's The Social Contract. If you want some humor mixed in, look at Stephen Colbert's I Am America (And So Can You!) and Jon Stewart's Earth (The Book): A Visitor's Guide to the Human Race, or pick up a book of political cartoons like The New Yorker Book of Political Cartoons or American Political Cartoons, 1754-2010. For Supreme Court fans, you can't beat The Nine, The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States, or any book written by a former justice (I am partial to O'Connor's The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice). For a more global perspective, consider Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century or The Post-American World. And for a general overview of American politics, choose Politics in America or The Almanac of American Politics.

Vintage Paraphernalia: If your political junkie appreciates historical items, consider giving a vintage political gift like a pin, poster, signature, or flown flag. The place to start is definitely Legacy Americana, which specializes in American historical and political memorabilia, including one of a kind and limited edition items like this Order of the Procession given to mourners at Lincoln's private funeral (one of only a few remaining copies and the only one on the market in recent times) and March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom button from the 1963 rally (just like the one worn by Martin Luther King, Jr. when he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech). Next, visit USA.gov, which links to many different agency gift shops and offers items like flags flown over the US Capitol (which are also available here, with flown state flags offered on various sites). You may also have some luck finding memorabilia on Ebay and Etsy or through a quick Internet search.

Sandra Day O'Connor Autograph (dated 12/18/1994) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Subscription to a Political Publication: The one thing a political junkie needs to feed her addiction is political news. Don't be afraid to be an enabler - a subscription to a political journal or magazine like the Harvard Political Review or Newsweek makes a great gift. If your recipient prefers to get her fix in electronic form, go for an online source such as The New York Times or The Cook Political Report.

Games: Although political junkies are often thought to be stuffy and uptight, I can assure you that they will enjoy these games featuring a political element. For casual games to play among a gathering of friends, Loaded Questions: Political Party and Politico are great choices. For more prolonged and individual games, let your recipient run her own political campaign with computer games like President Forever and The Political Machine. President Forever lets the user run presidential and congressional campaigns, with add-ons available for state races and foreign elections too (available in UK, German, Canadian, and Australian 

versions, with a 2012 US election version expected soon). The Political Machine is similar, but with fewer candidate options and more political speech opportunities.

Intellectual Devotional: The Intellectual Devotional series provides a bite-sized dose of education on a different subject each day of the week. For the political fan, pick up the American History (book or audio) or Biographies (book only) edition. Also available in original (various topics), modern culture, and health editions.

The Intellectual Devotional: American History (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Great Speeches: Political milestones often come in the form of great speeches from political leaders, but unfortunately, most political gurus didn't get to witness these orators for themselves. Give him the next best thing with a collection of history's great speeches. You can find lots of speech collections, but the most comprehensive for recent years is the Great Speeches of the 20th Century series (CD), available in Vol. 1 (Presidential Addresses), Vol. 2 (The New Frontier), and Vol. 3 (Dreams and Realities). Also check out Great Speeches of 20th Century, Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History, The World's Great Speeches (4th Ed.), The Greatest Speeches of All-Time Box Set (DVD), and Great Speeches of our Time (book). If you want to stick with a single orator, you can find collections of speeches by Churchill, Ronald Reagan (Vol. I and Vol. II), and Lincoln, among others.

Picture or Print: Pictures and prints of political institutions or events make a great memento for political buffs. You can find plenty of great photos of Washington landmarks (both in their current and historical forms) like the White House, the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the monuments (online gift shops are a great place to find these kinds of prints). Pictures of historical spots like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell also make inspirational gifts. I also love Aaron Foster's Fifty States One Union print, which features state license plates in the shape of that state (you can get an authentic version here if you have $4500 to spare) There are lots of great prints like copies of historical documents (link: US Constitution) and enlarged political cartoons, but my favorites come from the Visual History series. These prints from Timeplots give a visual history of various American political institutions, including the American Presidency, the Senate, the Supreme Court, the Democratic Party, and the Republican Party. They would look great on a wall and provide your politico with a new source of knowledge about her favorite US government branch.

