Shopping, Travel Tips

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Traveler

It’s been dark outside for what seems like hours (it’s 5:57pm).  Holiday baking challenges have me glued to the Food Network.  Should I try to brine a turkey this year?   Lifetime and the Hallmark channel have started showing movies where the single woman takes a fake fiancé home for Christmas so her family won’t think she’s a loser.  The signs are clear- the holidays are upon us.  It’s time for festive holiday parties, great food, family and friends and gift shopping.   If you’re anything like me, you’ll avoid the Black Friday crowds and shop in your pj’s on the couch.  To make your online shopping a breeze, I’ve compiled a holiday gift guide for any special travelers in your life.

holiday gifts ideas for the traveler

(I’ve put a * next to all the items I already own and love.  Many have been Christmas gifts from years past!)

LUGGAGE/GEAR

1.  Lipault carry-on bag* – pick a festive color, get one for everyone in your crew.  My girls and I look like a pack of Skittles when we travel together; it’s cute.  #tastetherainbow
2.  Delsey Underseat Tote* – if you’re going on a quick overnight, or catching a flight on Spirit, this is your bag.
3.  Lo and Sons OG overnight bag* – pairs perfectly with my Lipault carry-on; those two bags are my go-to for any long weekends or quick trips (3-5 days).
4.  ebags backpack* – this bag ran through the streets of Florence with me, fits under most airplane seats and unzips to open and lay flat making it easy to pack and find things.  A real winner.
5.  “Vaca” Dreams tote bag – I don’t have this one… yet. 😉
6.  Packing cubes* – never leave home without them.  I use them like drawers to keep everything separated and organized on my travels.
7.  Toiletry bag* – I’ve had several types, this one wins for space saving and not hiding things from me.
8.  Make-up bag* – my sister KT got this bag first and made me a believer.  I take it everywhere now.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

9.  Blanket* – it’s not bulky and doesn’t look like much but this blanket has kept me from freezing to death on many a flight.  And it fits easily in a purse or carry on bag.
10.  Neck pillow – if you’ve ever nodded off on a flight and hit your head or woken up laying on a stranger’s shoulder, you understand why this gift is a necessity.  This type can be deflated, making it easy to pack up when you aren’t using it.
11.  Eye mask – a traveler’s best friend for red eye flights and places without blackout drapes.
12.  Water bottle* – this is a good space saver, and probably also great for camping… if you’re into that sort of thing.
13.  Travel Journal* – nothing like being a little introspective on your journey through life.  I picked up a couple journals before my trip to Europe, this one is my favorite.

TRAVEL TECH

15.  Portable charger*- this charger regularly saves me from roaming the airport desperately searching for outlets.
17.  Amazon Fire tablet
18.  Travel tripod* – take travel selfies to the next level.

FASHION

19.  Statement tees – There’s no shortage of cute travel inspired tees, like this one.

20.  Blanket scarf*- if you’re headed to a cold destination, this scarf can be both a blanket on your flight and a fashionable accessory when you arrive.

21.  Leggings – for longer flights when comfort is key.

22.  Nike Internationalist – customize a pair, if you feel fancy.

23.  Superga sneaks – I have my eye on these for my next trip to Europe.

STOCKING STUFFERS

24.  Eos Lip balm*
25.  Mario Badescu Spritz Mist and Glow Facial Spray Collection* – another pick I got from KT; this facial spray is great for a refresh anytime and perfect for airplane travel.
26.  L’occitane hand creme
27.  Oil blotting paper – a quick way to freshen up your face after a long flight
28.  Refillable perfume spray bottles* – these mini bottles are a cute and efficient way to travel with your favorite fragrances.  I use them all the time, both when I’m traveling and in my purse from day to day.

READY, SET, SHOP!

I’m pretty sure I speak for many travelers when I say plane tickets to a fabulous place like Bali would be much appreciated this holiday season.   If that’s a bit outside of your budget, this list of great holiday gifts ideas should keep your traveler exploring the world in style.  If you are the traveler, feel free to share this list with your friends and family to give them some inspiration.  Or pick up a little something for yourself… I just bought the wireless headphones on this list to get me through all my holiday air travel. 😉

What’s on your holiday wish list this year??

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