Happy gifting season, ya’ll! I don’t have to rehash how hard this year has been for us all, and that it has been especially depressing for us travel enthusiasts who haven’t been able to travel much (or at all). So, my gift guide this year is aimed at those travel lovers who are missing out, or who are maybe sticking close to home and getting in some local exploration. We could all use a little travel pick-me-up and some of these ideas might just do the trick!
Some of the travel gift ideas included in this year’s guide are repeats from last year, but I did change it up quite a bit with some fresh ideas. Enjoy!
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National Park Gifts
For those of us who live in the United States, we are lucky to have the landscape of North America at our fingertips – including the vast array of National Parks in this country! Since Americans can’t travel to most countries right now, some are taking this time to explore a little of our own backyards. And for those National Park lovers who aren’t venturing out just yet, there are a few things on this list that will give you all the feels.
For West Coasters, here’s a little post I wrote that includes some great National Parks!
National Parks Pass
I’ve seen more and more people exploring our great National Parks lately, and I foresee that going on through 2021. The U.S. has so many beautiful locations to visit, and National Parks are so diverse and unique in landscape. Plus, the parks are so vast, it’s easy to have locations all to yourself!
If you know someone who lives within pretty close driving distance of a few, why not help them discover destinations closer to home with an America the Beautiful Pass?
Some National Park facilities and trails may be closed due to COVID, so one is advised to do research ahead of time before traveling.
Moon Guides USA National Parks Complete Guide
Guide books are great for getting inspired, and helping with discovering new things on an already-planned trip! I don’t personally have any Moon Guides yet, but I know of a few other travelers who are fans. I’m thinking of picking up this one for myself for 2021!
National Parks Scratch Off Poster
This is an item that I definitely want to get for my home office as I’ve been to several of our beautiful National Parks, and have many more I’d like to see in the coming year. This is a nice way to keep track of the places you’ve visited, and also display some artwork while you’re at it.
National Park Candles
Candles are so soothing, and these have scents reminiscent of National Park destinations! I chose to feature Haleakala below (since that is from my home island of Maui), but they’ve got one for each park.
National Park Mugs
Mugs, mugs, and more mugs! Mugs are one of my favorite easy (and affordable gifts) for friends and family. Possibilities are endless! But, for that National Park lover in your life, I thought these were pretty neat.
Monopoly: National Parks Edition
Monopoly! Everyone’s favorite family bonding game right? (Hehe…) If you know a Monopoly connoisseur who also loves National Parks, this might be the perfect gift.
Parks Project Swag
If you’re looking for more National Park gift inspiration, check out the Parks Project website. They partner with Park Projects and Conservation organizations to help give back to our National Parks.
Check them out here: https://www.parksproject.us/collections/all
Road Trip Gifts
As international travel is all but out right now, people are packing up and hitting the road to destinations within driving distance. Know someone in the U.S.A. who will be planning a road trip in the next year? Why not get them some practical gifts for road trip travel?!
Moon Guides 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
Here’s a great gift for someone needing a little road trip inspiration, as well as for planning and using throughout the duration of a trip.
BESTEK 300W Power Inverter (Car Charger)
This is one of those items that should be at the top of every road tripper’s list. There are two standard power outlets for charging larger electronics like laptops and tablets, and also USB ports for charging cell phones and other small electronic devices. This is great when you’re traveling with multiple people so you don’t have to fight over the charger!
I trust the BESTEK brand having used their Universal Travel Adapter on overseas trips.
Dramamine
Raise your hand if you get car sick (or know someone who does) (*me*)! I cannot tell you how many times a little non-drowsy Dramamine helps when I’m on a trip with a lot of windy roads.
Roadside Assistance Kit
Let’s get practical, now, shall we? Road trips are fun, but they don’t come without their little bumps in the road. It’s always good to be prepared, and this affordable kit has a lot of the basics one might need, including a first aid kit.
Home Decor & Household Items
Food Maps from Legal Nomads
I love featuring these lovely hand-drawn food maps from Jodi over at Legal Nomads. She used to be a full-time travel writer, but has been sidelined over the past few years due to a debilitating chronic illness that leaves her unable to stand most days. You can read about Jodi’s journey here. Any support we can throw her way would be awesome – and you get a cool map in the process!
Homesick & Home State-Themed Candles
Similar to the National Park candles I listed above, these are a great idea for people missing their favorite destinations!