A Visual History of the United States Supreme Court (photo courtesy of Amazon)

What are your favorite political gifts?

For the globetrotter (miscellaneous)

So you've gotten your traveler the essentials and loaded her down with all the gadgets she could need. Now it's time to round out your list with the miscellaneous items every globetrotter needs to make her trip spectacular. These items are the ones your traveler might be able to do without but will enjoy having in his bag.

When buying these kinds of items, again remember that your globetrotter has to carry each item with him on the road. Therefore, you should buy compact versions whenever possible and make sure it is an item that will actually be useful. Don't be afraid to give cash or prepaid debit/credit cards - travelers are always encountering unexpected expenses and can use the cash to buy any items they need on the road.

Here are some suggestions to help you round out your traveler's packing list:

• Travel Journal: Any semi-serious traveler enjoys recording his journeys while on the road. Sure, a plain marbled cover notebook will do, but it just doesn't inspire writing the same way a unique journal does. There are as many journals available as there are travelers, and you can certainly find the perfect fit for any one of them. Try to find a version with some type of closure, like an elastic band, a string, or a clasp, because journals are a great place to stick loose papers and receipts to keep them organized. If your traveler has an artsy streak, consider a journal with blank pages; otherwise, go with lined pages. My current favorite journals feature recycled map covers - you can get a pre-made design or choose your own destination map for the cover (thanks to W for mine - can't wait to use them!). Check out this France journal, atlas journal, map cover journal, map journal with elastic closure, track your travels journal, and leather spine journal, all from Etsy. I also love this journal with travel quotes inside and banded closure (which I received as a gift from my roomie O and took on my first European jaunt - thanks O!) and this leather journal with a tie strap. If you need an all-weather solution, check out this waterproof journal from Firebox, which works with a pencil or all-weather pen and is made from recyclable paper.

Travel map journal with ruled paper, elastic closure, and envelope pockets (shown with a Chicago cover) (photo courtesy of CourtneyGoromboly)

• Convertible Tote: Try as they may, globetrotters often don't know the exact kind or size bag they will need until they need it. Preempt any luggage mini-crises with a convertible tote or bag that becomes exactly what your traveler needs it to be. For women, I like this convertible tote/purse from Uncommon Goods that can be an original tote, a boat tote, or a doctor's bag. For men, I would choose this Timbuk2 bag that alternates between a messenger bag and a backpack.

Convertible tote bag from Uncommon Goods (photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods)

• Books Related to a Destination: Travelers enjoy learning about their destination before they arrive and reading books set in the same place they are visiting. Photo collections are great, as are classics like The Three Musketeers (Paris) and contemporary novels like Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom (South Africa) or The Beach (Thailand).
• Sleep Sack: These days people are leery about hotel beds, and with good reason. To alleviate some of the tension, many travelers use a sleep sack, which is basically a regular sheet folded in half and sewn together. It is like a sleeping bag but much lighter, often made of cotton or silk. I like this one from Uncommon Goods, which is silk with a pillow pocket and folds to the size of a popsicle. Amazon also sells cotton and silk versions. 

The DreamSack from Uncommon Goods (photo courtesy of Uncommon Goods)

• Map: Most hotels and tourist offices offer free city maps, but these aren't always the best or easiest to use. If your traveler will be spending several days in one place or driving between locations, a nice map makes a great gift. Be sure that the map is in your traveler's native language and complete with street names and attractions, but is small enough to fit into a pocket. Streetwise Maps are best for urbanites - they are laminated and include both street and subway maps. International Travel Maps are better for those traveling around a country, especially by car, because they include regional maps and larger-scale features like national parks, airports, border crossings, and railways, in addition to streets and highways.

