Unique and Useful Gift Ideas for Women Who Travel: Shop Small Edition
Updated November 2020
I love holiday shopping. Finding that one thing for a friend or family member that you know they will love and use; it’s an art really. With the holiday season fast approaching, I decided to give my travel gift guide a refresh to feature small businesses that I love and that you can shop online! Whether you have a frequent flier or weekend warrior on your gift list, I've rounded up some of my favorite things that any traveler would want. P.S. I could use a few of these things too ;)
Gift Guide for Women Who Travel
Shop Small Edition
I grew up with entrepreneurial parents, so supporting small businesses is so important to me, especially during the holiday gift-giving season. One of my favorite bloggers and shop owners, Mandy Rye of Waiting on Martha said it best on her Instagram, “every time you spend a dollar at a small business you are literally providing for families, charities, & your local community.” Thanks to the internet, a lot of independent businesses have online shops so you can shop small from the comfort of your sofa. Once you’ve checked out your local shops on Shop Small Saturday and leading up to the holidays, check out these small businesses online for some gems for the travelin’ ladies on your holiday list!
Photo courtesy of Alesya Bags
Gifts for the Frequent Flyer
The Ultimate Laptop Bag | Alesya Bags - I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for the release of this bag and it is finally here! I met designer Alesya Opelt at The Southern C Summit years ago in Charleston and actually won a giveaway for her first laptop bag. I’ve had it for years now and use it when I travel because the bag is beautiful, comfortable to carry, and fits a laptop easily. The latest design has the clean lines I expected but with a touch of retro flair, a la Jackie O’s Gucci hobo bag. This year there are two sizes available, Dorothy Lee & Maribelle, named for and inspired by her two daughters. I love these bags because they have all kinds of interior pockets for whatever gadgets you might need. I travel with my laptop, charger, phone, travel camera, and tripod and have been able to fit everything easily. The best pocket of all is a shallow pocket at the top of the bag where I throw in my keys and chapstick. I just need to decide on which color. What do you think?
Organic Cotton Travel Set | Waiting on Martha - Whether you’re looking for someone’s birthday or thank you, Waiting on Martha carries thousands of thoughtful, fun, and useful products. I check out her travel section often and found this cozy set to add to my expanding collection of blanket scarves. This would be perfect when you need to stay warm on a long flight or need another layer to feel cozy on a road trip. This one comes with its own little bag and packs up neatly into your carry-on.
My friend Katie shared this company with me earlier this year and I can’t wait to try this mirror. The Vango Mirror is travel-friendly because it is completely collapsable. You can stand it on any hard surface (or suitcase), wear it around your neck, or hang it to help you get ready on the go. Plus it has a built-in tray for products or tools.
Photo courtesy of Vango Mirror
Needlepoint Kit | Thorn Alexander - I met Brooke McGowan of Thorn Alexander at The Southern C Summit a few years ago and we hit it off right away. Her business is inspired by the age-old tradition of needlepoint, but with a modern twist. Think hand-painted portraits of Notorious BIG & RBG and cheeky sayings like “I Veuve You.” With our lives becoming increasingly dominated by screens, I love working on my canvas for an hour or two to give my eyes a break. They are easy to pack too and help pass the time at the airport.
Gifts for the Road Tripper
Wild Sam American South Road Trip | Bitter Southerner - I’ve been an avid reader and supporter of the Bitter Southerner since their first article. They have been carrying Wild Sam guides in their shop for a while and I love them because they’re part history part travel guide and I can’t wait to check out their road trip guide to the South. It’s 160 pages of local stories, an ode to the Mint Julep, and most importantly the best Meat & Threes in the region.
Graphic Tees | Darlings Fine Things - My friend Jamie at Darlings Fine Things always has a fun collection of comfortable tees that are perfect to wear on a travel day or just a lazy weekend at home. Follow them on Instagram @darlingsfinethings and if you see something you like just give them a text and they'll invoice you. It’s almost too easy. Darlings also has a great collection of Hobo clutches and crossbody bags that are great for traveling.
Duffle | MB Greene - Not all duffle bags are created equal. I have the Crossbody in Natural and love it because it is really durable thanks to waxed canvas and it’s lined with vinyl making it easy to clean. I’ve been looking for something bigger that’s not a roller bag and I think the duffle is the perfect size for a weekend trip.
Zero Waste Utensil Wrap | Dot & Army - Ryan and I are trying to cut out single-use plastics and any other unnecessary waste where we can. I discovered Dot & Army years ago when we cut out paper towels. Owner Jennifer Zamudio makes everyday items for the kitchen and home that also help reduce waste. I love these utensil wraps in her shop because it’s got everything that you’d need for a meal, bamboo cutlery, stainless straw, and a napkin, in a handy pouch to throw in your bag, camping kit, or road trip cooler.
Photo courtesy of Dot & Army
Related Content: Things I Never go Camping without
Outdoor Gadgetry | Cord - Back in 2015, I tagged along with Ryan to an outdoor adventure conference in Portland, Oregon, and discovered this shop called Cord, one day strolling around the Alberta Arts District. They carry just about any tool you could think of to have with you in the woods: every knife imaginable, day packs, solar speakers, kitchen supplies like this insulated Stanley French Press, and more. I ended up getting a mushroom knife for foraging and a nifty battery powered dome light for our tent. Check out their online shop for unique gifts for the adventurer on your list.
