Sharing a roundup of travel gifts I personally use and recommend for 2024
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“What do you mean by ‘vetted’ gifts? Aren’t all your gift guides handpicked?”
Great question! Yes, every gift guide I create is handpicked with care. Most feature a mix of products I’ve personally tried and loved, along with carefully chosen items that have glowing reviews, outstanding quality, and a beautiful dose of practicality. That said, I can’t reasonably test everything in those guides (my little house would overflow if I tried!).
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But this guide is different. Today, I’m sharing a roundup of gifts I personally recommend for 2024—every single one has landed on my doorstep this year and passed my rigorous, real-life testing.
From practical, reliable helpers to delightful surprises, these vetted picks are basically guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive in!
WAYWARD VETTED + APPROVED GIFTS
1. Leather Crossbody Bag | *whispers in a nature documentary voice* And here we have the elusive travel bag unicorn: a crossbody with a zipper and flap closure. For whatever reason, this combination is so difficult to find—and this bag is so ideal for travel that I bought it in two colors (how’s that for a recommendation?).
2. Callus File | Hands-down (feet-down?), this is the best $8 I spent this year. Travel can be so rough on the feet, but this file gently softens my heels after a trip, minus the cheese grater feeling (blech).
3. Phone Case | After upgrading my phone, I tried case after case before settling on this one. It’s slim but ultra-grippy, and I finally feel like I won’t accidentally sling my phone out of my hand every time I pull it out to snap a picture. Plus, it’s MagSafe-compatible for power banks and car mounts.
4. Mary Jane Flats | These arrived at summer’s end, and they are still elevating my jeans-and-a-tee (or sweater!) outfits for errands around town. This pair runs true to size, so steal a peek at your friend’s soles next time they come to visit, and gift confidently.
5. Sunglasses | For someone who somehow missed out on the cool girl genes, these edgy sunglasses are like icy armor—they instantly make any outfit more cool.
6. Silk Sleep Mask | How many fingers am I holding up? I’d never be able to guess while wearing this silk eye mask—with its genius cups that seal around my eyes, I can’t see a thing. And better still, this means no crunched eyelashes in the morning!
7. Beauty Box Gift Card | I received this subscription for a few months earlier this year, and found that it was just the right amount to replenish my travel minis with some new fun finds. I especially love that there’s a quarterly option for gifting, which feels like a long-term gift without the high annual price tag.
8. Travel White Noise Machine | In my college years, I could sleep just about anywhere. But in my thirties? I have a very regimented sleep hygiene routine, and I can’t get a full eight hours without it. This little white noise machine pumps out crazy sound for its size, and it even doubles as a Bluetooth speaker for impromptu dance parties.
9. Mini Hardshell Crossbody | I owned one of the original versions of these, and Michael immediately claimed it for himself. I’m so glad he did because it gave me an excuse to pick up this crossbody version, which keeps my items safe inside and allows me to transport things hands-free.
10. Merino Turtleneck | This sheer top is billed as a sweater, but I think it’s best used as a thin base layer on cold winter days. The merino is soft and itch-free, leaving your recipient toasty warm without added bulk.
Seeking more gifting inspiration? Check out all of my Gift Guides.
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What is your favorite purchase of 2024?
