Gap Year travel type gifts for xmas stocking / presents

[iwantavuvezela]

DD is on her gap year and goes travelling / backpacking after Xmas - I thought I would buy her things that she really needs and useful for travelling - if anyone has great ideas, or things that your own young person might have used, or said was great for travelling would love to hear what they are.

for example I have got some extra deodorant bars for her reusable one and could get a few toiletries she could use. Thinking of working out which travel adaptors she would need - anyway if anyone has some nuggets please share.

TIA

I saw on the tv recently you can purchase travel carbon monoxide alarms. May be worthwhile purchasing especially if staying in more basic accommodation.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Monoxide-Detector-Rechargeble-Working/dp/B0DP2DDTPK?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3HH9QEYZW6DCZ

Also, this travel extension lead was invaluable on my recent trip:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C1JZWJ2H?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Clever clothes that fold up small, don’t need ironing and dry quickly.

Depending on where she's going and budgetary restraints, obviously - maybe get her a nice hotel room once a week/month. Membership of a hotel chain could be beneficial - I use Accor's ALL membership which gets me ~10% off normal rates, so it could be worth getting her a membership (it doesn't cost anything). They have hotels all around the world of different classes, but even the budget options like Ibis are going to be clean, comfortable, and safe, if you want to give her a break from hostels.

Other hotel chains are obviously available, but I have no idea what they are like.

I bought mine the back pack some luggage trackers collapsable bottles a kindle and the best thing she said was a very generous Airbnb voucher for the times she fancied a hotel!

Second a penknife

Bars to keep toiletries at a minimum - shampoo bars, conditioner bars, face wash bars, normal soap etc
A nice sarong is useful - good to cover up in religious places, use as a towel on the beach or a scarf on a chilly bus
Did appreciated leave in conditioner, if there's only icey cold water available and not much if it then no one wants to have to rinse their hair more than needed
Penknife as above
Travel games - I can't remember the name of it but there's one that looks like Tetris with a board and it's tiny so won't take up much room
Solar charger
Long charger wire incase in dorms and plugs not near the end
Earplugs for dorms
I found the vanish bars good to help wash clothes on the go
Kindle
Vouchers for ebooks

Work out clothes are great for this. Next has some lovely workout tops that just looked like simple summer tops but they dry so fast

Where is she going? This might make a difference to suggestions as to what she will need. Loads of great ideas above, I would also add a 'portable washing line' AKA a bit of string to dry washing.

A set of dry bags which can also double as packing cubes.

Hamman Towel robe takes up very little space, incredibly useful.

Waterproof phone case or tablet case

I had an elastic washing line which was two bits twisted together so you can push things through and not need pegs. But… don’t go overboard she had to carry all this stuff. I did find lots of small drawstring bags helpful, maybe packing cubes are the answer but some small ones help so you can find small things.
You can get great day backpacks with zips around the back for security. I’d also look at a money belt if she doesn’t have one.

Retractable wire lock with combi number on

Re penknife - if her rucksack is of a size she can take it on the plane rather than check in, a penknife won’t make it through security.
A sleep mask for if they are staying anywhere without decent curtains/blinds.
Pack of playing cards.
A spork.
Mini first aid kit

I did a lot of backpacking in the 90s/00s and 2 things I have not see mentioned on this excellent thread are a large cotton sarong and dental floss. I have used it on the beach to sit on, as a quick towel as a cover to nip to youth hostel bathrooms etc. Also used it as a make shift sheet if arriving somewhere at night when you couldn't check the bedding properly.

Dental floss doubles up for a make shift washing line, bin tie, and have bound up my rucksack with it when it burst.

Thanks everyone, such great ideas on here - definitely going to add in a penknife as well. DD is off to south east Asia. I think she is going to learn the hard way about taking too many clothes but that is for her to carry and work out. I love the idea of Air b and b voucher, I might suggest that to anyone family members who ask about a xmas present. (Ill check that that is relevant where she is going)

I"ve sourced a good E SIM card she can use that a gives cheap data and you can use your WhatsApp number .

Im adding in a silk / insect repellant liner as well as a present for her to sleep in (always good in dodgy accommodation - I used to use my sarong as a sheet, but I figure it will be warm so a liner will work well.

Plug (for sink)
Travel salt and pepper shaker - I still have mine in my work lunch bag!
Head torch
Ear plugs
Sleep mask
Pashmina
Penknife

Don't know if already suggested but a doorstop or wedge (for jamming doors from the inside when the place you're staying is cheap and grotty with dodgy locks)

A peg-free twisty elastic travel washing line - preferably one with hooks on the ends rather than suction!

Dissolvable hand soap sheets.

Dr Beckmann Laundry detergent magic leaves sheets.

Decent dry bags in various different sizes.