It’s that time again!
(well, perhaps it’s past time, but who’s really checking?)
This year instead of sharing a different gift guide each day, I wanted to share them all at once: a selection of travel gifts for everyone on your list. Though I’ll always advocate for taking a trip over giving tangible items, I understand that many families still feel that tug at their heartstrings to wrap gifts to exchange with loved ones (mine included). The items here have been selected for their aesthetics and functionality, as I hold a personal belief that the best gifts have both.
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Oh, and while each section may be categorized, the truth is the gifts below will appeal to a broad audience – maybe even someone as difficult to shop for as your Uncle Ted. Take a look (but perhaps be quick about it; even though the gifts below should arrive on time for the U.S. and some international readers with express shipping, it’s best to give yourself a little cushion) and let me know what you’re picking up for your friends and family this year – or just adding to your own list:
Travel Gifts for Her
These gifts are all about health and simplicity. To promote well-being while away, a travel humidifier (which just runs off of a plastic water bottle – a great way to repurpose a convenience item) and a white noise machine make unexpected and thoughtful gifts. This teddy sweater and this packable and stylish hat offer warmth, while a well-designed jacket serves to protect her from the elements. A jumpsuit made from recycled polyester can be worn both on a night out and later to sleep on the plane, while these simple studs* are the only earrings she’ll need to wear while away. This travel brush set can be stowed safely in a makeup bag without fear of smearing leftover product. And if the beach is calling? This towel can take the sand and wind, and be ready to be tucked in a suitcase when it’s time to go home.
Travel Gifts for Him
Even though this selection is titled gifts for him, frankly I wouldn’t be unhappy to receive any of these items on Christmas morning! As with the gifts for her list, themes of effortlessness are present here too. By taking the guesswork out of his packing list, you’ll remove a layer of stress from the travel experience. Good basics are the foundation of a successful pack, and this warm base layer, unexpectedly cool pair of cargo pants*, warm and durable jacket, and yes, socks and undies (save 10% with code WAYWARDBLOG), are sure to make it to each destination. Other helpful travel gifts like a matching set of toiletries, a travel towel, a wireless/portable charger combo, and a travel yoga mat* add function without sacrificing space. And for when he gets back, an edible reminder of his journey is always a pleasant treat.
Travel Gifts for Kids + Teens
The way kids travel these days is vastly different from the road trips of my childhood, but I don’t envy them. The lack of screen time really cemented those memories for me (and I bet it did the same for you). Why not give modern kids a taste of the analog life with backseat games, painless letter writing*, or printed photos? You can also up their style game with timeless tough boots (you’ll hear no complaints of tired feet in these), impenetrable rain protection, and added warmth for every outfit. A packable backpack* is perfect for carrying all of the souvenirs they collect at the beach, and a sturdy mug keeps cocoa warm for hours. And for the big present, let them bring Fido along on your next family vacation in this TSA-approved travel carrier, finally.
Travel Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Stockings are a great vessel for travel gifts as the items inside need to be small and lightweight – just like the items in a suitcase. And all of these are suited to just about anyone’s needs. Clever travel helpers like these tough-to-lose earplugs, cord-wranglers, blister tabs*, reusable utensils*, dental care, and a bag that can carry many times its weight are always great to have on hand. Sure, AirPods are great until tweens find out they can’t be connected to an in-flight entertainment system. These EarPods have the same look but can be plugged into the armrest (or, you know, any old-school headphone jack) and will have better-quality sound than the sets sold mid-flight. And even an unexciting destination becomes more enjoyable with the help of a travel journal* or, if all else fails, a night in with a streaming stick.
Luxe Travel Gifts
To me, what constitutes a luxury gift isn’t necessarily something that can be found on Neiman Marcus’ list of annual Fantasy Gifts. I mean, yes, that does count, but it’s not the only thing. Rather, I believe even everyday, mundane things can be luxuries as long as they’re among the best in their category. My roundup of luxe travel gifts – things that are either best-quality versions or make the travel experience extra-nice – are all under the $1,000 mark (with many under $100). Little travel luxuries that the recipient may never purchase for themselves are easy gifts. Items such as fancy hand lotion, a menthol rub much more ‘gram-worthy than Vicks’, a supple leather laptop sleeve*, and a meditation kit are upgrades on products they may use daily. Innovations in technology can be great gifts, too, like a compact and lightweight folding bike*, a language translator on its own data plan, sunglasses that double as headphones, a hairdryer that makes the most of their valuable travel time, and a video camera to keep an eye on their home while they’re away.
Vetted Travel Gifts
As a new portion of my gift guide this year I thought I’d include some items that I currently own and often travel with. Some you’ll likely have seen already reviewed on the blog, like this leather travel case set (reviewed here) or wool dress (reviewed here). Others you’ll see reviews for soon, like this sumptuous silk travel set (update – review is here!) and the appropriately named Everywhere Bag (would you look at that – the review is now live! And you can save $20 by signing up here). Others are things that I quietly carry but would never leave home without, like my lint roller, trusty digital camera, or this pen that writes like a dream and always manages to rise to the surface of my bag when I need it. And I’ve also included two items that I don’t bring on every trip, but serve as a help to have both at home and away: my go-to rain boots* and my seemingly-bulletproof tote.
*this item is no longer available and I've linked a similar product
Looking for more gifting inspiration? Check out all of my gift guides here.
What’s on your wish list this year?
