Best presents to buy at the airport

There is a terrible moment before every flight – we like to call it the “oh-my-gosh-I-forgot-everything-I-need” moment. Now, usually ten seconds later you find your keys or your business documents or whatever else you instantly feel is lost to the world, but there are rare occasions when your worst fears become reality. It has happened to us all, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

But then, there is the doubly terrible moment – let’s call it the “oh-my-gosh-I-forgot-ALL-OF-MY-CHRISTMAS-PRESENTS-AT-HOME” moment. It may not have happened to you yet, but trust us: we’ve been in the travel game long enough to know that this moment, too, sadly happens to many of us at some point.

But fret not, harried traveller—there are ways to prepare for this debacle with our list of the best presents to buy at the airport in a pinch.

Alcohol

When the moment of panic strikes and you realize you have nothing to bring to Christmas dinner, know that you (probably) can’t go wrong with alcohol. You know your family better than we do, but in most circumstances an aged whisky for Dad or a decorative bottle of wine for Mum will work perfectly. In fact, you’ll even be rewarded for your last-minute shopping with cheaper prices than if you had planned ahead and bought the gifts outside the airport. Keep in mind, though, if you have to go through security multiple times before reaching your final destination, wait to purchase any liquids, as they will be confiscated at security even if they were purchased duty free.

Pro tip: Unless you want your gift to scream “I-bought-this-duty-free”, take an extra second at the baggage carousel to take the presents out of loud duty-free bags/cardboard containers and stuff it in your checked luggage before you arrive at your family’s house.

Cigars

Depending on where you are flying between, you can usually get great deals on tobacco products in duty free. While true cigar aficionados might be able to tell that these aren’t always top quality, cigars make a great gift for the men in the family – as long as they don’t know too much about tobacco.

Chocolate

Who doesn’t like chocolate? If you are really in a pinch and can’t find a thing in the airport for your younger family members, chocolate is fail-proof. Plus, airports tend to have nicer chocolate-y options with holiday themed packaging and a wide variety of flavours. It may be a cop-out, but when you see the smiles on their chocolate-smeared faces, you’ll know chocolate was an excellent choice.

Perfume

Perfume selections at duty-free can range from abysmal to wonderful. If you know Aunt Susan always wears Chanel No. 5, then you can price check and sometimes get her favourite scent for a steal. Or if you get to this section dazed and confused by all the choices, look for something with a light scent – as these are the most universally inoffensive. Do check prices online while you’re in the shop, though, as perfumeries sometimes price gouge in airports.

Sunglasses

If you are a really savvy shopper, you can often find rock-bottom prices on luxury goods such as sunglasses, watches and designer handbags while strolling through the airport stores. If, on the other hand, you have no concept of what these items cost retail, steer clear of this section. You will only waste the precious moments you have to fix Christmas, and probably end up paying a bundle more than you should.

Electronics

While these may be more expensive in an airport, they are universal crowd-pleasers at Christmas. If you have a techie in your family, you can often find the best gadgets before they are available to the masses in duty free.

A special note on key chains and other knickknacks

Disclaimer: we recommend not purchasing anything with your city’s name on it (key chains, shot glasses, sweatshirts, T-shirts, etc.) unless you want to alert your loved ones to your gift gaffe. These items are quite obviously duty-free.

While we can’t remind you to pack your presents this Christmas, we can help the rest of your trip run smoothly. See our tips for planning every detail of your next getaway and consider a policy from youGo Travel Insurance. Get cover and get going this Christmas.