Streetwise Maps (shown: Zurich) are available for many major world cities and regions (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• First Aid Kit: Every traveler needs a well-stocked first aid kit to prevent and treat any health issues on the road. You can make your own, but I recommend buying one that's already assembled (this is cheaper and saves you the hassle of trying to fit everything into a small space). A good first aid kit for travelers to urban areas and developed nations should include basic over-the-counter medicine (pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrheals, cold/sinus relief, and benadryl), band-aids (in a variety of sizes), anti-bacterial cream and wipes, tweezers, anti-itch cream, eye drops, gloves, gauze, and first aid tape. For anyone venturing to less-developed areas or anywhere without ready access to adequate health facilities, consider including more powerful medication like anti-malaria pills, water purifying tablets, and antibiotics or anti-viral tablets (your traveler may need to procure some of these items on her own from her doctor, and thus may find cash more useful). An Epi-Pen is also essential for anyone with significant allergies, regardless of her destination, but is available only with a prescription. Anyone who insists on traveling to a location experiencing a health epidemic (like I did when I went to Europe during the H1N1 outbreak - no pig flu was going to get between me and Paris!) may need to carry the treatment with her in case it is in short supply or exorbitantly priced at the destination. Again, a prescription is likely needed and thus cash would be helpful.



Adventure Medical Kits World Travel Medical and First Aid Kit(photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Travel Games: Even the most engaged travelers get bored sometimes on the road. A fun travel game can be the perfect cure for a rainy afternoon, a long train ride, or a sleepless night. Choose a game that has wide appeal so that your traveler has a better chance of finding someone to play with him on the road and he won't get bored after playing once. A deck of cards is a must for any traveler taking a backpacking route, and lots of games have travel versions. Some classics are Travel Battleship, Travel Connect Four, Travel Scrabble, 12 in 1 travel Magnetic Games, and Travel Guess Who. There are also plenty of newer games available, such as Would You Rather?, Bananagrams, Apples To Apples, and travel bingo.

Travel Battleship (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Language Instruction: A globetrotter who is planning a visit to somewhere small like Luxembourg probably doesn't need to know Luxembourgish before her trip - the population widely speaks English as well as French and German and, unless she plans to spend a significant amount of time there, she won't get much use out of a language only spoken in one small country. However, someone taking a 6 month tour of Central and South America would find Spanish lessons very helpful. Consider a home instruction program like Rosetta Stone (more comprehensive) or Pimsleur (quicker), a teach-yourself book, or a voucher for a class at a local college. But before you buy, make sure your traveler is actually interested in learning the language and not planning to rely on a translation device or just wing it.

Rosetta Stone offers up to 5 levels of instruction in 31 languages (Spanish Level 1 shown) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Hard Rock Cafe Membership: Some travelers will want to shoot me for even mentioning such an American experience in the same sentence as traveling, but I am doing it anyway. I collect Hard Rock t-shirts from the cities I visit (and pick up pins for friends), I like the food, and sometimes I just need a break from trying to convey to my server (in another language) that I am allergic to shellfish. If you are shopping for a traveler like me, consider giving a Hard Rock membership. It is only $25 for a permanent membership and includes preferred seating at HR cafes, room upgrades and late check-ins at HR hotels and casinos, $20 in rewards for HR merchandise, and a year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. Every time the card holder makes a purchase at an HR location (including the gift shop), he earns reward points that he can later redeem like cash at HR locations. I bought a membership in Berlin along with meal, a shirt, and pin, and had already earned a $15 credit that I used in Madrid. It is well worth the $25 if you think your traveler might visit a HR location on this or any upcoming travels.
• Gift Basket: If you want to give multiple items or none of these suggestions seem appealing, a gift basket is a great choice. You could include the small but much-appreciated items that travelers depend on, such as toilet seat covers, hand sanitizer, toilet paper rolls, shampoo/conditioner/soap, sunscreen, bug spray, TSA-approved plastic bags, laundry detergent, and lotion (all travel-sized, of course). If your globetrotter doesn't have a cell phone that makes international calls, throw in a good old fashioned phone card or Skype credit. Top it all off with a magazine or puzzle book, chewing gum, and earplugs, and you have a perfect way to say bon voyage. 

