I have to admit, I am the girl who needs nothing. I must be the worst person in the world to buy presents for.

Something with a heart on, or something pink for the kitchen usually goes down well (or failing that, something made of diamonds…) but I have to admit this year Nige surpassed himself with utter genius…

Firstly, I GOT MY BACKPACK!! This is a milestone moment in my life. NOT a rucksack, but a flashpackingly stupendous BACKPACK! The boy done absolute good. After the success of his Osprey Wayfarer on The Balkans Odyssey, he’s got me a girly version that I’m absolutely tickled pink with. I want to go somewhere NOW and use it, yes right NOW this minute!!

I did have a nano-second of horror at the thought of his ‘n’ hers Osprey packs, but they are different colours, and who cares anyway? We were always going to be getting Osprey packs, but I hadn’t quite envisaged us as so… well… matching. But hey – the Wayfarer is great being totally side access so who actually gives a stuff?

Secondly, I got a head torch!!! I’m smiling even typing about it. This had been inspired by ‘High Heels and a Head Torch’, and I have to admit I’m almost as excited about my head torch as I am my backpack.

It might be a while yet before the Big Trip takes place, but there’s no harm in getting kitted out while we can afford it, and, the backpacks (and head torch!) will get some use in the intervening years between now and the Big Trip with our mini attempts to indulge our free spirits.

Don’t you think the ‘thumbs up’ is a nice touch?!

PS. I got a ‘spork’ as well. Not so excited about that.