50 Perfect Holiday Gifts, According to Our Favorite Women Travelers

I typically avoid gift shops, but I fell for the charm of traditional Dutch patterns when I visited Amsterdam several years ago. I couldn’t resist purchasing a spoon rest and as an avid home chef, I use it all the time. And when I do, I think about my favorite Amsterdam memories (apple cake in a charming cafe sits at the top) and I can’t help but smile. —Lia Picard, contributor

If you’ve seen Fishwife’s brightly-colored, graphically-forward packaging, you’ve probably picked up a box simply just to see what it is, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a tinned fish enthusiast. But the women-founded, sustainably sourced tinned fish brand packs just as much punch inside the tin as out—with varieties from smoked salmon with chili crisp (a collaboration with Fly By Jing) to sardines with preserved lemon. This Big Fish Pack is the perfect gift for that friend who can’t stop talking about the conservas they had while solo traveling through Spain and Portugal. It includes one tin of each flavor-packed offering with fish sourced from canneries in Spain, British Columbia, and Washington State. You can toss it into a big salad, on a rice bowl, a fish-cuterie board, or eat it straight from the tin. —Kate Kassin, editorial operations manager at Bon Appétit

I recently traveled to Kona, Hawaii, and came across this amazing locally-made vendor at a Farmers Market in the town of Waimea. A perfect gift for a novice or even expert cook, Steve’s Akaka Falls Farm makes dozens of unique jams, butters, and honey that can be shipped. My favorite is the Hawaiian smoked pineapple, which I use on salmon and grilled chicken. I also picked up a jar of the coffee butter to add to my hot lattes in the morning. —DeAnna Taylor, contributor

As a food-motivated traveler, I was so excited to see Eater’s 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes come out this year—it has the low-down on cult-worthy dishes from across the US that I never imagined I could make at home. I was also excited when I learned that two women were behind it: Hillary Dixler Canavan, the author, and Eater Editor-in-Chief (and my former Traveler colleague and friend) Stephanie Wu, who wrote the foreword. Anyone with a Google Maps crammed with restaurant pins will love flipping through. Personally, I’m starting my journey with the spicy cumin lamb noodles from Xi’an Famous Foods, which is one of my favorite lunch spots in New York. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

I’m based in Paris but my partner and I spend a month or two each year in Mexico City (where she’s from). I always come back with a few favorite things to remember our travels by or to gift. This year, I made sure to stop by the Casa Bosques Librería for a few chocolates—I’m partial to the black toasted sesame seed or the milk chocolate and hazelnut collaboration with Gohar World but anything they do makes for a stunning (and packable) gift. —Rebekah Peppler, contributor and author of the forthcoming cookbook Le Sud

You can’t leave Morocco without trying tagine, a flavorful, rustic stew, typically made with chicken, olives, and preserved lemon. During the winter months, I just want to tuck into this hearty dish—after which this terracotta vessel is named! In addition to being central to the traditional way tagine is made, this type of crockery also makes for a stunning conversation piece in your kitchen—it’s something you’ll want to show off. —Kim Pham, co-founder of Omsom

I’m a bit intense when it comes to chocolate, and the best I’ve ever had is from To’ak in Ecuador, which pays growers more than the fair trade price; the company also knows all the farmers they work with. To’ak only uses Ecuadorian-grown cacao beans (some of the best in the world) and adds in ingredients that come from within the country, like sea salt, malva flowers, salprieta peanuts, Andean mint, and Amazonian ants—they taste lemony! If you’re not ready for insects, this bar with crunchy, roasted amaranth lends a dynamic texture and earthy note to the pure, 65 percent dark chocolate. The packaging for the Alchemy series also features artwork by Ecuadorian artists, and I particularly love this one. —Devorah Lev-Tov, contributor

I put hot sauce on everything. Growing up a good Southern girl, my go-to was Tabasco. Now it’s Shaquanda’s, a line founded by Brooklyn–based drag performer Coco Mulatta (a.k.a. Andre Springer). Never have I loved a hot sauce so much that I will mail order it from halfway across the country, but Shaquanda’s just gets it: flavor first, firebomb second. I love how Springer sneaks in all kinds of interesting ingredients, too. The Original Hot Pepper Sauce plays with horseradish, turmeric, and mustard to magical effect; Spicier Smoke strikes an elusive balance between tongue-lashing habaneros and smoked paprika powder; and banana makes a cameo in Mx. Green Sass, a sauce thrumming with Serranos and jalapeños. But the sauce I crave the most is Oooohmami, a perfect symphony of black garlic, caramelized onions, and blackberry juice. This limited-edition set, which includes a fun tea towel and four of Shaquanda’s five flavors, is the perfect introduction for any aspiring Scovillian. —Ashlea Halpern, contributor

