Christmas gift ideas for road trippers

Christmas shopping is tricky business. You want to buy something you know they’ll use, but you also want to make it personal. Here are some ideas to get you started...

It helps to start by thinking about their hobbies and what they like to do on the weekends, and then look for something they will use, but they wouldn’t buy themselves.

So if someone on your Christmas list is an adventurous type who is always planning their next getaway behind the wheel, check out the best Christmas gifts for road trippers.

Even if they already have a first aid kit, it’s likely out of date, or missing important bits. Plus, if they have a furry travel companion, you could also get a pet first aid kit.

We all know car snacks are the most important part of any road trip. So keep them cool in a portable car cooler. It’s also handy for picnics or storing those fruit, jams or deli items they pick up along the way.

Without any fellow travellers to help capture the perfect photo, most road-trip photos are close up selfies that miss the stunning vistas. A sturdy smartphone tripod will solve that problem and take those Insta photos to the next level. They fold down easily into the glove box, making it very handy for road trippers.

With so many awesome card games available now, treat your loved one to an upgrade from ‘I Spy’.  For families, try Around The Table conversation starters, a group of friends will love Loaded Questions and Table Topics Couples is great for couples. Best of all, the passenger can read out the questions and the driver can join in too, or play them in the evening sitting around the fire.

An insulated water bottle is a godsend for keeping drinks hot, or cold on long road trips. It’s a gift that saves time, money and the planet, and will last for years.

Keep the good vibes flowing by cutting out the ads with a Spotify gift voucher. You can get a range of card values that will buy a month, or a year’s worth of Spotify premium. They will thank you for it as they play their favourite songs uninterpreted on repeat for their entire road trip.

Pulling in and out of petrol stations, campsites, rest stops and restaurants makes it easy to misplace car keys. A Tile is the best gift for road trippers who are prone to losing things. They simply attach the small device to the car keys, then use the app to ping it and track down the missing keys.

Pick up an inspirational travel book such as Ultimate Road Trips: Australia or Australian Free 4 that will help your loved one plan their next big adventure. Who knows, they might even take you along for the ride!

Packing cubes are like miracle workers when it comes to packing and keeping the car boot organised. The see-through variety are extra-handy as you don’t have to open up every suitcase or lug the whole bag into a tent just to get out pyjamas.

Merry Christmas, and stay safe on the roads this holiday season!