all aflutter

  • QUICK Shop
  • GIFT GUIDES
  • Find a GIFT for...
    • clean beauty + wellness
    • dog + cat lovers
    • dudes + dads
    • eco-conscious + sustainable
    • home + garden
    • foodies + chefs + bakers
    • holidays + special occasions
    • kids + teens
    • moving + sweating
    • sparkle + style
    • support + sympathy
    • travel + adventure
  • Recipes
  • About
    • mission
    • connect
    • meet all aflutter
    • affiliate disclosure
    • inspiration

dopp kits that will go anywhere

June 13, 2022 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Blog

A GOOD dopp kit is essential, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be basic. And these rad versions will not fail you in either form or function no matter where you’re headed. Whether you’re floating down 100 miles of river or checking into a luxury resort, these durable kits will keep you super organized and ready for whatever comes next. We own and love several of these bags, so they’re field tested for durability and ease of use. And I also included a few of our favorite things to stash inside them for travel.

AN AWESOME dopp kit is a fantastic gift for just about anyone on your list, from tweens to grads to dads to teachers. And you know you can’t gift an empty bag, right? So add a few useful or straight fun things to make their travels that much easier. Check out the ShopMy collection of Dopp Kits + Makeup Bags for loads more fun options and My Travel Beauty Essentials for more streamlined stuff to pop inside whichever bag you choose. Happy Trails, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Dopp Kits make awesome gifts

~~ I gifted my husband this Topo Designs Dopp Kit because he needed a bit more space. It’s a perfect size for holding everything you need and has a totally unique triangular shape so it doesn’t wobble over. It has a water resistant liner and is easy to clean. It’s a perfect blend of form + function; super durable, but with Topo’s iconic hip styling, and it comes in 10 awesome color combos [I’d have a terrible time choosing just one for myself]. It’s a perfect option for someone who’s happy to just dump everything in and go. ~~ $34

~~ Ok, if you like to organize your travel stuff down to the last cotton ball, Tobiq’s Toiletry Bag is going to be your new BFF. It has more little pockets and compartments than you could imagine would fit into such a compact space and it’s also super durable. It opens wide, accordion style and it comes in 8 pretty colors to make anyone smile. Plus it’s designed by a fellow CO mama. I LOVE mine and am coveting a Travel Bag next. ~~ $69

~~ My husband and I have both been using our Sea to Summit Toiletry Bags for close to a decade and they both somehow still look brand new. We’ve dragged them down hundreds of miles of river, to countless campsites and to luxury hotels. This Small Hanging Toiletry Bag has plenty of space for my husband’s more minimal stuff and good mesh zipper pockets for the loose bits. They’re all awesome. ~~ from $46.95

~~ I love the classic logo on this The North Face Base Camp Voyager Toiletry Kit. It’s kind of retro and cool and happens to also be the perfect size for someone who ‘needs’ some extras, but not the whole medicine cabinet. It’s durable and has several compartments for organization, comes in two cool colors and it looks rad, so a total winner. Might be awesome for a teen or tween, too. ~~ $40

~~ Cotopaxi’s Nido Dopp Kit has three compartments, including an interior zippered pocket to keep little bits extra safe. It’s kind of a perfect size, super durable and comes in a few really pretty solid colors OR you can choose one from their unique and colorful Del Día Collection that empowers the artisans who are sewing them to choose the colors they want to combine. ~~ $45

~~ These Personalized Waxed Canvas Dopp Kits are so handsome. They’re handmade in Brooklyn from sturdy, water resistant waxed canvas and the inside is lined with cotton duck canvas for even more durability. They can be personalized with a monogrammed leather tab to make it feel even more special. ~~ $85

~~ This Stio Basin Hanging Dopp Kit is kind of a Goldilocks bag. Its overall size and functional pockets are just right for someone with just enough stuff. The outer shell is water resistant and the bag hangs wherever you find yourself for easy access to your kit. It comes in 3 pretty ‘just right’ colors, too. ~~ $39

 