Donabe is Japanese traditional earthen cookware, and I own multiple donabe from Toiro in Los Angeles. My donabe has a semi-permanent spot on my stovetop. You can use them for all sorts of stuff, including stews and steaming fish or just making rice, but I love to use this specifically for making mapo tofu, which just tastes so much better in a Toiro donabe. They are handcrafted by local artisans in Iga, Japan, and each one feels so special. —Jing Gao, founder & CEO of Fly by Jing

Whenever I’m craving the life-changing larb I ate in Bangkok 10 years ago or aching for a return trip to the Philippines, I head to Omsom’s website. The brand, owned by two sisters, sells spice mixes and sauces that make it easy to whip up delicious Southeast Asian dishes at home. Their salt-pepper-and-MSG shaker set is a lovely new staple on my table and so many friends compliment it— I know exactly who will want one as a gift this year. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

Inspired by women of the Tang Dynasty, these ceramic pieces are created by a young Jingdezhen ceramicist who remains anonymous! I mean, come on, so cool. Wing on Won & Co. is the oldest, continuously operating store in Manhattan’s Chinatown, now primarily offering porcelain and ceramic pieces through the lens of culture and tradition. I adore everything they make and offer. —Jing Gao, founder & CEO of Fly by Jing

There are physical vacations and then there are mental vacations. For me, a marathon of Ghibli movies have gotten me through a lot of tough times. I’m partial to Princes Mononke and My Neighbor Totoro, but honestly, most will transport you to another, more whimsical world. After a recent marathon, I started watching fan edits of Ghibli food online to calm myself and immediately bought this donabe after to make rice and stews. It’s an incredible vessel not only for its ability to retain heat but because it looks gorgeous from stovetop to tabletop. —Mi-Anne Chan, senior director of creative development at Teen Vogue, them., and LOVE

Tartan is synonymous with Scotland and when I visited Edinburgh, I knew I had to bring some tartan clothing home with me. I landed on a lambswool shawl which was perfect for cozying up on those chilly, damp nights. I use it all the time at home, even in the summer when the AC is on full blast, and it travels nicely, too. —Lia Picard, contributor

I recently traveled to Peru with Adventures by Disney where we stopped at the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, which highlights the weaving customs and art of Andean communities. A beautiful handmade gift for family and friends, the alpaca wool scarves from the weaving center highlight different patterns and art from the Cusco region of Peru. You can’t go wrong with any of the pieces from the Center, but the warm scarves are easily maintained and look great wear after wear. —Megan duBois, contributor

I’m always looking for cute ways to cover up when I’m traveling and who doesn’t love a high quality Italian knit? It adds a touch of sophistication and quiet luxury. Super soft, a great knit is the best gift for frequent travelers to combat chilly plane temps and nights exploring a new locale. —Nneya Richards, contributor

I own (and love) a few pairs of the classic closed-heel, loafer-like Sabahs, but my favorites are these leopard print baba mules. I’ve found that having some sort of slip-on shoe is essential for my happiness when I travel, and these are easy to pack, chill enough for the pool deck, special enough for dinner, and they magically go with everything. I once ran into a woman wearing the same ones at a remote lodge in Namibia, which felt like its own sort of endorsement. —Maggie Shipstead, novelist and contributor

There is a lot to love about Alder Apparel: The sizing is super inclusive, the designs are durable and chic, and the founders frequently ask customers for their input on future pieces. This particular fleece is a perfect balance between actual jacket and throw-on sweater. My favorite part? So many pockets. It’s perfect for the hiker in your life. —Erika Owen, contributor

The ultimate adventure pants. I just retired a pair after seven years of hard living, including two trips to Antarctica, six to the Arctic, and about 300 miles of backcountry trekking—they were here for a good time and a long time. They’re rugged; they look cool; they have excellent pockets. It’s even kind of fun to re-wax the waxed cotton panels. —Maggie Shipstead, novelist and contributor

