Holiday Gift Guide

If you're doing some holiday shopping for the travel lovers in your life, I created a small gift guide with some favorite things - items I frequently use, as well as travel-inspired gifts. While holiday shopping can be overwhelming and excessive, I know it can also be fun and meaningful to exchange gifts with your loved ones.

If you’re looking to gift experiences, we’re offering gift cards that can be used for travel planning at two different levels:

$200 Travel Consultation Call: This is a wonderful option if you'd like to run any travel-related questions by our team to receive our feedback, tips, and recommendations, and might be a great fit as you are starting to conceptualize your trip.

$500 Travel Planning Services: For those looking to utilize our team in assistance planning an upcoming trip. Whether you want someone to plan your entire trip, or you just want help with specific requests.

TRAVEL BOOKS

Travel books are one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. It’s the perfect way to escape to the countryside or the beach from the comfort of your own home when travel isn’t possible. It’s also a great conversation starter when you’re hosting and these are displayed. It’s fun to daydream with friends about future trips together while poring over these books and adding new destinations to our wishlists.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR & ACCESSORIES

After all of my years traveling via planes, trains, and automobiles; I’ve become particular about the travel gear and accessories I use. They have to withstand a lot of miles and not fall apart after a few trips. I’ve found that investing in quality pieces means you’re spending less in the end. So while that trendy new bag might be appealing, I rely on these classics.

TRAVEL-INSPIRED GIFTS

To remind your giftees of their favorite destinations, travel-inspired gifts are a great idea. In addition to the travel books, you can find destination-focused gifts such as candles, totes, and attire. For Anglophiles, royal-favorite Fortnum & Mason ships to the US and Canada! From their extremely popular hampers and gift baskets to tea and biscuits; Fortum & Mason never disappoints.

STOCKING STUFFERS

These gifts are perfect for stocking stuffers. From a nice passport case to leather luggage tags and card cases, I find that these are travel items that people don’t tend to purchase for themselves as often. Travel-sized beauty items are also great choices and are perfect for those long-haul flights.

FOR THE GUYS

Don’t forget about travel gifts for the guys! Sometimes the guys in your life can be the hardest to buy gifts for. I’m lucky in that my husband loves to travel as much as I do so I know he’ll appreciate these items when we’re off to a new destination or when we’re at home in London.

Regardless of whether or not you’re in the market for any items on this travel-inspired gift guide, I hope your holiday season is filled with lots of  love, joy & happiness!

This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from, at no cost to you. 

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: The Travel Lover

Increasingly year over year, the internet is flooded with gift guides promoting what to buy your loved ones this holiday season. I too participate in the annual tradition of gifting and think the act of expressing generosity to those you love is a beautiful gesture. But as easily as I'll admit to that, I'll also confess that this very practice has made me a bit of a cynic. Society's even-more-extravagant-than-usual push toward consumerism is about as subtle as a sledge-hammer and often robs the attention from where focus should be this time of year. And in a season where I've found so much richness in living more simply, I've really struggled with all the waste and frivolity that accompanies this time of year (buying people things they don't want or need, forests full of unnecessary wrapping paper… the list goes on). I don't mean to sound like the Grinch. In fact, I absolutely love the Christmas season and all the festivities that it brings! But I also feel compelled to speak out against this purely acquistional mindset that perpetuates materialism or steals from the things that bring us more fullness.

While I hope there are more simple moments of togetherness than there are “things” in your holiday season, hear me when I say there is absolutely still space at the table for expressing generosity through the act of tangible giving. Again, I participate in gift exchanges as well! And while I (personally) won't be making multiple gift guides for various profiles you might be shopping for (my area of expertise is travel, so that's what I'm going to stick to) if you're a frequent traveler or you're shopping for one, I do have some helpful input that’s worth speaking to.

For starters, I would love to help you plan a trip! I believe travel and the memories we gain from experiences together is one of the sweetest gifts life has to offer. If you’re interested in booking time with me (for yourself or as a present for someone you love), visit my Travel Planning page.

And if you’re looking for some great travel-related products? I’ve compiled a list of things I own and genuinely love. All of these are great quality and won't be throwaway clutter you're tired of a few months after Christmas (in fact, a lot of them are repeat mentions from the years past when I've done this same drill, which is proof that I'm still using them). It's my hope that if you're in the market for any of these things, this will be a helpful way to steer you toward products that are worth your money and will actually add value to your life. But if not? Direct your funds and energy elsewhere… because at the end of the day, it’s just stuff :)

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR:

A GREAT PURSE FOR TRAVEL:

A classic black leather bag can do no wrong, in my opinion. I pretty much always have these three in constant rotation, depending on the occasion. If I just need a small bag for the essentials, this FashionABLE Menbere cross-body bag (which also helps fight generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women) is the perfect size and contains multiple compartments perfect for casual travel days. If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, yet hoping to avoid seeming pretentious, this Lipault Paris bag is chic, high-quality and looks a bit more polished. And if you need a roomy tote to carry on a plane or train? This Cuyana structured carry-all tote (and tassel!) is one of my all-time favorites.

If you’re looking for a wider-range of travel bags, be sure to check out my “Best Bags for Travel” post.