~~ STATE Bags has the whole family covered for stylish and super functional Toiletry Kits [or any other kind of bag for that matter]. From the more subdued, sleek Hart to the more flashy, fun Bensen, everyone can sport the look they love with all the organization they might need. ~~ from $65

~~ Nomatic thought of everything when they designed the sleek Toiletry Bag 2.0. It has a spot for all of your essentials, including a dedicated pocket just for keeping your toothbrush clean. It’s totally water resistant so nothing’s getting in or out of this thing. And it has an optional hanging strap to get it off the counter. With 2 different sizes to choose from, you’ll def find an option that will hold all of your stuff. It’s sleek, durable and made for travel. ~~ from $54.99

~~ We have a few of these little Patagonia 3L Black Hole Cube bags and they’re awesome. They’re technically designed to use as a catch-all for anything you need to wrangle, but they’re the perfect size, shape for a low maintenance dopp kit, all of my boys have used them and I’ve gifted several to other teenage boys. I also use a larger 6L Black Hole as our ‘medicine cabinet’ when we’re in the boonies for everything we might need to treat minor illness or injury. All of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags are weather resistant, have awesome handles, are incredibly durable and open nicely so you can see everything inside and are basically awesome. ~~ from $39

~~ Dakine makes a few different Travel Kits depending on how much space you need. This Groomer Medium Travel Kit has a unique top that peels fully open to find essentials easily. It has a few pockets for organization and is fully water resistant. The Revival has a hidden hanger loop if you like to get your kit off the countertop. Both versions come in a variety of fun colors + prints. ~~ $34.95

~~ When you want to bring it all, the CALPAK Luka Toiletry Bag has you covered. It’s super stylish, yes, but it’s also super roomy, has lots of pockets for organization and a hook for convenient hanging. It comes in pretty, neutral colors, too. ~~ $58

~~ I gave each of my boys one of these Carhartt Travel Kits. It’s perfect for someone who wants to just chuck everything in there and go. It’s simple, but useful and cool. It’s water resistant both inside and out, easy to clean and comes in classic black or Carhartt Legacy Brown. ~~ $19.99

~~ If you’re happy to just toss everything in and hit it without a bunch of fussy pockets, the Aloha Dopp Kits are super pretty. They are roomy and ‘splash proof’ and come in a bunch of really awesome prints for both gals + guys. I love mine and also use one to keep track of my boys’ undies and socks while traveling, so it’s a good catchall for whatever loose stuff you need to wrangle on the road. ~~ $48

Stuff to put inside your dopp kit

~~ I’ve been searching for YEARS for good travel containers. Most reusable kinds are impossible to clean and I’m left with half a wee bottle of old, yellowing body lotion that’s nearly impossible to clean out. And if I’m lucky enough to find a travel-sized tube of something I actually use, I often end up only getting through half of it before it gets yuck and I feel doubly guilty about chucking both product and plastic. Sound familiar? Then you’ll love Cadence. These gorgeous little containers are made from ocean-bound plastic and come in different sizes and pretty colors so YOU get to decide how much stuff to put inside and how to organize them. They’re an absolute breeze to clean out between trips and are totally leak-proof, so you can put ANYthing in there. I use them for skincare, supplements, jewelry, hair goo… really, ALL the stuff. And you can customize the labels so you always know what’s inside [I chose to leave mine blank and use color to know what’s inside]. THEN they all magnet together. If I’m getting on a plane, I plop them all into a Stasher Stand-Up Mid and I’m ready to GO. I have placed three more orders after my initial purchase because I’ve found so many uses for them and I can’t get enough of the gorgeous colors. They’re magic, LOVE THEM. ~~ From $14

~~ If you don’t love using those scratchy over-bleached washcloths in rentals [hi, hey there], just tuck a Geometry Luxe Washcloth or Hand Towel into your kit and you’ll be ready for a soft and happy experience every time. They come in a zillion prints and dry really fast, too. ~~ from $16 / Use my Geometry links for 15% off your order every time.

