travel gift guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

As I write this gift guide, the forecast is calling for our first snow of the season and I'm two hot apple ciders deep. Dig out the wrapping paper and blanket scarves because it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! This year, we've selected 10 gift ideas for travelers, from budget-friendly stocking stuffers to stylish splurges. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Trip Styler team!

1/ The Poglia Porter :: It's never easy traveling with a brimmed hat unless you're prepared to wear it on every travel day. This stylish tote solves that problem with its signature hat-holding feature. Fashion and function have never looked so good!

2/ Away Carry-On :: Speaking of fashion and function, we've had our eyes on this good-looking, tech-friendly carry-on all year. This start-up luggage company offers lightweight, flexible, scratch-proof hard shell bags with a built-in battery for usb phone charging. 

3/ Charging Cord Tassel Keychain :: Speaking of clever charging, this keychain is not only a handy charging cord, but also a superlative stocking stuffer.

4/ Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash :: Speaking of stocking stuffers, we haven't been this excited about hand sanitizer since our late 90s Bath and Body Works phase. Shout out to our favorite scents: cucumber melon and plumeria. This hipster hand sanitizer is a traveler's best friend.

5/ Herschel Supply Kids Backpack :: Speaking of hipsters, these backpacks are the perfect gift for the traveling tot whose wardrobe is already better than yours. Thankfully, they come in adult sizes too ;-)

6/ Reks Optics Sunglasses :: Speaking of adult sizes, this new line of bendy sunglasses claims to have 10 times the shatter resistance of glass and plastic. Create the look you want from six frames, three lenses and lots of color options. We like the round frame and mirrored, polarized lenses.

7/ Island Girl Cosmetics Nail Color :: Speaking of color options, we stock up on these fast-drying nail polishes at the ABC Store every time we hit the Aloha State.

8/ Lavanila Travel-Size Deodorant :: Speaking of fast-drying time, this natural, aluminum-free deodorant will have you smelling like a tropical cocktail as fast as you can say Mele Kalikimaka. Trip Styler Tip: If you're switching to a more natural deodorant for the first time, it may take your body a few weeks to adjust, so keep it on hand for a midday application just in case!

9/ Trip Styler Store Finds :: Speaking of the tropics, we picked up these beauties in Bali and Thailand. We love the flat-packing grass-weave clutch and stone bead tassel necklace. We also love the weight and texture of the 100% cotton towels we found in Morocco.

10/ Hotel Gift Card :: Speaking of Bali, how about a visit to the Fairmont Sanur Beach or the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan? Give the gift of a night away (or four!) with a hotel gift card — most luxury hotel brands offer them, and they're a smart way to give the gift of travel to those you love. Icing on the pillow-top cake? Offer to babysit {where necessary, of course}.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Past Trip Styler Gift Guides
2015 / 2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010 / 2009

Holiday Gift Guide 2013

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle writer Heather.

You won't find a Kindle in our holiday gift guide — everyone else has that covered. You won't find Rimowa luggage or Louis Vuitton city guides either {cha-ching!}. You will, however, find 10 practical and moderately priced gift ideas for avid and armchair travelers. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Trip Styler!

1/ KILLSPENCER Camera Strap This made-to-order camera strap by Los Angeles leather goods company KILLSPENCER is the perfect accessory for the safety- and style-conscious shutterbug. {$89}

2/ Stephen Kenn Encounter Collection iPad Case This gorgeous iPad sleeve by LA-based Canadian designer Stephen Kenn is crafted from vegetable-tanned leather. It's the ideal case for tablet-toting men and women and a Trip Styler favorite. {$85}

3/ dci Utility Charge Tool A genius device for avid travelers and mobile device users, this multi-charger is the Swiss Army Knife of the electronics world. One arm connects to your computer with a usb and three other arms charge your devices via an iPhone connector, a micro usb and a mini usb. Sadly, no bottle opener. {$16}

4/ Fresh Sugar Lemon Eau de Parfum Rollerball This compact and versatile rollerball is one of my all-time favorite scents. Whether I need to freshen up after a long flight or get energized before my morning coffee, this sweet citrus perfume with notes of bergamot, yuzu, orange blossom and lychee always does the trick. And in a pinch, it's the perfect deodorant substitute. {$23}

5/ Frends Headphones Want to kick up your headphone game? Nothing makes me want to ditch my earbuds more than these jewelry-inspired white leather and rose gold-tone headphones. {$150}

6/ Earth Tu Face Skin Stick Goodbye dry skin. Apply this 100% natural plant-based skin salve to your face, lips and body. Earth Tu Face was created by two herbalists in California and has quickly developed a cult following. It's so popular, this multi-use skin stick is constantly sold out at my local retailer. {$34}

7/ Nike Free 5.0+ Running Shoes These ultra lightweight and comfortable runners in classic black and white are the perfect shoes for travel. Not only can you wear them this winter with boyfriend jeans, an oversized sweater, a toque and a wool coat, you can also wear them to the hotel gym. No need to waste space on extra workout shoes in your carry-on. Customize them online for an extra-special gift! {$100}

8/ Cuyana Monogrammed Leather Tote A step up from the preppy-chic, monogrammed Lands End carry-all, this tote is made from local leather in Argentina and comes in various sizes and colors. Simple, personal and well made. {$150}

9/ Turkish Towel Ideal for the beach, a picnic, the plane and anywhere else you could use this compact, fast-drying cotton towel. I brought one to Croatia earlier this year and used it constantly. Comes is various colors, sizes and styles. {$18-$28}

10/ Restoration Hardware Bag Light Every Christmas Restoration Hardware carries the best items you never knew you needed, like this mini LED light that attaches to the strap of your handbag. Sure to save you the embarrassment of jingling your bag to look for your keys every day! {$8}

Trip Styler Tip: Personalize your presents by printing out your favorite Instagram photos and cutting or punching them into gift tags. DIY tutorial here.

2012 Gift Guides
Now Boarding :: Trip Styler's December Gift Guide
KinderHop :: Gifts For Families On The Go
Tis The Season Of Beauty

[graphics by @heatherlovesit]