Apparently, I’m a creature of habit. As much as I love a spontaneous travel adventure, when Daylight Savings comes sweeping through every November, I go into nesting holiday mode. After a weekend of holiday movies (thank you Hallmark channel), I’m on the couch indulging in yet another Food Network Thanksgiving Challenge. It’s 4:52pm and as the sun disappears (already!?) over the hills to the West, it’s almost time to turn on both the heater and the lights. I’m torn between the annual humbug I feel when seasonal darkness sets in and the excitement of my favorite holidays, now just around the corner. And with the holidays comes gift giving. Does anyone else remember when Black Friday was just one day? Who wants to hop up from the dinner table to run to a sale at WalMart? (Ok, granted some of you probably will). Instead, I plan to enjoy dinner and family time and shop online in the comfort of home in my sweats, maybe with a glass of wine or spiked cocoa. However you choose to shop, here is a solid list of holiday gifts for the traveler in your life. Maybe that traveler is you. If so, treat yourself!

An update from last year’s list, these are gems I’ve discovered this year that would make my own travels that much better.

LUGGAGE/GEAR

1. Lipault, Weekender Bag – Lipault remains a favorite of mine. My two carry ons have made the rounds with me all year. I’d love to add this cute weekender to the collection for those quick overnight trips.
2. Lipault, Business Backpack – This backpack is sleek and sophisticated enough for work travel and fun enough to double for vacay travel too.
3. Lo & Sons, The Rowledge – another great travel tote/backpack. My current Lo & Sons bag was a Christmas gift and has been a favorite for work travel for several years.
4. Madewell, Zip Top Medium Transport Tote – I love this bag as a stylish option for both commuting and travel, as it will pack flat and has a zipper to keep your valuables safe on planes, trains and in crowded places.
5. Able, Abera Commuter – another great option even if your only travel is on the train to work. It’s also the perfect size for a daytime, cross body bag when you’re out exploring on vacation.

TRAVEL TECH

1. Amazon, Fire HD 8 Tablet – my Fire tablet is several years old and still going strong. The best way to travel with all my books, magazines and streaming apps when I don’t have my laptop.
2. Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds – Last year I went with wireless headphones as an upgrade for travel, this year we’re going to the next level with earbuds. I just ordered mine, can’t wait to try them out on my next flight!
3. HiGoing, Solar Power Bank Portable Phone Charger – for every time you’ve needed to charge your phone at the airport and there were two outlets available for two hundred people at your gate, or spent the day at an outdoor festival and ended up on 2%. Give yourself a fighting chance. Solar is the wave of the future- be ready for everything from camping to blackouts… and maybe the apocalypse.
4. JBL, Portable Speaker – Music makes the world go round and this waterproof speaker can provide the soundtrack for all your grand adventures. Ready for the beach, your hotel room and anywhere else you decide to roam.

FASHION

1. Reemonde, Cashmere Blend Pashmina/Scarf – any item that can double as something else is a win for a traveler. A blanket on the plane that can be a pashmina when you visit a church, then a scarf for a chilly evening is a perfect gift!
2. BALEAF, Women’s Joggers – I know we are supposed to be fashionable during our travels. Effortlessly chic in trousers, loafers and crisp button up shirt or whatever. I prefer to be warm and comfortable when I’m on a plane. I feel like these joggers are a sporty compromise- a step up from yoga pants. I’ve got a pair in my Amazon basket as we speak.
3. ‘I Travel For the Food‘ tee – I love a good graphic tee. Rarely does one capture my personal travel philosophy as well as this one does. Check the Perfect Bites section of this very blog, if you need proof.
4. Baubax, Women’s Bomber Jacket 2.0 – I alternate between calling this the Macgyver and the Inspector Gadget jacket. With 20+ built in features, from an eye mask to a bottle opener and inflatable neck pillow, how can I not at least be curious?? It’s pretty cute too!
5. Superga, Cotu Classic Sneaker – these were on my wish list last year and I picked up a pair for my trip to Portugal. They were cute and comfy, carrying me through hills and across uneven pavement and cobblestones around Lisbon. I didn’t even break them in before the trip and they were great. They also don’t look like orthopedic shoes (like many others that are highlighted on several ‘best of’ travel shoe lists). I’d highly recommend them.
6. Converse, Chuck Taylor All Stars – There’s a pair of Chucks for every occasion. Maybe I’m biased, as Chucks are a part of my Cali girl uniform. But it’s not just me. People jump the broom in Chucks… and travel the world too. Design your own custom pair, or pick a bold printed high top (like I just did). Writing this list isn’t safe. I’ve started shopping.

BEAUTY

1. Burt’s Bees, Tips and Toes Kit Gift Set – travel can dry your skin out like nothing else. Keep the ash away.
2. Maybelline, Lip Color Palette – this is my go-to set for travel. Compact and easy to blend a variety of lip colors.
3. Glossier, Cloud Paint – my new favorite blush to add a little color to my cheeks and brighten up my face. A tiny bit goes a long way and this little tube is the perfect size for travel.
4. Skylar, Sample Palette – sample size fragrances for layering and keeping your carry on bag light.
5. Grace Eleyae – Slap (Satin Lined Cap) – So Brown Ladies, we’ve all heard that we’re supposed to sleep on satin pillowcases to protect our delicate hair, right? I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite together enough to pull this off on a regular basis at home (much less when I’m traveling). Then came Grace Eleyae and these magical beanies, aka Slap Caps. I can’t say enough about these beauties! My Slap gets credit for the only successful 2nd day curly hair days I’ve ever had. Without it, I wake up looking like a Muppet. This cap is the truth. Pro tip: if you’re lucky, they will have a BOGO sale and you can gift one and keep the other for yourself 😉

STOCKING STUFFERS

Okay, we’re on the home stretch! Some last minute, practical items that won’t break the bank.

1. Nefeeko, Collapsible Water Bottle – as water stations are replacing bottled water in many airports, be ready to fill up with this clever, reusable bottle.
2. Physix Gear, Sport Compression Socks – don’t let swollen, puffy ankles after a long flight take you down. Toss a pair of these in your carry on and hit the ground running.
3. Yinuo Mirror, Scented Candles Gift Set – travel size aromatherapy is awesome, for refreshing a stale hotel room or bringing some Zen and calm to unfamiliar surroundings.
4. Savor, Life Planner – for the jet setters, the list makers and dreamers alike. Perfect for a long haul flight, extended layover or reflection time on vacation. Their mantra of ‘self-care meets soul-care’ is the perfect holiday sentiment for someone looking to start the next year off right.

Making a List, Checking it Twice

So I’m not here to judge who was naughty or nice this year. Hopefully you were just enough of each to keep things interesting and get some gifts this holiday season. If you came to this post looking for inspiration for holiday gifts for the travelers in your life, I hope you’re leaving with some ideas. If all else fails, plane tickets are still a great gift 😉

Happy shopping!