~~ I was a bit weirded out when I first tried this Cocobrush because the angle is different from any other brush I’ve ever used. But then I could tell that it was reaching in weird spots that other brushes don’t and now I totally love it and all the other brushes feel weird. I honestly think it makes me teeth cleaner. ~~ $10

~~ Whether you’re in the woods with no access to water or in the car after a gym workout, these Babo Botanicals Cleansing Wipes will freshen up your face, hands or any other body part with one big swipe. They deliver super gentle skincare on the go. I love them for camping, morning and night to get the grime off and prepare for what’s next and my boys love them, too. ~~ $8.99

~~ If there’s no water where you’re headed or you just have a ‘minimalist’ on your hands, Ursa Major’s Essential Face Wipes are your perfect solution. They deliver pretty much a whole regimen of super high quality, fresh-smelling, effective skin care with a single swipe and take up no space. ~~ $26

 

~~ I don’t travel without this Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm. We use it all the time for post ski or sun chapped faces, minor scrapes and dry spots and it really is like magic. ~~ $9.99

~~ I would SO never leave home without a trusted pair of tweezers. I mean, weird hairs pop up no matter where you’re going, right? Plus, we particularly like the fine point pair for the inevitable splinter emergencies. These little Tweezerman Micro Minis come in a variety of colors and set options. ~~ from $15

~~ Both of my boys use Native Deodorant and love it. The scents are all lovely and subtle. There’s no aluminum, talc, phalates or parabens and it works great. They also now have plastic-free versions, too, so you can feel doubly good. ~~ from $12

~~ This Boiron Calendula Cream isn’t sexy, but it’s my mom secret weapon and I bring it everywhere. It heals, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, burns and sometimes I just rub it on stuff that hurts so that my boys ‘think’ they’re on the road to healing. It’s awesome. ~~ $14

~~ I wouldn’t go anywhere without my Poppy & Pout Lip Balm. It’s the best one I’ve found. It’s squeaky clean, comes in a recyclable cardboard tube and in a bunch of yummy flavors. Wild Honey and Lemon Bloom are my personal favorites, but they all smell delicious. ~~ $10

~~ Don’t leave home without a good pair of clippers. This Tweezerman Stainless Steel Set includes two sizes of well-made, sharp and reliable clippers for any of your needs. ~~ $15

MORE IN… travel + adventure

Featured
black friday madness
black friday madness
my beauty tool favorites
my beauty tool favorites
water bottles
water bottles
warm-weather adventure gear i love
warm-weather adventure gear i love
my travel beauty essentials
my travel beauty essentials
things i love: stasher bags
things i love: stasher bags
my workout favorites
my workout favorites
road trippin' // the best travel toys
road trippin' // the best travel toys
June 13, 2022 /all aflutter
travel + adventure, dudes + dads, tweens + teens, clean beauty + wellness, mothers, grads + college kids, kids + teens
Gifts For..., Blog
Comment

awesome gifts for dudes + dads

May 20, 2022 by all aflutter in Blog, Gifts For...

THERE ARE as many great dude + dad gifts in the world as there are quirky hobbies and it can be hard to narrow it down. So I’ve made a little list for you of tried and true options that would delight those fun-loving, hard-working, adventure-seeking guys you love. My husband owns and loves many of these things [he might need a Royal Portrait though] and I’d feel really good about handing any of them over to the dudes and dads I love.

IF YOU don’t see THE thing, check out the other Gift Guides for more ideas, especially if you love a Gardener, Traveler, Home Chef or Minimalist. And the Gift Guide for Men is chock full, too. Good luck, lovelies, and reach out if you need more ideas, I’m always here for you. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

~~ Go double old school with a ‘mix tape’ on vinyl. You choose the songs and album cover artwork and Vinyley Custom Records will press a fully custom 12” double-sided record of all of your dude’s favorite songs. Love this. ~~

~~ Get a perfect cup of coffee every time no matter where you are with super innovative frozen Comeeter Coffee Capsules. They melt in your mug for perfect hot or cold drinks instantly. They only use the highest quality beans from award-winning small batch roasters and the pods are 100% curbside recyclable. RAD. ~~