I am a huge fan of lounge sets and I pack at least one for every trip I take. I run hot, so I lean toward short sets—this one is silky smooth and comes in great color options. It’s perfect for vacation nights spent curled on a couch reading or reflecting on the day’s adventures. —Erika Owen, contributor

The end of the year can be such a hectic time. I normally try to find moments for relaxing in a bath, and doing a face mask with the lights off. The perfect way to round that out is by adding an Inoki Bathhouse set to the equation. The brand was started by Helen Yin and is deeply rooted in both her family’s approach to stress relief, and research that she’s done on ancient herbal bathhouse practices. The nutrient-rich bath blends feature hojicha tea, mugwort, jasmine flowers, and other ingredients that will help you unwind with added skincare benefits. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer

I was given a small bottle of Santal 33 two years ago (it awaited me with matching in-room bath products at Marram Montauk), and I not-at-all reluctantly joined the armies of people who wear it. But as the bottle runs low, I want to explore the Le Labo universe a bit more—it’s hardly news that their scents are beautifully mixed and have staying power to justify the cost—and I’m hoping I can transition to something that feels slightly less familiar on the streets of New York City. I would love to find a handful of the brand’s 1.5ml samplers in my stocking as I look for my signature scent (and honestly, I might buy a few to add on top of gifts—or in holiday card envelopes—for friends as well). —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

I first discovered this natural and organic skincare brand a few years ago, when I was in arctic Sweden in the dead of winter to see the Northern Lights. To say my skin and lips were dried out is an understatement. When I got to Stockholm, I stumbled on L:a Bruket’s shop and was quickly drawn to this extra-large tube of lip balm. The coconut-almond scent is subtle but delightful, and it glides smoothly on my lips thanks to moisture-locking beeswax, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, almond oil—and not much else. I also love that I don’t find myself having to constantly reapply it. —D.L.T.

I love gifting things from Xinu, a fragrance brand I discovered when visiting Mexico City at the beginning of this year. Their boutique is so special, you have to ring a bell to get inside, and once you’re in, no photos are videos are allowed—it allows you to be transported to their world of plants and botanicals. The brand has left such a strong impression on me, and I love gifting their hand soap and hand cream to friends. The scents are transportive and extremely distinct. —Babba Rivera, Founder & CEO of Ceremonia

I’m loving Violette_FR’s new serums. They come in a travel-friendly set but aren’t necessarily meant to be a multi-step regime, so you can just bring along the one that targets your current needs, whether that’s hydration, irritation, or sun damage. It’s a great gift no matter what your skin type is. —Stephanie Wu, editor-in-chief at Eater

Nopalera is a Chicana-owned clean beauty brand, which uses Nopal cactus as a base for soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers. This bar soap is made with prickly pear and plant butters, and comes in the shape of a cactus pad—tucked into a lovely box. I’m hoping to receive one this year, but I know I’ll be gifting quite a few. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

A gentle re-entry is crucial to maintaining my sanity whenever I return from my expeditions. Juara’s Coconut Illipe Hand and Nail Balm is the perfect pampering for your hard-working hands and nails. Juara, an Indonesian word meaning “champion,” is a women-owned company that blends traditional botanical remedies with Western, 100 percent plant-based science. This award-winning hand balm strengthens and conditions nails and cuticles and instantly replenishes dry skin to improve signs of aging. The paradisaical scent will help you stay grounded and relaxed. —Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, mountaineer and author of In The Shadow of The Mountain

Vintners Daughter Active Botanical Serum is my absolute go-to favorite for keeping my skin hydrated, radiant, and healthy when crossing time zones and changing climates. I never travel without it! I especially love that they give back a portion of proceeds to foundations like Every Mother Counts and other charitable organizations that impact women and the environment. —Molly Berry, founder of Luna Zorro

I never leave home without at least one of these scents in my cosmetic bag. A quick dab here and there gives me an added boost of confidence before heading to dinner or even as I explore through the day. They are easy to pack and travel well, even in a carry-on. I honestly wish there were more options in this size. —D.T.

