The holidays are around the corner, and you’re thinking about gifts for digital nomads in your life.
It can be hard to buy gifts for digital nomads – the mobile lifestyle doesn’t lend itself to large items and extraneous objects. However, digital nomads have very specific needs, and if you’re able to understand those needs, you’ll have a successful gift-giving experience.
That’s why I’ve assembled this list with gifts for digital nomads of every kind. Read on to find your perfect gift solution.
1. SCOTTeVest Pack Travel Windbreaker with 19 Pockets
For the nomad who travels in style.
The SCOTTeVEST windbreaker is breathable and water-repellant, and it packs down into a small, easy-to-carry package. Other features include the stowable hood and NINETEEN (!!) different pockets.
That means that you’ll be able to carry your passport, headphones, iPad, camera, phone, batteries and more, all in one sleek jacket that goes with you everywhere. It’s a huge win for any digital nomad in your life.
2. Scrubba Portable Laundry Bag
When you’re on the move, likely bouncing from one Airbnb to the next, laundry can become a huge hassle.
Will you limit your living options to places with laundry machines? Will you hunt down a local laundromat? Or maybe just ignore it…
With the Scrubba Portable Laundry Bag, you’ll endure none of the above. Throw your clothes in with some water from the sink and detergent (see below), and you can do small loads of laundry whenever you want. The textured interior makes washing quick and easy, then just hang your clothes until they’re dry and move on. Perfect.
3. GlocalMe G4 Pro Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
A portable wi-fi hotspot is another lifesaver for digital nomads.
Whether you’re arriving at a pristine and secluded beach, or a new Airbnb with disappointing internet connection, you’ll be covered with a portable wi-fi hotspot.
Simply add a data network, connect your device, and be on your way. There are a lot of options when it comes to portable wifi hotspots, but for the top-of-the-line experience, you’ll want the GlocalMe G4 Pro.
4. BUFF Multifunctional Lightweight Merino Wool Headwrap
I love having this thing with me when I travel. It’s a lightweight circle of stretchy merino wool — you can wear it around your neck, or as a headwrap, facemask, etc.
I’ve used it to stay warm in the evening chill, as a facemask in airports when I’d left mine behind. It hardly takes up any room in your pocket, which makes it a multifunctional must-have for digital nomads.
5. Pocketalk Classic Language Translator Device
This is the closest we’ve gotten to the Babel Fish from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and honestly, it’s pretty good.
The Pocketalk handheld translator is able to translate spoken speech between 82 different languages in real time. Just speak into it, and listen as the device’s natural-sounding voice translates it into the language of your choice. For the frequent traveler, this is a superpower.
The classic device includes a long battery life of 240 hours on standby mode, while the Model S version features a built-in camera to translate text on signs and menus. Both versions come with two-year data plans around the world, so you’ll have internet access for translation on all your most distant adventures.
6. AirTag
Luggage. Wallet. Passport. Laptop bag.
All things that can be misplaced in the shuffle of the digital nomad lifestyle. Offer peace of mind with an AirTag, and help someone keep track of all their belongings.
7. Wise Owl Packable Mini Hammock
I love my mini hammock. This thing is so small. It takes up hardly any luggage space, so you can pack it and even forget it’s there.
But when you need it, you have access to a full hammock experience. You can use it for serious hiking and camping, or even just for a day at the beach. With a mini hammock and a portable wi-fi hotspot, the world is your workplace.
8. DJI Pocket
When it comes to techy gifts for digital nomads, the DJI Pocket is a great option — it will be a hit for bloggers, content creators, or anyone who just wants to document their travels.
It packs tiny, fitting in your pocket anywhere. Just bring it out, press the button to activate, and the stabilized camera records your adventures in smooth, cinematic 1080p. It also works in tandem with the DJI Mimo app available for iPhone and Android.
9. TeamGee Portable Laptop Monitors
Having access to multiple monitors lets you do your work better. Video editors, stock traders, data analysts and creative leads often rely on multiple screens to help keep their workflows organized.