~~ Treat your favorite dude to the ultimate camp chair experience with the PARKIT Voyager. It has a built-in, detachable cooler [seriously], the most versatile cup holder around and hands-free carry straps so you don’t have to put down your drink to drag it to the best spot. Plus it’s pretty. There’s also a cooler-less version if you’ve got that covered. ~~

~~ If you’re looking for a new lawn game to play in your yard or at the beach, try this Kubb Viking Clash Toss Game. It’s inspired by old Nordic tradition and fun for all ages and abilities. I love the cute design of this GoSports set. ~~

~~ This is so cool. HitchFire is a hitch-mountable, super powerful propane grill that can go anywhere your vehicle can; camping, tailgating, skiing, the park... This beefy F-20 model has two burners for feeding the whole crew and the handy swingarm feature provides easy access to the car’s contents. My husband would LOVE this thing. ~~

~~ My husband loves Faherty clothing [and the family-owned business’s philosophy], especially these All Day Shorts that can take anything you throw at them. Made from recycled bottles, they’re equally comfortable in the surf or at dinner. ~~

~~ I love The James Brand [so does my hubs] and this Abbey is gorgeous precision perfection for music-loving dads who are super serious [geeked out] about their vinyl. ~~

~~ Take dad’s homemade pizza night to a whole other level with an Ooni Outdoor Pizza Oven. The Fyra pictured here is wood-pellet powered and lightweight enough to drag to the campsite, the beach, your neighbor’s yard, the park or anywhere else you’d like to chill and make amazing pizza. ~~

~~ A Man & His Watch celebrates the unique affection and special relationship men have with their timepieces. It features beautiful photographs and heartfelt stories of 76 iconic watches and their famous owners over more than a century. ~~

~~ You guys already know how much I love Nomadix Towels and Festival Blankets. Now they’ve made a Bandana Towel with the same quick-dry, non-stinky, super soft material [recycled bottles actually]. It’s perfect for riding, hiking, camping or blowing your nose. What? You know dudes will and it’s super easy to clean, so honk away. ~~

 

~~ A friend introduced me to Charleston-based Smithey Ironworks’ STUNNING cast-iron and hand-forged carbon steel cookware that’s deigned to use for life. They call the pieces ‘Modern Heirlooms’ and it looks like for good reason; they’re just gorgeous. ~~

~~ Barebones Living designs and makes timeless, heirloom-quality tools for gardeners and outdoor lovers of all kinds. The versatile Hori Hori Ultimate is one of their most loved and popular tools, but any of them would make a beautiful gift. ~~

~~ You can go totally gourmet on your day trips with Yeti’s impressive new Hopper M20 Backpack. It’s roomy enough for all you want to haul and durable enough for any type of adventure. ~~

~~ Blow your food-loving dude’s mind with an awesome delivery from Fly By Jing. Their sauces have reached near-cult status and are def a favorite in our house. My husband puts the Sichuan Chili Crisp on just about anything. BIG YUM. ~~

~~ Rite in the Rain's All-Weather Golf Notebook has special weather-proof paper for keeping track of scores, yardage and revelations on the course without having to worry about rain, sweat or the occasional beverage mishap. ~~

~~ You guys already know that I love Rumpl’s Puffy Blankets, but the Everywhere Mat is also a key piece of our gear. We use it outside the tent for shoes and dry bags and loose stuff, but it’s also awesome for picnics, kiddo sporting events, and beach days. This thing repels sand, so you don’t end up with a face full when you lift it up. ~~

~~ Die-hard baseball fans will love NF Leatherworks’ Vintage Wallets handcrafted from authentic baseball gloves. It’s a really special gift for a serious fan of America’s Pastime. ~~

~~ This just cracks me up. Have a custom ‘Royal Portrait’ made of your favorite dude or dad so he can feel like a king all year round. ~~

~~ Your dude or dad can wear your heart on their sleeve with an Ubuntu Life Love Bracelet. It’s such a sweet reminder that you’re always there. Save 10% when you use this link to purchase anything on Ubuntu Life’s site. ~~

