With your birthday coming up, the number one question going on in your head is probably: What do I want for my birthday? It’s always a tough question, and the worst thing is, it comes back every year. However, you won’t have to stress anymore. Because you finally found the perfect article to help you decide what to ask for your birthday!
Keep in mind that this list of things to ask for your birthday is specifically designed for travel lovers, so all gift ideas are somehow related to travel. Whether they’re useful on the road or make great travel-themed home decorations, I guarantee that you as a traveler will absolutely love these gift ideas!
Are you short on time? Check out the top three things I want for my birthday this year!
- Large budget: GoPro action camera (#8)
- Mid budget: Sleeping mask with headphones (#30)
- Small budget: Spot it! Travel-sized game (#36)
Table of Contents
What do I want for my birthday – Pin it
Don’t forget to pin the “What do I want for my birthday” list to Pinterest!
What to ask for your birthday – large budgets
#1 World map
If you don’t have one yet, I would highly recommend asking for a beautiful world map to cheer up your bedroom, living room, or just about any room in your house.
I absolutely love the traditional scratch map, but check out my list of 25 world map designs if you want more inspiration.
#2 Travel-themed clock
It wouldn’t surprise me if you already have a world map. I mean which travel lover doesn’t have one?
So you may be wondering; what should I ask for for my birthday if I already have a map?
Well, in that case, a travel-themed clock is a cool option. You can find my 25 favorite travel wall clocks here or simply ask for this beautiful one with the world map.
For more home-themed things to ask for your birthday, check out #33.
#3 Fitbit
A Fitbit or smartwatch is one of those things to ask for your birthday that you wouldn’t usually buy for yourself. It’s great to keep track of how much you’ve exercised or walked during the day when you’re traveling. And the built-in music option plus text messages is what sets it apart from a regular activity tracker.
#4 Portable speakers
One of my travel essential items is my JBL portable speaker. It’s durable, waterproof, dustproof, and has great sound qualities. But most importantly, it’s small enough to fit in just about any suitcase or backpack.
#5 Comfy shoes
Traveling involves a lot of walking, so if you’re looking for practical things to ask for your birthday, comfy sneakers are perfect. My go-to brand is Sketchers, but I’m sure you have your favorite brand too.
#6 Wireless earbuds
I asked myself the same question this year; What do I want for my birthday? And one thing that made it to my list was these wireless earbuds by Beats. Not only are they incredibly small and lightweight (and thus perfect for me as a traveler). They also have a noise-canceling option!
Now obviously, noise-canceling with earbuds is not as great as with headphones, but they do a decent job of blocking background rumbling.
#7 Portable charger
I lost my power bank when I was traveling around Australia, so when I was wondering what should I ask for my birthday, this was one of the first things that came up. Anker is one of the best brands when it comes to portable chargers, so this is also the one that made it to my birthday wishlist.
#8 GoPro action camera
A GoPro is one of the coolest gifts you can ask for your birthday as a traveler. It allows you to take photos whenever and wherever. Whether that’s underwater, when you’re running, cycling, or climbing, a GoPro is designed to capture every action of your trip.
#9 Mobile hotspot
Are you a business traveler or a digital nomad? Then a portable wifi hotspot is another travel essential. If you don’t have one yet, I would recommend you add GlocalMe Mini Turbo to your wishlist.
#10 Rainjacket
When I think about the question; what do I want for my birthday, I usually think of items that are a bit pricy and that I wouldn’t normally buy for myself. One example of that is a good rain jacket, such as the ones by Mountain Hardwear.
#11 Anti-theft shoulder bag
One of the biggest risks for travelers is to fall victim to pickpocketers. But with this cute anti-theft shoulder bag, you will greatly minimize that risk. It has a slash-resistant body and strap, zippers that you can lock, and RFID-blocking pockets to prevent electronic theft.
#12 International set of coffee beans
Are you a coffee lover?
Then you don’t have to think long about what you should ask for your birthday. This set with 16 different coffee beans from around the world is exactly what you want and need.
#13 International kitchen tools
If I were a cooking lover, I know what I would want for my birthday. Especially if I loved Moroccan and Tunisian cuisine; a tajine so I could recreate those dishes at home!
But if you love a different cuisine, you could always go for a practical kitchen tool from that country.
#14 Portable espresso maker
Are you a coffee lover and are you looking for things to ask for your birthday?
Then this portable espresso maker is perfect for you!
#15 Travel-themed board games
I love board games, so if I’m not sure about what I want for my birthday, a board game is always a good option. Especially if it’s a travel-themed one, such as Ticket to Ride (my personal favorite).
#16 Floating sunglasses
If I were an aquaphile and I was wondering what should I ask for my birthday, it would probably be these sunglasses by Rheos.
Why?
Because they actually float on water and I wouldn’t have to worry about losing my sunnies when I’m in the water.
#17 Booze
You can never go wrong with a bottle of alcohol.
So whenever you’re unsure about what to ask for your birthday, simply go for a bottle of your favorite drink (preferably from your favorite country too).
#18 e-Reader
One of my favorite gadgets for travel is probably my e-reader. I read quite a lot, so with an e-reader, I have to opportunity to read as many books as I want, without the need to carry them around.
So if you are like me and you love to read, get yourself an e-reader!
