What's the perfect gift for the shoestring traveler?

I see several people responded with what they think should be a good gift, but imho such gift does not exist. He sells everything he's got so basicly the only things useful to him are cash and the stuff he's going to take. If it's a farewell party right before he leaves I'ld expect him to be prepared and have everything he wants/needs.

I think there are only two realistic options ask what is useful for him or give cash. In my perception everything else is useless in this situation.

Off course immaterial gifts a cheque for some kind of experience/excursion etc may have added value, but is close to cash.

If it were me, I'd love a kindle or nook, but that's a rather expensive gift.

Would a new pair of comfy but sturdy shoes/walking boots ?

be welcomed ? *

backpack or rain jacket

An ipad or e-reader. No need to carry kilos of books while still having an unlimited selection of reading material. It's on my wish list...

rick steves money belt. Washable. Mine has traveled for eight years so far.

costs only about eight dollars U.S.

has funny instructions to quel fear.

Wow! I'm really liking these ideas! Keep 'em coming! I still have a couple of weeks to decide/buy!

I want to present him with an item that he can't permit himself to buy (due to his restricted shoestring budget) but that would be completely invaluable while on the road.

For those of you who were curious about a budget, I'd like to keep it under $100 CAD (USD).

A lot of you are right when you stated that he probably already has everything he needs and most likely doesn't want to carry useless things just because it was "a gift".

I'm well travelled myself and can appreciate that "cash is king" - I like the idea of buying a ticket/city pass, but I would like to keep this option as last resort.

Here are some other ideas (that haven't been mentioned yet):

--- Solar powered electronics charger - he can hook up his tablet (which he's confirmed he'll be traveling with) through a USB port - handy in areas where power/electricity is unreliable or where he has to pay to recharge.

--- Head lamp

--- a "write anywhere pen" (www.writeanywhere.com)

Any thoughts?

18 answers and you still want more ideas?

really!