The holiday season is once again upon us and leave it to retailers to make consumers feel as if they’re already behind in their holiday shopping. And even for those who plan ahead, there’s always seems to be a person or two on our list who are nearly impossible to shop for. With travel finally back to pre-pandemic numbers, now might be a great time to refresh travel gear or look for new items to help make travel a bit easier. In what marks the 10th edition of my holiday travel gift guide (you can find past editions here), here are some ideas of practical and functional items for the travel lover on your list, things that they will hopefully appreciate and use for years to come.
Happy gifting and happy holidays!
1. S’well Travel Bottles
I was an early adaptor of the S’well water bottle and even included in my 2014 gift guide. After years of dealing with leaky travel-sized bottles I’m excited to try out the new S’well Travel Bottle Set. Each set comes with 3 TSA-approved 3.4 ounce bottles that are durable, lightweight and easy to use with a leek-free pump. They also come with a clear toiletry bag to keep your products safe until they arrive at their final destination. swell.com
2. Fjallraven Backpack
Prepping for a big trip with a little kid has had me on the search for the perfect backpack, one that’s not too big and not too small, with a just-right amount of comfort and functionality. I love the smaller model Skule 20 model, which is an ideal size for school, work or day trips, with tons of pockets, a water resistant exterior and a variety of beautiful colors to choose from. Even though it’s designed for adults, the backpack is a good size for a younger traveler. fjallraven.com
3. Clear Bag
While on the topic of bags, more and more clear bags are becoming the norm at stadiums, concerts and other large events. Rather than using a small toiletry-sized pouch, I’ve upgraded to a slightly larger version with a cross body strap and a couple of zipper pockets in a size that can fit a phone and a handful of other essentials. Plus, many have the option to swap out and straps so you can have fun customizing your look depending on the occasion. amazon.com
4. Compression Packing Cubes
Anyone who knows me will tell you that my all-time favorite travel tip/packing hack/gift to give is packing cubes. The classic eBags set made the list of my first gift guide in 2013 and this year I’m adding compression packing cubes to my bag of tricks. Available in three different sizes, these packing cubes help maximize suitcase capacity and fill space effectively while keeping your clothes neat and organized. I seriously don’t know how I ever traveled without packing cubes. ebags.com
5. Wanderlust Passport Travel Journal
I always carry a Moleskine Notebook with me to take notes during my travels (another product that was featured in my first gift guide) and recently discovered the Wanderlust Passport Travel Journal by bobo design studio. Touted as a travel journal made for travelers by a traveler, it is specifically designed to document your travel adventures in a fun and creative way, with durable pages that provide room to write, sketch, doodle, include stamps, stickers and photos, plus color-in maps, checklists and more. Basically it’s the perfect canvas to make your own and preserve travel memories for years to come! bobodesignstudio.com
6. Universal Travel Adaptor
A trip to Switzerland this year had me investing in yet another adaptor, which made me seek out a one-size-fists-most solution. Enter the EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter, which is like the Swiss army knife of adaptors with 4 different plugs that adapt for more than 200 different countries and regions. With 4 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port and 1 AC socket, you can charge up to 6 devices at the same time, so a shortage of outlets in an airport or hotel room will be a thing of the past. epickatech.com
7. Belt Bag
I know what you’re thinking, fanny packs are a thing of the past, but hear me out. There’s a method (i.e. function) behind the once fashion faux paus madness, because having a hands-free pouch around your waist really is super convenient. Fast forward to 2023, and belt bags as they are now known are having a moment. One option is the Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, which has a basic and versatile design and can be worn on the waist or across the body for practically everything from hiking to shopping and traveling, in the city or outdoors and more. Just throw in your phone and keys and go. lululemon.com
8. Travel Size Games
Take your favorite games with you on the go with travel-sized versions of all the classics. You’ll find tons of options online for every type of trip, from a dice version of the strategy game Catan to a version of the board game Sorry! in a fully-contained portable case. Another favorite is “baby Uno” as we like to refer to our miniature version of the iconic card game in my household. The possibilities and fun on the go are endless. amazon.com
Want more ideas? Check out gift guides from past years here.
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