Backpackers are humans too.

And when this time of the year comes around, every human likes to be treated to something special...

So we're going for a quick round of the ol' merry gift giving.

This email is dedicated to the backpacker in your life, whether that's yourself, your mate, your mum, or even your cousin's best friend's pooch.

'Tis the time to feel special.'Tis the time to gift gifts.

Last-minute gifts for backpackers 👀

I need to start by stating the obvious: if you're gonna buy something, at least buy something useful.

Below is a list of some of the stuff I find to be all-around essential for anyone who wants to take backpacking seriously.

1. Packing Cubes​

If bag = mess, then man = mess too. I honestly don't know how I'd pack without these anymore.

I can tell you something, though: you'll never know until you try them!

One of my best mates got them as a gift last year, and it completely changed the way he packed.

2. A hanging toiletry bag​

A toiletry bag that you can hang is an absolute game-changer.

In an ideal world, you'd get one that both hangs AND doesn't take up too much space.

I like the Pelican Modpak for that reason, but you might find another one more to your liking!

3. A quick-dry towel​

If you don't have one already, are you even a real backpacker?

This is the #1 item hanging from hostel dorm beds after the infamous backpacker smelly socks.

4. A neck pillow for travel​

It's a funny world, the one of neck pillows.

A lot of people don't believe they actually work, but over the years, I've found that I get luckier with the inflatable kind.

5. A Kindle​

The convenience of having an entire library’s worth of books in a little tablet is unmatched.

For a traveller who loves to read, an e-reader is the best gift you can give.

Kindles are usually the go-to, but I know people who use Kobo and are super happy with it too.

Despite the convenience of an e-reader, nothing beats the smell of books and the feeling of flipping through an actual page...

If you're not ready to ditch the paper yet, check out our piece on the best travel books for more inspiration.

6. Travel Tech

Whether it's an all-in-one travel adapter or an ultralight powerbank, some things make life on the road much easier.

7. A USB-powered headlamp​

If I had a penny for every time a headlamp saved my life...

These bad boys have gotten SO cheap over the years, and they're super useful in situations like hikes or sudden power cuts.

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If you need even more epic ideas,
​check out our gift guide online.

I hope these ideas help you treat the backpacker in your life :)

If you do grab any of them, or end up having some other crazy original idea, let me know! I love seeing what people come up with.

The end of the year is approaching, folks, and the time of reflection is soon upon us... Stay tuned for that.

I'll see you next week.​
- Will, The Broke Backpacker