2015 Travel Gift Guide for the Traveller in Your Life

It’s that time of year again. I don’t know how it’s late-November already. Seriously, how did that happen? Didn’t I just blink and it was (Canadian) Thanksgiving? Normally, I’m all up on Christmas shopping in September. This year, not so much. Procrastination is real.

So instead of getting through my own list, I’m going to procrastinate some more and help you with yours. Have a travel lover on your shopping list? I put together a gift guide just for you:

Sleeper Scarf

For years I’ve been travelling with an inflatable pillow and a large scarf, so when I was approached to review the Sleeper Scarf, a product that combines the two, I was a bit skeptical. After trying it out on a flight to NYC, I feel like it’s an upgrade from my old stand-by. The pillow itself inflates incredibly quick and has a narrow back so that your head doesn’t get thrust forward. The scarf material is softer than my old inflatable pillow so it’s nice to snuggle into. You can also manipulate the scarf to either make a nice hood to hide from passengers or a blanket to cover your shoulders and arms. Once you get to your destination you can pop the pillow out and wear the infinity scarf as normal.

 

Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks

I’m sure we’ve all heard about how we should wear compression socks whenever we take longer flights. After a few rounds of coming home with swollen ankles I decided I needed to jump on that bandwagon. But they’re just not cute, are they? I felt like a grandma each time I’d roll on the black knee-highs. Solution? Cute patterned socks from Dr. Segal! Say yes to argyle and no to cankles.

 

Sheet Masks

It’s no secret that air travel can be harsh on the skin. If you’re a carry-on traveller, you’re also very conscious of the amount of liquids, like face cream, that you carry. One way you can get around this is to stuff a few sheet masks in your bag. In particular, try the After Taking a Trip Mask Sheet from Holika Holika. It tones up and moisturizes the skin after travel has taken its toll. Makes a great stocking stuffer.

 

LugLoc

Yet again, I recently had a suitcase not make it onto the same flight as me. I know, I know, I should travel carry-on only. It’s not gonna happen. The bag was delivered the next day but I hate the stress of not knowing where my bag is when it’s not with me. Enter LugLoc. It’s a small tracking device that you charge up and put in your suitcase before you travel. If your bag shows up as expected, no problem. If it doesn’t though, you can activate a trace using the app on your phone. Accuracy will vary depending on cell service but at least you’ll know if your bag is in Istanbul, London, or somewhere in the terminal.

 

Max Mirani Move Mobile Closet

If you’re a carry-on packer but hate packing and unpacking, this suitcase might be for you. The Move Mobile Closet is like a suitcase and set of packing cubes all rolled into one. You get to your destination, open the bag, hook it onto a clothes rack and you’re all set. The shoe pocket zips off for cleaning. The toiletry bag zips off so you can take it to the washroom. And if you’ve happened to do some shopping on your trip and need more space on your return trip, the entire inside zips out into a tote bag so you can stuff the shell with your newly purchased goodies and double what you take home. Perfect for those weekend getaways to New York City.

Mark-Mat

This one is the for the little traveller on your list. Mark-Mat is a food-grade, hand-silk screened silicone placemat that kids can colour over and over again. They come in many designs, my favourites feature cities around the world: Paris, New York, Washington, London, and more. So not only can you keep little hands busy while you prep supper, they can also learn about new places. Win win.

 

Little Passports

Every savvy, travelling auntie or uncle know the importance of passing on their love of the world to the next generation. I’ve already managed to fan the fires of wanderlust in my best friend’s not year four-year-old and I love it. I think if kids grow up curious about the world, we’ll end up with a better place to live. Little Passports is a subscription service that aims to do just that. Each month kids will get an adventure delivered to their door with souvenirs and activities. The gift that keeps on giving.

 

Naps and Atlases Pajamas

Maybe you’re a pajama wearer. Maybe you sleep in the buff. If you’re travelling with friends or staying in a hostel though, you’re going to need some PJs so why not make them snazzy map-printed PJs? This cotton-blend two-piece set will let the world know that you’ve got wanderlust.

 

There’s a Map for That Necklace

This is one piece of jewelry that I constantly get comments on. I’m a big map geek and I like wearing my love for all to see. This necklace comes in both gold and silver so it will match whatever you choose to pair it with. I also like that, from a distance, it has a cool abstract look about it.

 

Jet Set Candy

And speaking of jewelry, I can’t put out a list without mentioning Jet Set Candy. They have a collection of pinnable/Instagrammable charms, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Each piece is gorgeous. My favourites are the destination tags, even if their Canadian collection is limited to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Vancouver. Wonder if I’ll ever see a YYT or a YSJ show up? Probably not. Heading out on a RTW trip? Pick up a charm for each airport you’ll touch down at.

So there you go, ten options to help you check off the traveller’s on your Christmas list.

What other cool travel-related items have you found while Christmas shopping this year?

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