There are only so many globes that fit on a kid’s desk and atlases that can be stuffed in his bookshelves. So what unique gifts do you get a wanderlust kid that fuels his love for travel and learning about new places? I’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite products from past years and ones that will be under this year’s tree (shhh….). Experiences are my favorite thing to give, but with little ones who still like physical gifts under the tree, we’re slowly adding them into the mix.
- Snacks from Around the World – Would your kids like to try ketchup potato chips that are popular in the UK or shrimp crackers that are loved by the Vietnamese? What about some sweet treats from India? There are several box subscription services that will send you snacks from around the world. This year, my boys are going to get a monthly box from MunchPak, which starts at $14.00/month for 5+ snacks. Universal Yums offers similar snacks and packages as MunchPak. SnackCrate is another box subscription, but it has a little more sophisticated products in it. I love gifting these subscriptions because they have something to look forward to month after month, and it doesn’t end with just one gift under the tree.
- Little Passports *– One of the original monthly subscription services, but still one of the best to help your geography lover learn more about countries and cultures around the world. My 8-year old has been getting his packages for almost a year, and still races to the mailbox when he knows they are scheduled to be delivered. Little Passports is perfect for kids under 10. There is typically a craft, a small trinket or souvenir from the country, a story about the country and other factual information. It’s the best $14.95/month we’ve spent in a long time, and I just renewed Alex’s subscription. They now have both a World Edition and a US States Edition (two states each month). Plus, they have some great Black Friday/Holiday deals going on right now. It’s not only a great way for kids to learn about different countries and states, but it can provide some great ideas for future travels.
Gifts for wanderlust kids – Little Passports
- Push Pin Map – Push Pin Travel Maps * sells several different types of push pin maps – U.S. States, Europe, a map of Major League Baseball parks, the whole world, different sizes and colors, but I love, love, love this one shows all of the National Parks. You can pin places that you’ve visited or ones that are on your travel bucket list. They even customize maps with names or quotes.
- Lonely Planet Kids Books – I bet Alex has 20 different Atlases – both children’s and adult versions and he collects travel guides to cities and countries around the world. However, the Lonely Planet Kids books are some of the best we have. My current favorite (and on our gift-giving list) is The Travel Book, which gives a world tour through 200 countries. Their books are colorful and engaging – and I am constantly peppered with facts that Alex has read in his books. “Mom, did you know India will be the most populous country in the world in a few years?”
- Globe Bank – A great stocking stuffer, tin globe banks are a great place to save up for that next vacation or put away money for a rainy day trip to the local museum. Alex is getting one in his stocking, and I bet it’s full in no time.
- Give experiences – This year, Alex is getting a Penguin Encounter at the Newport Aquarium near Cincinnati, and Nate’s stocking includes a lift pass to ski when we go to Utah. Groupon is a great place to start looking for local experiences, but tickets to ball games, concerts and other activities are equally exciting and make for lasting memories.
Give your wanderlust kids the gift of an experience
- Get Outta Town! Last year, my best friend and her husband surprised their three boys with a trip to Disney World! The bigger surprise was that they left for Orlando the day after Christmas! She said it was magical and a once in a lifetime experience which they all treasure.
- Membership has its privileges – Frequent the zoo or another local museum often? A membership is a great gift idea. We love our membership to the Indiana State Museum because it is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. Your membership will grant you access to museums around the world through their Travel Passport Program. We have used the member card to get in free at The Leonardo and the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL and the Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, among others. It has paid for itself three times over.
Membership to an ATSC museum is a great gift for a wanderlust kid
- Give the gift of adventure – Consider giving your wanderlusting child a passport for Christmas. See #2 here. They’re good for 10 years, and you won’t have to stress about getting one when you find a cheap flight to somewhere outside your country of origin!
No matter the present for your wanderlust kids, anything that incites their curiosity to explore the world is a gift worth giving.
*This post contains links listed are part of an affiliates program. If you buy something from them, there is no extra cost, but I may earn a small commission.