These are also a great-looking option, and made in Astoria, Oregon.
Travel Fund Piggy Bank
Save now – travel later! This “piggy” bank is a cute home decor item that can also help save extra pennies or dollars for someone’s next trip. We save all of our extra change and loose bills, and it definitely adds up every year.
Whiskey Globe Decanter
Well, it’s 2020 and we’ve probably all consumed more alcohol than we should have. Is your liquor cabinet empty or fully stocked? Either way, if you have a stock of whiskey (or alcohol of your choice), this would make a great display in any home (probably one without small children though…).
Travel-Themed Mugs
General travel-themed mugs are always a winner (I know I can never have too many). I really like the style of the campfire mugs, and you can get so many different kinds on Amazon and Etsy.
Take it a step further and get some hot cocoa or coffee and a little bottle of whiskey for Irish Coffee/Cocoa; or a nice assortment of teas from around the world!
And don’t forget to check out these cool mugs I found on Etsy!
- New Adventures Camper Mug
- Airport Code Mugs for the Aviation Geek in your life
- Travel Often Campfire Mug
Ideas for Foodies
Food Kits
This is a gift idea with endless possibilities! But, for example, if you know someone missing France and likes to bake, a homemade canele-making kit might just do the trick. Get this mold pan from Amazon, a bottle of rum and the other dry ingredients, perhaps a gift card to a local grocery store for the wet ingredients, and print out a recipe for them!
Some other ideas:
- Pasta kits for Italy lovers
- Sushi making kits for those missing Japanese food (don’t forget the sushi rice and nori)
Wine & Beer Flight Kits
Restaurant Gift Cards
Give the gift of eating out (or take out)! Restaurants are struggling so much this year and could really use our support. Get someone a gift card or gift certificate to a unique local restaurant that can really transport someone to a destination through food. Japanese? Ethiopian? Thai? Even an awesome British Pub!
Just For Fun!
Books
Books are such a great gift for travelers for so many reasons. We love getting inspired and we love transporting ourselves to different destinations with our imaginations.
Here are a few that I’ve read:
- Girls Who Travel by Nicole Trilivas (easy, kitschy read – set in London)
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (an adventure set in Spain)
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein (no words needed – Middle Earth is the place to be!)
Some books that I can’t believe I haven’t read yet but are on my reading list:
- Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
- Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Destination Puzzles
Last year, my husband bought me this Cinque Terre puzzle (it’s actually a photo of the town of Manarola) and I loved it! 2,000 pieces is a bit ambitious but it’s also offered in 1,000 pieces to make it a little easier on you. What made it even more special is that this was a place we visited together so I got to relive the memories from it.
Obviously, you could choose any destination that suits the interests of your gift recipient (how about London or Santorini?).
Travel Coloring Books
Coloring books (yes, even for adults) are a great way to relax and pass the time – especially as we are spending more time at home these days!
And don’t forget to throw in some colored pencils or pens!
Other options to check out:
- The Lonely Planet Coloring Book (100 of the World’s Best Places)
- Mediterranean Life Coloring Book
Airbnb Gift Cards
Yes, it’s still possible to get away – even if you’re just doing a weekend trip to some remote corner of your state (or country) – like we did in September when we visited the Lost Coast in California! Many hotels still remain closed, and a lot of people are looking for stays in isolated areas away from crowds of people. Airbnb is a great solution for all of that!
People can use Airbnb gift cards for booking stays/accommodation, experiences (tours, classes, photoshoots, etc.), and even online experiences (for those who are really house-bound).
Note: Airbnb has had it’s fair share of challenges and it’s not a perfect platform. You’ll also likely encounter increased fees now with extra cleaning precautions required. However, it’s definitely worth it for a nice, private place to stay.
Stocking Stuffers
Wine Charms
These cute travel-themed wine charms would make a great little stocking stuffer for any wine-loving traveler!
Wine Tumblers
Tumblers can fit in stockings right? A friend of mine got similar tumblers as gifts for a few friends last year and I can say I’ve used my often! Just a little reminder to our non-traveling selves that adventure is waiting for us…after we finish our wine.
Silver Compass Pendant
A friend of mine bought this for me a few years ago and I wear it whenever I feel like I need inspiration to “go in the direction of my dreams.”
I hope this list gave you some inspiration for travel-themed gift giving this year! What are some other gifts you might suggest for travelers not doing their typical traveling this year?
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