Travel-related present?

tradhead

Hi everyone,

I'm heading off on the trip of a lifetime with my boyfriend and his family to South Africa for a wedding. It was his mam's birthday during the week and I'm struggling to think of an appropriate gift.

She's quite practical which I find difficult to shop for, so I was thinking something small for the trip would be nice, in the region of €20. I'd like to get something that isn't too practical, ie something that's actually a nice present on its own! (My first thought was for some kind of nice facial spritz to keep hydrated on the plane, but I don't know if they're just a gimmick )

Any ideas at all?

Daisies

tradhead wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I'm heading off on the trip of a lifetime with my boyfriend and his family to South Africa for a wedding. It was his mam's birthday during the week and I'm struggling to think of an appropriate gift.

She's quite practical which I find difficult to shop for, so I was thinking something small for the trip would be nice, in the region of €20. I'd like to get something that isn't too practical, ie something that's actually a nice present on its own! (My first thought was for some kind of nice facial spritz to keep hydrated on the plane, but I don't know if they're just a gimmick )

Any ideas at all?

Do they travel a lot? What about a nice passport cover with matching luggage tag? Or a nice travel organiser?

tradhead

Daisies wrote: »

Do they travel a lot? What about a nice passport cover with matching luggage tag? Or a nice travel organiser?

Yeah, they travel a fair bit. I had actually thought about the passport cover as a Christmas present but this was shot down by the boyfriend although maybe that's just because he wouldn't like one himself! He also said I don't need to get her anything so....maybe I should stop listening to him :pac:

Is there anywhere city centre-ish that would have nice ones? Don't know if I'm 100% gone on the idea but it's certainly a runner if I don't think of anything else!

uberalex

Perhaps something from this guide?
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/travel-guide/

Daisies

tradhead wrote: »

Yeah, they travel a fair bit. I had actually thought about the passport cover as a Christmas present but this was shot down by the boyfriend although maybe that's just because he wouldn't like one himself! He also said I don't need to get her anything so....maybe I should stop listening to him :pac:

Is there anywhere city centre-ish that would have nice ones? Don't know if I'm 100% gone on the idea but it's certainly a runner if I don't think of anything else!

I got a nice package from a friend that I like, it's a pale pink leather passport cover with a matching luggage tag that I really like and I think she got it in Debenhams.

Another option is one of those in flight packages with a neck pillow, a nice eye mask and some ear plugs.

ProudDUB

I think your original idea of the travel spritz is a great idea, provided you can find one small enough to get thru airport security. I had an Evian water one and I absolutely loved it. It was great for long flights, where your skin starts to feel really dry after a few hours. As it was odourless water, I didn't feel self conscious about using it in my seat, which I did using smelly face creams. Do they even make them anymore, seeing as you can't take bottles larger than 100ml thru security? I haven't seen one in years.

Failing that, the likes of The Body Shop and nicer chemists often sell nice toiletry sets that are specifically travel sized.

tradhead

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for all the help so far. I was in Boots on my lunch break and found a miniature Eau Thermale spray for €3.99 http://www.boots.ie/en/Avene-Eau-Thermale-Thermal-Water-Spray-50ml_868694/
As they have 3 for 2 on at the moment and I couldn't find anything nice to go with it, I bought one for myself and just tried it out- it's so refreshing!

I had a look in Debenhams and TK Maxx but can't find any nice passport covers I'm going to run over to Grafton St after work and try the Cath Kidston shop and Avoca (which will probably bring me over my budget but sure anyway!).

Any other suggestions for where to buy the passport covers? I'm going over there this evening so I'd love to have something for her then.

SparkySpitfire

Cath Kidston shop does lovely ones I got one for Christmas!

HeidiHeidi

A really nice neck pillow.

Unfortunately I've no idea where you might get one, but one with a flat bit for behind your neck, and beads in the rest of it is an absolute godsend - you don't wind up with a pain in your back from having your head pushed forward!

I got a magic one in Lidl or Aldi that turns from a rectangular pillow into a neck one - but that's no use to you right now, I know.