This is definitely a splurge, but it’s a nice little nod to luxury both at home and while traveling. Tack on the beautiful bamboo canister, for an elevated, TSA-friendly bath time caboodle. I like to save this one when traveling to cooler climates to avoid the stone from melting. —Shanika Hillocks, contributor

I keep a tight edit on skincare in my carry-on but I make sure to take this serum everywhere. It’s soothing, nourishing, sinks in quickly, and gives my skin an extra boost when it’s jet lagged, sleep-deprived, or just every day stressed. I also always have a lip balm by Kosas floating around. —R.P.

One of the biggest perks of my Global Entry is not having to justify how many 3.4-ounce bottles I have. I travel with a lot of hair products for delicate coils. Davines is one of my favorite all natural beautiful and hair care brands and one of their shampoo bars is the perfect gift for frequent travelers. Honestly, most hotel shampoos are subpar and this bar is not only natural and luxurious, but it doesn’t count as one of your liquids! —N.R.

This Japanese kit repairs broken items with a gold seam. I like it because not only is it beautiful and an activity more than an object, but it also gives the user permission to use their nice things—by making it okay for them to break. —Melanie Masarin, founder of Ghia

Isamu Noguchi’s paper lanterns, which were designed by the artist beginning in 1951 and have been handmade for a half-century in Japan since, are modern design icons. I’m finally caving—I want one. I need one! Crossing my fingers for a gift card to the Noguchi Museum so I can put it toward one of my own (like a ceiling orb). Maybe I’ll go in person to the Long Island City, NY museum shop and make a day of it. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

When my husband and I visited Iceland in 2013, we stumbled upon a ceramic shop on a side street in Reykjavik. It was hard not to buy all of the pieces—each made with volcanic ash, but we settled on a candle holder with cutouts which creates a glow when lit from the inside. Volcanos play a big role in Iceland, and it was cool to bring a piece of that home with us,

I can say with 100 percent confidence that this is my favorite scent in the whole world. Fischersund is a wonderfully moody family-run shop in Reykjavík and all of the scents are inspired by Icelandic elements—and made with local ingredients. This shop is worth a trip to see in person; a quick smell brings back so many memories of beautiful moments spent in the mountains. —Erika Owen, contributor

I’ve taken to traveling with the incense I use at home—it offers a sense of grounding wherever I am. —Rebekah Peppler, contributor and author of the forthcoming cookbook Le Sud

This is the most versatile travel companion. I use it to store my jewelry or film camera while in transit, before converting it for its intended purpose—as a chic evening bag—once I arrive at my final destination. The soft leather only improves better with wear, and the timeless shape seems to complement any outfit. —Neada Deters, founder of Lesse

I never leave the country without a travel-friendly bag that has several pockets for my travel necessities and can be worn on the front for safety purposes. I’ve been getting use out of this Lo & Sons fanny pack, it’s versatile for everyday use as well as travel, and anyone can use it. Lo & Sons is an Asian-owned, family business that makes great products but outside of that, they have great hearts and do service work with organizations such as Heart of Dinner. —Amanda Villarosa, contributor and travel photographer

I picked up my petite toile bag during a trip to Büyükada—one of the Princes’ Islands off the coast of Istanbul—and it has pretty much replaced all of my other handbags for day-to-day use, as well as travel. It’s crafted with a lightweight waxed canvas so it’s highly durable and water resistant yet doesn’t feel too heavy, even when it’s jam-packed with my laptop and other carry-on items. It also features top handles and a thick crossbody strap (I end up alternating between the two, depending on my itenerary). The thing I like most about this bag is that it’s a limited edition collaboration between Splendid—one of the only heritage hotels in Istanbul—and a local clothing brand that celebrates island life in the Mediterranean. Every time I wear this bag I feel as though I’m transported to summertime on the banks of the Marmara Sea, even in the depth of winter. —Kaitlyn McInnis, contributor

I traveled Europe for two months using Peak Design products and I’ll probably never use any others. The design details can’t be beat and the functionality is impressive. All of these products are great for trips of any size. I highly recommend them and feel they’d be amazing gifts. —Kirah Tabourn, contributor