What to ask for your birthday – mid budgets
#19 Cash
If you are really not sure what to ask for your birthday and none of the physical gifts on this list seem appropriate to you, then there is always the option to ask for money. I know people don’t really enjoy gifting money.
But let’s face it.
Money is just one of the most practical gifts, especially as a traveler because you can use it for another amazing trip.
#20 Dry bag
Even though a dry bag may not be one of the most exciting things to ask for your birthday, it certainly is one of the most practical things, as it will keep your valuables safe and dry.
#21 Selfie stick tripod
Do you love taking photos when you’re traveling?
Then this selfie stick tripod is a must.
I know, a selfie stick feels a bit awkward, but you will actually take way better photos with it. And the fact you can also use it as a tripod makes it a super useful travel gadget!
#22 Scarf with hidden pockets
This scarf with two secret pockets is a great gift to ask for your birthday if you travel a lot by bus or train. You can easily sleep during long rides and not worry about your valuables because they are safely hidden in your scarf.
#23 Symbolically adopt an animal for charity
If you feel like you’ve already got everything you want, why not ask for a gift that gives back to society?
For example, by asking them to symbolically adopt an animal for you?
The money will be used to protect the animal, and you will get a cute poster and some information about your adopted animal.
#24 Travel document organizer
If you are as unorganized and clumsy as I am and you are not sure what to ask for your birthday, this is it; a travel document organizer.
Not only can you keep your passport, flight tickets, cards, cash, and other documents in one place, but it’s also a beautiful accessory.
#25 Water bottle with filter
A water bottle with a filter is one of the best things to ask for your birthday if you love wild camping and hiking, or if you often travel to places where tap water is not drinkable.
The filter allows you to drink water anywhere without getting sick. It filters out things like microplastics, chlorine, organic chemical matter, and dirt.
#26 Travel books
If I’m really unsure about what I want for my birthday, books are always a safe option. I love to read and I love a room full of books. So even if I never end up reading them, I love the look of them. But this Sustainable Escapes by The Lonely Planet is one that I will certainly read.
In fact, I already have this one at home.
#27 Gift cards
Besides cold hard cash, other very practical things to ask for your birthday are gift cards. Typically, people enjoy gifting gift cards more than cash, so you might be better off asking for gift cards anyways. Check out this list with 25 gift cards for travelers if you don’t know which one to ask for.
#28 Travel journal
A travel journal will always come in handy and thus will always be a good option if you’re unsure what to ask for your birthday.
#29 World map jigsaw puzzle
Do you love laying jigsaw puzzles?
Then I know what you should get for your birthday!
This 1000-piece puzzle of the world map.
#30 Sleeping mask with headphones
Do you listen to music to fall asleep? Or do you hate the sound of people snoring?
Then you are going to love this sleeping mask. Not only does it give you complete darkness, but it’s also a very comfortable headphone that you can use to fall asleep.
#31 Jewelry
One can never have too much jewelry. So when thinking about what should I ask for for my birthday, jewelry is always a good idea. Especially if you pick beautiful travel-themed pieces such as this necklace with a compass.
What to ask for your birthday – small budgets
#32 Coin purse
If you are looking for small and funny things to ask for your birthday, this cute coin purse is perfect. I always find it quite practical to have my coins in an easy-to-access purse so I can get them out without getting all my cash and cards out.
#33 Mountain-themed table decor
Do you love the mountains and adventure? Then these wooden table decor items are perfect to ask for your birthday.
#34 Portable cutlery
Traveling with your own set of cutlery is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate. No more plastic forks, spoons, and knives for you because you can use your own stainless steel set!
#35 Shampoo bar
If you are not sure what to ask for your birthday, go for something that’s good for the environment, such as a shampoo bar. That way you’re not only helping yourself but mother earth too.
#36 Travel-sized games
As a huge game lover, any travel-sized game will make me happy. But if I had to pick one, I would probably ask for Spot it! for my birthday.
#37 Travel-themed coloring book for adults
Coloring books for adults have been proven to work stress-relieving. So if you are looking for a fun way to relax, this travel-themed coloring book is perfect.
#38 Waterproof phone pouch
If you are not sure what to ask for your birthday, then something to keep your phone safe and sound is always a good option. Besides that, this waterproof pouch also allows you to take photos underwater without ruining your phone.
#39 Laundry bag with world map
Are you looking for small things to ask for your birthday?
Then this cute laundry bag with the world map is a fun gift idea.
#40 Language lover puzzle book
Do you love learning new languages and making puzzles?
Then this riddle book with language-related puzzlesis a great gift to get for your birthday!
#41 Fanny pack
You either love them or hate them. But if you love a fanny pack and you love to travel, then I would say it’s one of the most practical things to ask for your birthday. You can find them in all sizes, colors, and prints on Amazon.
#42 Quick-drying towels
If you really don’t know what you should get for your birthday, you can always go for microfiber towels.
They may not be the most exciting gift, but every traveler needs a quick-drying towel, so they will always come in handy.
What do I want for my birthday – Pin it
What do I want for my birthday? Save this guide to Pinterest so you won’t have to waste time thinking about your wishlist next year!
Final note on things to ask for your birthday
Alright, I hope that this list has helped you decide on what to ask for your birthday! And if you need some more inspiration, check out the three things I want for my birthday this year.
- Large budget: GoPro action camera (#8)
- Mid budget: Sleeping mask with headphones (#30)
- Small budget: Spot it! Travel-sized game (#36)
