Gifts for Map Lovers

by Jillian Crocker, posted on December 10th, 2014 in 2014 Classic Play Gift Guide, Christmas, Traveling With Kids

With the festive season fast approaching, I thought I’d share some of my favorite map-inspired gifts for just about any family member, friend or co-worker on your gift-list.

Seeing as I’m an avid traveler and map-user I love the idea of incorporating anything related to maps into gifts. Maps can be historical, modern, colorful, full of beautiful patterns, lines and shapes are are something that never seem to go out of style. They invoke feelings of adventure, excitement and anticipation as well as awe at just how big and beautiful the world we live in is. As you can see, I seriously love maps. I even married a professional mapper.

Nowadays there are so many original, creative and useful map-themed gifts on the market that I’m sure your loved ones would appreciate and adore. Here are some of my favourites.

For the Fashionista

I’m actually amazed at how much map-themed and adorned clothing that I have found on the internet as well as seen in well known large shops and even small boutiques. I’ve come across the coolest scarves, skirts, dresses, leggings, shoes and even this amazing bathing suit. A perfect avant-garde addition to any fashionista’s closet. I’m thinking of buying this sweet map bow tie or this map t-shirt for my cartographer husband this year.

For the Book Worm

There are so many great map-themed books available for every age bracket. For families I love Make Map Art written by Salli Sue Swindell. This book includes many creative projects that let you custom design maps of every kind using well thought out and easy to follow templates. A Map of the World is a beautifully designed book showcasing various map images created by talented artists and illustrators. The book Maps by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinska is known as a “visual feast for readers of all ages” and can be found in many museum bookshops. And of course there is the famous National Geographic Atlas of the World which every household needs. Ours is taken out and admired almost daily.

For the Travel Buff

And of course if you have any travel enthusiasts on your gift-list a map inspired gift is an absolute must. My all time favourite gift for fellow travelers are the waterproof Crumpled City Maps that you can literally scrunch up and stuff in your pocket. No more aggravating folding of paper maps that end up getting destroyed after a few hours of use. The series offers maps for over 40 cities (including Junior Maps for the younger crowd). Other favorite gifts for travelers include these travel journals, this laundry bag and this funky umbrella. My kids received this Scratch-Off Travel Map a few years ago and have loved updating it after each trip we’ve made.

For the Teetotaller

There is always at least one teetotaller on everyone’s holiday gift list. Whether it’s your sweet little grandma or a co-worker who drinks 15 cups a day you’ll never go wrong gifting tea related products and accessories. This map-print thermos is sophisticated yet trendy, this enamel map mug is stylish and environmentally friendly and this Teas From Around the World Tasting Set is the ultimate tea-lovers gift. And in case you really don’t have a teetotaller on your list I even found this handsome map adorned flask for your whisky loving pals.

For the Homebody

These gifts are great for the people in your life who love to bake, entertain or add original decorations to their home. I love this USA coffee table with it’s fashionable wood legs and aqua coloured table top. These Mexico Map tea towels designed and illustrated by Stuart Hill are super stylish and would brighten up anyone’s kitchen. These cocktail sized map napkins would be perfect for anyone who loves to entertain. And map shaped cookie cutters would be an ideal gift for kids or the baking enthusiasts in your life (Japanese prefecture ones pictured in photo here).

I could show you so many more fantastic map-themed gifts but instead I’ll invite you to visit my map inspiration board on Pinterest. I’m adding great gift ideas, products and map-themed DIY projects daily. Wishing you all a great holiday season ahead!