What things make a crappy commute slightly better?

[JackieOsHeadScarf]

My lovely sister has a bitch of a commute. She already has a fancy cup thing and I think earphones.

Any ideas?

I have a nice hardback planner/diary. I use some of my commute to update my calendar, do meal plans, sort christmas present lists etc. It also has pages for monthly goals/to do lists so really handy.

Also maybe a voucher for audible if you're looking to get her something? I use the time to get through a lot of audio books and podcasts!

Is she on MN?

Driving or bus/train?

I have books on audible that I can listen to -

Yeah, Audible vouchers. I find listening to something that makes me laugh really helps - even though it gets me a few odd looks!

Kindle. I got through a book every two days when my commute was 1hr+. With a baby now I miss the luxury of sitting on the train reading 😂

Podcasts

Poscasts

Snap

Train. It sounds grim, always late, can't get a seat, and paying a fortune for the privilege.

Thanks all!

I had a really long commute for a while there and I got these really nice earplugs that killed most of the background noise of the train - Flare Audio Isolate. They're fantastic. Let me sleep (I had the advantage of starting from the first station) on the way out.

Books. I have not had to commute for the last 17 years and the only thing I miss is the time to read.

I have a recurring (happy) dream that I win a prize which means I get the full Booker shortlist of books every year for the rest of my life.

Spotify / Audible subscription (I listen to podcasts and music with Spotify, currently working my way through "Ologies" which is science and comedy podcast).
I used to have a Kindle which got lots of use, but I don't often get a seat so, with one hand holding a coffee and one holding on so I don't fall over, I'm an audio-convert.
Does she have a good bag - ROKA London do pretty cool recycled backpacks with handy pockets?
A super compact umbrella is good if she has a walk either end of the journey.
Do you do any crafts? I knitted myself a super long scarf to snuggle up in a couple of years ago, I'd love to receive something like that as a gift from a loved one.

I'd mix it up a bit!

I've no idea off this is any good but if she's bold enough to brazen it out, I'd look at a portable seat

Noise cancelling headphones

Taylor Swift

The 1975

Other bands have featured in my years of commuting! The Tube lines I use have actually staged go slow protests because of the noise, before I got the noise cancelling headphones I just used to have ear plugs and no music. No book because standing up and crowded.

Greg James on R1 Breakfast. But you can't buy him sadly.

Podcasts are the way to go.

Are you my sister?

Definitely Spotify, audible, good noise cancelling headphones. Kindle. Netflix?

A book recommendation every month?

A lovely coat for cold dark mornings? A small cushion to sit on (with a washable cover)? Pocket hand warmer things? A nice bento box for snacks?

A first class upgrade on her season ticket?