It’s everything a traveling woman could ever want in a backpack. There are so many compartments for organization: I throw my quick toiletries and sunglasses in the top front compartment, my cords, adaptors, and other accessories in the bottom front pouch, books in the inside sleeve, and my passport and other valuables in the zippered inside pocket. My computer and my water bottle have their own bespoke spots, so they’re out of the way when I’m reaching for larger items in the main compartment. The padded shoulder straps are comfy, and there’s a sturdy strap across the back to attache it to my roller bag. Best of all, it’s stylish—my 23-year-old son oohed and aahed at it. I settled on gray so it wouldn’t show smudges, but it’s made of 100 percent recycled textured poly, so it‘s sustainable and cleans up well. It goes with me everywhere! —Betsy Andrews, contributor

As I desperately try to reduce my carbon footprint, I’m a firm believer that we should all be traveling with reusable bags. They’re perfect for taking to that farmer’s market in Paris or for picking up Modelos on the way to the beach in Oaxaca (and souvenir shopping in all its forms). Junes Everyday totes are super packable, and made by female weavers in Juarez, Mexico, in a flurry of vibrant colors. Gift your friends one they can use again and again—and treat them to the style with bottle pockets inside. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

I’d be remiss not to mention the Ries travel bottles. They’re Black-woman-owned, sustainable, and come in these opaque colorways with blank or labeled options to keep all your toiletries organized. —Shanika Hillocks, contributor

I am eyeing this travel bag—everything Cuyana makes is so stylish but also functional. For those who are hardy travelers (i.e., a dainty leather bag just won’t do), this will fit the bill perfectly. It just feels incredibly versatile and durable; whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a once-in-a-while trip taker, it’s the kind of bag you want to be carrying. I imagine that lugging this through LaGuardia Airport would make me look incredibly put together even if I am hightailing it to my gate catch a flight. —Priya Krishna, food writer and author of Indian-Ish

As an avid reader, it’s difficult to choose just one book from my long list of current and favorite reads. The Uninhabitable Earth—Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells is a terrifying, meticulously documented, white-knuckled narrative of the avalanche of disasters humanity is facing and will continue to face as the climate crises engulfs the planet. It scares me, but also motivates me to act with urgency. —Cristina Mittermeier, conservation photographer and co-founder of SeaLegacy

Susan Orlean’s book Saturday Night is one I’ve heard about for so many years. The longtime New Yorker writer embarked on my dream trip—she traveled across the US to see what Saturday night means to different pockets of America. There are big cities and small towns, riotous bars and parking lot hangs; countless approaches to, as the book’s description calls it, “the one night of the week when we do the things we want to do rather than the things we need to do.” Orlean joined the Women Who Travel podcast recently (a must-listen conversation), and it reminded me that I need to read this. I’d love to see it under the tree, as I think most travelers would. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor

I’m paler than Nosferatu and equally sun-averse, which has traditionally meant slathering on SPF 100 and dressing like a beach goth anytime I travel somewhere sunny. That changed recently when a friend introduced me to this lightweight mineral sunscreen from Dr. Loretta. It does everything it says it will: moisturizing my parched skin while simultaneously shielding me from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s easy to blend and doesn’t leave behind a chalky residue—just the kind of healthy Hollywood glow that I thought was only possible with Photoshop. The thing I don’t love is the price tag, which is exactly why I’d love someone to gift it to me for future travels. (Husband, are you listening?) —Ashlea Halpern, contributor

The escapism of mountain expeditions has given me space for self-reflection and a strong inspiration for journaling. I discovered The Five Minute Journal in 2017 and quickly became a loyal follower. This journal has worked miracles, and I know it will also work its magic on you. —Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, mountaineer and author of In The Shadow of The Mountain

I got one this year and now I can’t sleep without it. When I tell you that this pillow is extremely cushiony and comfortable, I’m not exaggerating! I’ve slept like a baby ever since I started traveling with it, it’s cushioned, soft, molds to the body, and is compact enough to fold and pack it in a carry-on bag. Needless to say, side sleepers will enjoy cozying up to this pillow on their next flight, long car ride, or hotel stay. —Johnaé De Felicis, contributor

A tarot deck is always great to have on hand while traveling. You can pull a card anywhere, and the tarot can be a great anchor whilst in the untethered world of travel. Simply asking your deck, “how can I best care for myself today” or “what can I focus on today” can add a deeper level of meaning to your day-to-day travels. My favorite deck is the Pagan Underworlds Tarot by Uusi. —Kirah Tabourn, contributor