~~ Your favorite mixologist can make their very own custom whiskey blend with this Do Your Whiskey Kit. All you need is a bottle of neutral grain alcohol and you’re all set to create the perfect nuanced mix. ~~

MORE IN… dudes + dads

Featured
gift guide: amazon-free stocking stuffers for every age
gift guide: amazon-free stocking stuffers for every age
gift guide: stocking stuffers for every age
gift guide: stocking stuffers for every age
gift guide: bakers
gift guide: bakers
gift guide: men
gift guide: men
gift guide: tailgaters + sports fans
gift guide: tailgaters + sports fans
gift guide: grandparents
gift guide: grandparents
gift guide: foodies + home chefs
gift guide: foodies + home chefs
gift guide: coffee + tea lovers
gift guide: coffee + tea lovers
Featured
lunchtime essentials
lunchtime essentials
dopp kits that will go anywhere
dopp kits that will go anywhere
awesome gifts for dudes + dads
awesome gifts for dudes + dads
gifts i love: the james brand
gifts i love: the james brand
May 20, 2022 /all aflutter
dudes + dads, travel + adventure
Blog, Gifts For...
Comment

strawberry peach smoothie

February 11, 2022 by all aflutter in Recipes

MY LITTLE was desperate to chef it up this afternoon and wanted to make something out of his book, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs. We checked out ALL of the yummy-looking recipes and decided we had the ingredients we needed on hand to make this refreshing Strawberry-Peach Smoothie. He wanted to do it all on his own, so I just kept him company and the result was cool, creamy, sweet perfection. Both boys slurped it right up and had nice full bellies [for at least 20 minutes]. I’ll bet you have most of these things on hand, too, so enjoy. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ripe banana

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 cup frozen strawberries [if using fresh fruit, add ice]

  • 1 cup frozen peaches

  • 1 cup yogurt [we used this]

  • 1/4 cup oj

  • 1 scoop collagen [not in the original recipe, but I add it to ALL of our smoothies]

DIRECTIONS

  • Add the banana and honey to the blender and whiz until smooth

  • Add everything else and continue blending until it’s all well combined and there are no big icy chunks

  • Pour into two glasses and cheers your little helper [or down the whole thing on your own]

MORE IN… recipes

Featured
super hero muffins
super hero muffins
jennifer aniston salad
jennifer aniston salad
double maple mummy cookies
double maple mummy cookies
brookie-crownies
brookie-crownies
end of the rainbow cookies
end of the rainbow cookies
cinnamon donut muffins
cinnamon donut muffins
strawberry peach smoothie
strawberry peach smoothie
double chocolate banana bread
double chocolate banana bread
twist cone smoothie
twist cone smoothie
the donut lady
the donut lady
chocolate chip cookie pie
chocolate chip cookie pie
TropicalGreenSmoothieRecipe_2 copy.jpg
tropical green smoothie
February 11, 2022 /all aflutter
Smoothies
Recipes
Comment

Photo / The James Brand

gifts i love: the james brand

February 01, 2022 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Brands I Love

MY HUSBAND somehow lost both his trusty knife AND multi-tool last summer. Ah, oops. They’re both tools that he uses ALL the time when we’re out adventuring, so I knew I had to replace them for his birthday and I knew I was going straight to The James Brand to upgrade his knife with something really special.

FOUNDED more than 10 years ago by a group of designers and adventurers in Portland who set out to improve ‘everyday carry’ for people like them (and my husband. And maybe someone you love), they make really stunning knives and other ‘essentials.’ Their attention to detail, premium materials and elevated minimalist style result in a collection that defines the balance of form and function, beautifully including everything you want and nothing you don’t. They have put so much thought into reinterpreting classic favorites with updated materials so that even your grandfather would recognize their impeccable traditional styling.