What are your favorite random items for traveling? 

For the globetrotter (basics)

To some people, travel is an activity - it's what happens on their annual two weeks of vacation and provides a nice break from everyday life. For others, travel is a passion. It's what gets their blood flowing, occupies their daydreams, and tempts them to quit their day jobs. If they aren't traveling, they are researching destinations and planning their next trip. Many of their conversations mention travel and they are the unofficial travel agent for their friends who are planning a trip. These hardcore globetrotters are easy to identify and even easier to buy for - that is, once you get inside their minds.

That's where the Gift Guru comes in. I am an unabashed travel-oholic and am here to help you shop for your recipients who share my disease. Rule #1: no matter what gadget or luggage you find, there is no better gift than travel itself. Travel is what we crave, and if you have the means to make it happen, please do. Travel is a great gift for a graduates (especially from college or post-graduate school), newlyweds, retirees, and those celebrating anniversaries. If you can't give a whole trip (which is very understandable), consider giving something toward their next adventure (see below for specific ideas).

When giving to globetrotters, there are a few things to be aware of. First, if you are giving all or part of a trip, make sure it is something your recipient will enjoy and can actually use. If she is planning a trip to a remote part of Africa, a voucher for a week at the Ritz won't help much. Second, assess your traveler's personal inclinations and habits when traveling. Does he follow his guidebook and stay on the tourist path or explore the area on his own to discover local gems? Does she spend time with locals and try signature dishes or find the most American food in town and sit alone at the bar? Does he party all night and sleep until noon, or rise at dawn and go for a run? Does she take hundreds of photographs a day or spend the afternoon reading in the park? Answering these kind of questions will help point you to the perfect gift and keep you away from a largely useless one. Finally, no matter how cool you think it would be to arrange all of her travel tickets and luggage tags into a collage, make sure you have her permission to use her stuff before you do anything with it. Travelers are very picky about their gear and mementos, and what you think would be a great surprise could turn out to be a gift fiasco for the ages. I don't say that to imply that travelers are hard to please (just the opposite actually), but to caution you against using your recipient's personal property without his permission (this is a good rule for all gift-giving, not just globetrotters).

Because there are so many great gifts for travelers, I will do several travel posts, each focused on different types of travel presents. Today we will look at basic travel gifts, followed later by gadgets, home mementos, and miscellaneous (but tres fabulous) items. Whether you are shopping for a twenty-something backpacker or a VIP octogenarian, here are some ideas to help you make their next trip unforgettable:

• Trip or credit: As I said, the best gift for a traveler is travel itself. If you can't give the whole trip, consider giving a gift certificate or voucher for a hotel or a booking site like Expedia or Travelocity. Frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards points that your recipient could use would also make a great gift. Another great gift is a nice meal or activity at their destination. Many major restaurants and museums allow you to buy entrance tickets or meal credit online. Just ask your recipient about his plans for his next trip or search for activities or restaurants for a known destination to get some ideas. Finally, if he is a first-time traveler or visiting a destination that requires additional entrance documents, you could give cash or a voucher to allow him to purchase a passport or visa.
• Luggage: Most seasoned travelers already have luggage but may be in the market for a new or replacement piece, and new travelers probably need some durable and reliable gear. The type of travel is key here - rolling suitcases are great for more stationary trips, whereas backpacks are better for younger travelers who frequently move around. I prefer Kelty bags, and own the Red Cloud 6650 and Kelty Hawkeye Pack (I swear by them both). If it's a carry-on suitcase you need, consider the Balanzza Truco Carry-on, which separates into 3 compartments to allow you to fit it into whatever space you have (specifically, into airplane carry-on compartments). For a traveler with lots of waiting time, take a look at Zuca Sport Wheeled Luggage that includes a seat on top capable of holding 300 pounds.