Gifts for the Beach Lover
Retro Inspired Swim | Sweet Paradise Club - I have a love/hate relationship with bathing suits. I’m very curvy and have found it difficult to find suits that are cute and make me feel comfortable and supported. One of my friends from St. Simons Island, Erica has created the most comfortable, seamless swimwear EVER. Plus the whole line has this super cool, Bridget Bardot, 60s beach club vibe that I am here for. I got this top and bottom from her first collection and the fabric is so soft and everything is seamless. If you have a beach girl on your list, these Sweet Paradise Club pieces would be perfect. I went back to Maui in January of this year and wore one of my Sweet P’s every day.
Beach Bangles | BECASA - Jewelry is by far my favorite accessory because it can completely change the vibe of an outfit. With breezy linen caftans and travel-friendly jewelry, my friend Emily Raffield’s beachy line BECASA captured my love for the coast immediately. I love and wear this turquoise bracelet set all the time because it reminds me of the ocean no matter where I am. The set comes with 15 bangles and is fun to wear as a stack or wear a few mixed in with other bracelets. They’re lightweight, TSA-safe for travel, safe for water, and sunscreen.
Lounging at Jekyll Island Club Resort with my Becasa beach bangles in one of my favorite Sweet Paradise Club suits. Photo: Caitlin Lee
The Most Comfortable Romper | Lynt - Another essential for warm weather destinations is this romper from my friend Andrea at Lynt. The fabric is antimicrobial, quick-drying, and wrinkle resistant making it the most packable and comfortable piece of clothing to take with you on a trip. They’re handmade in San Diego and ready for adventure.
Related content: The most comfortable romper that you’ll never want to take off
Gifts for the Booze Traveler
Y’all know I love a good beercation so here are a few gifts for the imbiber on your list.
Tavour Craft Beer Gift Box: Have you heard of Tavour? I reviewed their sample box earlier this summer and really enjoyed trying some new beers from all over the country. Their holiday gift boxes offer something for every beer taste. From an IPA box to a box full of sours, you can give the gift of independent craft beer without leaving your house. Download the app and use code EMSONTHEROAD for $10 off after spending $25 on the app.
Bourbon Treats: From bourbon books to glassware, to truffles, A Taste of Kentucky has everything your bourbon enthusiast would want.
Image courtesy of Beer Greetings
Beer Greetings: If you don’t need to ship your beer gift, these six-pack greeting cards are so fun!
Souvenirs people will actually want
Limited Edition Print: If there’s an art lover on your list and you know one of their favorite destinations, get a limited edition print to remind them of a favorite place! In Marquette, I love the U.P. Supply Co because they have really cool Upper Peninsula gifts like limited edition prints, T-shirts, stickers, cards, and more.
Mackinac Bridge print courtesy of U.P. Supply Co
I’ve found so many shops like this around the country traveling but I’ve found others through Instagram and Etsy.
Here are a few more cool souvenir shops I love:
Yellow Hammer Creative: hand-printed goods in Birmingham, AL. I have their Alabama Theater poster and finally hung it in my office.
Gather: All things Midwest based in Bloomington, Indiana
Hatch Show Print: Letterpress print shop in business since the late 19th century. Famous for Nashville and music prints
Neighborly: Really cute home and gift shop with locations in Wicker Park and Lincoln Square but you can shop everything online including their Chicago themed gifts
Lola of North Beach: Best card shop EVER plus they have the cutest San Francisco gifts
The Old Try: Printshop featuring popular sayings from around the country. Every print you buy helps foster families who are opening their homes to those who need them until they can get back home themselves.
Geography Pouch | Catstudio - Whether for toiletries, jewelry, or assorted electronic cords, pouches are always handy to have. They have every state in the USA represented so take your pick and carry your happy place with you everywhere. I’ve got my eyes on the Hawaii pouch.
Photo courtesy of Catstudio
Gifts A Frequent Traveler Can Enjoy After a Long Trip
Whenever I get home from a trip, I always spend the days that follow resetting and enjoying the hygge vibes of being at home, trying to assimilate back to my normal routine. These are some gift ideas perfect for relaxing at home.
Detox Kit | One Love Organics - Traveling can wreak havoc on your body and skin so after a trip I give myself a good detox. One Love Organics has put together a handy gift set with everything you need to give yourself a refresh. This makes a great gift for a frequent traveler or someone that might just need to chill out and have a DIY spa day.
Cadence Candle Co - When you light a candle you’re already feeling some kind of way so it is genius that this candle shop creates unique scented candles and a playlist to go along with them. I discovered this candle shop via Be There in Five’s podcast and I love the concept have gifted these to family and friends and I’m finally treating myself to one for Christmas this year. Preorders are available starting 11/16! I’m currently leaning towards Levitate: White Tea + Thyme + Bergamot for a relaxing and calm vibe.
Sunday Kimono | Sunday Forever - I discovered Sunday Forever scrolling on Instagram and just fell in love with their whole vibe of trying to get people to hold onto their Sunday vibe all week long. I’ve got my eye on their signature Kimono that was made for lounging. They’re made in the USA, available in short and floor-length. They also have a cool selection of delicate jewelry that would be easy to travel with. I’ve purchased some of the evil eye bracelets as gifts and people love them!
Photo courtesy of Sunday Forever
Give the gift of travel
One of the best things I did in 2018 was taking my mom on a surprise 3-day weekend trip for her birthday! Everything was planned through the surprise travel agency: flights, hotel, and even a birthday dinner reservation! You can surprise someone on your list with a gift card towards a future trip or give the gift of an entire surprise 3 day weekend! Learn more about Pack Up & Go.
I hope this post is helpful as you shop for the traveler in your life. If there is a small business I missed with travel gear let me know in the comments!
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Shop Small Gift Guide for Women Who Travel