Photo / The James Brand

THEY’RE ALL so beautiful, I had trouble choosing just one, but my boys landed on The Folsom and it’s really gorgeous and super functional. The packaging is really well-done, too, so you can be ready to hand over your handsome gift with minimal effort. The Hell Gap is made for rugged outdoor chefs who need top-quality gear for every condition. They also have some super sleek mulit-purpose ‘Everyday Carry’ stuff that will elevate anyone’s daily routine. The James Brand is a really solid gift for anyone you love who likes to set out prepared with style, like my rad husband. xo

MORE IN… travel + adventure

Featured
black friday madness
black friday madness
my beauty tool favorites
my beauty tool favorites
water bottles
water bottles
warm-weather adventure gear i love
warm-weather adventure gear i love
my travel beauty essentials
my travel beauty essentials
things i love: stasher bags
things i love: stasher bags
my workout favorites
my workout favorites
road trippin' // the best travel toys
road trippin' // the best travel toys
February 01, 2022 /all aflutter
travel + adventure, foodies + chefs + bakers, dudes + dads
Gifts For..., Brands I Love
Comment

double chocolate banana bread

January 26, 2022 by all aflutter in Recipes

OK, SO I could go ahead and say that I made this Double Chocolate Banana Bread just because I had a bunch of rotten bananas that I really needed to use up, which would totally not be a lie. But the REAL honest truth is that I’ve been dreaming about it since I first saw it on Smitten Kitchen [like maybe 24 hours ago] and HAD to make it. Like stat. It is super easy, made with all stuff you probs already have and SO SO SO good. I made mini loaves and had to hide the second one so that it didn’t get devoured before there was photographic evidence of its existence. My boys were seriously blown away, muttering lots of ‘mmmms’ at this one. And let’s face it, I’m just out here trying to wow my little guys.

IF YOU’RE not familiar with Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, you should set aside a solid day to get lost in the gorgeous recipes on her site or pick up her book [and this one] for the most incredible collection of stunning food [her Pea Pesto is heaven]. Plus she’s a fantastic writer and funny. Anyhoo, I’m sharing her Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe here to make things crazy easy for you. Let me know when you bake a loaf and I’ll be right over. xo

Double Chocolate Banana Bread RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 big super ripe bananas

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (I used dark on her rec, but either light or dark will work)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon table salt

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (I subbed GF and it’s perfect)

  • 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

  • 1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks or chips

DIRECTIONS

  • Heat your oven to 350 and butter or spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or a few minis like I did)

  • Mash bananas really well in the bottom of a large bowl

  • Whisk in melted butter, then brown sugar, egg, and vanilla

  • Add baking soda, salt and flour

  • Sift cocoa powder through a sifter or fine-mesh strainer over the wet ingredients to get out the lumps and chunks

  • Stir dry and wet ingredients with a spoon until just combined

  • Stir in chocolate chunks or chips.

  • Pour into prepared pan and bake 55 to 65 minutes

  • Cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and pop it out onto a cooling rack

  • Share at least one slice with someone you adore or wrap it up and deliver it to someone who could use a MAJOR boost of delicious chocolate LOVE

THE LOAF will keep for up to 4 days covered at room temperature, but seriously, if you last 4 minutes with this in your house, I’ll be super impressed. Enjoy, lovelies.

MORE IN… recipes

Featured
super hero muffins
super hero muffins
jennifer aniston salad
jennifer aniston salad
double maple mummy cookies
double maple mummy cookies
brookie-crownies
brookie-crownies
end of the rainbow cookies
end of the rainbow cookies
cinnamon donut muffins
cinnamon donut muffins
strawberry peach smoothie
strawberry peach smoothie
double chocolate banana bread
double chocolate banana bread
January 26, 2022 /all aflutter
Baking, Gluten Free
Recipes
Comment
  • Newer
  • Older
 

Put me on your list!

Get the greatest gift ideas delivered straight to your inbox and GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!

Subscribe now for access to an EXCLUSIVE Gift Guide for the ‘difficult’ people on your list who are always scratched off last because you just don’t know what to get them.

We respect your privacy and will NEVER share or sell your information.

You’re on my list!