Gone are the days of digital nomads hunched over small laptop screens. TeamGee is our pick for a mobile, multi-monitor setup for a variety of reasons. The two 12” HD screens deliver excellent image quality, and are each individually customizable. The whole operation attaches to the back of your laptop, stowed away until it’s time to brandish your two extra monitors and get some work done. And priced at $399, it’s half the price of some of its competitors.
Get the TeamGee portable monitor setup and help a digital nomad in your life stay productive.
10. MAXTOP Fanny Pack
I’d like to go on record as saying, I predicted the return of the fanny pack years ago. In fact I was an early adopter.
I’m happy to see the pack back in vogue, because it’s really unparalleled in terms of accessibility and convenience. If I’m going out for the day, or if I just want to keep cables and headphones organized while I’m on a train, I’ll often reach for the humble fanny pack. I personally use the MaxTop brand, and I love how many pockets it has.
11. Kindle
What a winner, and isn’t it obvious why?
A Kindle is a great, lightweight option for reading when traveling. Because nomads can’t always collect bookshelves full of reading material, a Kindle lets them read anything they want in a sleek and minimal package. Great on planes and trains, and for the voracious reader, there’s the option to pair with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.
12. WHITIN Zero Drop Shoes
“Zero Drop” shoes feature minimal cushioning and sole, more closely resembling the natural barefoot human walking experience. Studies have shown that zero drop shoes result in stronger feet, and improved full-body wellness.
I love my zero drop style shoes from WHITIN. This no-name Amazon brand is a real dark horse, but in the end, I’ll be coming back to WHITIN for their reasonable prices and solid quality. These shoes have held up great through treks in India and Bali, as well as back home in Texas. Even better, they pack super small, so you can be sure to always have backup footwear on your travels.
13. ZAGG Rugged Book iPad Case
I *love* my Zagg Rugged Book iPad Case. Why? Because it turns my iPad mini into a fully-functioning remote work, laptop-style experience.
I love tossing my iPad into a small hip bag, then being able to bang out some writing whenever the urge strikes me. At a streetside cafe, on a long train ride, or even on a speed boat zipping through tropical Thai waters, I know I can be productive.
The thing about using a bluetooth keyboard is that it not only helps you type faster, but it also removes the on-screen keyboard, allowing you to see more of your workspace and remain in a state of flow. Throw in the fact that this case protects your iPad from getting knocked around in your bag, and you have a real winner.
14. Fitdom Tactical Sling Bag
I love a good fanny pack, but I kept finding myself needing a bit more room – enter: the Fitdom Tactical Sling Bag.
This bag is exactly what I’d hoped for. You can wear it fanny pack style, or as an over-the-shoulder sling. It’s constructed from 600D luggage polyester with heavy duty zippers, so it feels nice and sturdy (which is good because I tend to put my bags through the ringer).
There are two outer pockets, a main inner pocket, and three smaller inner pockets as well. The whole interior is a bright orange color, which makes it easy to see small items, and hard for those items to be lost in the bag’s murky depths.
I just love how much this thing can hold, and also its reliable build quality. This is the perfect smaller bag for me to carry a book, my iPad mini and ZAGG Rugged Book Case, plus headphones, snacks, and other accoutrements when I venture out to get some work done.
15. Geyes Folding Bluetooth Pocket Keyboard
Now we’re really getting into some of my ultimate, top-secret tips.
I love having a pocket bluetooth keyboard. Some days I just want to go out and explore, but I also have to catch up on work. With a portable keyboard like this, you no longer have to choose.
I’ll throw this thing in my pocket, then when the right time comes, I’ll sit down at a cafe or bus stop to tackle my to-dos right on my phone. The keyboard helps me stay productive and focused instead of texting or scrolling Instagram, and when the on-screen keyboard disappears, it opens up a big workspace where I can get my ideas down. When it’s time to go, I just pop it back into my pocket and keep moving. You’ll never know how much you’ve wanted one of these until you get your hands on it.
16. Online Course
An online course can be a great gift for the digital nomad in your life, especially if you can tie it together with their work or interests.
Are they working in digital marketing? Maybe they could use a course on at-home product photography. Are they constantly in South America? Maybe it’s time they pick up some conversational Spanish.
