Travelling during the holidays is stressful enough in its own right. And when you realise that you totally forgot to find a gift for the person you’re off to see? Double the headache. The good news is, airport shopping ain’t what it used to be (in a good way!). Here’s our list of a few last minute Christmas gifts you can pick up at the terminal that don’t shout ‘afterthought’.
Not your grandpa’s sweatshirt
Skip the ugly Christmas cardigan. Pick up a stylish shirt or sweater from the likes of Paul Smith or Hugo Boss instead.
New jumper ?? #selfie #jackwills #sweater #oldman #airportshopping
A photo posted by Charlie Sheppard (@charlieshepps) on
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise
When you don’t know what size to buy, go for a watch, wallet, handbag or jewellery instead. Sunglasses are another safe universal bet – everyone appreciates a good pair of Oakleys or Ray-Bans. If you do know their size, why not head to Victoria Secret or Spanx and get something a little more personal.
A photo posted by Dan Amboyer (@danamboyer) on
Gizmos and gadgets
Electronics are always a solid option when you’re shopping at an airport. You can usually pick up the latest headphones, Bluetooth speaker or tablet at a good price. Just watch out for those wall plugs/charging cords.
A photo posted by Martin Jennings (@mjjennings1987) on
Perfume
A scent is such a personal thing, but if you happen to know your loved one’s fragrance of choice, the airport is a great place to pick up a bottle of it. Lots of duty-free outlets also stock special edition gift sets of designer perfumes that you won’t find in the normal high street shops.
A photo posted by น้ำหอมยุโรปแท้?ขายส่งเจ้าแรก (@fragrant55) on
A nice bottle of booze, and maybe a shot glass to go with it
Alcohol is a classic duty-free purchase, and paired with something to drink it out of? You’ve got yourself a neat little gift package. Make it a little more meaningful – pick up sake in Japan, limoncello in Italy, whiskey in Ireland. It’ll almost seem pre-meditated.
Oh How I wish I had my own bar ??? #drinks #airportshopping #theloop
A photo posted by Jenny boyd (@jenny_b517) on
Confectionery
Be it a dainty box of chocolates or some outlandish, oversized regional concoction – something sweet always goes down a treat. Alternatively, you can never go wrong with Toblerone.
Giant #toblerone in Iceland.Heard bout it,just had to see it for myself? #gianttoblerone #chocolate #smellsyummy A photo posted by George (@crocadoca28) on
Books
From chick lit to prize-winning fiction, you’re bound to find something at the airport bookstore. If all else fails, they always have the latest bestsellers on the shelves.
