Gifting the most thoughtful memento thing for a 500 mile hike to inlaws
April 15, 2017 6:03 PM Subscribe
Help me brainstorm a thoughtful memento to gift my inlaws when they leave for the 500-mile Camino trail they are hiking in Spain for the next 6 weeks
This gift will be given to them by me and my spouse, needs to be under $30-50 dollars, and something that I can buy here in town, Salt Lake City. I can purchase it tomorrow, a Sunday. They will be leaving on Monday and I will see them that morning to give it to them. I'm thinking maybe a bookmark, or some kind of food, or sunglasses, but they probably already have sunglasses. Maybe a photo of us in a simple laminated thing? I don't know. I would like them to be able to use it often and think of us as they hike over the next 6 weeks but it can be useful and cool also.
This gift will be given to them by me and my spouse, needs to be under $30-50 dollars, and something that I can buy here in town, Salt Lake City. I can purchase it tomorrow, a Sunday. They will be leaving on Monday and I will see them that morning to give it to them. I'm thinking maybe a bookmark, or some kind of food, or sunglasses, but they probably already have sunglasses. Maybe a photo of us in a simple laminated thing? I don't know. I would like them to be able to use it often and think of us as they hike over the next 6 weeks but it can be useful and cool also.
moleskin moleskin moleskin... MOLESKIN!
extra socks of varying weights.
and seconding a chafing balm, heavy duty lotion, or hydrocortisone cream. Not the most sentimental gift, but most welcome when the need arises.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 6:22 PM on April 15, 2017
extra socks of varying weights.
and seconding a chafing balm, heavy duty lotion, or hydrocortisone cream. Not the most sentimental gift, but most welcome when the need arises.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 6:22 PM on April 15, 2017
I did the Camino with a 10 gallon backpack!
Please don't take up any of their space with non-essentials. Even if it's small they might feel bad if they lose it, particularly if it's sentimental.
I suggest checking if they bought the super absorbent very fine camping towels because those ate super important, or a headlamp which will come in handy if they are staying in the hostels.
Ooooh how about a letter to read at the beginning of their journey, with a reminder that they can take a pic of it and throw the original one away? Fits in nicely with the spiritual aspect.
posted by cacao at 6:41 PM on April 15, 2017 [3 favorites]
Please don't take up any of their space with non-essentials. Even if it's small they might feel bad if they lose it, particularly if it's sentimental.
I suggest checking if they bought the super absorbent very fine camping towels because those ate super important, or a headlamp which will come in handy if they are staying in the hostels.
Ooooh how about a letter to read at the beginning of their journey, with a reminder that they can take a pic of it and throw the original one away? Fits in nicely with the spiritual aspect.
posted by cacao at 6:41 PM on April 15, 2017 [3 favorites]
The letter can be in a photo in a pdf attachment - so there's nothing physical but they can still save it for later.
posted by cacao at 8:41 PM on April 15, 2017
posted by cacao at 8:41 PM on April 15, 2017
I've been on the Camino a few times.
A scallop shell is the sign of the Camino. Give them a small one on a chain to wear or put on their backpack. They will find many others on the trail wearing this. There is also a place on the camino just beyond Astorga where you are supposed to bring a stone from your hometown to leave there - so a nice pebble or stone from your hometown (very small) is appropriate.
If they are religious, a cross on a necklace is appropriate - it is a religious pilgrimage, though many people do it for other reasons.
Also moleskin. Lots of moleskin. Believe me, they will praise you daily if you give them this.
posted by Toddles at 9:02 PM on April 15, 2017 [1 favorite]
A scallop shell is the sign of the Camino. Give them a small one on a chain to wear or put on their backpack. They will find many others on the trail wearing this. There is also a place on the camino just beyond Astorga where you are supposed to bring a stone from your hometown to leave there - so a nice pebble or stone from your hometown (very small) is appropriate.
If they are religious, a cross on a necklace is appropriate - it is a religious pilgrimage, though many people do it for other reasons.
Also moleskin. Lots of moleskin. Believe me, they will praise you daily if you give them this.
posted by Toddles at 9:02 PM on April 15, 2017 [1 favorite]
Offer to print and organize any pictures they take when they get back- That's a ton of work and a lovely way to remember a trip. Maybe for a physical gift buy a blank scrapbook or photo album that you will keep for them until they return so you can fill it with any photos you get. Esp. if you get coupons for Joann or Michaels, a sturdy blank book or even a fancier one can be had for that budget.
posted by ShadePlant at 10:38 AM on April 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by ShadePlant at 10:38 AM on April 16, 2017 [1 favorite]
You could get a nice pocket knife engraved. They could use it on the trail. Heck, it could save their lives!
posted by trbrts at 12:28 PM on April 17, 2017
posted by trbrts at 12:28 PM on April 17, 2017
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posted by Ftsqg at 6:16 PM on April 15, 2017