A TRAVEL COSMETIC BAG:

I’ve carried this Cuyana leather travel case set for almost 3 years now and both bags are still as good as new. You can choose from a variety of chic colors and add a monogram if you’d like to add a sense of personalization.

A PASSPORT CASE:

I have had the same Aspinal of London passport case for two years now and I love it! Unfortunately they no longer carry my color, however they do have several other beautiful options. Similarly, I recently found The Daily Edited and think their passport cases are also beautiful (Cuyana has some lovely ones as well).

A LUGGAGE TAG:

I’ve had a variety of luggage tags over the years, but a few have really stood out among the rest. This classic pebbled-leather one by Cuyana will always be a favorite, along with this classic Leatherology one (which has an option for a beautiful hand-painted personalization). Again, The Daily Edited has some beautiful options (like this) and I also liked the chic simplicity of this one from Nordstrom. 

COZY CLOTHES FOR TRAVEL DAYS:

Wrapping up in cozy layers is the best way to travel (see this post for a more extensive list of suggestions). Some of my favorite pieces I’ve worn for years now, like this cozy cardigan or these adidas superstars. Recently, I’ve fallen completely in love with these Cuyana ponte pants (I am embarrassed to tell you how many days out of the week I wear these here in London…) I also finally got this beautiful Alpaca cape that I’ve wanted for so long now, and it feels so luxe and cozy to wrap up in.

A TRAVEL WALLET:

This Cuyana pebbled-leather travel wallet is honestly one of my favorite everyday items I own (I've pointed several friends to this piece and they're now advocates for it as well!) It's perfectly sized to fit in any purse or carry on bag without being too large and bulky. It neatly compartmentalizes your credit cards, travel documents, passport and spare change (plus there are plenty of other compartments where you can keep business cards, a lipstick or other essentials if that's all you want to carry out one night).

AN EXTERNAL CHARGER:

This external charger does NOT mess around. I can honestly charge this bad boy once and it will last me about an entire week of charging my phone and devices- whether I’m traveling or just roaming around London. After getting so annoyed by so many external chargers barely giving me any juice and just being an extra piece of junk I’m carrying around, I have recommended this gem to so many people because I love it so much.

A RE-USABLE WATER BOTTLE:

I’m more committed than ever to reducing my environmental footprint and eliminating unnecessary single-use plastic from my life. I’ve loved this travel-specific Swell re-usable water bottle because it’s easy to wash by hand while on-the-go and holds a good amount of water without being too bulky.

PACKING CUBES:

These have been a game-changer for the way I pack! Not only do they keep me significantly more organized, I find that they really do save me space in my suitcase because they can compress bulky items down into smaller sizes.

A TANGLE-FREE PLACE FOR YOUR CHARGING CORDS + HEADPHONES:

Cuyana gifted me this chic little leather pouch that’s the perfect place to keep your headphones. Even though I asked for air pods for Christmas, I can still easily store those (or any other charging cords) in here to keep them from getting lost or tangled in my bag.

A HYDRATING MASK POST-AIRPLANE:

I tried these La Mer hydrating sheet masks earlier this year and was blown away by the difference I felt in my skin. While I’ve certainly tried products before that seemed to work, nothing compares to this level of how impressed I’ve been (truly hydrating without feeling greasy or gross). They’re definitely more of a splurge for a sheet mask, but worth every penny for the difference you’ll notice in dehydrated skin.

A WEEKEND TRAVEL BAG:

I am still carrying two of my Cuyana overnight and weekender totes from years ago that are no longer in stock, because I haven’t needed to replace them (similar options here and here). Additionally, this Leatherology weekend tote has been an amazing addition to my repertoire and has the option to add a beautiful hand-painted personalization detail.

For more items that are my “go to” favorites, visit the “Shop Travel Gear” section of my site. I try to keep my travel recommendations for shopping quite succinct, as I’m a believer in fewer, better things. If you want to do some additional browsing for an item you need that perhaps I didn’t speak to, here is a list of retailers (including some having sales/promotions) who I think provide high-quality items that will last you a long time:

& OTHER STORIES (Currently 50% off select styles)

ANTHROPOLOGIE

ASPINAL OF LONDON (20% off)

ASOS (Currently 20% off everything)

CUYANA (Donating 10% of sales to California fire victims)

LEATHEROLOGY (15% off everything using code GIFTS at checkout)

NORDSTROM (Up to 60% off)

THE DAILY EDITED (20% off everything using code CYBERMONDAY20 at checkout)

Whoever you’re shopping for or however you choose to practice generosity this season, remember to not get too swept up in the things that don’t matter. Prioritize taking the time to write cards with meaningful words and share meals with people you love without looking at your phones. Focus on all the things you already have instead of making a list of the things you want to buy. Ask yourself how you can simplify your life to rid the unnecessary clutter and make make more room for the things you value most. Call me cliché, but I actually believe all the way to my bones that’s what will bring you the most joy this season.

