What to Buy a Nomad Who Has Everything — But Where Will You Live?

Gift giving season is upon us. While some decry the crass commercialism of the holidays, others take great joy in expressing their affection by finding the perfect gift and relishing their recipient's surprise. For those with a perpetual nomad in their life, gift giving can be particularly challenging. What do you get for someone who only has a suitcase to carry their worldly belongings?

Nothing

Really. Most nomads have little to no desire for “stuff.” Indeed, some of the pleasure of being a nomad is the sense of freedom derived from a lack of stuff. Regardless, even for those of us who take great satisfaction from possessions, getting any “thing” may be more of a burden than a delight.

Is there enough room in the luggage for it? Will the giver be hurt (no matter what they say) if I just put it in storage? Is there even room in storage for it?

Or maybe:

I just got rid of one of these during The Purge and now I can’t just get rid of this one, lest I offend the giver!

How exactly do you give someone nothing when tradition dictates otherwise? Reach out to your nomad and suggest that you understand their situation and there's no need to exchange gifts. Alright, alright, I can hear many of you objecting: “I can’t just give them nothing!” Well, you would probably be surprised how easy and satisfying it can be! This doesn't mean you should just let the holidays pass without acknowledging them, but it does mean you don't have to spend money or buy them some “thing.”

So what can you give in lieu of stuff?

1. Your Company

Carrie’s mom joined us in Vienna, Austria for Oktoberfest

I can’t speak for all nomads, but for some there is a strain between wanting to see the world and losing opportunities to spend in-person time with friends and family. If you are able, then planning a trip to meet up with them somewhere would definitely be near the top of the list of holiday wishes.

I would not suggest surprising anyone with this, though! Be sure to discuss your plans well in advance to make sure they mesh well with your nomad's journey. And while you may be beloved and missed, schedule your visit appropriately. Spending a week together is fine for some, but for many a day or three is plenty. It’s perfectly reasonable for you to plan a portion of your trip to be on your own. After all, this might be your vacation as well!

2. Experiences

Experience gifts run the gamut. The best are those that the recipient can do with you. This can be just taking them out for a meal or planning a hike with them. Kayaking, a cooking class, a hot air balloon ride, or tickets to an event can all be great gifts. If you can’t join them, do some research on their upcoming destinations and look for interesting and unusual things to do. One of the best gifts Carrie and I ever received, long before we were nomads, was a gift certificate for a guided spelunking tour of a cave. Airbnb experiences is a good place to start looking for destination activities.

3. Treats

This won’t fit everyone, but if your nomad has a special holiday treat that they love, make some for them yourself. Or even just wrap up some that you bought. Me, I love peppermint bark at Christmas time and it’s hard for someone to go wrong giving me some of that. Just about everyone has some kind of indulgence over the holidays that you can contribute to!

4. Charity

Find a charity or a cause that’s important to your recipient and make a donation in their name. Carrie and I would be very touched to get a card noting that a donation was made to Retriever Rescue of Colorado. If you enjoy the shopping aspect of the holidays, find one of the charities that assigns you a child, family, or elderly person in need. Brighten the season for someone who needs a little help, especially since, almost by definition, a nomad is already blessed with everything they need.

5. A Personal Note

Think about the last time you got a note, card, or letter from someone telling you how important you are to them. Can you think of anything you would appreciate more? Aside from a trip into space, of course.

What About Travel Gadgets?

The most uncomfortable kind of pillow in the world, right after the down pillow.

You may see some sort of travel gadget that you think would make a perfect gift for your nomad. Be careful! While every nomad loves their gadgets, these can be very personal. What works for one doesn't suit the needs or style of another. I abhor those neck pillows that are sold in every airport newsstand, but many people love them.

A travel gadget can make a wonderful gift for a nomad, but my advice is to just ask. Yes, it may ruin the surprise but it's far better than getting a gift that they only end up donating or trashing shortly after the holidays.

Have you got an idea that I didn’t think of? Comment below and share it!