With the holiday season coming up and a new year ahead of us, it’s that time again to buy presents for our loved ones. If you are looking for the best gifts for digital nomads that don’t harm our beautiful planet, keep reading. And even though I don’t personally support buying just for the sake of buying, some gifts in this list are very handy and will definitely be useful for the slow traveler or slowmad.
As a slow digital nomad myself, I handpicked these presents and I am sure they will be welcomed by your digital nomad friend as well! Whether it is for Christmas, a birthday or just because, here’s your inspiration for the best sustainable digital nomad gifts.
What NOT to buy for digital nomads?
It might be obvious, but I’ll say it regardless (as I have received gifts like this before), but please do not give anything bulky or heavy. As a digital nomad I want to travel light and already don’t have enough space, so please don’t give toiletries, food from back home, heavy tech, useless space-takers or stuff that we most likely already have (like laptop stands, powerbanks, notebooks etc.).
What I do love are digital subscriptions, audiobooks or anything that makes my life on the road more enjoyable. So without further ado, here are the 10 best sustainable gifts for digital nomads.
Gift Ideas For Digital Nomads And Slow Travelers
The message of NowWatch is clear: live in the NOW! As digital nomads, we sometimes forget how to be present and to love every single moment.
I like this NOW Watch because it’s made from high-quality zebrawood that gives it an extra natural look. There is no time marker on this watch because every moment is a reminder to be present, NOW.
It’s super easy to adjust, comes with a 12-month warranty, and is perfect for everyday. It feels like a meaningful reminder to stay present whenever you look at the watch. If you want to gift a great conversation starter that inspires people to live in the moment, this NOW watch will do the trick!
The number one gift for digital nomads is a light-weight beach towel aka sarong that I literally use for years already. I like this Sand Cloud Turkish Beach Towel because it’s insanely versatile. I use it for everything from beach days and yoga to picnics and as a changing robe.
It’s super lightweight, fast-drying, sand-resistant, and made from 100% organic Turkish cotton, so it's not bad for our planet. Plus, 10% of the profits go toward saving marine life, which makes me love it even more.
I always recommend a Kindle to digital nomads because it replaces heavy books with one lightweight, energy-efficient device you can carry anywhere.
It’s perfect for long travel days or quiet nights in new places, and it honestly helps you stay inspired without taking up any space. If you want a gift that’s practical, sustainable, and genuinely appreciated, a Kindle is one of the best choices.
I love Audible because it gives digital nomads something meaningful to take with them wherever they go; stories, knowledge, and inspiration without carrying anything extra.
They can start listening right away and the credits arrive instantly, even if they already have a membership. It’s such an easy, low-waste gift that I would love to receive.
A pillow case? Yes! You have no idea how many dirty or shitty pillow cases we come across as digitial noamds...I love these bamboo pillowcases because they feel incredibly soft and cool, and honestly make any Airbnb or temporary home feel instantly more relaxing.
They’re lightweight, hypoallergenic, and OEKO-TEX certified, so they’re a sustainable, healthy choice that gets even softer with every wash. If you want a gift that helps a digital nomad sleep better, feel grounded, and create a little sanctuary anywhere in the world, this is a great idea.
A good quality universal travel adapter is something I wouldn't buy for myself, which makes it a great gift. This tiny 5-in-1 travel adapter is a lifesaver when you're constantly on the move.
I love that this one is compact enough to disappear in your bag while still giving you universal plug options for almost any country.
I love this LifeStraw bottle because it lets you refill from almost any tap or random spout and still trust the water, thanks to its carbon microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and even improves the taste.
As a digital nomad, it feels good to know you can stay hydrated anywhere without relying on single-use plastic. It’s a thoughtful, practical gift for anyone who wants to travel lightly and sustainably while taking care of their health.
It's a great idea to give a GetYourGuide voucher because it lets nomads choose cool and adventurous experiences wherever they are in the world, without adding any extra weight to their backpack.
With access to thousands of tours and local activities worldwide, there is something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to help someone explore more deeply and intentionally, no matter where their journey takes them.
If you are traveling you will know: the amount of plastic cutlery and plates that's being used is ridiculous. So this gift is perfect for digital nomads who want to be eco-friendly.
The stainless steel tools feel solid and comfortable, and the compact case makes it easy to bring everywhere without spending extra on disposable options. It’s a thoughtful, affordable gift for anyone who wants to travel sustainably without adding clutter to their pack.
I switched to this bamboo electric toothbrush myself a year ago, and my teeth never felt so clean. I love that the battery lasts around 30 days, which makes life so much easier when you’re moving around as a digital nomad.
The plant-based bristles and bamboo heads feel gentle yet effective, and it’s a good way to cut down on plastic without sacrificing a really good clean.
Keep it simple
I kept this list simple and short because, to be fair, if we as digital nomads receive too many gifts, it will only make it harder to carry our bags around. With a subscription or a gift card you can never go wrong, and won’t add any weight or bulk in our bags.
I also love the NowWatch because you just wear it on your wrist and have little reminders throughout the day to stay present, which is what traveling (and life in general!) is all about after all.
Hopefully, this article gave you some inspiration for sustainable gifts for digital nomads that won’t be kept at home.
About Sustaying
Sustaying is a blog to inspire digital nomads and slow travelers for life on the go. We want to help travelers discover sustainable accommodation that have a positive impact on the world and support local people.
About the author
Yvette van den Brand
Yvette is the founder of Sustaying. She has lived abroad for twelve years of her life, while traveling and working in 45 different countries. Originally from The Netherlands but now residing in the Canary Islands, where she manages Sustaying and enjoys a surfing lifestyle.
