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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.

and sometimes the universe unexpectedly provides when we have fallen. ?? #airportshopping #thanksgiving2015

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.

Just treated myself to a pair of these! #bose #quietcomfort25 #noisecancelling #airportshopping #presenttomyself #allset

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.

#perfume #klosetthailand #siambrandname #chanel #dior #davidoff #marcjacob #pradacandy #chloe #flowerbomb #narcisorodriquez #isseymiyake #lancome #fragrance #authentic #tester #dutyfree 

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.

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.

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.

About the author

Esther GohWriter and digital specialist hooked on travel and food. Calls Auckland home but desperately misses Mexican and Italian cuisine. Esther blogs at NZ Muse.

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