This is a great way to offer a unique gift, if you’re willing to spend the time finding the right course. And if they’re just starting to explore the digital nomad lifestyle, maybe they deserve a Digital Nomad 101 coaching call with yours truly, at the unparalleled value of $30…
Hey, I never shy away from a shameless plug.
17. Brand Q Mobile Battery Pack with Built-in Attachments
This thing is a lifesaver. There’s nothing worse than having your device’s battery die while you’re out on the road. Whether you’re trying to get a dinner address from friends, or retrieve train tickets from an email, you’re going to need a backup plan.
I love battery packs like this one because they come with all the right cables built-in (this one even has a fold-out AC plug to recharge itself directly from the wall!). No more mess of unruly cables spilling out of your backpack – just pull the correct charging cable out from the battery pack’s body and you’re ready to recharge all your various devices.
18. Mini Stove
For the weekday adventurer in your life.
A mini stove may not be an efficient choice for a serious camping expedition, but it’s great for cooking up soup, coffee, eggs, and other nourishing bites on the go. And it fits in your pocket!
The two mini stoves I use are:
REDCAMP Alcohol Mini Stove: These mini stoves use strong alcohols as their fuel source. While there are also mini stoves that use solid fuel, alcohol-based stoves are great gifts for digital nomads because it’s easy to find fuel almost anywhere in the world.
Lixada Titanium Foldable Mini Stove: This thing is amazing to have in a pinch. It packs up completely flat and weighs just a few ounces. It uses small pieces of wood as fuel, so you can walk outside almost anywhere and start preparing a small fire. Toss it in your bag and forget about it completely, but it’s there when you need it!
With stoves like these, you’ll be able to cook a quick breakfast at an Airbnb with no kitchen, or have a s’mores picnic at the beach. These are fun, creative stocking-stuffer gifts for digital nomads that won’t break the bank.
19. Kunodi Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
I bring this thing with me everywhere.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I bought this speaker, but I ended up being super impressed. It’s a sturdy little unit at a good price — waterproof, shockproof, and it delivers great-sounding bass frequencies.
It’s very small and connects easily via bluetooth, so you can toss it in your bag and always be ready to bump some tunes at the river, or listen to a podcast in the shower.
20. Travel Yoga Mat
Some may not realize that a yoga mat is a great thing to have while traveling.
Obviously you can use it for yoga, exercise, and general fitness (I like to keep it next to my bed, so I can get down and stretch intermittently throughout the day), but it’s also great as a picnic blanket or a sleeping pad during an unexpected long layover.
I use the Gaiam Travel Folding Yoga Mat. Instead of rolling into a thick cylinder like most yoga mats, this one folds down to the size of a laptop, which makes it easy to fit into backpacks and suitcases. I love having it with me for some quick exercise while traveling.
21. Kodak Luma 150 Wireless Mini Pocket Projector
You love your TV shows, but as a digital nomad, you don’t always have access to a TV.
The glowing laptop screen was your friend — until now.
With the Kodak mini projector, you’ll be able to watch shows and movies directly off your phone or laptop, wirelessly streamed and projected in clear 1080p onto any flat surface.
It’s just 3 x 3 inches, weighs just one pound, and even has built-in speakers. This is one of those gifts for digital nomads to get excited about.
22. HYDAWAY Collapsible Drink Tumbler
An all-around great stocking-stuffer for the digital nomad in your life.
The HYDAWAY Collapsible Drink Tumbler does exactly what you think — it holds a tasty beverage when you need it, and collapses away small when you’re done.
There are a few folding, collapsible water bottle options on the market, but what makes the HYDWAWAY tumbler unique is that it can also hold hot drinks. That means you can make coffee at home, and take it out the door to send emails from the park. When you’re done, just collapse it down and toss it in your pocket.
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There you have it, 21 of the best-ever gifts for digital nomads.
I myself use and endorse most of the products on this list. I have a seriously detailed eye (or near-obsession) for worthwhile products, especially when it comes to small items that will go with me around the world.
All these opinions are my own, but I do get a small portion of any purchase you make through the Amazon links on this page. If you do feel inspired by these gift recommendations, I’d be grateful if you make your purchase using one of the links above!
Thanks for supporting Mind Body Globe, and happy gift-hunting!