Thanks for listening to my soap box and I hope you gained some helpful holiday inspiration in the process! As always, I so appreciate you stopping by.

xx

Whitney

Stocking Stuffers for Travel Lovers

Happy Thanksgiving! It feels a bit odd to not be watching the Macy's parade + endless episodes of FRIENDS with my family right now, but I'm also so thankful to be spending more time abroad. Haley + I already celebrated with some friends last weekend, which was so fun because we were actually the only two Americans.  I'm certain that eating turkey, mashed potatoes and other traditional fare with wonderful people from Milan, Dubai, Switzerland and all over England will be a Thanksgiving I always remember. Since we already had our big meal (and don't feel like cooking again) we thought today it would be fun to still do something festive, but also unique to London (because how many Thanksgivings will I get to spend here?) So tonight we're heading to Winter Wonderland, a popular Christmas festival that takes place in Hyde Park during the holidays. It looks incredibly fun and I'm so excited! 

While tomorrow will officially kick off the Christmas season in the states, we're clearly already full force in the holiday spirit here in London. I've loved seeing all the beautiful lights, drinking mulled wine and seeing all the festive window displays in the department stores. 

Regardless of when you started getting in the holiday spirit, I think it's safe to say we can all transition into that mindset now. This weekend is the most popular time to shop all year as we begin creeping up on Christmas. To help you with your holiday shopping, I'm going to be posting several blogs the next few days pertaining to travel gifts: what's the best luggage, ideas for both male and female travelers, etc. But in case you're still easing into this whole holiday shopping thing, let's start small: stocking stuffers that travelers will love. 

LEATHER POUCH: FASHIONABLE

A small leather pouch is a great gift for anyone, but especially a traveller. I have all sorts of these for various essentials: lip balm, credit cards, writing pens-- you name it. Fashionable is also one of my favorite brands because of their business model which strives to alleviate poverty by creating job opportunities for women both locally and globally. 

PASSPORT CASE: ASPINAL OF LONDON

A chic passport case is a fail-safe for any travel lover. I adore this Aspinal of London one that Haley got me (also the option of getting the matching currency belt!) but there are literally endless options to choose from (like here, here, here, here or here). 

TRAVEL TOOTHPASTE: MARVIS

Imported from Italy, this stylish toothpaste makes brushing your teeth so much more than routine. I was a bit skeptical at first because let's be honest- toothpaste imported from Italy seems a bit unnecessary. But Marvis is a simple pleasure that really is noticeably different than any ordinary toothpaste you'd pick up at the store (plus it looks much more chic in your travel bag!)

cord taco: fashionable

Another Fashionable product for the win! This simple item is sheer genius. We all know how obnoxious it is to have your headphones tangle inside your bag. This cord taco is the perfect solution to keep them nice + tidy in one place (and it's simple enough that you'll actually use it).

LUGGAGE TAG: CUYANA

A nice luggage tag is something you can have several of, because you need one for every travel piece. This chic + simple Cuyana one is my latest favorite, but there are endless options to choose from (also here, here, here and here). 

TRAVEL SIZE PARFUME: CHLOÉ

I don't need any unnecessary weight to add to my suitcase, so a full-size bottle of parfume is out of the question on my packing list. That's why I love this chic travel-size bottle by Chloé. Not only does it smell lovely, but it's TSA approved so you can even carry it on in your purse. 

FOLDABLE BALLET FLAT: YOSI SAMRA

A foldable pair of ballet flats is a must for any avid traveller. I've pulled these out of my carry on to save the day dozens of times: when I have to wear my heaviest (yet most uncomfortable) shoes on a flight to free up weight in my suitcase, when I'm wearing heels (for whatever reason) but have to do a bit of walking... the list goes on. 

CARRY ON COCKTAIL KIT

Flights can be long. Throw in some turbulence, and you’re really in need of a cocktail. I fell in love with W&P designs carry on cocktail kit to give as gifts, but also to actually use myself. This small tin fits easily in your purse and gives you everything you need to make 2 delicious cocktails at 30,000 feet. Not to mention, they're good conversation starters when someone good looking ends up in the seat next to you (hence the reason the kit makes 2 perhaps?)

EAR BUDS AND PORTABLE CHARGER SET: KATE SPADE

Headphones + portable chargers are something every traveler needs (I speak to the reasons why in my 10 Things Every Traveler Needs in Europe post) This chic gift set by Kate Spade is a one stop shop that covers both (another portable charger I love is here).

SOLD OUT BUT SIMILAR CHARGER HERE AND SIMILAR HEADPHONES HERE

CASHMERE SOCKS: J CREW

There's nothing better than cashmere socks on an airplane. This simple little luxury is a great stocking stuffer because I find it's rarely something people treat themselves to, but are so happy to receive as a gift! I love this festive print from J Crew for the holidays, but if you prefer a more traditional look, try these or these. 

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

It may not seem like the most exciting gift, but getting this travel essential means it's one less thing you have to purchase on your own. With five different plugs (including at USB port) this kit works for over 150 countries and is as simple as matching the colors. 

Final Thanksgiving thought: Gratitude is not an emotion or something we feel-- it's something that we do. So let's practice showing gratitude for all the ways we're blessed.  Wishing you and those you love a very Happy Thanksgiving no matter where you are! 

xx,

Whitney