You’ve likely read a lot about how the workplace is going mobile in the modern era. But the sad fact is most of us spend an inordinate amount of time traveling to work. The average American spends nearly an hour commuting each and every work day — which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, is the longest average commute on record. Add all that time up, and it winds up being a significant chunk of the week — probably longer than the average American spend exercising.
Since the commute is an inevitable part of our lives, why not use this holiday season to brighten it up for your friends and family? Here are some helpful gifts that can make someone’s monotonous trip to and from the office a little more comfortable, stylish, or (dare we say it) even fun.
The Topo Designs x Gear Patrol Backpack Tote
Price: $139
From: store.gearpatrol.com
The Topo Designs x Gear Patrol Backpack Tote provides the same kind of versatility and utility for urban dwelling that technical packs offer for off-the-grid adventures. With a sleek silhouette constructed from 1000D Cordura and X-Pac, and four distinct ways to carry, the Backpack Tote is a great gift for city dwellers, subway commuters and people on the go.
1. Miir 27 oz Water Bottle
Price: $20
From: amazon.com
Hydration is essential while commuting…or doing anything, really. This Miir bottle offers a straightforward, minimalist design with an easy-to-grab handle. Its slim profile can fit in a cupholder — or a stocking.
2. RTIC Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
Price: $23
From: amazon.com
Many adults are only as productive as they are caffeinated. This RTIC insulated tumbler, which comes from one of the top names in coolers, keeps your coffee hot all the way to work. It can also hold ice for 24 hours, should one prefer their joe cold-brewed.
3. Audible Gift Card
Price: $30
From: amazon.com
Sick of hearing about a bunch of true crime podcasts you’re never going to listen to? Help your significant other catch up on those books they want to read with a three-month Audible subscription.
4. Gear Patrol Umbrella
Price: $47
From: store.gearpatrol.com
We partnered with Blunt on this compact, collapsible and wind-resistant umbrella that’s built to last (unlike that desperation buy from CVS).
5. CB2 Wood Bike Storage Shelf
Price: $50
From: cb2.com
Storage is a major hassle for bike commuters. This stylish, affordable, and easy-to-mount wood storage shelf from CB2 gets the bike off the floor and out of the way.
Gear Patrol Magazine Subscription
Price: $39
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Gear Patrol Magazine is a deep dive into product culture. Inside each issue, you’ll find seasonal buying guides, rich maker profiles and long-form dispatches from the front lines of product design. Get four print magazines — delivered quarterly — with an annual subscription.
6. The North Face Berkeley Back Pack
>Price: $65
From: thenorthface.com
The North Face’s Berkeley backpack offers throwback style and great functionality at a reasonable price. It can work for the figurative hike to work or school, as well as on a literal hike.
7. Mophie Powerstation XL
Price: $100
From: amazon.com
Smartphones are our connection to the modern world. (When is the last time you navigated without one?) Mophie’s portable Powerstation XL can add up to 48 hours of battery life, so you’ll never need to worry about being disconnected.
8. Bontrager Charge WaveCel Commuter Helmet
Price: $150
From: trekbikes.com
Trek designed this helmet specifically for commuting. It makes use of the company’s new WaveCel technology that dramatically reduces head impacts during a collision.
9. Mystery Ranch 3-Way Briefcase
Price: $150
From: huckberry.com
This stylish Mystery Ranch briefcase keeps your work life organized and is prepared for all social situations, thanks to the ability to function as a backpack, shoulder bag or traditional briefcase.
10. Apple AirPods
Price: $159
From: amazon.com
Apple’s now-familiar wireless earbuds are a quality set of headphones for the iPhone user. Free your favorite commuter from the tyranny of wires.
11. Sorel Madson Chukka Waterproof Boot
Price: $170
From: amazon.com
Nothing ruins an outfit like unsightly-but-weather-required footwear. These Sorel boots are comfortable, attractive waterproof boots that can transition from the commute to the office to a night on the town.
12. Hill City Waterproof Hooded Jacket
Price: $198
From: hillcity.gap.com
This Hill City jacket was our editors’ choice for the best rain jacket. It is lightweight and waterproof — and it looks so good, you’ll wish for rain.
13. Diptyque Car Diffuser Set
Price: $240
From: diptyqueparis.com
Most car air fresheners end up smelling worse than the stale old car smell. These, however, will make someone’s car smell like high-end Diptyque candles.
14. Filson Original Briefcase
Price: $325
From: eastdane.com
This classic-styled briefcase is lined with green canvas, and is designed to hold a 15-inch laptop and other daily necessities.
15. Boosted Boards Rev Electric Scooter
Price: $1,599
From: boostedboards.com
Got a short commute? Reduce your carbon footprint with the Boosted Rev electric scooter. It can travel up to 24 mph, and has a range of 22 miles.
The Yema Superman Heritage GMT
Price: $1,499
From: store.gearpatrol.com
Looking for a special gift for someone who travels a lot for work? A GMT watch is a classy way to track different time zones. Simply adjust the bezel and 24-hour GMT hand to stay on time, wherever they are traveling.
