Zigzag Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide
7 Under $20 Christmas Ideas Time-Tested In Our Nomadic Life Labs
Christmas is just around the corner! To thank you for following our adventures, we're sharing some of our favorite items that your family and friends might also enjoy unwrapping on Christmas morning.
Because our household has to fit in four suitcases and two backpacks, each item must earn the right to be packed. These gift ideas have proven their worth time and again.
So here are seven items under $20. Plus two bonus items under $45.
But don’t procrastinate! Amazon shows that if you order today or tomorrow, they will arrive before Christmas Eve.
Please note: The Amazon links in this email include affiliate information, which means we earn a small commission for your purchases at no additional cost to you.
RONXS Rechargeable Plasma Arc Electric Lighter $12.99
No need to worry about packing matches ever again! This plasma arc lighter is the way to go when you’re on the go. Use it to light candles easily and also start your campfire when out spending time in nature. The handle is long and flexible to reach strange angles and prevent burns. It’s also lightweight and compact. Bonus: it’s rechargeable! It comes with a USB cord for easy charging, especially if you have the Power Bank we recommend.
Merino Wool Socks $17
Moisture-wicking, anti-odor, long-term wear…like over 2 years!
Yep, you read that right.
We bought our socks over two years ago. We each have two pairs, and they’re still going strong.
The cool thing about Merino Wool is how many times and days they can be worn without needing to be washed. Seriously, simply roll them inside out after taking them off and let them air out. And… repeat. We’ve gone as long as a month without washing them. And no, they don’t stink.
They’re super comfortable, too.
Darn Tough Men’s No Show
Darn Tough Women’s No Show
Books
If you have friends or family who are curious and want to learn more about travel and nomadic living, these are the books to leave under the Christmas tree.
They have been the most influential in our decision to live this life. The perspectives we gained and the practical help we received still guide us. We have met Kristin, Tim, and Tim’s wife. They are wonderful, down-to-earth people. Rolf Potts is the OG of nomadic travel.
Also, be sure to check out their podcasts Traveling with Kristin and Deviate with Rolf Potts.
Digital Nomad for Dummies $18.98
A Better Life for Half the Price $19.98
Vagabonding $13.82
Compact rechargeable table lamp $17.99
Jeff is the guru of finding cool and practical gadgets to solve any issue. These compact table lamps came about because we found that the lighting in our apartments were not enough. Often, there were no bedside lights in the bedrooms, and even if there were lamps, keeping them plugged in took up the only outlet for charging devices.
These solve both problems.
Once again, they are rechargeable. They also fold down, which makes them very lightweight and easy to pack. Super. Cool.
IXNINE Power Bank 26800mAh Portable Charger $14.99
This is the power bank portable charger I mentioned above. It is about the size of your cell phone and very lightweight. We keep this charged and in our coat pocket with a cell phone charging cord so if our phone battery is getting low it can charge while we walk around. No need to stop to wait for our phones to recharge. It’s an excellent backup for times you’re out exploring and don’t want the hassle of finding a place to plug in. Price: $14.99
Presse, by bobble: Portable coffee French press $22.99
Oh boy, were we ever excited to find this!
And guess where we discovered it?
Starbucks on the island of Corfu, Greece!!!
Two years ago, when we first arrived in Sarandé, Albania, we struggled to find decent coffee. It just didn’t taste…right.
First of all, we were stoked to find an actual Starbucks. Then, find a durable and portable way to make our coffee…outstanding!
We have had this for over 2 years now and can’t imagine not having it. I pack it in the outside pocket of my backpack, even on flights. All it takes is 2 TBSP of coffee grounds and hot water. Let it steep for 3 minutes, press, and voila!
It's one of the best investments we’ve made. Price $22.99
Lifestraw Water Bottle $45
These are the bomb!
Inside each bottle is a filter that purifies up to 4000 gallons of water from bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. The bottle itself is reusable; only the filter needs to be replaced, massively reducing the number of disposable plastic bottles thrown into landfills.
On top of that, for every product purchased, LifeStraw donates a year of safe drinking water to a child in need. Price: $45
Buy a clip loop that easily attaches to a backpack or belt. We attach them to our Pacsafe Coversafe X75 RFID Blocking Security Neck Pouch