Balanzza Truco carry-on (photo courtesy of TechnaBob.com)



Zuca Sport Pro (photo courtesy of Overstock)

• Camera and/or accessories: A good camera is essential for documenting travels and preserving memories. Most travelers choose to go digital - instant pictures, no film to worry about, and much easier to carry around. If your recipient already has a camera she likes, you could get accessories like extra batteries or chargers, bigger memory cards, a carrying case, or a different lens (like wide-angle or fisheye). A tripod is also a great gift - you could get a traditional three-legged model, but there are also plenty of smaller, more travel-friendly options. Some of my favorites are the original Gorillapod, the magnetic Gorillapod, and the water bottle tripod. If your recipient likes to video her travels, consider a video camera or a digital camera with video capabilities (most have the capacity for short video, but quality and length of recording time vary).

Original Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (photo courtesy of Think Geek)

Water bottle tripod (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Guidebooks: Most travelers (except the most hardcore ones) usually consult a guidebook when visiting a new place, but guidebooks aren't cheap when you're buying ten a year. A print version like a Lonely Planet guide is useful for everyone, but travelers with smartphones or e-readers can also use electronic guides like apps or e-books. If you want to give a guidebook but don't know your traveler's personal preferences (or even her next destination), you can always give a gift card and let her buy her own.
• iPod touch: Some people might not consider this a travel basic, but I will never again leave home without mine. The iPod touch is essentially an iPhone without the phone or worldwide internet access. However, it has Wi-Fi, so you can use it anywhere there is an internet connection. It also has access to Apple apps (including many of the guidebooks mentioned above, city guides, and even subway and bus maps), a camera, a translator, a calculator, music, videos, and games. The new versions are capable of video chat, making a quick call home very simple and cheap. It comes in 8GB ($209.99), 32GB ($274.99), and 64GB ($364.95) models.
• Passport cover/travel wallet: Nice versions of these aren't cheap, but they are nowhere near as expensive as replacing a passport abroad. Leather versions are classic and provide the best combination of protection and style. But be aware that US passports and many new credit cards have RFID electronic chips in them, which thieves can skim through your wallet. Many new wallets and passport covers have incorporated RFID blockers to prevent skimming; make sure that any wallet you buy includes this protection.

Leather passport travel wallet that can be monogrammed (photo courtesy of Comfort House)

Basic RFID blocking leather passport case from Amazon (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Power source: In this electronic age, powering gadgets on the road is of great importance, third only to having a passport and currency. Your traveler needs the correct plug, voltage, and plug availability, and this is where you can help out. I love Belkin's surge protector that plugs into an outlet, providing three AC plugs and 2 USB connections (USB connections are especially important for travelers who don't take laptops with them but have devices, like iPods, that charge through USB plugs). Pair it with an international plug adapter and a voltage adapter (if necessary) and you have a great gift to keep your traveler at full power at all times.

Belkin Mini Surge 3OUT Wall Mount 75K 918J with USB Charger ($13.49) (photo courtesy of Amazon)

Universal World Wide Travel Charger Adapter Plug ($0.99) includes plugs for North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean (photo courtesy of Amazon)

• Travel wrap: Finally, every traveler needs a multifunctional item to keep her warm and cozy during her adventures. A great choice is something like White + Warren's cashmere travel wrap, supposedly a favorite of Angelina Jolie, which can be used as a scarf, a wrap, and a blanket. Look for an item that does double or triple duty, comes in a color that your traveler can combine with lots of outfits (but also won't be ruined if they spill something on it), and isn't too bulky. I would buy this for either a male or female, though I would choose a neutral color for a man.

Cashmere travel wrap by White + Warren (photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

Coupons

• Magellan's, one of my favorite sites for travel gear and products, is offering 25% off their adventure travel clothing until January 30, 2011.
• Samsonite will take $30 off every $150 you spend online through January 30, 2011 with this code.

Readers, what are your favorite travel-related gifts? What is your favorite destination and where have you always wanted to visit? (Mine are the iPod Touch, Paris, and Jerusalem, respectively.) Share your answers in the comments below!