Come wintertime, when the weather is cold and dry, hydration is the name of the game—which is where scented hand creams and nourishing skin salves come into play, making for excellent gifts. Additionally, a non-greasy, ultra-moisturizing body oil can easily elevate your giftee’s skincare routine—especially one with a crisp citrus scent reminiscent of the serene Sicilian countryside.
Meanwhile, beauty enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate tried-and-true essentials. These run the gamut from nourishing lip balms to a botanical-infused hair care set that’s TSA-approved, to a restorative hair mask to combat dry and dehydrated strands, which happens all too often when globetrotting.
Travel-friendly clothing & shoes
When it comes to fashion, comfort is key—and some things just never go out of style. This holiday, stock up on travel-friendly wardrobe staples, including cute joggers, Traveler-favorite leggings, cashmere basics, and ultra-soft crew necks and cardigans that are ideal for layering. Alternatively, present your giftee with one of several other loungewear staples, all perfect for plane rides. In anticipation of cold weather, gift them a warm coat or a blanket scarf they can wrap themselves in all winter long. Last but not least, don’t forget about footwear. When it comes to gifting shoes, options abound, from supportive walking sneakers to stylish boots (bonus points if they’re waterproof!) to versatile ballet flats, which, yes, are officially back in style.
Tech essentials
Tech-loving travelers are sure to love the savvy gifts shown below. A portable sound machine—which easily clips onto backpacks, diaper bags, and totes—makes it easy for kids and adults alike to snooze (almost) anywhere. Wearable tech, including Oura Rings and Apple Watches, is a functional and, frankly, pretty neat gift, as it allows travelers to track biometrics like heart rate, step count, sleep, and more. Meanwhile, a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones will come in handy on plane, train, and car rides filled with screaming children or chatty seatmates. Your giftee can also enhance their in-flight entertainment set-up with a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, which lets them pair their wireless to their seatback entertainment system without purchasing another pair of wired headphones while in the air. Finally, a tech storage case will help them keep their wires and cables organized and tangle-free throughout the duration of their trip.
Home & kitchen items
These home and kitchen accessories will inspire wanderlust all year long, which is why they make such special holiday gifts. Highlights include scented candles and a fragrance diffuser set from one of our favorite hotel brands. In the kitchen, your giftee can enjoy at-home sushi nights, home-cooked Italian pasta courtesy of an incredible pasta maker that rolls and cuts the dough into traditional shapes like lasagna and taglioni, and authentic French-press coffee reminiscent of the ones you’d find in a Parisian cafe. Other honorable mentions include a glossy travel-themed coffee table book that’s chic enough to double as decor and a splurge-worthy sheets set from none other than the Four Seasons, transforming any ol’ bedroom into a luxury suite.
Food gifts
Gourmands will especially love one of these food-centric gifts, which lets them savor the flavors of the world from the comfort of home. For breakfast and brunch, they can feast on bagels and lox from NYC staple Russ & Daughters, while Laudurée’s French macaroons make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Similarly, sweet tooths can indulge in Belgian chocolate courtesy of Neuhaus; the Chocolate Duets Table Box lets chocoholics create their own praline by mixing and matching from one of six chocolate bases paired with their choice of six toppings. Those craving a sweet taste of Italy can dig into Fiasconaro’s Italian Bakery Cake, which features candied citrus peel and Sicilian saffron. Created in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, the tin itself is a work of art. If your giftee likes to try a bit of everything, snag them a snack box filled with Turkish delights, or, for something savory, a gourmet assortment of Spanish cheeses and meats will do the trick.
Need some more inspo? Check out Traveler’s Amazon Storefront for even more of our favorite travel gifts.