travel gifts

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]

Gifts for Travelers Christmas 2010

2010 + gifts for travellers

Finding the perfect gift is challenging for anyone, but finding the perfect gift for the travel enthusiast can be even more difficult because travelers usually have their gadgets and packing methods already in place. But there's always room for change, right? In this spirit, here are a few handpicked items your favorite jetsetter might want to add to her or his travel repertoire.

Gifts for Travelers {clockwise from top}

1/ Powermat :: Charge all of your devices simultaneously with the easily packable Powermat charger. Forget about bringing multiple plug-in chargers, now all you have to bring is one. Don't forget this little device in your hotel room!

2/ Aquapac Case :: Go to the beach, pool or even in the water with your electronics. Although other people probably won't want to hear your conversations pool-side, Aquapacs are the perfect, low-profile protectors for your small, yet important belongings.

3/ Tugo Suitcase Cup Holder :: When I saw this idea I thought "of course!" Our cars and even bikes have cup holders, why can't our suitcases? Grabbing a coffee apres security has never been so fun!

4/ Portable Balloon Speaker :: I first spotted these balloon speakers in Portland and I almost purchased them on the spot. These golf ball-sized speakers are the perfect size for travel — you can even use them in your own car.

5/ Travel Slankit {aka Plane Snuggie} :: By now I'm sure you've all heard of the unfortunate famous Snuggie {a wearable fleece blanket}. I guess it was only a matter of time before a travel version cozied up to the airlines-now-charging-for-blankets market. Covering passengers from neck to toe, don't be surprised if you see your neighbor in seat 10b sporting a Travel Slankit.

6/ On-The-Go Teeth Whitening Pen :: Keep your pearly whites gleaming — even when you're jetsetting. These whitening pens are perfect for impromptu touch-ups after you've sipped cappuccinos in Milan or red wine in Napa.

7/ Quick-Dry Hair Towel :: Great for all ages, these quick-dry hair towels will get you out the door faster with their ultra-absorbent material, which makes blow drying a thing of the past.

8/ Slippers for the Plane :: Not only will these stylish slippers keep your feet toasty at 35,000 feet, but they'll also keep them clean walking down the aisles and to the bathroom. Once your trip is done, throw them in the wash and use them again! *Budget Idea :: For long-haul flights, just bring a pair of hotel slippers you have in the back of the closet.

PS. When it doubt, an iTunes gift card is always a good idea for the purchase of travel apps. And don't forget last year's traveler gift guide with ideas like a hotel room door-stop alarm, trackable luggage tag, mini luggage scale and more.